American watchman and Delaware advertiser. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1822-1828, 1825-05-20
BATTLE OF BRANDYWINE.


From Lees Memoirs Of the Southern Campaign.
Having reached Kennetl's Square on the / lth
OF September, not more than six miles from
Chadsiord, Howe advanced in columns the right
inferior in force, and charged with the care of the
baggage, provisions sc. under the direction of
Lieut.. General knyphausen, took the road to Cbads-
lord, with orders to delay passing the Brandywin
until the commencement of the battle by the LETT,
should announce itself. The other column, made
up OF the best corps. and consisting of nearly two
thirds OF the whole force, commanded by Sir Will
ham Howe in person, having under him Lord Corn
wallis, diverged to the left and making an extensive
circuit, crossed the two branches of the Brandy
wlne when turning down The river. it approached
the American right. The battle soon beg n on this
quarter; and quickly afterwards Knyphsusen, lore
ing Brigadier Maxwell who commanded the lghe
infantry stationed on the western side of the Bran
DIVINE, advanced upon our left. Three small de-
achments, commanded by Lieutenant Colonies
Parker, Heth, and Simne," of The Virginia line.
were, early in the morning, separately and advan-
ageously posted by The Brigadier, contiguous 10
the road, some distance in his 'front.' and Captain
Porterhed, with company of infantry, preceded
these parties, with orders TO deliver his FIRE
as he should meet the van OF the enemy, and then
to tall back. This service was handsomely per-
formed by Porerfeid, and produced the desired eff
feet. The British van pressed forward rapidly and
IL
ment commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Simms, who
poured in close and destructive FIRE, and then
treated to the light corps. The leading officer of
the enemy was killed, and the detachment suffered
severely. The contest, which began our right,
spread TO our left, and warm in some pats of
the American line; and many Of the corps disn-
guished themselves. The most conspicuous were
the brigades of Wayne and Weldon and The third
regiment Of Virginia. commanded by Colonel Mar
all IN viii artilI hu
PROCTOR of Pennsylvania, much praise was given.
OF these, the third regiment stood preeminent, part
OF Woodlord's brigade it occupied the right OF the
American line, and, being advanced to a small en,.
nence little distance in front, for 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 its left. Cut off from
operation by the latter movement, it bravsly sus-
tanned itself against superior numbers never yield
ing one inch oil ground, and expendng thirty rounds
a man in forty five minutes. II was now ordered
to fall back upon Woodford's right, which was
handsomely accomplished by Col. Marshall, al
though deprived of half his officers; when he re-
newed the sanguinary contest. The regiment,
having been much reduced by previous SERVICE did
not amount to more than a battalion ; but one field
officer, the Colonel, and four Captains, with it.
Marshall escaped unhurt, although his horse
ceived two balls OF the Captains, two only, Black
we'll and Peyon, remained fit for duty Chiffon
was killed. and Lee MORALLY wounded. The subal.
terms suffered in proportion. Lieutenan,s White,
Cooper, and Ensign Peyton, were killed Lieuts.
Mercer, Blackwell, and Peyton, wounded. Thirteen
non-commissoned officers, and sixty prvates iel.
1.-THE opposing enemy was severely handled;
and the leading officer of one of the columns, with
several others, was killed The action closed with
the day in our defeat."-Vol. I, page IA to TO-
Note, by the Historian" Our loss amounted to 500 kill
led, 600 wounded, and 400 prisoners, chiefly wounded.
ward, were wounded Sir VIM Howe stated, in his oc al
report, the British loss to be 100 killed and 400 wounded
The vanqushed army will always suffer mos,."
*The late Col Charles Smms, Of Alexandria, ID. c.