October 4, 1777

Howe Defeats Washington at the Battle of Germantown

In a battle near Germantown, Pennsylvania, Washington's attack on Howe's forces disintegrates into chaos at the point when the Americans are about to break the British lines. A fog may well have caused the confusion that led to panic in the American lines and a full retreat. American losses were considerable, with almost 1000 men killed, wounded, or captured, including the entire 9th Virginia Regiment.