Page:History of the United States of America, Spencer, v1.djvu/506

474 the Brandywine, his artillery judiciously placed, and his right flank covered by woods. About four in the afternoon, Lord Cornwallis formed the line of battle, and began the attack: for some time the Americans sustained it with intrepidity, but at length gave way. When Washington heard the firing in that direction, he ordered General Greene, with a brigade, to support Sullivan. Greene marched four miles in forty-two minutes, but, on reaching the scene of action, he found Sullivan's division defeated, and fleeing in confusion. He covered the retreat; and, after some time, finding an advantageous position, he renewed the battle, and arrested the progress of the pursuing enemy.

Knyphausen, as soon as he heard the firing of Lord Cornwallis's division, forced the passage of Chad's Ford, attacked the troops opposite to him, and compelled them to make a precipitate and disorderly retreat. Washington, with the part of his army which he was able to keep together, retired with his artillery and baggage, to Chester, where he halted, within eight miles of the British army, till next morning, when he retreated to Philadelphia. Night, and the exhaustion of the British troops, saved the American army from pursuit.

The battle at the Brandywine was attended with severe loss, three hundred having been killed, six hundred wounded, and four hundred taken prisoners. The British loss was reported to be much less, not exceeding some six hundred killed and wounded. Lafayette, who was on duty in this battle, was severely wounded in the leg, which laid him up for two months. Count Pulaski also displayed great bravery on the field of battle: he was promoted to the rank of brigadier-general, and placed in command of the cavalry. An inquiry was instituted into Sullivan's conduct; but he was honorably acquitted.

On the evening after the battle, Howe sent a party to Wilmington, who seized in bed Mr. M'Kinley, governor of the State of Delaware, and took a shallop lying in the stream, loaded with the rich effects of some of the inhabitants, together with the public records of the county, and other valuable and important property.

Having allowed his army one day for repose and refreshment, General Washington recrossed the Schuylkill, and proceeded on the Lancaster road, with the intention of meeting and again fighting his enemy. Sir William Howe passed the night of the 11th of September, on the field of battle; and on the two succeeding days advanced towards Chester, and also took possession of Wilmington, to which place his sick and wounded were conveyed. On the 15th, the American army, intending to gain the left of the British, reached the Warren tavern, on the Lancaster road, twenty- three miles from Philadelphia. Intelligence being received early next morning, that Howe was approaching in two columns, Washington determined to meet and engage him in front.

Both armies prepared with alacrity for battle. The advanced parties had met, and were beginning to skirmish, when they were separated by a heavy