Page:History of the United States of America, Spencer, v1.djvu/494

402 intense frost set in, and the road speedily became solid and easy of passage. The soldiers were encouraged by this, and, believing that Providence had again interposed in their hour of difficulty, they marched forward with high spirit.

Cornwallis had left three regiments at Princeton, under Colonel Mawhood, with orders to advance on the 3d of January. Toward daybreak, they suddenly came in sight of the approaching continental troops, with whom they were almost immediately in action. The Americans, posted behind a fence, poured in a heavy and well-directed volley, after receiving which, the British, with fixed bayonets, charged them with such impetuosity, that abandoning their shelter, they broke and fled precipitately, closely pursued by their victorious enemies. Both fugitives and pursuers, however, were suddenly arrested by the sight of the force under Washington, who, beholding the rout, hastened on, colors in hand, to rally the discomfited troops. At no time in his life, perhaps, was he exposed to more imminent hazard. The Americans immediately rallied, the English re-formed their line, both levelled their guns, and prepared to fire, while Washington, whose ardor had hurried him forward into a most perilous position, stood like a mark for the bullets of both. But God preserved him for his country and mankind. He escaped without a hurt, and urged his men forward to the attack, The British, however, did not wait the onset. Mawhood, already severely handled, and seeing reinforcements coming up, wheeled off, leaving his artillery, and regaining the Trenton road, continued his march to join Cornwallis.

Washington advanced to Princeton, putting to flight a regiment of British troops, and taking a number of prisoners in the town. The loss of the British was about a hundred killed, and some three hundred were made prisoners. The American loss was only about thirty killed, including several officers. The principal loss was General Mercer, a gallant soldier and able officer, who was mortally wounded, and expired on the 12th of January. His death was deeply deplored by his countrymen.

Early in the morning, Cornwallis was greatly chagrined at discovering that Washington had escaped out of his hands, and he was for a time perplexed to ascertain where he had betaken himself. But the booming of cannon in the direction of Princeton opened his eyes, and showed him how Washington had out-generaled him. Alarmed, as well he might be, for the safety of the British stores at Brunswick, he advanced rapidly towards Princeton. In the American army, it had indeed been proposed to make a forced march to Brunswick, where all the baggage of the British army was deposited; but the complete exhaustion of the men, who had been without rest, and almost without food, for two days and nights. prevented the adoption of the measure General Washington proceeded towards Morristown, and Lord Cornwallis pressed on his rear ; but the Americans, on crossing Millstone River, broke down the bridge at Kingston, to