By two o'clock in the afternoon Cornwallis had forced the two branches of the upper Brandywine and was marching on Dilworth at the right rear of the American army.

Only then did Washington become aware of his danger.

His first impulse was to advance across Chadd's Ford to try to overwhelm Knyphausen and thus to get between Howe and the fleet at Elkton.

This might, however, have brought disaster and he soon decided to retire.

His movement was ably carried out.