As soon as Washington learned what Howe was about, he marched to Chad's Ford, where the road from Chesapeake Bay to Philadelphia crossed Brandywine Creek.

Howe moved his men as if about to attempt to cross the ford.

Meantime he sent Cornwallis with a strong force to cross the creek higher up.

Cornwallis surprised the right wing of the American army, drove it back, and Washington was compelled to retreat.

Howe occupied Philadelphia and captured the forts below the city.