The New York herald., 1876-12-27
tain Peter wilkes; Company 4, First Pennsylvania
Artillery-Captain G. vansyckon

Artiliery-Captain G. Vansyckcll.
The representation OF the prominent personages OF
the original battle distributed as ollows:-Gene-
raj TreuS, To represent General Washington; General
f. l. Campbell, TO represent General Greene; Cap
tam r. s. Johnson, to represent General Mercer Mr..
Martin Kcegan. to represent General Sullivan; Cap
tain Isaac Rouner. to represent General Morgan Col
one W. r Wilson. to represent General Lord sterling;
Captain Youmans, to represent the Hcssian CON-
mander Colonel Rah and Captain Wilkes. the Hessian
colonel Schaffer. General Washington Trcnx estab-
shed ms headquarters the Pennington Pike,
which was occupied by the General Greene campbcll's
DIVISION while the Second division under General
Sullivan rcndczvoused on The River road.
THE FIRST SHOT.
About half past nine A. NJ General Nerccrs brigade,
which occupied the right OF Greepe's division, came
into collision with the north outpost OF the Hcssian
troops, which was posted on the Pennington Pike,
and Warren streets. The outpost retired good order
hating and firing on the advancing Continental
enemy vigorously, and General Washington Treux or.
dercc General Strings brigade forward as
their support This was done in very spirited, al
most reckless manner the brigade marching in column
OF division, with bayonets fixed.
FIGHTERS.
Ono regiment, the Trenton Guards, resolved TO die
musically, and actually marched 10 the attack with
their band OF music At their head The mu-
through the rapid roll Of the muskctry lrc that
told that the engagement was getting warm.
Although Mercer pushed his attack warmly, tho nd-
vance OF his column momcn arily checked by the
Stubborn resistance OF tho Hcssan picket at the head
Of Greene and Warren streets The dire OF tho CONT
picket beat hasty into Warren street just
Colonel Knox's battery of Coninc ntal artillery ap-
pcatcd upon the scene and unlmbcred at the junction
OF Warren ana Greene.
TAXING TO THEIR HEELS
Tho appearance Of the gnus had tho effect OF expe-
diting the departure OF tho Htssian picket who pru
IDENTIFY took TO their heels at the double quick and did
not think OF hating until they had placed the canal
bridge between themselves and their pursucrS Here
however, they halted and opened fire tho artillery
men and the Continental company which advanced TO
support the battery.
In the meantime the hght in Greene street had be-.
come warm. strong body OF Hcsslnns had ad-
vanccd from the centre OF the town with the intention
OF capturing The Continental battery but in this at
tempt thcy were defeated BY spirited charge OF Gen.
eral Greenc's column.
NEARLY 4 VICTIM
With sublime Indifference the fate Of his own
friends Colonel Knox Stahi ordered his battery 10 hre
came very near failing victim to his un.hnkng vaor
The artillery mcn not caring TO sacrifice whole
patoons Of Continentals TO tho chance Of hitting fcw
Hcssians, slackcncd their fire, when the gallant
Colonel rode up, and IN words that must be written
In blank. ordered them to continue the re. without
nrs taking the precantion OF getting out OF the way
lie the head by wad and mad his hat
knocked OIL, aud several drops OF his precious blood
she'd Fortunately the gallant Colonel suffered no Sc
rous damage and was able TO continue his intelligent
direction OF the artillery The charge OF the Contncn
tails had the effect OF driving tho main body
OF the Hcssans in Greene street beyond tho
the canal bridge Here they halted and opened such
heavy Are on the advancing column that It's advance
to regain their lost ground defeated by the spen
did conduct OF the Continental column. Tho divisions
advanced and hrcd succcfsoD, wheeling the
and lett allow tho companies deliver their fire.
WASHINGTON ON ruE sCgNR
General Washington, seeing tho importance of car
rying the canal BRIDGE TOOK position behind the guns
aud sent word TO General Mercer TO charge and push
the enemy at all hazards
A DECISIVE CHARGE.
While this lighting going In Greene street
tho Washington Pioneer Corps, which might be moro
appropriately called The Ragged regiment made a
splendid charge and drove the Hcssians from The
anal bridge, thus turning the flank OF the
defenders OF Greene street. simultaneous forward
checked by charge OF the IIessIans. But Greene $
coinmn proved too much the end, and the Hcssians
beat WE'LL timed retreat down Perry street, where
they made junction with Colonel Rahl's rcgi-
mcnt in Greene street General Suilivan's division
IN the meantime drove in the Hessian pickots from
Front street, aud notwithstanding vigorous resist
compelled them 10 retirc to state street
Ono OF tho most aughabo features Of the battle was
the general supervision by the stalwar policeman
the Two contcnding bosts as for instance, here on
State street. "Look out you don't get shot," tie po-