DAMAGES SUSTAINED BY RESIDENTS OF THE CHADDS FORD AREA

British Looting

"While the British army was resting at Dilworthtown, from the 11th to the 16th of September, 1777, the officers sent their servants round among the farmers of the vicinity to collect poultry and other provender for their own tables. These marauders regarded as lawful plunder everything they could lay their hands upon and deemed worth carrying away."

Dr. William Darlington

During the five days that the British remained in the Chadds Ford area after the battle, soldiers looted neighboring farms and households. The plundering ranged in nature the appropriation of practical items needed to supply an army such as foodstuffs and livestock, blankets and clothing, cooking equipment and medical supplies to the vicious destruction of personal property like clocks, spice boxes, and looking glasses (mirrors). Birmingham, Kennett, Pennsbury, Thornbury, and Westtown Townships filed claims totaling 8,602 pounds or $333,227 in 2001 dollars; and Birmingham Township alone filed claims worth 5,844 pounds or $226,117 in 2001 dollars.

How Much is it Worth?

On September 21, 1782, the legislature of Pennsylvania directed county commissioners to estimate the amount of damages sustained by the inhabitants of the state during the Revolutionary War. The claims were recorded in pounds, shillings, and pence, in Pennsylvania currency (paper money issued by the state during the war).

Sources: Futhey, J. Smith and Gilbert Cope. History of Chester County Pennsylvania.
Economic History Services, “How Much is That Worth Today?”