Battle of the Clouds facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Battle of the Clouds |
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| Part of the American Revolutionary War | |||||||
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| Belligerents | |||||||
 United States |
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| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
 George Washington |
 Sir William Howe Lord Cornwallis Wilhelm Knyphausen |
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| Strength | |||||||
| 10,000 | 18,000 | ||||||
| Casualties and losses | |||||||
| 100 killed or wounded | 100 killed or missing | ||||||
The Battle of the Clouds was a planned battle during the American Revolutionary War. It happened on September 16, 1777, near what is now Malvern, Pennsylvania. This battle never fully took place because of a huge storm.
After the Americans lost the Battle of Brandywine, the British Army stayed camped nearby. The British commander, William Howe, learned that the American army was close. He decided to attack them again to win a big victory. However, a massive rainstorm stopped the fighting. The American army, led by George Washington, was outnumbered. Many of their ammunition cartridges were ruined by the rain. Washington decided to retreat. The British army, slowed by the mud and rain, let Washington's army get away.
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Why Did the Battle of the Clouds Happen?
After losing the Battle of Brandywine, General George Washington had two main goals. First, he wanted to protect Philadelphia, the American capital, from the British. Second, he needed to get more supplies and ammunition. These supplies were stored at the Van Leer Furnace in Reading, Pennsylvania.
Washington first moved his army across the Schuylkill River. This river could only be crossed easily far upstream. By being behind the river, Washington could protect both Philadelphia and his important supply areas. But then he changed his mind. He crossed the river again to face the British. The British had not moved much because they didn't have enough wagons. They needed wagons to carry their wounded soldiers and their gear.
How Did the Armies Prepare for Battle?
General Howe found out that Washington had crossed the Schuylkill River again. By midnight on September 15, his troops were marching. They headed towards a major road crossing where the White Horse Tavern stood. The journey was tough because of the rainy and windy weather. The roads turned into deep, muddy paths.
The next morning, Washington's army of 10,000 men was moving west. They were in the Great Valley, between two hills. Washington learned from his cavalry, led by General Pulaski, that the British were only a few miles away. Washington decided to move his army south. He wanted to take a strong defensive spot on the South Valley Hills.
First Clashes and the Storm
Washington sent an advance group of soldiers. This group was led by General Anthony Wayne. Their job was to slow down the British. Around 2:00 pm, Wayne's men met some German soldiers called jägers. These jägers were part of the Hessian army. A small fight started between them. The Americans almost captured Colonel Carl von Donop during this skirmish.
The main British army, led by General Charles Cornwallis, met Wayne's Pennsylvania militia around 3:00 pm. Wayne's militia quickly retreated in a panic. About 10 of them were killed or wounded.
While this was happening, Washington was trying to set up his battle line. But he changed his mind about the best position. He began moving his army north of the tavern. Just as this move was starting, it began to pour rain. A Hessian jäger captain named Johann Ewald described it as "an extraordinary thunderstorm." He said it was "combined with the heaviest downpour in this world."
The British army stopped its advance. However, General Wilhelm von Knyphausen ordered his jägers to attack. Ewald and his men rushed forward. Their muskets wouldn't work because of the wet powder, so they used their swords. They captured 34 American soldiers. Ewald reported that his group lost 5 killed, 7 wounded, and 3 captured. The storm was very strong and lasted into the next day. The British had to set up a quick camp because they had left their tents behind. Washington's army managed to form a battle line. But much of their ammunition was ruined by the rain. Their cartridge boxes were not built well enough to keep the powder dry.
What Happened After the Storm?
Washington decided to move his army back across the Schuylkill River on September 19. This protected both Philadelphia and his supply areas. But he left General Wayne's Pennsylvania division behind. This group had 1,500 men and four cannons. Their orders were to bother the British army from behind. Washington set up his temporary headquarters at the Reading Furnace.
Howe's army found it almost impossible to follow Washington. The roads were muddy and full of ruts from the rain. The British decided to wait for the storm to pass. Then they would move towards their goal of taking Philadelphia.
General Wayne was supposed to meet up with other militia groups. Together, they were to attack the British supply wagons. However, Wayne's force was surprised at the Battle of Paoli. After this, the British were able to march into Philadelphia without further trouble.
Legacy of the Battle of the Clouds
Today, the government of Chester County is working to protect the areas where the Battle of the Clouds took place. These areas are now part of a busy suburban community. They want to preserve these important historical sites.
