Moulder’s Battery Holds the Line

Moulder’s Battery Holds the Line. Moulder’s Battery. In the early stages of the battle, the disciplined British soldiers forced the Americans into a chaotic retreat. As Brigadier General Hugh Mercer’s and Colonel John Cadwalader’s forces regroup beyond the Thomas Clarke House, they were protected by two four-pounder cannons, commanded by Captain Joseph Moulder of Philadelphia. Moulder‘s battery prevented the British from advancing, giving the Americans time to organize a counterattack.

Captain Moulder and his crew of “20 boys recruited from Philadelphia dock area” strategically positioned their artillery on a small hill near the Clarke House. Due to this advantageous position, British soldiers couldn’t get a clear shot at “Moulder’s boys,” who tirelessly fired grape shot into the enemy ranks. Their incredible effort kept the British pinned down behind fences 200 yards from this spot. The battery didn’t let up until General George Washington arrived with reinforcements.

After the battle, Moulder’s crew served as a rear guard to delay the British soldiers arriving from Trenton. Out of a sense of pride, Moulder and his boys decide orders to “spike” and abandoned the guns after the battle. Instead, aided by 40 men per cannon, they ran them after the army and onto the safety of Morristown - an action for which Moulder was nearly court-martialed.

James Peale and the Battle of Princeton

Artist James Peele, a first lieutenant with the First Maryland Regiment at Princeton, drew on his own experience and first-hand accounts for his painting, The Battle of Princeton, which synthesizes several moments in the engagement into a single interpretation. After the war, Peale worked as a painter in Philadelphia. His daughters Anna, Margaretta, and Sarah were among the earliest American women to become professional artists.

1) General George Washington
The painting depicts the moment on January 3, 1777, when General Washington arrived on his chestnut charger, Nelson, to organize the troops and lead the counterattack.

2) Brigadier General Hugh Mercer
Mercer lies on the ground, morally wounded from a brutal bayonet attack. He was eventually moved into the Thomas Clarke House, where he died nine days later.

3) Captain Joseph Moulder
Moulder is shown here leading the five-man crew required to operate a cannon. As senior gunner, he aims the weapon and gives the order to fire.

4) British Soldiers
With their advance obstructed by offense, the British line was kept at bay by Moulder’s relentless battery of grapeshot. On the horizon, Nassau Hall is just visible. At the far left, British dragoons ride opposite American riflemen.

5) William Clarke House and Farm
No longer standing, the William Clarke house, barn, and Orchard or the site of the initial fighting between the opposing forces led by Brigadier General, Hugh, Mercer, and Lieutenant Colonel Charles Mawhood.

Produced with the support of an award of Federal funds from the American Battlefield Protection Program, administered by the National Park Service.

[Caption]:
James Peale, The Battle of Princeton, c. 1782. Oil on canvas. 61.5 x 89.5 cm. (24 3/16 x 35 1/4 in.)
Princeton University Museum of Art, Princeton, NJ