The impression made by the fire of these regiments, and the approach of night, induced Sir William Howe, after dispersing them, to give over the pursuit.
When the American right was found to be fully engaged with Lord Cornwallis, Knyphausen made real dispositions for crossing the river.
Chadd's Ford was defended by an intrenchment and battery, with three field pieces, and a howitzer.

After some resistance, the work was forced; and, the defeat of the right being known, the left wing also withdrew from its ground.

The whole army retreated that night to Chester, and the next day to Philadelphia.
The loss sustained by the Americans in this action has been estimated at three hundred killed, and six hundred wounded.

Between three and four hundred, principally the wounded, were made prisoners.
As must ever be the case in new raised armies, unused to danger, and from which undeserving officers have not been expelled, their conduct was not uniform.

Some regiments, especially those which had served the preceding campaign, maintained their ground with the firmness and intrepidity of veterans, while others gave way as soon as they were pressed.