Combat· American Revolutionary War
Trenton-Princeton Campaign
Three companies of Continental Marines from Philadelphia served ashore with George Washington's army in New Jersey in the winter of 1776 and 1777.
Major Samuel Nicholas commanded them, approximately 130 officers and men, and Washington placed them under John Cadwalader, whose brigade of Philadelphia militia held the Delaware River at Bristol. On the night of December 25, 1776, ice led Cadwalader to order his men back to Pennsylvania, while Washington's division crossed and took Trenton the following morning. On January 2, 1777, at Assunpink Creek, the Marines were among the light troops sent to support the bridge when Hessian grenadiers tried to force it. At Princeton on January 3 the Marines advanced on the right of Cadwalader's column, which was driven back 40 yards. A renewed attack forced the British 17th Regiment to retreat. Pennsylvania Marine Captain William Shippin, whose privateer company was attached to Cadwalader, was among the officers killed. Nicholas' 80 men later lodged near Morristown, and on February 1 the three companies were transferred to the artillery.
Engagements in this conflict (1)
Record no. 165