The " Roebuck" was a vessel of forty-four guns. She succeeded in getting from her perilous
situation without being captured. There was also another British war-vessel in the bay, the
"Liverpool," of twenty-eight guns, which likewise escaped but the presence of the provincial fleet
prevented them from ascending higher up the river than the neighborhood of Wilmington. Here
on the 8th of May both vessels were attacked by the provincial fleet under the command of Capt.
Reed. Col. Miles, with one hundred riflemen, had repaired to that vicinity, with the view of
rendering any assistance in his power, and witnessed the engagement. At 4 o'clock on that day he
writes from the river-bank near Wilmington to the Committee of Safety :
" Our boats and the two men-of, war have been engaged for two hours at long shot. I believe
there is no damage done on either side, tho' I suppose three or four hundred shots have passed
between them. . . Our boats fire much better than the other vessels, but in my opinion engage at
too great a distance. . . ."
There was disappointment expressed at the failure of the gondolas or armed boats to capture or
destroy the "Roebuck," and those in charge of the expedition, to screen themselves from censure,
attributed their want of success to a deficiency of supplies, particularly of ammunition, thus
casting the blame on the Committee of Safety. This body very promptly asked the Assembly " to
promote such an inquiry as shall satisfy the public where the blame & misconduct is justly
chargeable." Perhaps an item in the instructions sent by the committee to Capt. Reed--" to be
careful in exposing any of the Boats to capture or destruction"—had as much to do in causing the
failure of the expedition as the want of supplies.
From time following orders, adopted by the committee on the 7th of May, it may be inferred that
a considerable land force was at this time stationed at Chester :
"Robert Towers was directed to deliver to . Colo. Samuel Miles, for the use of the Provincial
troops under his command, 1000 pounds of gunpowder and 2000 pounds of Lead, or as great a
part thereof as is in store."
At the same time twenty thousand cartridges for muskets, " for the use of the Associators of
Chester County," were directed to be conveyed there, " agreeably to Col. Miles' direction." And
on the next day the commissary was directed " to send down to Chester, for the use of the
Provincial troops under Col. Miles, Sixty Firelocks." These guns were sent under the protection
of a guard.
After procuring a supply of saltpetre, the next great necessity of the country was to have it
manufactured into powder. There was no powder-mill in the province before the Revolution
broke out.
June 3, 1776. John Ladd Howell reports to Committee of Safety respecting powder-works :
"The Dimensions of the Powder Mill erecting by Messrs Cowperthwaite & Biddle on French
Creek, about four miles above Moore Hall, 102 ft. by 31 ft., 8 Inch.
" Two Water Wheels in the Centre of the House, 13 ft. Diametr, four ft. Heal and 9 ft. Fall, each
Wheel to work three Shafts 321 ft. Length, Six Mortar Trees 28 ft. Length, 12 Mortars, each Tree
22 Inches Length, 12 do Br'dth, 17 do. D'pth ; Two Stampers, each Mortar 4 Inches Square & 12
ft. Length.
" The Graining Mill, 371 by 27 ft., built of Stone not yet cover'd in. Water Wheel, 101 ft.
Diameter, to work seventy-two Stampers for preparing Sulphur, 12 Seives for Graining Powder,
and one Bolting Cloth.
"One Salt Petre House for refining ready to set twelve Kettles, each Kettle capable of refining
150 wt. Four Drying Houses, 27 ft. by 21 ft. each. One end of the Powder Mill being near
finished, can make thirty Hundred Powder la Week, or perhaps two Tons; will be ready to work
about the 25th Inst., the very extraordinary Fresh on the 26th May having fill'd the race, carried
away the Dam, (as it has most in that part of the country) besides other Damage in the Loss of
Boards, Scantling, &ca., has put them back at least Two Weeks.
" Thomas Heinberger's Powder Mill on a Creek which emptys into French Creek, about five
miles above the aforesaid Mill & two miles from Young's Forge, 36 ft. by 30 ft. Water Wheel, 16
ft. Diameter over Shot.
" Two Shafts, 22 ft. Length, to work 18 Stampers, each 9 ft. Long; 41 Inches Square. Two Mortar
Trees, 20 ft. Long, 9 Mortars, each of 12 Inches by 9, & 16 Inches Depth.
"One Drying House, 18 ft. by 20 ft., the Mill not floor'd nor the Drying House Plaster'd, expects
to begin Work in Ten Days. His Dwelling House not being yet in hand I cannot think he will
begin so soon : he has received one Ton of Salt Petre but no Sulphur; has not began to build a
refining House, what Salt Petre he has reed he refines in this City ; he expects to make half a Ton
of Powder p Week."
A mill on Crum Creek, belonging to Dr. Robert Harris, had begun to work about May 23d, and
still another small mill was in the course of erection on Swamp Creek, in
Bucks County.
Lead was also in great requisition—so much so, that all the leaden clock weights, draught
weights, etc., were required to be given up for military purposes. Six pence per pound was
allowed for the lead thus taken.
June, 1776. Estimate of the number of fire-arms fit for service in Chester County :
1st Battalion, Col. James Moore, 380.
2d Battalion, Col. Thomas Hockley, 400.
3d Battalion, Col. Hugh Lloyd, 300.
4th Battalion, Col. Wm. Montgomery, 450.
5th Battalion, Col. Richard Thomas, 300.
GENERAL HISTORY - 65
June 22. By order of the Committee of Safety, Robert Towers, commissary, was directed to
deliver the following quantities of ammunition to the colonels of the different battalions of
associators in Chester County :
To Col. James Moore 2300 cartridges for provincial muskets; 2070 do, sorted, for the other
different bores of firelocks, 1500 flints.
To Col. Thomas Hockley 2300 of first kind, 2300 of second, and 1600 flints.
To Col. Hugh Lloyd, 1840 of first, 1610 of second, and 1200 flints.
To Col. Wm. Montgomery, 2760 of first, 2415 of second, and 1800 flints.
To Col. Richard Thomas, 1840 of first, 1610 of second, and 1200 flints.
And to each of the said colonels the same proportion of loose powder and lead equal to the
quantity of cartridges.*
In Congress, Friday, 5th July, 1776 :
" Resolved, That copies of the Declaration be sent to the several Assemblies, Conventions, and
Councils of Safety, and to the several commanding officers of the Continental Troops, that it be
proclaimed in each of the United States, and at the head of the Army."
It now became known that New York, and not Philadelphia, was to be attacked, and, in
consequence, on the 2d of July, Colonel Miles was requested to march his battalions immediately
to Philadelphia. Letters were at the same time dispatched by the committee " to the Colonels of
the different Battalions of the Counties of Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester & Lancaster, requesting
they would hold themselves in readiness to march at an hour's warning, with their battalions to
the city."
The military organizations in Pennsylvania, known as Associators, were constituted into
fifty-three battalions. These assembled, by representatives, in convention at Lancaster on the 4th
of July,—the day independence was declared,—" to choose two Brigadier-Generals to command
the Battalions and forces of Pennsylvania." Daniel Roberdeau and James Ewing were elected.
The delegates to this convention from Chester County were Major Culbertson, Colonel
Montgomery, Lieutenant-Colonel Gibson ; Captains 'Wallace, Scot, Gardiner ; Privates
Cunningham, Boyd, Denny, Culbertson, and Fulton.
July 12. Robert Smith wrote to President Wharton :
"Sir, I am under the necessity of applying to you, by Col. Cheyney, for money to enable me to fill
the 1st class of Chester county Militia. The class has been long since duly ordered to March.
Notwithstanding repeated orders, there are but about 320 arrived at Chester,-200 of which are
substitutes. This account I have received from Col. John Hannum, the commanding officer of
that station : His pressing request to fill the 1st class, with your orders, occasions me thus to
intrude on your patience. The class when filled will consist of near 700 men. Two thousand
pounds are necessary for the present."
July 15, 1776. Abraham Marshall asks leave to resign his commission as captain of a company in
the musket battalion, which is granted, and Lieutenant Joseph McClellan, of the same battalion,
is appointed in his stead.
This musket battalion was under the command of Colonel Samuel John Atlee, of Lancaster, and
contained, on July 1st, the following companies and number of men : Patrick Anderson's, 56 ;
Peter Z. Loyd's, 61 ; Francis Muncy's, 52 ; Abraham Marshall's, 44 ; Abraham Dehuff's, 64 ;
Thomas Herbert's, 57 ; John Nice's, 55 ; Joseph Howell's, 55 ; total, 444.
* Col. Rec., x. 613.
This battalion, with other troops from Chester County, were hurried off to take part in the
campaign around New York. Their condition will appear from a letter written by Colonel Atlee
to the Committee of Safety, dated at Perth Amboy, August 2d, in which he says that numbers of
them were without shirts, breeches, or stockings. An appropriation of two hundred and fifty
pounds was made on the 7th to supply them with clothing. Oa the 11th he wrote again, saying his
battalion would march that afternoon to join General Washington, but in a most disgraceful
situation.
From the want of muster-rolls or this period, we are unable to give the names of' the rank and file
of' Chester County troops in the Revolution, except in a few instances.
From Captain William McDowell, of Upper Oxford, we have received " The Horse Company's
Ace" in full, Sept. 8, 1776." " The United States of North America, Dr. to Capt. Jas. McDowell's
Company of' militia of' the 4th Battalion of Chester County, Commanded by Col. Montgomery :
July 12th, 1776 to Sept. 14 (which will include 6 days for returning home, 125 miles)."
Captain.—Jas. McDowell.
Lieutenants.—Jas. Turner, David Hayes.
Ensign.—Abraham Smith.
Sergeants.—Charles Ramsey, John Wallace, Ezekiel Hopkins, John Arnell.
Drummer.—Neal Crossin.
Privates.
David Watt.
Andrew Lowry.
Arthur Andrew.
Alexander Walker.
David Jackson.
George Ramsey.
Henry Ewing, senior.
Henry Ewing, junior.
Henry Hagan.
John Walker.
John Patton.
John Simmerville.
Jas. Andrew:
John McCallister.
Joseph McCallister.
Joseph Smith, junior.
Isaac McCollough.
John Robinson.
William Ewing.
Jas. Wilson.
John Buntin.
Jas. Freeborn.
Jas. Auld.
Jas. Donaughey.
Nathal Walker.
Robt Henderson.
Robt Auld.
Robt. Hogg.
Solomon Coventry.
Thomas Mease.
Willm Edmiston.
William Law.
Robt Smith.
Willm Carlisle.
Willn Wallace.
Joseph Murdach (July 24th).
David Edmiston.
Jas. Ewing.
John McCalmont.
Robt Maxfield.
Joseph Smith, senior.
Willm Luckey.
Robt Buntin.
Patrick McCollough.
John Rodgers.
John Bealy.
Three battalions, including that of Colonel Atlee, were formed into a regiment, under command
of Colonel Samuel Miles, and were stationed, in arranging the lines for the battle of Long Island,
at Flatbush. In the disastrous engagement which ensued on the 27th of August, they occupied an
apple-orchard upon the front, and suffered severely. Several of Anderson's company were killed,
one sergeant and nine privates were missing, and he himself only escaped at the last moment
through the timely assistance of a friend. David Parry, one of his neighbors and intimate
associates, was killed at his side ; and it is said that this loss so enraged him that it was with
difficulty he could be withdrawn from the field. Colonels Miles and A tlee were captured,
66 - HISTORY OF CHESTER COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.
Lieutenant-Colonel Caleb Parry was killed, and the command of the regiment devolved upon
Colonel Dan Broadhead, of the Second Battalion.
Colonel Montgomery's battalion was part of what was known as the " Flying Camp." Colonel
Thomas' battalion was also among the troops sent to New York, but it is said that he was at home
looking up some deserters at the time his command was captured.
The following extracts from a letter dated at Kingsbridge, on the 22d of September, addressed by
Captain Patrick Anderson, of Chester County, to Dr. Franklin, sufficiently attests the shattered
condition of Colonel Atlee's battalion of musketry after the battle of Long Island :
"Immediately after our defeat on Long Island, the command of the Musquetry Battallion
devolved upon me. I found the number of men remaining fit for duty to be about 200, but most of
their baggage & some even of their arms and accoutrements Lost, and having no field officers
left, applyed to Lt. Col. Broadhead for his advice and assistance; soon after he informed me the
General ordered him to annex our Battalion to the Rifle Regt. which I at that time complyed with
in expectation of further instructions from the Convention or Council of -Safety, as Col.
Broadhead Wrote you concerning it. Want of necessaries sowered the men's minds. Deficiencys
in their stipulated rations hath increased it, & neglect of punctual pays. of their pay hath caused
their meeting and Desert in great numbers, with arms &c. So that there is now only scarce Eighty
three remaining & they still think if they are taken prisoners, they will not be exchanged, while
any prisoners from the Continental army is in the enemy's hands."
On the 1st of August there had been three hundred and ninety-seven men in this battalion under
pay.
General Washington was obliged to retreat across New Jersey, and was closely followed by the
British army. The "Roebuck" was again in the bay. Every effort was now made for the defense of
Philadelphia, the situation of which had become imminently perilous. Troops were mustered into
service, defenses were erected, munitions of war were provided, and army supplies were
collected from every available quarter. Chester County contributed her full share towards
providing for this emergency.
"Philadelphia, August 27, 1776. THE WOMEN OF CHESTER COUNTY, PENNA. Since the
departure of the able-bodied men from the forks of Brandywine, in Chester county, on the service
of their country, the patriotic young women, to prevent the evil that Would follow the neglect of
putting in the fall crop in season, have joined the ploughs, and are preparing the follows for the
seed; and should their fathers, brothers, and lovers be detained abroad in defense of the liberties
of these States, they are determined to put in the crops themselves,—a very laudable example,
and highly worthy of imitation."—New England Courant, Sept. 5, 1776.
September 28, 1776. Mr. Nesbit was directed to pay Colonel Richard Thomas for repairing arms
and nursing sick soldiers.
From a few of the minutes and resolves of the Council of Safety, relating more particularly to
Chester County, a good idea may be formed of all the defensive and other measures adopted at
this time.
On the 4th of October it was resolved " that Mr. William Evans be desired to purchase all the
coarse cloths, blankets, and stockings in Chester County."
October 14, 1776. " A complaint being made by Captain Sharp Delaney, that a certain John
Brigs, of Willetstown [Willistown ?], Chester County, had insulted his company of Militia
returning to Town from exercise, and he appearing before the Council, and being charged with
making use of disrespectful words against the Liberties of America, and not denying the same,
was committed to the State Prison."
November 14th. " Intelligence was received by express that several hundred transports had sailed
from New York, & steered their course to the southward & expected to be intended for this city ;
whereupon the Council wrote a circular letter to the commanding officers of the Battalions of
Militia, earnestly requesting them to march their respective Battalions to this city immediately."
" Ordcred, That the owners of cattle and other stock near the river side make the necesary
preparations for removing the same, at least five miles from the rivcr, on the shortest notice, as it
is Probable that this board may be under the disagreeable necessity of giving the most preremtory
orders for their removal, and to see that the same be punctually and suddenly complied with."
November 23d, "Resolved, That the salt now in the possession of the Council of Safety, be
immediately sent to the Committee of the several counties in the following proportions, to wit: . .
." The share of Chester County was eighty bushels. "The Committees are to sell it to the people at
the rate of 15s. per bushel, and in no greater quantity than half a bushel to any one family ; they
are to make as equal distribution as they can, according to the necessities of the people, for which
purpose they are to require a declaration of what quantity they are possessed of more than their
just proportion of this necessary article, at a time of such very great scarcity of it."
December 4th. " An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbit in favour of Dr. Robert Harris, for £58, for
making powder for Congress, to be charged to his Acco't."
" Mr. Towers was directed to deliver Dr. Robert Harris one ton of Salt Petre, & Sulphur in
proportion, to make into Gun powder."
" Mr. Nesbit to pay Jno. Morton £3 : 6 : 0, for wharfage of the Floating Battery Arnold, in March
last."
"Resolved, That Thomas Marie be employed to fix the Boom to the Piers at Port Island, and to be
stationed there to have the care of it, to receive orders, and to be subject to the commanding
officer at that station, and he is to employ a sufficient number of hands, and do this business
without any delay."
Dr. Thomas Bond proposed " instituting Hospitals for the sick in Darby, Chester, Marcus Hook,
Wilmington & New Castle." " I think," he says, " the water carriage from Trenton to those places
would save much carting, and this plan much better than one proposed of sending the sick to East
Town [Easton], Bethlehem, Nazareth, Reading, &c."
The successful attack made by General Washington, on the night of the 25th December, on a
body of Hessians encamped at Trenton, and the capture of a large number of them, with a great
number of guns and military stores, at once turned the tide of events at this period in favor of the
American cause, and relieved our people from any immediate apprehension of the presence of the
enemy.
During the year 1776 sixty cannon for the use of the army, of twelve- and eighteen-pound calibre,
were cast at Warwick Furnace.
January 7, 1777. Colonel Francis Johnston, of Chester County, complained to the Council of
Safety of being overslaughed, by officers junior to himself being promoted over him.
March 12th. Officers of the Fifth Pennsylvania regiment: Colonel, Francis Johnston ;
Lieutenant-Colonel, Persi for Frazer ; Major, Thomas Robinson.
GENERAL HISTORY - 67
April 3d. The Board of War made a requisition for wagons upon Colonel Caleb Davis, Chester
County ; upon Major Evans, near the Yellow Springs ; Colonel William Dewees, at Valley Forge
; and Isaac Webb, Milltown (Downingtown).
"FRENCH CREEK, March 10, 1777.
"SIR :—I am Sorry to inform you of the unhappy Explotion of Blowing up the Continel Powder
Mill this Morning About 10 A o'clock. Which Wee are very Supspities has bin Don by Mr. Peck
or his Men, as they have yoused Several odd Expressions, and thay had Gon Sum Distants from
it at the Time it Hapned and Runn to the next neighber's house & Did not Come back till Wee
Sent out A Gard for them. Mr. Peck Seem to Say at first, that all his Men where killed; Secondly,
he Said that he had Seen the Men Going to the Graining house; that & Sum other Resons Give
me Som Reson to think have Sum knowledg of it. The first Day of this instant, Col. Peter Grub
Was at the Powder Mill, Somewhat in Drink ; he Damned the Powder Mill, and told Col.
Dewese, Let us Blov it to hell, Which I thought Was a very odd Exprestion when Col. Dewesse
told Me : & Several others heard him use that Exprestion; he and Mr. Peck Seemed verry Great,
& he Lodged With Mr. Peck that knight. Wee have Got the Men & Mr. Peck under Gard, till
firther orders from the Counsyl. So I remain,
"Your Friend & Humble Servant,
" PETER DE HAVEN.
"To Col. John Bull, or The Honble Council of Safety, Philadelphia. " P favour Capt Bodly."
" PHILA., Feby. 18, 1777.
" Wanted immediately a number of hands who understand any of the branches of the gunsmith's
business. Stockers in particular will meet with good encouragement by applying to Peter De
Haven, at the public manufactory, at French Creek, or James Carter, in Third Street, near Arch
Street." *
Though relieved from the apprehension of an immediate attack on Philadelphia, the Council of
Safety did not slacken their efforts in providing for the defense of that city. Early in January an
order was issued to county committees of the nine counties nearest the city to furnish thirty-eight
thousand bushels of horse-feed for the army. The apportionment of Chester County was four
thousand bushels.
The suspicion that Gen. Howe intended to attack Philadelphia by water was confirmed by the
arrest of one James Molesworth, who had been sent on from New York to secure pilots to
conduct the British fleet up the Delaware. Subsequent movements of Howe rendered it difficult
to decide whether he would carry out this intention, and made it necessary to embrace a wider
scope in providing for the defense of the city.
On the 25th of April, at the request of Congress, a call was made for three thousand militia,
one-half of whom were to be encamped at or near Chester. Each soldier was to be provided with
a blanket; but, if blankets cannot be purchased, "they must be impressed." At this time the
number of men returned in Chester County capable of bearing arms was five thousand.
It was required of the committees of the counties of Philadelphia, Chester, and Bucks " to take an
inventory of all the flour, wheat, Rye & Indian Corn, Oats, Beef, Pork, Horses, Neat Cattle,
Sheep, Hogs, &c., also wagons, carts, &c., in said Counties." The ostensible object of this
inventory was to have the articles removed in case of any sudden alarm, but it is probable that a
desire to know what amount of provisions and means of transportation could be
* Evening Post.
made available for our army was at the bottom of this enumeration.
Upon the application of' General Schuyler, of the Continental army, an order was issued by the
Board of War for the collection of four thousand blankets in Pennsylvania for the use of the
Continental troops. These blankets were to be collected from the inhabitants " in such quantities
as is proportionate to the number they have in the family, and the stock of blankets they may be
possessed of; for which blankets they shall be paid the full value, according to an appraisement to
be made of them." The proportion to be furnished by Chester County was five hundred.
Early in June General Howe, commander of the British forces at New York, showed a disposition
to advance by land across New Jersey, and to take possession of' Philadelphia. On the 14th of
that month lie actually made an advance by two columns, which led General Washington to
believe that this was his real intention. This information being communicated to Congress the
same day, that body
" Ordered, That the 2nd Class of the Militia of the County of Philadelphia, Chester, Bucks,
Lancaster, York, Cumberland, Berke, & Northampton be ordered to march to the places to which
the first class of the said counties respectively are ordered, and that the third class be got in
readiness to march, and also that the 1st and second classes of the City Militia, be ordered to
march to Bristol, & the 3rd Class hold themselves in readiness to march at the shortest notice."
This order was promptly responded to by the Supreme Executive Council of the State, who
issued a circular letter to the lieutenants of the counties named " to forward the first Class of
Militia immediately, and to hold the second class in readiness to march at the shortest notice."
Forty wagons were also ordered to be sent from Chester County, thirty from Philadelphia, and
thirty from Berks.
But it so turned out that the marching of Howe was intended to draw General Washington from
the strong position he then occupied, and in that event to give him battle, which he declined to do
as our troops were then posted. Washington wisely refused to risk his army in an open field-fight,
and Howe would not venture to cross the Delaware, leaving so large a force as that commanded
by Washington in his rear, so that Philadelphia was again relieved from being attacked by the
way of New Jersey.
June 5, 1777. "Deserted from my company stationed at French Creek powder mills the 10 of
April last a certain William Evans alias Thomas Davis, a Welshman about forty years of age near
five feet six inches high thick and well made. He had a light coloured long skirtled coat, striped
trousers and old shoes. Whoever takes up said deserter shall have Ten dollars reward and
reasonable charges. .
"James Pugh, Capt.
"N. B. John Flemming who enlisted with George Blewer, 2 Lieut., surrenders himself according
to proclamation of Gen. Washington (June 24th)." †
"June 25th. The Council taking into consideration the intelligence received by Congress from
Gen. WASHINGTON, respecting the movements of the enemy, and the extreme inconveniency
arising from the march of the Militia in the time of harvest.—Agreed, That the Lieutenant of the
county of Chester (with others) be informed that it is unnecessary to march the second class of
that county ; but that the first class be marched, and the second class be held in perfect readiness
to march at the shortest notice."
It having become apparent that General Howe had definitely changed his plan for gaining
possession of Philadel-
† Ibid.
68 - HISTORY OF CHESTER COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.
phia, the marching orders for all the militia, except those of Philadelphia and Chester County,
were countermanded. News of the embarkation of a large British force at New. York very
reasonably suggested the idea that the attack on the capital of Pennsylvania would be by way of
the river Delaware; and doubtless that was the plan of Gen. Howe when .he sailed. Every effort
was accordingly made for the defense of the river.
On the 27th of July certain information was received by the Council of the approach of the
British fleet towards the Delaware Bay. This news produced the highest degree of excitement
among the people, and induced the authorities of the State to redouble their exertions to ward off
the threatened blow.
A draft of the militia of Philadelphia County had marched before harvest into New Jersey ; one
from Bucks had guarded the fords of the Delaware for two months ; a second class from Bucks,
two from the city, and one from Chester, had occupied for some time, and assisted in finishing,
the defenses of the Delaware between the city and Chester. July 28th Congress made a
requisition on the Executive Council of Pennsylvania for four thousand militia, in addition to
those already in service ; in response to which the Council, on the same day, ordered one class to
be immediately called into service from the city, and one class from each of the counties of
Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, Lancaster, York, Cumberland, Berks, and Northampton ; also a
detachment of artillery from the city of Philadelphia, equal to three eighths of the whole. Most of
these troops were directed " to march immediately for Chester."
The persons appointed to drive off the cattle from the borders of the Delaware on the approach of
the enemy were reminded of the importance of their trust, and of the necessity of holding
themselves in readiness for the performance of it when the expected emergency should happen.
Caleb Davis, who had been recently appointed prothonotary, etc., for Chester County, was
directed to remove the county records from the town of Chester to a place of greater security. On
the 31st of July certain information was received of the fleet approaching and entering the
Delaware Bay to the number of two hundred and twenty-eight vessels of war and transports.
Arms were wanted for the militia that had been called out, and, as an expedient for supplying
them, those persons who had refused to take the oath of allegiance were directed to be disarmed,
" and their arms made use of by those who are willing, at the risk of their lives, to defend their
liberty and property."
"August 1, 1777. We the subscribers, Justices of the Peace for the county of Chester, have this
day met, in order to nominate proper persons to take an account of all the Wheat, Flour, Grain
and other Stores in the county of Chester, within 20 miles distance westward of the river
Delaware; and have, after due consideration, returned the following gentlemen : viz, John
Wilson, Isaac Taylor (Pennsbury), George Currey, Charles Dilworth, Thomas M'Call, Joshua
Evans, James Ewing, and James Lindsey : and for the purpose of billeting, and providing for the
Poor that may be removed out of the city of Philadelphia, the following gentlemen: viz,
Benjamin Bartholomew (East Whiteland), David John (Charlestown), David Thomas (Vincent),
Michael Hallman (Pikeland), Peter Crumbacker (Coventry), William James (East Nantmeal),
John Brown (West Nantmeal), Thomas Evans (Uwchlan), George Thomas (West Whiteland),
James Thompson (East Caln), John Fleming (West Cain), Joseph Parker [or Parke ?j (Sadsbury),
Thomas Heslip and Samuel Futhey (East and West Fallowfield), William Wilson (Oxford),
William Poke (West Nottingham), and David Wherry (East Nottingham),—whom we esteem to
be men of fidelity and worthy of the trust to be reposed in them,—(Signed)
" PHILIP SCOTT, ISAAC DAVIS,
"ROBERT SMITH, JAMES MOORE,
" DAN GRIFFITH."
So confidently was the enemy expected to approach Philadelphia by the Delaware that the
different detachments of the regular army under Washington were ordered to march to the
vicinity of the city, and requisitions had been made on several counties for wagons to be used in
the transportation of army stores. After entering the bay Gen. Howe found the navigation for such
an immense naval armament more difficult than he had expected, and retraced his steps to the
ocean, having determined to make his approach by the way of the Chesapeake. This movement
was not at first understood by our people, for no tidings were received from the fleet until the 8th
of August, when it was seen some leagues south of Delaware Bay, but soon again disappeared,
having been prevented from entering the Chesapeake by contrary winds until the 16th of that
month. It was not, however, until the 22d that the Council was advised of the presence of the
enemy in the Chesapeake.
In this period of uncertainty Washington abated not the least in providing for the defense of the
city. On the 15th of August we find him giving directions for the improvement of the defenses of
the Delaware. More chevaux- de-frize were to be sunk, or "the left bank of Fort Island
fortification supported by a good battery capable of resisting the cannon of the ship." The effect
of the disappearance of the enemy upon the Executive Council was different. They dreaded
expense, and especially unnecessary expense. An order that had been issued for wagons was
countermanded on the 8th of August, and less diligence appears to have been used in forwarding
the militia. Up to the 16th of August, agreeably to the report of Col. John Evans, only about one
thousand militia had arrived at Chester, and there was no shelter for more, " all the empty houses
being occupied." These troops were from the counties of Berks, Cumberland, Lancaster, and
Chester. The following letter from the Council to some of the Pennsylvania delegation in
Congress still further exhibits the great anxiety of that body to avoid expense, and may serve to
explain the policy that lessened the efficiency of the militia when called into actual service :
" PHILADELPHIA, 20th Augt. 1777.
" Gent:
"Council desire, that you will represent to Congress that the Militia last called out in this State,
have been rendezvousing at Chester, and are still arriving there. As this is the season for sowing
winter corn, on which this county greatly depends, & labourers aro become very scarce, they are
sensible that great distress must ensue upon continuing these people embodied. In this
circumstance, it will afford very sensible satisfaction to the Council, as well as relief to the
industrious Inhabitants, if public affairs may admit of the dismissing of part of the Militia,
especially as they are very deficient in Arms & blankets, & totally unprovided with tents."
Two days later, when news of the approach of the enemy by way of the Chesapeake was
received, a very sudden change took place in the measures adopted by the Council. The
threatened danger was at hand. Economy yielded to necessity, and the Council at once resumed
the work of
GENERAL HISTORY - 69
preparation with vigor, which had been unwisely slackened during the short period that the
enemy remained invisible. Additional troops were ordered to Chester, and an equal number to
Downingtown ; the militia from Northampton, that had been ordered to proceed northward, were
now directed to proceed to Lancaster " with all possible expedition," and, in pursuance of a
recommendation of Congress, all disaffected persons were ordered to be arrested and sent into
the interior.
The fleet passed up the Elk River as far as the ships could be navigated with safety, and on the
25th of August landed about eighteen thousand men " in good health and spirits, admirably
supplied with all the implements of war, and led by an experienced general of unquestionable
military talents." On the day before Howe landed the American army passed through
Philadelphia and marched towards the Brandywine. Being deficient in the means of
transportation for army baggage, a pressing request was made upon the Council to supply the
deficiency. This request was promptly responded to by an order upon the justices of the counties
of Philadelphia and Chester, each county being required to furnish twenty-five wagons with four
horses each.
Gen. John Armstrong was placed in command of the militia at Chester. In a letter to the president
of the Council, dated at that place on the 29th of August, we are informed that out of the " chaos"
in which Gen. Armstrong had found things at that place he had then forwarded eighteen hundred
men ; that, in concert with Gen. Potter, he had formed a rifle regiment (battalion), and placed at
the head of it Col. Dunlap, " a prudent man, and not unacquainted with the business of a
partisan." This rifle battalion, consisting of three hundred privates, which was to march from
Marcus Hook the next day, and one hundred and fifty sent from Billingsport the same day, were
exclusive of the number above mentioned. The headquarters of Gen. Washington were now at
Wilmington, where these troops united with the regular army. On the 1st of September the militia
that had been called out in Lancaster County were also ordered by Gen. Washington to join his
army at Wilmington.
Up to the 3d of September the enemy had made but little progress towards Philadelphia. Gen.
Maxwell had advanced, with a body of light troops, to Iron Hill, in Pencader Hundred, Delaware,
where on that day he was attacked by a column of the British army led by Lord Cornwallis, and
driven beyond White Clay Creek, with a loss of forty killed and wounded. Up to the 5th of
September the main body of the American army had remained in the vicinity of Wilmington,
where some works had been thrown up. On that day the whole body was removed to Newport,
and occupied a position between that place and Red Clay Creek, except Gen. Irwin's brigade,
which remained at Wilmington in charge of the works at that place. According to the best
information that could then be obtained, the British troops were spread over a " considerable
space of country, but in a detached way, from Couch's Mills to some part of Nottingham."
Pursuant to a recommendation of Congress, a call was made by the Executive Council on the 6th
of September for five thousand militia, in addition to these already in the field. They were
ordered to rendezvous on the heights of Darby, " with what arms they have or can procure, and
otherwise equipped in the best manner they may be able." These equipments, including blankets,
in case they were taken by the enemy or otherwise unavoidably lost, were to be paid for by the
State.
In order to strengthen the army Gen. Washington had withdrawn nearly all the troops from the
defensive works on the Delaware. The Navy Board became apprehensive " that some parts of the
enemy's fleet would soon attempt to invade the city," and on the 5th of September communicated
its plans of defense to the Executive Council. Hcg Island and the meadows were to be laid under
water ; flats and boats should be provided to make a bridge from Fort Island to Province Island ;
ninety or one hundred men should be put in the fort at Darby Creek ; four pieces of cannon
should be got to Billingsport ; some person to be put in charge of the fort at Fort Island, and
thirty men to be ready to be put on Bush Island. In pursuance of these suggestions, Col. Jehu
Eyre, with two companies of militia artillery, was ordered to repair to the works that have been
named, where, in conjunction with the commanders of the fleet, he was to exert himself " to take,
burn, sink, or otherwise destroy the enemy's ships or vessels that may attempt to invade this or
the neighbouring States." lie was promised a reinforcement of militia from Bucks County.
Information having been communicated to the American camp at Newport that the enemy had
disencumbered themselves Of all heavy baggage, Gen. Washington at once determined to put his
army in a like condition. A requisition was made by the quartermaster-general, on the 7th of
September, upon the Executive Council for a sufficient number of teams for the removal of all
baggage except blankets and a few small clothes. These teams were " to be placed in the rear of
the divisions, and immediately on an alarm the tents and small packs left with the men were to be
sent over Brandywine."
THE BATTLE OF THE BRANDYWINE.
Up to the 8th of September the opinion was entertained by Gen. Armstrong that the British would
probably re-embark on the Delaware, cross over, and land at some convenient point on the Jersey
shore, march up to the chevaux-de frize, accompanied by the vessels of force, which he expected
would bombard Philadelphia. On the very day that Gen. Armstrong communicated this opinion
to the Council a movement of the enemy proved that it was not well founded. Gen. Washington
had strengthened the position he then occupied, and, regarding it as probable that the fate of
Philadelphia would be there decided; he had resorted to every means in his power to encourage
his troops and stimulate them to the greatest exertions. But the movements of the enemy
indicated a design to turn the right of the American army, and to cut off all communication with
Philadelphia. Washington decided at once to change his ground, and that night crossed the
Brandywine, and took a position behind that stream at Chad's Ford. Gen. Maxwell was posted
west of the ford, on the road, and Gen. Armstrong was assigned a position on the east side of the
Brandywine, about two miles below, which enabled him
70 - HISTORY OF CHESTER COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.
to guard two fords, now known as Pyle's Ford and Corner Ford. In order to fortify the position at
Chad's Ford a breastwork was hastily thrown up on the bluff bordering on the fiat ground a little
north of the main road. Part of the main army was stationed above the ford to guard other passes.
This division of the American army has been estimated numerically at fifteen thousand, including
the Pennsylvania militia, commanded by Gen. Armstrong. Chief Justice Marshall, who was
present at the battle of Brandywine, estimates the effective force of the Americans at eleven
thousand, including the militia, and assigns his reasons why there should be such a large number
of men unfit for military duty. Thus posted, and with this small body of effectives, Washington
patiently awaited the approach of the greatly superior force of the enemy.
On the evening of the 9th of September the British army entered Chester County in two
divisions, one of which, under Gen. Knyphausen, encamped at New Garden and Kennet Square,
and the other, under Cornwallis, a short distance below Hockesson Meeting-house. Early next
day they united at Kennet Square, whence in the evening the forces under Knyphausen advanced
towards Welsh's tavern, now known as the "Anvil," probably for the convenience of water, and
those under Cornwallis remained encamped on the hills north and west of Kennet Square.
Peter De Haven to Vice-president Bryan:
" FRENCH CREEK, September 10, 1777.
"Sir, Wee have got sum information that thare is part of Mr. How's army within four miles of
Downins Town, and I believe they intend for our Magazene, and we are in a very poor situation
for defending it. I should be very glad if you would send a proper Gard for this place."
On the morning of the 11th the army divided into two columns, one division, under Knyphausen,
marching directly through Kennet and Pennsbury townships to Chad's Ford by the Philadelphia
road, and the other, under Cornwallis, and accompanied by Sir William Howe, taking a
circuitous route, traversing portions of the townships of Kennet, East Marlborough, Newlin,
West Bradford, East Bradford, and Birmingham, crossing the west branch of' the Brandywine at
Trible's Ford, a short distance south of Marshallton, and the east branch mainly at Jefferis' Ford,
and approaching Birmingham Meeting-house from the north, the object of these movements
being to hem the Americans in between the two forces, and thus make them an easy prey.
The column under Cornwallis set out about daybreak, and that under Knyphausen about nine
o'clock. A very dense and heavy fog continued until a late hour. The column under Knyphausen
skirmished with the advanced parties of the American army sent forward to harass the march of
the British troops. Maxwell's corps, which occupied the hills west of the Brandywine, was driven
across the stream after a severe engagement, and joined the main body of the American army,
which was ranged in order of battle, awaiting the attack of the enemy. Knyphausen paraded on
the heights, reconnoitred the American army, and appeared to be making dispositions to force the
passage of the creek. A skirt of woods, with the stream, divided him from Maxwell's corps,
small parties of whom occasionally crossed over, and kept up a scattering fire, by which not
much execution was done. At lenth one of these parties, led by Captains Waggoner and
Porterfield, engaged the British flank-guard very closely, killed a captain, with ten or fifteen
privates, drove them out of the wood, and were on the point of taking a field-piece. The
sharpness of the skirmish soon drew a large body of the British to that quarter, and the Americans
were again driven over the Brandywine.
Gen. Cornwallis, with the larger division of the British army, under the cover of the hills and
forests, and aided by the fog, proceeded in the circuitous route a considerable distance
unobserved, and must have reached the hills south of Trimble's Ford about the time that
Knyphausen moved from his position east of Kennet Square. Some cannons were discharged at
this point (and cannon-balls have been found in the vicinity), for which it is difficult to account,
unless they were designed to notify Knyphausen that they had gained a midway position, or to
direct him to march to the ford.
Gen. Sullivan, who commanded the right wing of the American army, had received instructions
to guard the fords as high up as Buffington's (now Shaw's), just above the forks of the
Brandywine, and scouting-parties were sent out in various directions to watch the movements of
the enemy. About one o'clock intelligence was brought that the enemy's left wing was about
crossing the Brandywine above its forks, and Col. Bland sent word to Washington that a large
force was seen advancing up the road towards Trimble's Ford, and this was confirmed by a note
from Col. Ross, who was in their rear, and who estimated the force that he had seen at not less
than five thousand. Washington, on receiving this intelligence of a large division being so far
separated from the army at Chad's Ford, formed the design of detaching Sullivan and Lord
Stirling to engage the column conducted by Cornwallis should he attempt to cross the stream,
while he in person should cross over with the residue of the troops and attack the forces under
Knyphausen.
In pursuance of' this determination, Stirling was dispatched with a considerable force to occupy
the high ground in the vicinity of Birmingham Meeting-house, while other necessary dispositions
were made upon the left. At the critical moment, when the plan was about to be executed,
counter-intelligence was received, inducing the opinion that the movement of Cornwallis was
merely a feint, and that, after making demonstrations of crossing the Brandywine above its forks,
he must actually have marched down the right bank of the stream, and was about to re-unite his
column with that of Knyphausen. This opinion was confirmed by the report of a number of
light-horse that had been sent to reconnoitre.
While Washington was in a state of painful uncertainty, produced by these conflicting accounts,
Squire Thomas Cheyney, a citizen of Thornbury township, rode up to the forces under Sullivan
with intelligence that the main body of the British army had crossed the Brandywine and was
already at hand, approaching from the north and, be- ing uncourteously received by that general,
demanded to
GENERAL HISTORY - 71
be led to the commander-in-chief This was done, and although Washington was at first disposed
to doubt the correctness of the information, he was at length convinced of its truth, and
immediately disposed of his troops to meet the emergency. It is said that some of the general's
staff spoke rather sneeringly and incredulously of the rustic squire's information, which roused
his temper. " If you doubt my word," said he to the commander-in-chief, " put me under guard
until you can ask Anthony Wayne or Persie Frazer if I am a man to be believed ;" and then,
turning to the general's attendants, he indignantly exclaimed, " I would have you to know that I
have this day's work as much at heart as e'er a blood of you !"
As soon as Washington became convinced that a large division of the enemy had crossed the
Brandywine above, he immediately made a change in the disposition of his force.* The divisions
commanded by Generals Sullivan, Stirling, and Stephens advanced farther up the Brandywine,
and fronted the British columns marching down that stream. The division commanded by Gen.
Wayne remained at Chad's Ford, to keep Knyphausen in check, in which service Maxwell was to
co-operate. Greene's division, accompanied by Washington in person, formed a reserve, and took
a central position between the right and left wings.
The divisions detached against Lord Cornwallis formed on an advantageous piece of ground
above Birmingham Friends' Meeting-house, chiefly within what is now the lawn surrounding the
dwelling of Mrs. Biddle, both flanks being covered with a thick wood. Stirling's detachment
advanced to within a short distance of the meeting-house, where he awaited the approach of the
enemy. After waiting for some time the near approach of the British was announced, when
Stirling endeavored to secure the highest ground in the immediate vicinity of the meeting-house
but when he reached that point the British had so nearly gained it that he could not have formed
before they would have been upon him. In this dilemma he threw a small force into the
graveyard, which was inclosed with a stone wall, for the purpose of giving the enemy
employment until he could form 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, having 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 reserve division under Washington and
Greene pressed for-
* Gen. Sullivan, who commanded the rIght of the American army, has been much censured for failing to obtain
correct knowledge of the diversion of a part of the British forces at the battle of Brandywine that resulted in our
defeat. The charges made against that officer and his defense will be found in the bulletin of the Hist. Society of
Penna., vol. i. No. 8.
ward 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 Tenth 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. Chad's Ford was defended by an
intrenchment 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, arriving there by different roads, and at
different times, in the night. †
† The reproduction of the following lines, by the late T. Buchanan Read, from his " Wagoner of the Alleghanies," is
particularly appropriate:
" The hour was loud, but louder still
Anon the rage of battle roared
Its wild and murderous will;
From Jefferis' down to Wistar's Ford,
From Jones' to Chad's, the cannon poured,
While thundered Osborne Hill.
Oh, ne'er before fled holy calm
From out its sainted house of prayer
So frighted through the trembling air
As from that shrine of Birmingham.
" Oft through the opening cloud we scanned
The shouting leaders, sword in hand,
Directing the tumultuous scene:
There galloped Maxwell, gallant Bland,
The poet-warrior, while between,
Ringing o'er all his loud eommand,
Dashed the intrepid Greene;
" Here Sullivan in fury trooped,
There Weedon like an eagle swooped,
With Muhlenberg,—where they were grouped
The invader dearly earned his gains;
And (where the mad should only be,
The fiercest champion of the free)
The loudest trumpet-call was Wayne's,
While in a gale of battle-glee,
With rapid sword and pistol dealing
The blows which set the foeman reeling,
Sped Light-horse Harry Lee.'"
72 - HISTORY OF CHESTER COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.
The loss on the side of the British was one hundred killed and four hundred wounded. The loss
on the side of the Americans was nine hundred killed and wounded. Among the wounded was
the Marquis de la Fayette. As but few Americans were killed or wounded in the retreat, the
inequality in the loss sustained has been attributed to the inferiority of their arms, many of their
muskets being wholly unfit for service.
The following is copied from a memorandum once in the possession of Col. Thomas Forrest. It
was presented to John F. Watson by the late Dr. Thomas F. Betton :
"State of British forces and disposition Sept. 11, 1777.
At the canner Fords under the command of Lt. Cornwallis:
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