3 January 1777 The Battle of Princeton

The Battle of Princeton, fought on the 3rd of January 1777, was a significant engagement during the American Revolutionary War. It followed closely after the Battle of Trenton and was part of George Washington’s bold and successful campaign to revive the morale of the Continental Army and supporters of independence.

After suffering defeats in New York, General George Washington and the Continental Army retreated across New Jersey into Pennsylvania. However, Washington launched a counteroffensive, crossing the icy Delaware River on Christmas night in 1776 to defeat the Hessians at Trenton.

After his victory at Trenton, Washington faced Cornwallis’s larger force at Assunpink Creek near Trenton on 2 January 1777.

During the night, Washington executed a daring maneuver, leaving campfires burning to deceive the British while his army silently marched around Cornwallis’s forces to strike at Princeton, a lightly defended British outpost.

Early on 3 January, Washington’s force of around 4,500 men approached Princeton. A portion of the British forces under Colonel Charles Mawhood encountered the Americans and engaged in battle. The British initially gained the upper hand, routing some American units.Washington rode into the thick of the fighting to rally his troops, inspiring them to counterattack. His bravery turned the tide of the battle. The Continental Army overwhelmed the British, capturing around 200 prisoners. The remaining British soldiers fled toward Cornwallis’s main force.

The Americans suffered about 25 killed and 40 wounded, while the British had over 100 killed or wounded, with 200 captured.

The victory at Princeton, following the success at Trenton, boosted American morale and revitalized the revolutionary cause. It forced the British to abandon much of their hold on New Jersey, retreating to New York. Washington’s daring maneuvers earned him widespread admiration and established his reputation as a brilliant military strategist.

The Battle of Princeton is celebrated as a turning point in the American Revolution. It demonstrated the resolve and resilience of the Continental Army and bolstered international support for the American cause.