Washington and his forces successfully won the battles in Trenton. But now, his army is vulnerable to British attack. Will Washington stay and fight?
The Battle of Princeton
Washington decided to move north and trick the British into thinking his army was staying put. This ultimately led to the Battle of Princeton.
Washington's Ruse
General Cornwallis
The British troops were convinced that the Americans were staying in an area that was easy to attack. They were led by General Cornwallis.
"We'll bag him in the morning"
Morristown, New Jersey
After the battle, Washington's troops retreated to Morriston, New Jersey, to regroup and recharge. He also ordered his troops to be inoculated against Smallpox.
Take a BreakVideo
How did Washington become a Great General?
This video explores how Washington became the leader of the Continental Army.
Map: The Battle of Princeton, Phases I and II
This digital map helps show the movement of troops in first part of the Battle of Princeton
Map: The Battle of Princeton, Phases III and IV
This digital map helps show the movement of troops in second part of the Battle of Princeton
Why did Washington choose to retreat after winning the Battle of Princeton?
Primary Source: Plan of Princeton
This hand-drawn map was drawn on December 31, 1776 and given to George Washington just prior to the Battle of Princeton.
Primary Source: George Washington to the Pennsylvania Council of Safety
In this update, George Washington describes the Battles of Princeton and Trenton to the Pennslyvania Council of Safety. He includes both the number of deaths and number of prisoners taken on both sides.
Primary Source: Small Innoculatoin
Shortly after the Battle of Princeton, George Washington ordered that every soldier in his army be inoculated against Smallpox. This letter explains his orders.
Primary Sources
Click the links to explore Primary Sources on the American Revolution
- General George Washington
- American Crises by Thomas Paine
- Enlistment Form
- Washington Crossing the Delaware
- George Washington's Trunk Plate
- George Washington to James Ewing
- General Orders December 27, 1776
- Field Bedstead
- The Battle of Trenton and Princeton Maps
- George Washington after Princeton
- The Death of General Mercer
- From George Washington to the Commanding Officer at Morristown (Founders Online)
- George Washington to the Pennsylvania Council of Safety
- Plan of Princeton
- Smallpox Innoculation
Secondary Sources
Click the links to read Secondary Sources on the American Revolution
- The American Revolution
- American Revolution Resources
- Continental Army
- General Cornwallis
- Thomas Paine
- The Battle of Trenton
- The Battle of Second Trenton
- Be Washington: The Battle of Second Trenton
- John Cadawalder
- Washington Crossing the Delaware
- 10 Facts on The Battle of Princeton
- The Battle of Princeton
- Morristown, New Jersey
- Smallpox
- Disease in the Revolutionary War
Watch The Winter Patriots
Learn the Battles of Princeton and Trenton with this 30 minute film!
The Winter Patriots Home
Click the link to go back to The Winter Patriots Resources
Link to Homepage