So, all the business of the holidays has settled down now we get back to the daily routines but in colder weather Brrr. On this day in 1777 General George Washington defeated the British led by British General Lord Charles Cornwallis, at Princeton, New Jersey. On the night of January 2, George Washington, Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army, repulsed a British attack at the Battle of the Assunpink Creek in Trenton. That night, he evacuated his position, circled around General Lord Cornwallis’ army, and went to attack the British garrison at Princeton.

Brigadier General Hugh Mercer of the Continental Army, clashed with two regiments under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Charles Mawhood of the British Army. Mercer and his troops were overrun, and Washington sent some militia under Brigadier General John Cadwalader to help him. The militia, on seeing the flight of Mercer’s men, also began to flee. Washington rode up with reinforcements and rallied the fleeing militia. He then led the attack on Mawhood’s troops, driving them back. Mawhood gave the order to retreat and most of the troops tried to flee to Cornwallis in Trenton.

In Princeton itself, Brigadier General John Sullivan encouraged some British troops who had taken refuge in Nassau Hall to surrender, ending the battle. After the battle, Washington moved his army to Morristown, and with their third defeat in 10 days, the British evacuated southern New Jersey. With the victory at Princeton, morale rose in the ranks and more men began to enlist in the army. The battle (while considered minor by British standards) was the last major action of Washington’s winter New Jersey campaign.

On the home front, prior to the meeting Jerry Sebert will be serving a meal (menu to be decided at this week’s Legion meeting) at 6:00pm on Thursday January 18th. It’s supposed to be warmer then.

Our next fundraiser will be Friday January 19th when Jerry Sebert will have beans and cornbread luncheon ready. The fundraising luncheon will be 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Hut and will have carry-out again for call-in orders. Will need the same crew, plus others, working that event as we had in November for the chicken-noodle luncheon.

Don’t forget our regular meetings continue the first and third Thursdays of the month at 7:00 PM (January 4th, 18th).  Monday morning Koffee Klatch meetings in January are still scheduled for biscuits and gravy with always a cup of Joe (coffee to the civilians).  Keep your eye on the weather in case things have to be postponed (like freezing weather). If you are a veteran come on by. If you have a good story it may end up in print. Also keep up with us at website “americanlegion142.org”.