When the attack commenced, General Smallwood, who was on his march to
join Wayne, a circumstance entirely unexpected by General Gray, was
within less than a mile of him, and, had he commanded regulars, might
have given a very different turn to the night. But his militia thought
only of their own safety, and, having fallen in with a party returning
from the pursuit of Wayne, fled in confusion, with the loss of only one
man.

Some severe animadversions on this unfortunate affair having been made
in the army, General Wayne demanded a court-martial, which, after
investigating his conduct, was unanimously of opinion, "that he had
done everything to be expected from an active, brave, and vigilant
officer," and acquitted him with honor.

Having secured his rear, by compelling Wayne to take a greater
distance, Howe marched along the valley road to the Schuylkill and
encamped on the bank of that river, from the Fatland ford up to French
creek, along the front of the American army. To secure his right from
being turned, Washington again changed his position and encamped with
his left near, but above, the British right.

Howe now relinquished his plan of bringing Washington to another
battle, and thinking it advisable, perhaps, to transfer the seat of war
to the neighborhood of his ships, determined to cross the Schuylkill
and take possession of Philadelphia. In the afternoon he ordered one
detachment to cross at Fatland ford, which was on his right, and
another to cross at Gordon's ford, on his left, and to take possession
of the heights commanding them. These orders were executed without much
difficulty, and the American troops placed to defend these fords were
easily dispersed.