Second Battle of Trenton (Assunpink Creek)

On January 2, 1777, General Cornwallis advanced on Trenton with a force of approximately 8,000 troops, intending to destroy Washington's army. Washington's forces held a defensive position behind Assunpink Creek, repelling several British attempts to cross the bridge. As darkness fell, Cornwallis reportedly decided to delay the final assault until morning, confident that Washington was trapped. That night, Washington convened a council of war and made the decision to slip away from Trenton and march on Princeton instead. The Second Battle of Trenton set the stage directly for the night march and the Battle of Princeton.