Alexandria daily gazette, commercial & political. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1808-1812, 1812-04-27

Having reached Kennels Square on the
18th Of September, not more than six OF Sc
ven miles from Chads Ford. Howe advanced in
charged with the care of the baggage, proyi-
sions, &c. under the direction of lieutenant
gen Knyphausen, took the road to Chads Ford,
with orders to delay the passage of the Bran
DIVINE, until the commencement OF the bat
tie, by the left, should be announced. The
other column, made up of the best corps. and
consisting of nearly two thirds of the whole
force, commanded by sir William Howe IN
person, having under him lord CORVALLIS, d.
verged to the left and making an extensive
circrit, crossed the two branches OF the Bran
DIVINE when turning down the river 1t APP
preached the American right. The battle
soon began in this quarter; and quickly after
wards Knyphausen forcing brigadier Mas
well, who commanded the light infantry sta
toned on the western side of the Brandywine,
advanced upon our left. Three small detach-
ments, commanded b. the lieutenant colonies
Parker, Heth, and Simms, OF the Virginia
line, were, early in the morning, separately
and adyantageously posted by the brigadier,
contiguous to the road, some distance In his
front; and captain Porterheld, with cornpa-
ny of infantry, preceded these parties, with
orders to deliver his fire as soon as he should
meet the van of the enemy, and then to fall
bacA. This service was handsomely perform
ed by Porterfeld, and produced the desired
effect. The British van pressed forward ra-
pdly and incautiously, until it lined the front
of the detachment commanded by lieutenant
colonel Simms, who poured In close and de-
structiye fire, and then retreated to the light
corps. The leading officer Of the enemy was
killed and the detachment suffered severe
ly. He contest which began on our right
spreaa 10 our left, and was warm in some
parts CT the American line; where many OF
the corps distinguished themselves. The
most conspicuous OF these were the brlgades
OF Wayne and Weldon, and the third regl-
ment of Virginia, commanded by col. Mar,
shall to all OF which, with the artillery di-
rected by colonel Proctor Of Pennsylvania,
much praise was given. OF these the third
regiment stood pre-eminent, part of Wood
ford's brigade: it occupied the right Of the
American line and being advanced to small
eminence, some little distance III front, tor the
purpose of holding safe that flank, it received
the first shock of the foe. One column moved
upon it in front, while second struck at It's
left Cut off from cooperation BY the latter
movement, it braveiy sustained itself against
superior numbers, never yielding one inch of
ground, and expanding thirty rounds man,
in ferty-hYe minutes. 1t was now ordered TO
fall back upon Woodforei's right, which was
skilfully accomplished by colonel Marshall,
although deprived Of half his officers, where
rruewcu tHo sauguIndry contest lie re-
giment having been much reduced by pre-
vious service, did not amount to more than a
battalion the colonel, and four captains only,
being with it. Marshall escaped unhurt, al
though his horse received two balls. Of the
captains, two only, Blackwell and Peyton, re-
manned fit for duty. Chiffon was killed, and
Lee MORALLY wounded.
(To be continued.