The writings of George Washington; being his correspondence, addresses, messages, and other papers, official and private, selected and published from the original manuscripts; with a life of the author, notes and illustrations. By Jared Sparks.

AET. 45.] LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 257
was encamped at Germantown, the remainder being in
the city.
In this divided state of Sir William Howe's forces,
Washington conceived the plan of attacking him by
surprise. The British encampment extended across the
village of Germantown, and at right angles with the
main road. The American army was near Skippack
Creek, about fourteen miles distant. At seven o'clock,
in the evening of the 3d of October, the march began,
and by the order of battle the troops were to approach
the enemy by four routes, it being expected that the
whole would arrive nearly at the same time. The divisions of Sullivan and Wayne, flanked by Conway's
brigade, were to enter the town by the road leading to
the enemy's centre; while Armstrong, with the Pennsylvania militia, was to take the road on the right near
the Schuylkill, and gain their left and rear. The divisions of Greene and Stephen, flanked by McDougall's
brigade, were to make a circuit on the American left,
and attack the British right wing, while the Maryland
and Jersey militia, under Smallwood and Forman, were
to-move down by a road still farther to the left, and fall
upon their right flank and rear. The plan was extremely well concerted, and the surprise was complete.
The attack commenced between daybreak and sunrise.
At first the action was very warm in the centre; and
afterwards on the American left, and every thing seemed
to promise success; but the Americans were ultimately
obliged to retreat, and leave the enemy in possession
of the ground. Washington speaks of this event as
follows, in a letter to his brother.
"After the enemy had crossed the Schuylkill, we
took the first favorable opportunity of attacking them.
This was attempted by a night's march of fourteen
miles to surprise them, which we effectually did, so far
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