Battle of Bound Brook
Bound Brook, New Jersey, USA
What happened
Bound Brook was an American forward post guarding bridges over the Raritan River. Before dawn, British and Hessian forces surprised it. Most of the garrison escaped by an open route, though Lincoln had to leave in such a hurry that his papers were captured.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It was a British victory, but the British returned to New Brunswick that morning and the Americans retook the post. Washington worried that the campaigning season had started before his army was ready.
What came next
Washington moved his army to a strong camp at Middlebrook in late May. In June the British attempt to trap an American force was turned back at Short Hills.
Did you know?
Both sides used the same farmhouse, and Nathanael Greene joked that the British generals breakfasted there and he dined there the same day.
Timeline
- 13 April 1777Battle of Bound Brook.
- 28 May 1777Washington moves to Middlebrook.
- 26 June 1777Battle of Short Hills.