Battle+of+Brandywine

= = __The Battle of Brandywine (British Victory)__ ====The battle of Brandywine occurred on the date of September 11th 1777__.__ September 9th was the planning day for the battle. Washington and the people of Philadelphia believed that the British could be stopped. Washington chose the high level of Chadds Ford for the battle. Chadds Ford had a great safe passage across the Brandywine river from Baltimore and Philadelphia. When morning came on September 9th, 1777, Washington placed his troops along the Brandywine river to guard the main fords. He also placed troops at Pyle's Ford, the southernmost possible crossing of the river. And at Wistar's Ford, the northernmost crossing of the river before it forked. Washington was hoping to have or force a fight at Chadds Ford, a place of advancement. Washington felt confident that he had every part of the Brandywine river covered with his troops, and the closest unguarded ford was 12 miles up the river. He was very confident that they would be safe and secure. The British knew they needed a plan, so they grouped at the nearby Kennett Square and comprised a plan of attack. A part of the British Army was to march south into the flank of the American forces. Superior tactics and better knowledge of the Area allowed the British to outwit Washington and his army, and this is where the war began.==== ====The day of battle began on a foggy September day, September 11th to be exact. The fog blanketed the area providing cover for the approaching British troops. When the fog cleared, all that was left was blazing suns and sweltering heat. The first report on the British troops that Washington received was that the British officer, Sir William Howe, split his army into groups. Other reports said that Howe did not split up his troops. In all the confusion, Washington assumed that Howe was sending his entire force against his line at Chadds Ford. Meanwhile, Howe and a majority of his force continued their approach. By the time it was mid-afternoon, the British had crossed the river at the unguarded area of the Ford, which was to the north of Washington's troop. They gained a great position near Birmingham Friends Meeting House. When the British arrived at an American right flank, Washington realized that the British had outsmarted him. Washington immediately ordered his troops to take the high ground at Birmingham Friends Meeting House as a last defense. The Americans were caught so off guard, that unfortunately they were not able to be successful in defending their position. The Americans fought hard, but they had been outwitted by the British on the hills along Brandywine. When nightfall hit on the day of September 11th, 1777, the battle ended. The Americans were defeated, and reported back to Chester. Most of the army arrived at midnight, and some stragglers coming in at dawn. General Howe and his men camped on the battle ground for the night, since they were exhausted.==== ====On September 26th, 1777, the British took over Philadelphia. Even thought the Americans were forced to retreat after the war ended, they were not demoralized. The men believed they did not lose the war do to bad fighting skills, but because of the unfamiliar landscape and poor information. As the days went on, General Howe and his army moved closer and closer to Philadelphia, with little concern for Washington. Both armies moved in hopes of catching the other one off guard., but during the next two weeks, no military action took place. Congress tried to escape Philadelphia before the British took over. Important army supplies were moved out to Philadelphia. Read, Pennsylvania, is where the supplies were shipped so that they could defend themselves. Washington was very cautious after the battle. The loss at Philadelphia hurt the patriots. Washington's force had dropped a great deal from 15,000 men before the war, to only 6,000 after. Local armies did their best for the Americans by supplying them food and clothing. Congress sent reinforcements, and Washington felt ready to stage an attack. But, it was too late to save Philadelphia, because on September 26th, a bunch of British soldiers marched into the patriot capital unopposed.====

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