The Probert Encyclopaedia of Warfare

BATTLE OF GERMANTOWN

The Battle of Germantown took place on October the 4th, 1777 during the American War of Independence, and was a British victory over the Americans. Howe, after occupying Philadelphia, sent a considerable detachment down the river to seize Forts Mercer and Mifflin. When George Washington learned of this he determined to crush the British at Germantown. In the early morning of October the 4th his army in two columns, the centre under Sullivan, the left under Nathanael Greene, advanced upon the village. The central column drove into the British outposts and was forcing back the British line opposite. Nathanael Greene also was driving the right back when an accident happened to destroy the whole plan. Stephen, who was upon the right of Nathanael Greene's division, came on through the heavy fog, and mistaking the American left-centre for the enemy, charged upon them. This at once caused a panic and the battle was lost. However, the troops retreated in good order before Charles Cornwallis, who had hurried from Philadelphia with two battalions. The battle cost the British 575 dead and the Americans 673.
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