September 11, 1777 · Middle Theater
September 11, 1777
Howe landed his army south of Philadelphia and marched north. Washington chose to defend the Brandywine Creek crossing. As at Long Island, Howe sent Cornwallis on a wide flanking march through an unguarded ford. Local intelligence about the flanking column reached Washington too late and was confused by conflicting reports. Cornwallis struck the American right and rear while the main British force crossed in front. The American army was defeated but retreated in reasonable order — saved in part by a fierce counterattack by General Anthony Wayne.
Commanders