While working on my next book project, I came across an anonymous British account which includes descriptions of both Brandywine and Germantown. Circumstantial evidence leads me to believe this officer was attached to James Grant’s division. Below are his accounts:
BRANDYWINE:
11th The commander in chief, with Lord Cornwallis’s column, marched by the high road (for there three that cross the brandy wine creek from Kennet square) taking a large sweep, in order to get round the rebels right flank; whilst Lieut. Genl. Knyphausen together with Major Genl. Grant, advanced by the (lower or) most direct road for Shadd’s ford. General Knyphausen’s advanced corps soon fell in with large parties of the rebels, that occupied a wood between us and the Creek—A very severe skirmish ensued in which the british rifle men and Queens rangers distinguished themselves much to their hounour; and dislodged the rebels with the points of their bayonets. The troops then took post upon the heights along the Creek, and the guns were placed upon the most commanding spots to cover their passage over it, and silence the enemy’s batteries on the other side. In this situation we waited some hours for Lord Cornwallis’s column—but were by no means idle during that time—a smart cannonade was keeped up—and upon our right the rebels had still a post, which was very troublesome to us; till the 10th regiment charged and drove them intirely over.
On the other side the Creek, and directly opposite to us, the rebels presented themselves, drawn up in order of battle—With every advantage in point of situation that nature could well afford—The ground is extremely broken and the risings from the creek (some of very considerable height) most happily disposed for defence—flanking the vallies between them, and covering a morass in their front. The commander in chief, at the head of the first column, got round about four o’clock in the afternoon—having marched seventeen miles of very dusty road. The account of this columns magnitude perplexed the rebels very much—as they expected a faint only here, whilst the principal attack was carrying on at their front. This we (in the second column) perceived very plainly by their withdrawing immediately several battalion from thence, to reinforce their flank, and from a front sufficiently strong beyond the village of Dillworth—The situation was indeed very favourable (as the country is in general to those on the defensive) and they had a strong battery before them. The column formed the line within about a half a mile of the rebels. The foot guards on the right, the light infantry with other corps on the left; and the Grenadiers in the center—They advanced with such impetuosity, that the right wing had scarce time to get up before the enemy broke—but on our left, there was much more severe struggle; the rebels being strongest, and most obstinate in that part—however at last they gave way to the bayonet.
General Knyphausen (tho’ perhaps it might with propriety have been done sooner) gave orders for the English regiments of his column, to advance, and cross the creek—A most violent cannonade commenced from our side, and continued till the head (fourth regiment.) of the attack appeared close in with their left flank, that gauled us much at first.
The rebels now gave way on all sides—but it growing dark, together with the vast fatigue the first column had gone through, prevented any farther pursuits, and our troops took post upon the field of battle. The hessians were to have supported the british, but as there was no occation for their assistance, they had not the least share in this victory—having fired neither gun or musket shot the whole day. The numbers of the rebels are not clearly ascertained, but the lowest account makes them out eighteen thousand—twelve of which were continental (or their regulars) and the rest militia—with sixty two pieces of ordnance. It is impossible to say what number of them was killed and wounded, as they constantly carry off so many as they can, to hide their misfortunes from the rest—A thousand we may say to be sure. We have taken eleven pieces of artillery including one royal howit—five French guns; two hessian, that were lost at Trentown last year; one English, and the others of their own casting at Philadelphia. Our loss consisted of sixty four killed, with three hundred and twenty wounded.
The number of prisoniers taken in the whole amounts to about six hundred and upwards.
GERMANTOWN:
4th. This morning by break of day, Mr. Washington with all the force he could collect, amounting to upwards of twelve thousand men, having made a forced march, attacked our camp at German town in several places at the same time. His center column fell upon the second battalion of light infantry, posted in front of Beggantown (a continuation of German town)—this battalion alone kept them at bay for above an hour, till being outflanked on both sides, and nearly surrounded, they retired towards the line. The fortieth regiment, in their rear, threw six companies into a gentlemans house (Mr. Chews) near the road—where they defended themselves a very considerable while, against all the rebels efforts to dislodge them—in the mean time some troops advanced from the line, and beat them entirely off—The right and left attack, meeting with the same reception; their rout became general; and some of our troops pursued them to a considerable distance; tho’ not so far as could have been wished, on account of the uncertain situation some of our brigades were in: which could not be easily discovered, for a very thick fog that prevailed that morning. Numbers of the rebels must have been killed and wounded, we took 350 prisoners. Our loss amounted to forty killed (amongst which were Brigadier Agnew and Lt. Col. Bird) and near three hundred wounded. Mr. Washington certainly timed this attack well—the fog covered his approach—all the grenadiers of the army were at Philadelphia, and we had several considerable parties abroad—Circumstances which no doubt but he was acquaintd with, and induced him to make the trial.
revwarramblings 