Washington’s despatch to President Hancock announcing his retreat to Chester, was dated from that place at midnight, September 11, 1777. The wonderful presence of mind of the American Commander-in-Chief, his aptitude for emergencies, and his extraordinary capacity for making the most of raw troops, were never more thoroughly evinced during his entire public career. The uneven ground, dense woods, and facilities for good rifle-practice, were features favorable to inspire his troops with special resisting capacity; and it is not beyond a fair presumption to suggest that, if the main army had been allowed two hours for fortifying their position, the British, accustomed to lighting in close order, would have been repulsed. It is certain that General Howe had skilful as well as willing guides, to secure to him, by so long a détour, his surprise of Sullivan’s right wing. That was part of the same toryism of that period which a few days later, and not far away, betrayed Wayne’s forces, with great loss. But with all the mistakes, and the retreat of the American army, there was much of hope in the experience and in the sequel of the Battle of Brandywine. NOTE.—Lafayette, or LaFayette, makes his first appearance in this battle. At that period “_affix-names_,” derived from fiefs, seigniories, or estates, long held by families, were emphasized. Hence, La villa Faya, in Auvergne, when acquired, was added to the family name Motier. In the parish register, now in the war archives of France, the name is thus recorded: “Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Rock-Gilbert Dumotier Lafayette.” He signed his name _Lafayette_, and his grandsons, Senators Oscar and Edmond Lafayette, followed his example. The permanent acceptance of the spelling _Lafayette_ is therefore fully warranted, and harmonizes with its use for counties and cities in many of the States. This gallant young volunteer in the cause of American Independence, attended by Baron John De Kalb, and nine others, came to America in the ship _Victoire_, chartered by himself; and on the 19th of June, Lafayette wrote to his wife of his enthusiastic welcome at Charleston, S.C. On the 27th of July, he reached Philadelphia. He was commissioned Major-General by the American Congress, and took his first seat at a Council of War, August 21st, when the movement of the American army against Howe was under advisement. CHAPTER XIX. WASHINGTON RESUMES THE OFFENSIVE.—BATTLE OF GERMANTOWN.