The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1877-09-22
Brandywine and PaOli.


The month of September, 1777, was a
trying one for the friends of American
independence, and especially for the pa.
triots in Philadelphia. On the 26th Of
the month the British entered and took
possession of the city. But this calamity
had been so distinctly foreseen that the
public property in arms and ammunition
had been safely removed. In relation to
the strategetic Importance Of the possession
of the city, events illustrated the correct
ness Of Franklin's remark when the news
reached him in Paris "Instead Of
Howe's taking Philadelphia, Philadelphia
has taken him"
A brief review Of the situation hun
dred years ago this month is apropos now
when celebrations are in order at the his
toric points. Burgoyne in the North and
Howe in the South we're expected to close
upon the American forces, then concen-
trated in New Jersey and Philadelphia.
Burgoyne had been crippled by defeat at
Bennington, Vermont, on the the 10th of
August, and the series of his disasters
terminated in his surrender to Gates in
October. But for the essential failure Of
Howe in his advance from the Chesa-
peake, this victory of the Americans could
not have been achieved. On the 9th Of
August the British forces disenibarked at
Elk Creek, tributary of the Chesapeake,
in Maryland, about fifty miles southwest
of Philadelphia. Thence they expected,
by marches through an open and easy
country, to reach this city with such ex-
pedition as to gain the prestige of victory,
and send reinforcements forward to Bur
goyne. But General Washington sent de-
tachments of his best troops TO the North
to reinforce the American Army there.
With the less effective moiety he 50 i'm
peded Howes movements that the march
of about fifty miles from the Chesapeake to
Philadelphia detained the British forces
thirty days, and effectually spoiled the
plans of the British commanders. It was
as Franklin said Philadelphia ''tookn Gen.
eral Howe, and was itself point Of little
strategetic Importance.
The leading event Of the month was the
passage Of the Brandywine by the British
forces, ut and above Chadd's Ford, which
took place on the 11th. This affair is
known in history as the Battle Of Brandy
wine. Here Lafayette, who had lust
Joined the army was among the wounded;
and in his honor frigate, launched dur.
ing his visit to America (1S24-1825, J was
named the Brandywine. This fripate had
the honor Of conveying the nations cues!
on his return to France.
The military value of the battle of the
Braudywine consisted chiefly in the fac
that it was one event in the series Of move
ments which impeded Howe's advance OF
Philadelphia. The general statement d
the operations Of the British is, that Will,
the main proportions Of the American
looked to the defence at Chadd's Ford
another column Of the British army cross
ed above. General Washington was no
unaware Of this movement Of the enemy
and made strenuous efforts to defeat Il
To describe causes Of the failure of thes
efforts would involve long and critica
military discussion. II must suffice her
to say that the position Of the American
at Chadd's Ford was defended by Generu
Wayne, until the imminence Of an attac
in the rear was ascertained, and then
retreat was made in good order. Som
encounters took place between British de
tachments and American troops posted B
cover Wayne's retreat, bat darkness ondei
the contest, and the American array re
| tired 70 Chester Marshall, in his lis d
Washington, estimates the American Ios
in killed and wounded at nine hundred