General Howe attempted to trap Washington's Americans against the Delaware River and crush them but Washington took up a strong defensive position on the east bank of the Brandywine. Howe divided his forces, sending his German contingent under Knyphausen in a frontal assault, while the British went north to out-flank the American right. One ford was left unguarded and the British managed to get in the rear of Washington before he was aware of the danger. There was heavy fighting around Osborne's hill, the ground changing hands 5 times before Lafayette and his contingent were finally driven off but a rout was avoided when Nathaniel Greene's troops arrived to cover the American withdrawal.

On the banks of the Brandywine, Pennsylvania, USA

American Continental Forces

Number engaged :

9,000

Casualties :

1,300 (14.44%)

British and Hessian Forces

Number engaged :

12,500

Casualties :

1,976 (15.81%)