308 HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY. [1777. 



his men on the rising ground in the rear. This body, after 

 having made an obstinate resistance, rejoined the main division.^ 

 Unfortunately, Sullivan's division, in taking its position, took 

 too large a circuit, and was scarcely formed when the attack 

 commenced. The battle began about half-past four o'clock, 

 and was kept up warmly for some time. The right hav- 

 ing been formed under the enemy's fire, first gave way, and 

 by its flight exposed that flank of the remaining divisions to a 

 galling fire. The line continued to break from the right, and 

 in a short time was completely routed. The right wing made 

 some attempts to rally, but being briskly charged, again broke, 

 and the flight became general. 



Upon the commencement of the action on the right, the re- 

 serve division under Washington and Greene pressed forward to 

 the support of that wing ; but before its arrival the rout was 

 complete, and nothing could be done but check the pursuit. 

 For this purpose, the 10th Virginia regiment, commanded by 

 Col. Stephens, and a regiment from Pennsylvania, commanded 

 by Col. Stewart, (neither of which had been in action,) were 

 posted advantageously on the road taken by the defeated army. 

 Though dispersed by Gen. Howe, these regiments did good 

 service in putting an end to the pursuit. To the same end Gen. 

 Greene contributed largely. Placing himself at the head of 

 Muhlenberg's brigade, in the rear of the retreating army, he 

 kept up, especially from his cannon, so destructive a fire, as 

 greatly to retard the advance of the enemy. At one time, it is 

 said, he opened his columns for the fugitives and closed them 

 against their pursuers. Arriving at length at a narrow defile, 

 strongly secured on its right and left by thickets or woods, he 

 immediately halted, sent forward his cannon, that they might 

 be out of danger, in case of being compelled to a hasty retreat, 

 and formed his troops, determined to dispute the pass with small 

 arms, notwithstanding the vast superiority of his assailants. He 

 effected his purpose with complete success, for though he was 

 dislodged by Howe, the pursuit was abandoned. 



When the American right was found to be fully engaged with 

 Lord Cornwallis, Knyphausen made real dispositions for crossing 

 the Brandywine. Chadds' Ford was defended by an intrench- 

 ment and battery with three field-pieces and a howitzer ; this 

 division of the army being under the command of Gen. Wayne. 

 After some resistance the work was forced, and the defeat of 

 the right being known, the left wing also withdrew from the 

 ground. 



The whole American army retreated towards Chester — arriv- 

 ing there by different roads and at different times in the night. 



' Hist. Chester Co. 



