Sir William Howe directed the campaign of 1777, and disposed the troops under his command to that purpose. The British fleet under Lord Howe, bearing a land force of 18,000, left New York in July, 1777, with the intention of approaching Philadelphia by way of the Delaware River.
When about to enter it, however, the British commander was informed that the Americans had placed obstructions in the channel, and he, therefore, proceeded to the Chesapeake, and on August 25, landed his forces at Turkey Point.
When the departure of the British fleet from New York was made known to General Washington, he was uncertain as to its objects, but directed the concentration of his army in Bucks County, so as to meet the enemy should he attempt to approach Philadelphia.
Washington soon learned that the fleet was off the Capes of the Chesapeake, and turned his attention in that direction. The very day the British landed the Americans marched to Wilmington with a force of about eleven thousand men.
Washington made immediate preparations to oppose the enemy. A severe though brief encounter occurred September 3 at Iron Hill, Delaware.
On the 8th the American Army took its position behind the Red Clay Creek, where a battle was anticipated. Washington saw that the object was to turn his right, cross the Brandywine, and cut off his communication with Philadelphia.
After reconnoitering the enemy, Washington withdrew to Chadd’s Ford, on the Brandywine, where he arrived on the 9th of September, and entrenched himself.
Maxwell’s Light Infantry occupied the advance posts, and during the night of the 10th threw up defenses on the west side at the approaches to the ford. Here Washington determined to take his stand.
On the evening of the 9th the British Army entered Chester County in two divisions, one of which, under General Knyphausen, encamped at New Garden and Kennet Square, and the other, under Lord Cornwallis, a short distance below Hockesson Meeting House.
Early on the morning of the 10th they united at Kennet Square, whence in the evening the forces under Knyphausen advanced toward Welsh’s Tavern, later known as the Anvil, and those under Cornwallis remained encamped on the hills north and west of Kennet Square.