 Cornwallis then headed towards Trenton to confront Washington with 5,000 men. And on January 2nd, 1777, Cornwallis' men spotted Washington's advance force and a skirmish ensued. In response, Washington got on horseback and threw himself into the action. He rallied his men as they repulsed the British three times. As nightfall came, Cornwallis and his men debated whether or not to continue the attack into the night or wait until the next day.