“Prentiss,” said he, singling out Ezra; and the latter at once advanced to the side of the great white horse. The commander-in-chief said: “When you brought in your information as to the movements of the enemy, this morning, did you not say that a force was left behind a little way out of Trenton, as a rear guard?”
“About six miles, or half-way to Princeton, general,” answered Ezra promptly. “It is under command of General Leslie; I saw him plainly.”
“And they were on the direct road between Trenton and Princeton?”
“Yes, general.”
“That will be all.”
Ezra fell back to his friends; the commander turned to his officers.
“There is another way to Princeton—a more circuitous one, known as the Quaker Road,” said Washington. “Do you think, Mercer,” to the Virginian officer who was in the group, “that a movement could be successfully made in that direction?”
“I am sure of it,” declared General Mercer, enthusiastically. “A quick march, a blow when they least expect it at Princeton, destroy what baggage they’ve left there—and then a rush upon Brunswick, where we can deal them a blow that will cripple them.”
There was a chorus of voices raised in praise of the proposition. But Washington’s hand went up.
“First,” said he, “we will discuss the matter in detail. And as your quarters are the nearest, Mercer,” to his friend, “we will go there.”