Dike, and Webster remained as the remainder of General Dickinson’s force began to withdraw, for they knew the enemy was close. As they began to disable a local bridge, a squad of the enemy appeared. “…with great zeal (we) began to repair the bridge, the planks of which had been pulled up, and the draw raised. ” The British, not finding this humorous, quickly sent an advance force to dispatch the enemy. They were repelled by an unusually small party that became detached from its’ regiment. This was at the cost of four dead, and several more wounded. The British then attempted to cross a second bridge, the likes of which had been burned to ashes. A skirmish occurred at this bridge, also, and the Americans were able to hit a few British. A British officer and three men fell, while one American, a man named Clevinger, was killed. In this way, the force repelled a small attack, one that may have “…saved Trenton and the county adjacent from rapine and desolation. ” At this point, General George Washington became a more aware of the situation that was unfolding in New Jersey. He began to realize the seriousness of a large British force moving through New Jersey. He told General Maxwell to keep him alert on “…any favorable circumstances that may present themselves. ” He then held a meeting with the Council of War, which was held on the farm of John Hart on the 24th and 25th of June. This, however, yielded only one unifying concept; no one could agree on an action. There were two main factions which formed during these meetings. General Anthony Wayne, the boldest of the staff, and Major General Marquis de Lafayette, the youngest of the staff, urged for, at least, a partial attack on the column while it was vulnerable. They pointed out that the column was well over twelve miles long, and with Maxwell doing a superb job in slowing its’ progress, now was the time to find a wea...
