Im local to the area and my understanding was that GW set up an ambush of sorts on the south bank of the Assunpink Creek directly in line with the bridge. The south side is noticeably higher and the three British charges were funneled onto the bridge to place their forces in the crosshairs of their artillery. the cannons and soldier s were also shooting down hill a bit and the density of British soldiers on the bridge allowed a high % of successful fire. Washing wasn't forced to go there but rather stategically set the bridge up and also sent a few garrisons north toward Princeton during the day to slow down Cornwallis as he approached, just enough to let him arrive near dusk to try a late afternoon attack. Washington then set up camp and instructed several hundred soldiers to remain behind, digging in and cooking ,etc to give the appearance of an overnight stay. once it was late enough those troops silently left to the right flank and also headed up toward Princeton...
Im local to the area and my understanding was that GW set up an ambush of sorts on the south bank of the Assunpink Creek directly in line with the bridge. The south side is noticeably higher and the three British charges were funneled onto the bridge to place their forces in the crosshairs of their artillery. the cannons and soldier s were also shooting down hill a bit and the density of British soldiers on the bridge allowed a high % of successful fire.
Washing wasn't forced to go there but rather stategically set the bridge up and also sent a few garrisons north toward Princeton during the day to slow down Cornwallis as he approached, just enough to let him arrive near dusk to try a late afternoon attack.
Washington then set up camp and instructed several hundred soldiers to remain behind, digging in and cooking ,etc to give the appearance of an overnight stay. once it was late enough those troops silently left to the right flank and also headed up toward Princeton...
Very cool history
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