NJ, USA
Battle of Princeton
January 3, 1777
After slipping away from Cornwallis at Trenton during the night of January 2-3, Washington's army marched north and encountered British forces under Lieutenant Colonel Mawhood south of Princeton. The initial engagement between Mercer's brigade and Mawhood's 17th Foot was a brutal close-quarters fight. The British bayonet charge killed Mercer and scattered his men.
Washington rode forward personally to rally the retreating troops, exposing himself to fire at close range. Reinforcements under Cadwalader arrived, and the combined American force drove the British back into Princeton and then through the town. Some British soldiers took refuge in Nassau Hall, which was struck by American artillery before the garrison surrendered. The battle cost the British roughly 100 killed and 300 captured, while American losses were approximately 25 killed and 40 wounded.
People Involved
Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army (1732-1799) who personally led the attack at the Battle of Princeton on January 3, 1777, rallying his troops at a critical moment to turn the tide of the engagement.
Scottish-born physician and Continental brigadier general who was bayoneted by British troops at the Battle of Princeton and died nine days later. Mercer's stand at the orchard south of town bought time for Washington to bring up reinforcements.
British officer commanding the 17th Regiment of Foot at Princeton. Mawhood led a bayonet charge that killed General Mercer and scattered his brigade before Washington arrived with reinforcements and drove the British from the field.
Philadelphia physician who tended to the wounded at Princeton and left detailed accounts of the battle and its aftermath. Rush's letters describe the condition of both American and British casualties.