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.

26 HISTORY OF THE
itself with Knyphausen. Thus was prevented, by false in.
telligence, the execution of a measure which, if carried
into effect, might have given a favourable turn to the events
of the day.
But the uncertainty produced by this contradictory intelligence was speedily removed,. and about two o'clock in
the afternoon, it was positively ascertained that the column
of Cornwallis, accompanied by Sir William Howe in person, was about to fall in great force upon the right wing.
This was composed of the brigades of Generals Sullivan,
Stirling, and Stephen, who, taking new ground, advanced a
little further up the Brandywine, and fronted the column of
the enemy. The division under General Wayne remained
at Chadd's Ford, for the purpose of keeping Knyphausen
in check, while Greene's division, accompanied by General
Washington in person, formed a reserve, and took a central
position, between the right and left wings.
The column of Cornwallis now arrived in sight of the
Americans, and Sullivan, who commanded the right wing,
drew up his troops on the commanding ground above Birmingham Meeting House, with his left extending toward
the Brandywine, and both his flanks covered with very thick
woods. The British, having reconnoitered the disposition
of the Americans, irmmediately formed, and fell upon them
with the utmost impetuosity; and about four o'clock in the
afternoon, the action became equally fierce on both sides.
For some length of time, the Americans defended themselves
with great valour, and the carnage was terrible; but such
was the emulation which invigorated the efforts of the. English and the Hessians, that neither the advantages of situation, nor a heavy and well supported fire of small arms and
artillery, nor the unshaken courage of the Americans, were
able to resist their impetuosity. The American right, which
was in some disorder, first gave way, and the light infantry,
chasseurs, grenadiers, and guards, threw themselves with
such fury into the midst of the republican battalions, that
the route soon became general. The vanquished fled into