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The Virginia Gazette
Williamsburg, Virginia
What is this article about?
Capt. William Pierce's letter to the Governor dated Nov. 5, 1777, details the Battle of Germantown: initial American success in surprising and routing the enemy, but reversal when British occupied a stone house, leading to retreat. Praises Sullivan's division and Virginia troops.
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At present I am more enabled to give you an accurate account of the battle at Germantown than I was yesterday on which it was fought. Immediately after the hurry of an action it is not easy to ascertain the particulars of it; the various accounts from different quarters confuse, and render the whole imperfect.
When our men first made the attack we had the most pleasing prospect before us. The plan was evidently good, and the complete surprise given the enemy promised a glorious victory. They were routed, pursued, and charged with fury; but after flying before our arms in the utmost confusion, for some distance into Germantown, the fortune of the day was turned against us, and we were compelled to yield the laurels we had won. The circumstance of this misfortune was owing to the enemy taking to a large stone house; and our men, attempting to surround it, were put to the rout, by the prospect of being outflanked. What part of the army gave way it is impossible to say. The report of General Sullivan's division being the first was groundless, as both the General and his men were brave and active to the last.
As to the Virginia line, I cannot, in justice to the officers and men, point out any particular honour to one that was not due to another.
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Domestic News Details
Primary Location
Germantown
Event Date
Recently Before Nov. 5, 1777
Key Persons
Outcome
american forces initially routed the enemy but were compelled to yield after the enemy took a large stone house and outflanked them
Event Details
Capt. William Pierce provides an account of the battle at Germantown, noting the initial promising attack and surprise of the enemy, their routing, but subsequent reversal due to the enemy occupying a stone house, leading to American retreat. Defends the bravery of General Sullivan's division and the Virginia line.