The Battle of Brandywine:
Part 1 of 10
The British…
Many of the 15,000 British troops spent the night in Kennett Square
— population 2,000 — unwinding and carousing, while a battle
loomed.
General Howe’s flanking strategy was devised two days earlier:
While General Knyphausen attacked at Chadd’s Ford, as
Washington expected, Cornwallis would stealthily move north, cross
the Brandywine, and flank Washington’s right. [Map and a fuller
explanation]
The Americans…
By the night of September
10th, the American troops were
extended along a six-mile line
covering the east side of the
Brandywine Creek. Washington
knew that the British army
would have to ford the
Brandywine if they were to get
to their target — Philadelphia.
He discounted the possibility of
being flanked, assuming that
Howe would rely upon his his
greater troop strength and
superior artillery to press a direct attack.
Washington believed that the British would have to ford the
Brandywine at one of eight fords. Washington chose Chadd’s Ford
as his defensive stronghold, as this was along the road where the
British were camped.
Washington positioned his troops along the creek. Congress even
sent four deputies to inspect and they approved of where
Washington had placed his men and urged a staunch defense. They
knew that if the Americans failed here, it was likely Philadelphia
would fall.
Washington felt a battle of major consequence was coming. A
newspaper of the day quoted the general as saying:
Should they push their designs against Philadelphia, on this
route, there all is at stake. They will put the contest on the event of
a single battle. If they are overthrown they are utterly undone. The
war is at an end. Now, then, is the time for our most strenuous
endeavors. One bold stroke will free the land.
Washington’s army seemed well-positioned and well-prepared to
meet the British thrust.
The Battle of Brandywine:
Part 1 of 10
The British…
Many of the 15,000 British troops spent the night in Kennett Square
— population 2,000 — unwinding and carousing, while a battle
loomed.
General Howe’s flanking strategy was devised two days earlier:
While General Knyphausen attacked at Chadd’s Ford, as
Washington expected, Cornwallis would stealthily move north, cross
the Brandywine, and flank Washington’s right. [Map and a fuller
explanation]
The Americans…
By the night of September
10th, the American troops were
extended along a six-mile line
covering the east side of the
Brandywine Creek. Washington
knew that the British army
would have to ford the
Brandywine if they were to get
to their target — Philadelphia.
He discounted the possibility of
being flanked, assuming that
Howe would rely upon his his
greater troop strength and
superior artillery to press a direct attack.
Washington believed that the British would have to ford the
Brandywine at one of eight fords. Washington chose Chadd’s Ford
as his defensive stronghold, as this was along the road where the
British were camped.
Washington positioned his troops along the creek. Congress even
sent four deputies to inspect and they approved of where
Washington had placed his men and urged a staunch defense. They
knew that if the Americans failed here, it was likely Philadelphia
would fall.
Washington felt a battle of major consequence was coming. A
newspaper of the day quoted the general as saying:
Should they push their designs against Philadelphia, on this
route, there all is at stake. They will put the contest on the event of
a single battle. If they are overthrown they are utterly undone. The
war is at an end. Now, then, is the time for our most strenuous
endeavors. One bold stroke will free the land.
Washington’s army seemed well-positioned and well-prepared to
meet the British thrust.