Following the devastating loss at the battle of Brandywine, three young patriots anonymously assist the American retreat by helping to prevent pursuit by the British, and also aid the wounded General Lafayette, who has been separated from his troops. During the battle, the British had captured 18 guns of the line, effectively crippling the American forces, but with Lafayette's help, the rebels devise a plan to retrieve the cannon and return them to the rebel troops.

Jeremy, Henry, and Isak are sent to New York to assist Patriot spy Nathan Hale. When Hale is betrayed by his cousin and arrested, they try to devise a plan to save him.