The Battle of Bound Brook was a surprise attack conducted by British and Hessian forces against a Continental Army outpost at Bound Brook, New Jersey during the American Revolutionary War. The British objective of capturing the entire garrison was not met, although prisoners were taken. The U.S. commander, Major General Benjamin Lincoln, left in great haste, abandoning papers and personal effects.
Charles Cornwallis, 1792 portrait by John Smart
General Benjamin Lincoln, portrait by Charles Willson Peale
Van Horne House, headquarters of General Benjamin Lincoln
Battle plaque in Billian Legion Park
Hessians were German soldiers who served as auxiliaries to the British Army during several major wars in the 18th century including the American Revolutionary War. The term is a synecdoche for all Germans who fought on the British side, since 65% came from the German states of Hesse-Kassel and Hesse-Hanau. Known for their discipline and martial prowess, around 30,000 Germans fought for the British during the war, around 25% of British land forces.
An 18th century illustration of two Hessian soldiers, including an officer (left) and private (right)
A 1799 portrait of Hessian hussars during the American Revolutionary War
Hessian grenadiers
Hessian mounted infantry