Battle of the Clouds

Battle of the Clouds
Part of the American Revolutionary War
Date September 16, 1777 Location East Whiteland Township, Chester County near present-day Malvern, Pennsylvania, U.S. Result British victory
Belligerents
United States	Great Britain Hesse-Kassel
Commanders and leaders
George Washington	Sir William Howe Lord Cornwallis Wilhelm Knyphausen
Strength
10,000	18,000
Casualties and losses
100 killed or wounded	100 killed or missing
Pennsylvania Historical Marker
Designated	September 13, 2014

The Battle of the Clouds was a failed attempt to delay the British advance on Philadelphia during the American Revolutionary War on September 16, 1777, in the area surrounding present day Malvern, Pennsylvania. After the American defeat at the Battle of Brandywine, the British Army remained encamped near Chadds Ford. When British commander William Howe was informed that the weakened American force was less than ten miles (16 km) away, he decided to press for another decisive victory.

George Washington learned of Howe's plans and prepared for battle. Before the two armies could fully engage, a torrential downpour ensued. Significantly outnumbered, and with tens of thousands of cartridges ruined by the rain, Washington opted to retreat. Bogged down by rain and mud, the British allowed Washington and his army to withdraw.