The Battle of Princeton was a painting created by James Peale in 1782 to portray the Battle of Princeton that took place on the nights of January 2-3, 1777. James Peale fought under Washington’s Continental Army in the American Revolution against the British alongside his brother, Charles Willson Peale, who was also a painter with a studio in Philadelphia. It is in this studio that it is believed that James Peale painted this piece using sketches of the battlefield that his brother had created after visiting the site to refresh his memory. For this reason, the painting is held to high significance for its accurate depiction of the battle setting in all its glory[1].

The Battle of Princeton was crucial for the Americans, who were looking to gain their independence from British rule, as it served as a turning point of the Revolutionary War. To this point, Washington’s army was depleted in numbers and low in morale. The army could not withstand against the British with sickness and desertion only worsening their cause. Washington realized that to boost morale within his army, he must serve as a leader who will listen to their opinions and suggestions to lead to the changes they wanted to see. This new strategy quickly gained attention from his army who was able to devise a new plan where “focus would be on quickness and elusiveness, on launching hit-and-run campaigns to confuse and unsettle the British while preserving his struggling army.” This is what ultimately led to the perfect storm for the American cause which showcased their will to persevere.[2]

While the British troops thought they were safe from attack in the winter months in which they hibernated, the Americans saw this as their perfect opportunity to unleash their new strategy. On Christmas night in 1776 Washington led his 2,400 men across the Delaware River into Trenton in which they successfully led a surprise attack in which “they seized the town of Trenton, killing or wounding over 100 Hessians and capturing 900 more.”[3] Four days later, the Americans again crossed the river, surrounding British troops in Princeton for another victory in which they captured British troops.[4] As showcased to the right, from the painting by James Peale, you can see the battle played out with Washington riding in on his horse (right above) to rally his militia against the redcoats who fire along the right side which only strengthened their cause. In Alfred Alexander Woodhull’s study of the Battle of Princeton and Washington’s army, he states, “This silent but eloquent appeal to the military spirit and patriotic valor of his men was effective. They advanced firing,”[5] This act of bravery as Washington pursued ahead of his troops on his horse showed his army that he was willing to physically lead to victory and put his own life on the line as well.

Behind the gunfire, the present-day Thomas Clarke farmhouse can be seen. Just in front of it, General Mercer (right below) can be seen mortally wounded lying next to his horse.[6] General Mercer was prominent for his role in this battle as well as in the Battle of Trenton on Christmas night just days prior. General Mercer’s son, William Mercer, was the apprentice of Charles Willson Peale and later painted a copy of this same portrait which is owned by the Historical Society of Pennsylvania.[7]

These waves of attacks bolstered confidence and showed how the Americans were a force, working in their favor as they saw an influx of Patriots sign up to serve. It also shifted the momentum as there would be many setbacks to follow by the British from 1777-1781.[8] The dramatic scenes of the painting show Washington’s positive strategy in motion as power and resilience appear to be prominent themes of the painting by James Peale. It shows off the grit of the rallied Americans as the blurry and miniscule redcoats come from afar.

All images courtesy of the Princeton University Art Museum.

Watch here: The video above discusses the significance of the Battle of Princeton towards the American Revolution; https://youtu.be/_ISu6xLDjAw?si=fOsoyny3ZdRDtM9A

 

References

[1] Donald Drew, Egbert. “General Mercer at the Battle of Princeton as Painted by James Peale, Charles Willson Peale, and William Mercer.” The Princeton University Library Chronicle 13, no. 4 (1952): 172.

[2] David E. Shi. America: A Narrative History (Brief Twelfth Edition) (Vol. Volume 1). 12 ed., W.W. Norton and Company, 2022. 182.

[3] Mercer, George Washington Hugh, Major Samuel Nicholas, and Charles Mawhood. “Battle of Princeton.” The New York and New Jersey Campaign (1777): 115.

[4] David E. Shi.  America: A Narrative History (Brief Twelfth Edition) (Vol. Volume 1). 12 ed., W.W. Norton and Company, 2022. 186.

[5] Alfred Alexander, Woodhull. The Battle of Princeton: A Preliminary Study. WC Sinclair, 1913. 18.

[6] Donald Drew, Egbert. “General Mercer at the Battle of Princeton as Painted by James Peale, Charles Willson Peale, and William Mercer.” The Princeton University Library Chronicle 13, no. 4 (1952): 176.

[7] Donald Drew, Egbert. “General Mercer at the Battle of Princeton as Painted by James Peale, Charles Willson Peale, and William Mercer.” The Princeton University Library Chronicle 13, no. 4 (1952): 178.

[8] David E. Shi. America: A Narrative History (Brief Twelfth Edition) (Vol. Volume 1). 12 ed., W.W. Norton and Company, 2022. 182.