America 250: Presidential Message on the Anniversary of the Battle of Princeton
On January 3, 1777, General George Washington and his battle-hardened Continental Army secured a decisive victory over the formidable British garrison at the Battle of Princeton—an epic clash that reignited the Revolution and steered the Patriots back on the path to independence.
During the “Ten Crucial Days” following General Washington’s legendary crossing of the Delaware River, Continental soldiers once again answered the call of liberty in extraordinary fashion. After fending off a hard-pressed British attack at the Second Battle of Trenton, under the cover of darkness, General Washington led thousands of American soldiers in a careful evasion of the British Army, leaving campfires burning and sentries posted to disguise their departure. In the light of daybreak, the enemy found an empty camp at Trenton—outwitted once again by the cunning and courage of General Washington—while the Continental Army were miles away confronting the British garrison at Princeton.
As battle was joined, the British initially gained the upper hand. Charging with fixed bayonets, they overran an American position, and viciously stabbed Brigadier General Hugh Mercer, one of Washington’s closest aides, seven times, fatally wounding him. As fresh Continentals and militia arrived, though, General Washington himself courageously rode to the front lines, rallying his troops to stand firm and press forward, before going on to break the British line and send the enemy reeling back into town and beyond. Defeated, the British hoisted a white flag of surrender into the cold morning air—signaling that the Continental Army had reigned victorious once again.
That day, General Washington’s men won a crucial victory, revived our national spirit, and breathed new life into the cause of independence throughout the Colonies. Nearly two and a half centuries later, the patriots’ renewed spirit of determination remains an enduring symbol of American strength, resilience, and grit. Today, we pledge to continue the work of saving our country with the courage that burned in the hearts of the warriors at Princeton 249 years ago. We honor their valiant legacy. We vow to protect our inheritance of liberty against all enemies and to forge a future worthy of their sacrifice.
