Battle of the Clouds

Battle of the Clouds
Part of the American Revolutionary War
DateSeptember 16, 1777
Location
Result British victory
Belligerents
 United States

 Great Britain

Commanders and leaders
United States George Washington Kingdom of Great Britain Sir William Howe
Kingdom of Great Britain Lord Cornwallis
Hesse Wilhelm Knyphausen
Strength
10,000 18,000
Casualties and losses
100 killed or wounded 100 killed or missing
DesignatedSeptember 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.