Battle at Cooch’s Bridge
In the close summer heat of September 3,1777, the British and Hessian vanguard troops under the command of Gen. Howe emerge from the woods and approach a waiting American ambush.
Battle lines form quickly as the American light infantry forces of Gen. Maxwell come out from the cover of the Christina River and thick woods and open fire on the unsuspecting British and Hessian forces.
Through the smoke of black powder and a summer morning haze a lone American Continental soldier makes ready to fire as the Hessian troops approach. Outnumbered and running low on ammunition the Americans fall back. They make one last stand at the bridge then withdraw to White Clay Creek in Hockessin. The British forces march into Newark. The two armies will meet again at the Battle of Brandywine on September 11, 1777
The history: Originally fought on September 3, 1777. 18,000 British troops came ashore at Elk Landing and proceeded to Aikens Tavern (Glasgow). Lord Cornwallis was beginning his march to Philadelphia. Cooch’s Bridge was the first action of the Philadelphia Campaign of 1777. British Gen. William Howe led a force of 4,000 troops composed of light infantry and Hessian Jägers against 800 hand-picked Continentals. This “Special Corps” was led by Gen. William Maxwell. Maxwell was following orders from Gen. George Washington to “provide every possible annoyance” to the enemy in an attempt to feel out the British strength in terms of troops and munitions. The Americans set up defensive positions in the creek beds and woods along the Christina Creek and opened fire. The battle was a series of attacks followed by a fall back to a defensive position. The Americans continued to fall-back until they reached Cooch’s bridge where a determined stand was made until they shot out of ammunition The Americans withdrew when Royal Artillery was called onto the field and Gen. Howe ordered a bayonet charge into the American right flank. Reports indicate about 30 casualties on both sides of the battle. Following the engagement the British occupied the Cooch home and the town of Newark. The armies would meet again in two weeks at the Battle of Brandywine. Cornwallis would eventually occupy the city of Philadelphia in the fall. The Continental Army wintered in Valley Forge.
Source: State of Delaware Archive website