A complete history of the Marquis de Lafayette, major-general in the American army in the war of the revolution. Embracing an account of his tour through the United States, to the time of his departure, September, 1825. By an officer in the late army.

24 HISTORY OF THE
and on the great road to Philadelphia; its right extended
a considerable distance up the creek to Hockesson township.
On this grounld Geueral Washington thought it probable
that the fate of Philadel.phia and of the campaign mig,lt be
decided; and therefore resorted to all the means in his power
to encourage his troops, and stimulate them to the greatest
exertions.
The enemy, reinforced by the rear guard under General
Grant, advanced his main body by Newark, upon the riglit
of the American encampmi-ent, and took post within four
miles of that place, extending d his left still further up the
cou!!try. In the mean time, a strong column made a show
of aiftacking in front, and after manceuvring for some time,
halted at Milton, within two miles of the centre. Washington saw the threatened danger, and retired with his troops
beyond the Brandywine, and took post behind that river, on
the heights which extend from Chadd's Ford, in the direction of north-east to south-east. The militia, under the
command of General Armstrong, guarded a passage two
miles below the principal encampment of Washington, and
the right wing extended some miles above, to guard other
tbrds deemed less practicable. In this position, the American general awaited the movements of the enemy. Alltlhough the Brandywine, being fordable almost every where,
could not serve as a sufficient defence against the impetuosity of the enemy, yet Washington had taken post o'n its
i.ajks, from a conviction that a battle was now inevitable,
anld that Philadelphia could only be saved by a victory. 3esides which, the ill effect which the surrender of Philidelphia. without striking a blow, would have had on the public
mind, demanded that a sacrifice should be made on the altar
of public opinion. rfThe protection of that city was deemed
by all America, and especially by Congress, of such infinite
magnitude, as to require the hazard of a battle for its attainment. Hence the general engagemnent sought by Howe,
was not avoided by W-a'~ishlwgton.
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