Washington Wins at Princeton

January 3, 1777 - Gen. George Washington's troops win the Battle of Princeton. Following his stunning Christmas victory at Trenton, Gen. George Washington returned to New Jersey and established a strong position south of the town. Late on January 2, Maj. Gen. Lord Charles Cornwallis arrived with 5,500 men and planned to attack the Americans the next day. Rather than wait to meet the enemy, Washington, boldly slipped away during the night and began moving against British forces at Princeton. Detaching the brigade of Brig. Gen. Hugh Mercer to secure the Post Road, Washington continued his advance. Emerging onto the road, Mercer encountered 1,200 men under Lt. Col. Charles Mawhood. Immediately attacking, Mawhood overwhelmed Mercer's men and mortally wounded the general. Scattering approaching militia as well, Mawhood was not put on the defensive until Washington arrived with the bulk of the army. Attacking the British, Washington turned the tide and nearly surrounded Mawhood's command. Surging forward, Mawhood's men were able to break through the American lines and escape towards Trenton.