supply and then, if a superior force came up, to retreat into the
highlands of New Jersey. There he could keep an unbroken line as
far east as the Hudson, menace the British in New Jersey, and
probably force them to withdraw to the safety of New York.

All through the night of January 2, 1777, Washington's camp fires
burned brightly and the British outposts could hear the sound of
voices and of the spade and pickaxe busy in throwing up
entrenchments. The fires died down towards morning and the
British awoke to find the enemy camp deserted. Washington had
carried his whole army by a roundabout route to the Princeton
road and now stood between Cornwallis and his base. There was
some sharp fighting that day near Princeton. Washington had to
defeat and get past the reinforcements coming to Cornwallis. He
reached Princeton and then slipped away northward and made his
headquarters at Morristown. He had achieved his purpose. The
British with Washington entrenched on their flank were not safe
in New Jersey. The only thing to do was to withdraw to New York.
By his brilliant advance Washington recovered the whole of New
Jersey with the exception of some minor positions near the sea.
He had changed the face of the war. In London there was momentary
rejoicing over Howe's recent victories, but it was soon followed
by distressing news of defeat. Through all the colonies ran
inspiring tidings. There had been doubts whether, after all,
Washington was the heaven-sent leader. Now both America and
Europe learned to recognize his skill. He had won a reputation,
though not yet had he saved a cause.