By the movements shown on this copy, we see General Washington's defenses (blue line) along The Brandywine River at Chad's Ford, about 30 miles south of Philadelphia. The red lines show British General Howe's plan of attack. From Loyalist scouts, Howe learned of unguarded fords across the upper Brandywine. He began a long flanking march very early in the morning of September 11, 1777, while a large feint was made against the center of the American line. Howe used the very same flanking maneuver he had used on the Americans the year before at the Battle of Long Island. And, once again, the Americans were surprised!
