Washington began the Revolutionary War by being soundly defeated in New York, and swiftly retreating through New Jersey until both armies were forced into Winter Quarters. faced with a dwindling army, expiring terms of volunteer service, no supplies to speak of and low morale he rolled the dice on a surprise attack into Trenton. After the incredible success at Trenton on Christmas, Washington did the unexpected and moved inland TOWARDS , or rather between advancing British forces to hit the major supply depot at Princeton, inflicting a second bloody nose on the brits and cowing Cornwallis