Wednesday, February 16, 2022

Ten Facts About Battle of Princeton-- Part 3: Mawhood;s Spaniels and George Washington Killed?

4.  BRITISH LT.COL. CHARLES MAWHOOD RODE INTO BATTLE WITH SPRINGER SPANIELS AT HIS SIDE.

Mercer's Americans soon saw the British advance from two British regiments, the 17th and 55th Foot.  Mawhood himself could be seen  atop his "brown pony" and with a pair of his favorite spaniels bounding at his side.

To say the least, Mawhood delighted in acting nonchalant at all times, but even so, he was a highly capable officer and really proved his mettle at the Battle of Princeton.

5. MANY BRITISH SOLDIERS THOUGHT THEY HAD KILLED GEORGE WASHINGTON DURING THE BATTLE

During the early stages of the battle, a British bayonet charge broke Hugh Mercer's line.  He tried to rally his troops, but got surrounded by enemy soldiers who shouted "Surrender you damn rebel!"  Mercer, a veteran of European wars and a fierce patriot refused to do so.  

After a brief  struggle, Mercer was bayonetted repeatedly and left for dead.  Given that he  was well-attired (as opposed to the rags of the regular American soldiers, a high-ranking officer and refused to surrender, many British soldiers thought he was George Washington.

--Cooter


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