The Battle Of Brandywine Essay, Research Paper

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.