[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 7 (Thursday, January 17, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E36]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    COMMEMORATING THE 230TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BATTLE OF BRANDYWINE

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                            HON. JOE SESTAK

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 17, 2008

  Mr. SESTAK. Madam Speaker, our Nation will soon commemorate the 230th 
anniversary of the Battle of Brandywine. Let me take this opportunity 
to relate the importance of that battle, the largest land battle of the 
Revolutionary War, and to remember the brave soldiers who fought for 
the independence of our country.
  In 1777, the British army campaigned to control Philadelphia, which 
was then the capital of the newly-declared United States of America. 
British General William Howe and his troops approached Philadelphia 
through the Chesapeake, landing in Elkton, Maryland in early September 
of that year.
  American General George Washington was confident that his army would 
secure the capital city. On September 9, 1777, American troops were 
stationed along the Brandywine River, guarding the fords. Washington's 
strategy was to force a fight at Chadds Ford, where the Americans would 
have the advantage.
  On September 9, a small portion of British troops marched from 
Kennett Square as if they would battle the Americans at Chadds Ford. 
However, the majority of British troops this time marched north to 
cross the river at a ford unknown to Washington and his army.
  The battle began in the early morning on September 11. Washington, 
believing that all of Howe's army would fight at Chadds Ford, was 
unprepared when British troops arrived at the right flank of the 
American line. He ordered his troops to take the high ground, near the 
Birmingham Friends Meetinghouse to defend their position. However, 
British troops were already stationed nearby, and the Americans were 
unable to secure these grounds.
  General Howe's army soundly defeated the Americans due to their 
superior position and the surprise of their attack. By night, 
Washington's troops were forced to retreat to Chester.
  Despite being outnumbered and outmaneuvered, Washington's troops 
fought valiantly. The American Congress was able to escape from 
Philadelphia to safety in Lancaster, and then York, PA. Military 
supplies were also removed from the capital city before the impending 
British takeover.
  On September 26, 1777, British forces marched unopposed through the 
city of Philadelphia. This takeover proved of little strategic value, 
however.
  Washington's troops regrouped. The General wrote to John Hancock that 
night, ``Notwithstanding the misfortune of the day, I am happy to find 
the troops in good spirits; and I hope another time we shall compensate 
for the losses now sustained.'' Congress sent reinforcements, 
strengthening the American army.
  Washington's troops successfully defended the military supplies in 
Reading. On June 18, 1778, British troops abandoned Philadelphia and 
the city returned to American control.

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