While exerting himself gallantly to rally his broken troops, General Mercer was mortally wounded, and the van was entirely routed.

But the fortune of the day was soon changed.

The main body, led by General Washington in person, followed close in the rear, and attacked the British with great spirit.

Persuaded that defeat would irretrievably ruin the affairs of America, he advanced in the very front of danger, and exposed himself to the hottest fire of the enemy.

He was so well supported by the same troops who, a few days before, had saved their country at Trenton, that the British, in turn, were compelled to give way.