In one of the pivotal moments of the Revolution, on January 3, 1777 when the cause of the patriots hung by a thread at the town of Princeton, New Jersey, Gen. George Washington proved once more to be the savior of the cause. Encountering a British brigade led by Col. Mawhood outside of Princeton, the patriot vanguard was forced back by a charge lead by the 17th Regiment of Foot. At the height of the fighting Washington with his staff galloped onto the field and rallied the retreating troops of Mercer's and Cadwalader's Brigades.