Wednesday, December 22, 2021

Ten Facts About the Battle of Princeton: Sneaking Away and That 'Intelligent Young Gentleman'

From George Washington's Mount Vernon.

The American victory at the Battle of Princeton (January 3, 1777)  was one of the most consequential f the American Revolution.  George Washington and his soldiers marched north from Trenton and attacked a British force south of Princeton.

Washington's victory  bolstered American  morale and provided  great confidence to his soldiers.

1.  WASHINGTON ESCAPED ONE ENEMY TO ATTACK ANOTHER AT PRINCETON.

The Americans had been able to repulse several attacks on January 2 at the Battle of Assunpink Creek (Battle of Second  Trenton), but still had the prospects of an all-out attack by  Gen. Charles Cornwallis' 8,000 man British Army the next day.

They were able to slip away through deceptive campfires and quietness to attack Princeton.

2.  "A VERY INTELLIGENT YOUNG GENTLEMAN" PROVIDED WASHINGTON WITH INTELLIGENCE.

Col. John Cadwalader was able to get detailed information and a map from this "intelligent young gentleman."  They didn't say who he was, though. But Washington had a detailed map of the British defenses and positions at Princeton.

--Brock-Perry


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