Ten Facts About Battle of Princeton-- Part 4: Washington's Presence Turns the Tide

6.  AT ONE POINT, GEORGE WASHINGTON WAS JUST 30 YARDS FROM THE BRITISH LINE

Moving to reinforce Mercer's broken line, Cadwalader's  brigade, about 1,500 men, moved towards the British.  Despite their numerical superiority, the inexperienced Americans began to fall back under heavy British fire. 

As Cadwalader reformed his men, Washington came riding up astride a magnificent white horse.  As musket balls flew around him, Washington coolly assured his soldiers, "Parade with us brave fellows!    There is but a handful of  the enemy and we shall have them directly!"

Washington then proceeded to lead the militiamen forward and at one point was just 30 yards from the British line, easy musket range.

John Fitzgerald, one of Washington's officers, reportedly pulled his hat over his eyes, expecting to see the general shot from the saddle at any moment.  But, despite his proximity to danger, Washington remained unscathed and his galvanizing presence stabilized the American line at a  critical moment of the battle.

Soon, Washington along with fresh reinforcements was chasing  the remnants of Mawhood's command through the fields and woods.

(See picture at right of the Battle of Princeton.)

--Cooter