Battle of Brandywine- September 11, 1777
More troops fought at Brandywine than any other battle of the American Revolution. It was also the longest single-day battle of the war, with continuous fighting for 11 hours.
Although Howe had defeated the American army, his lack of cavalry prevented its total destruction. Washington had committed a serious error in leaving his right flank wide open and nearly brought about his army’s annihilation had it not been for Sullivan, Stirling and Stephen’s divisions, which fought for time. Evening was approaching and, in spite of the early start Cornwallis had made in the flanking maneuver, most of the American army was able to escape. In his report to the Continental Congress detailing the battle, Washington stated: “despite the day’s misfortune, I am pleased to announce that most of my men are in good spirits and still have the courage to fight the enemy another day”.
The Battle of Germantown Oct. 4, 1777
Continental General George Washington conceived a daring and imaginative plan to conduct a surprise attack (as he had done at the Battle of Trenton on Christmas, 1776) simultaneously from four different directions. The raid at dawn failed partly because it was too complicated and partly because of a dense fog that confused the Americans, who even fired on one of their own columns.
He moved 11,000 Continentals and militia against Germantown after nightfall on 3 October.
Losses: American, 152 dead, 521 wounded, 400 captured; British and Hessian, 71 dead, 450 wounded, 14 captured.
Valley Forge Winter 177-1778
General George Washington’s Quarter’s Valley Forge. (Kaitlyn & Josh Page)
George Washington’s Room and Parlor where he held many of his meetings with his officers.
Valley Forge Officer's Barracks
Washington described Valley Forge as “a dreary kind of place and uncomfortably provided.” Only 20 miles from British-occupied Philadelphia, in eastern Pennsylvania, Valley Forge presented a strategic location that allowed Washington’s army to stay close to the city while maintaining a defensible position that offered access to clean water and firewood. However, in spite of these advantages, Washington’s army was ill-prepared for the encampment that would last six months. The army’s supply of basic necessities, like food and clothing, ran perpetually short; coupled with the wintertime cold, and the diseases that ran rampant through the camp, this lack of provisions created the infamously miserable conditions at Valley Forge.
The army camped at Valley Forge consisted of as many as 12,000 Continentals
Battle of Monmouth June 28th 1778
Battle of Monmouth 28 June 1778
Commanders: American: George Washington. British: Henry Clinton
Strength: American: 12,000. British: 10,000
Result: Tactical draw, with Washington’s men holding the field the following morning
American Casualties: Killed: 72 Wounded: 161. Missing: 130 Died of heat stroke: 37
British Casualties: Killed: 147. Wounded: 170. Died of heat stroke: 60
