Show Notes: Disaster on September 11th 1777

Philadelphia Was The Target, Should It Fall, The British Hoped It Would Be Demoralizing

This was THE Capitol.  However, most of the metro population were considered loyalist from the British perspective.  They were neutral to loyalist, with the majority of the “rebel” population residing in the rural regions of Pennsylvania

There were NO fortifications, they did not have the resources.  Continental Army soldiers only had 1 year contract, would return to farms during harvest of winter

Philadelphia was the 2nd largest city in the British Empire, so capturing would mean a significant event for the British.  However the Continental Congress evacuated to York, and was still able to function.  The British held Philadelphia for only 9 months.

The political divisions within Philadelphia, particularly the significant Loyalist presence, contributed to the challenges of mobilizing effective defenses. Many residents were hesitant to support the Patriot cause, which complicated Washington’s ability to rally local support for the defense of the city. This division ultimately undermined the overall defensive strategy against the British assault.

The land side of Philadelphia had no prepared fortifications, making it particularly susceptible to British advances. The absence of natural barriers or defensive structures allowed British forces to approach the city with relative ease. This geographic vulnerability was a significant factor in the British strategy to capture Philadelphia.

Following the victory at Brandywine, Howe occupied Philadelphia but faced disappointment as the anticipated Loyalist uprising did not materialize. His failure to secure widespread support from local Loyalists led to frustration and ultimately contributed to his decision to return to England. The British capture of Philadelphia did not yield the strategic advantage Howe had hoped for, as the Continental Congress continued to function and the war persisted.

General Howe:  

Criticized for not being thorough when pursuing the rebels.  Howe sympathized with British parliament and thought the engagement would end once the colonists came to their senses.  This meant there were times when he hesitated and did not “finish” the job. 

Howe’s intelligence from the loyalists among the colonists proved to be superior to Washington’s.  This meant that key decisions regarding the approach to Philadelphia could be made that eliminated time.  The terrain and particularly the rivers were the greatest obstacles.  The majority of the calvary were without horses, many of the horses were lost while crossing the Atlantic.  This meant slower maneuvers, and also meant that pursuing the rebels to capture soldiers during retreat was just not possible. 

British Strategy

Capturing New York in 1776 was the first of two parts of the British plan.  The issues was crossing the Brandywine river at fords.  Fords were the passage points where the river was shallow enough so that crossing and keeping supplies dry was possible.  Gunpowder was wrapped in paper, not contained within steel casings.  Food and other goods were also vulnerable to water.  All must be kept dry.

The British employed effective flanking maneuvers during the battle, which allowed them to outmaneuver Washington’s forces. Howe’s use of local Loyalists for intelligence provided critical information about American troop placements and unguarded fords. This intelligence enabled Howe to execute a successful flanking movement that ultimately led to the American defeat at Brandywine.

The British believed that it would be possible to win the war by isolating New England from the rest of the colonies.  There the emphasis was on capturing and controlling the Hudson River Valley, and the British intended to send forces North as well as bring forces south from Canada to isolated Massachusetts and the other New England colonies. 

Washington Strength and Weaknesses

Washington has been outflanked by the British on 6 other occasions.  “Why can’t anyone tell me where the British are” is a phrase that Washington repeated in anger on the day of the battle.  It was the lack of intelligence and communication was what Washington pointed out as the source of their defeat.

Washington demonstrated remarkable leadership skills, effectively maintaining the morale and cohesion of the Continental Army during challenging times. His ability to inspire loyalty among his troops was crucial, as many soldiers were willing to follow him despite the numerous setbacks faced by the American forces. Additionally, Washington’s strategic foresight allowed him to select advantageous positions for defense, as seen in his choice of Chad’s Ford for the Battle of Brandywine.  Washington’s adaptability was evident in his ability to learn from previous battles and adjust his strategies accordingly. He sought to integrate lessons learned into his command style and tactics, which contributed to his growth as a military leader. However, his adaptability was sometimes hindered by the inexperience of his troops and the limitations of their training, particularly in the early stages of the war.

In addition, Washington had troops who had not yet been trained at Valley Forge.  The army basically dissolved in November 1776, and Washington’s victory on Christmas at Trenton, while bold and strategic, did rely on a surprise factor.  The troops returning in 1777 had to be inspired and many learned on the fly.  He faced constant recruitment challenges, often having to build his army from scratch, which affected the overall readiness and effectiveness of his forces. This instability in troop numbers and morale was a recurring issue that complicated his military efforts.

Washington was able to make decisions under pressure, and was able to deploy Nathaniel’s Greene’s troop long enough so that the Continental Army could retreat.  Otherwise this would have been the near end of the American forces.  The same nearly occurred at the Battle of Long Island in 1776.

Despite his strengths, Washington struggled with intelligence gathering and communication, which significantly impacted his decision-making during the battle. He often received conflicting reports regarding British troop movements, leading to misjudgments about the enemy’s strategy. Furthermore, Washington’s tendency to concentrate his forces too narrowly at critical points left him vulnerable to flanking maneuvers, as demonstrated during the Battle of Brandywine

Lafayette, The Boy General – A New Hero and a New Alliance

Marquis de Lafayette played a significant role in the Battle of Brandywine as it was his first major engagement in the American Revolutionary War. Despite being only 19 years old and lacking formal command of troops, Lafayette demonstrated his commitment to the American cause by actively participating in the battle. His willingness to shed blood for the American fight for independence showcased his dedication and helped solidify his reputation among the Continental Army.

Lafayette was wounded during the battle, which further underscored his commitment to the American cause and endeared him to both soldiers and civilians alike. His injury not only highlighted the personal sacrifices made by leaders in the fight for independence but also served to rally the troops around a figure who was willing to risk his life for their shared goals. This act of bravery contributed to bolstering morale among the Continental forces, reinforcing the idea that their struggle was supported by allies willing to fight alongside them.

Lafayette’s participation in the Battle of Brandywine helped to cement a lasting relationship with George Washington, who recognized Lafayette’s potential as a leader. This bond would grow stronger throughout the war, with Lafayette becoming one of Washington’s most trusted generals. Their relationship was pivotal not only for Lafayette’s career but also for the broader efforts of the Continental Army, as Washington’s mentorship played a crucial role in Lafayette’s development as a military leader.