# UX263 FDC - 1996 20c Princeton University Postal Card FDC
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Battle Of Princeton
In late December 1776, General George Washington famously led his men across the Delaware River to capture the town of Trenton, New Jersey. To retaliate, British General Lord Cornwallis assembled a force of over 9,000 men at nearby Princeton.
On January 2, Cornwallis left Princeton with about 8,000 of those men to attack Trenton. But they were held off over three attempts and retreated for the night, planning to return the next day. That night, Washington consulted with his officers and decided to attack Princeton the next day. Most of his army quietly abandoned Trenton overnight, while a small force of 500 remained, to give the appearance that they were digging in.
Washington rode his horse beyond the front lines to direct his menâs fire. Hidden by a cloud of smoke, many feared heâd been hit, but when the smoke cleared, he was there, unharmed, waving them forward. Washington and his men then forced the British into an all-out retreat.
At the outskirts of Princeton, Brigadier General John Sullivanâs men forced the British to retreat as well. Some of them attempted to hide in Nassau Hall, but were surrounded and eventually surrendered.
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Battle Of Princeton
In late December 1776, General George Washington famously led his men across the Delaware River to capture the town of Trenton, New Jersey. To retaliate, British General Lord Cornwallis assembled a force of over 9,000 men at nearby Princeton.
On January 2, Cornwallis left Princeton with about 8,000 of those men to attack Trenton. But they were held off over three attempts and retreated for the night, planning to return the next day. That night, Washington consulted with his officers and decided to attack Princeton the next day. Most of his army quietly abandoned Trenton overnight, while a small force of 500 remained, to give the appearance that they were digging in.
Washington rode his horse beyond the front lines to direct his menâs fire. Hidden by a cloud of smoke, many feared heâd been hit, but when the smoke cleared, he was there, unharmed, waving them forward. Washington and his men then forced the British into an all-out retreat.
At the outskirts of Princeton, Brigadier General John Sullivanâs men forced the British to retreat as well. Some of them attempted to hide in Nassau Hall, but were surrounded and eventually surrendered.