Description
On Sept. 11, 1777, Gen. George Washington was beaten by British Gen. William Howe at the Battle of Brandywine, allowing the British to move on to capture the patriot capital. While guarding most of the known fords across Brandywine Creek, the British found an unguarded ford to the north and marched 17 miles to outflank Washington's army during the Philadelphia Campaign. The French boy general, Marquis de Lafayette, arrived late to the battle, was wounded, but helped rally retreating troops.