James Monroe was born in 1758 in Westmoreland County, Virginia. In 1776 he served as an officer in the continental army and saved the Battle of Trenton against the British. During the battle, he was standing at his post, and a farmer came out and told them to get off his property. The battle was on Christmas day. Monroe and the other soldiers with him identified themselves as American soldiers, and the farmer apologized.
             Later the man who was also a doctor brought them out some hot drinks and food for them, the man stayed out there and refused to go back inside. Monroe felt encouraged that the people that local citizens detested the Hessians (British soldiers). General Washington wanted the attack to take place at dawn. Captain Washington and lieutenant Monroe were ordered to break the Hessians defense. The Americans attacked and forced them back. Twenty soldiers got on their horses and galloped away. Monroe heard a cry and saw captain Washington on the ground wounded. Monroe hesitated, and then took command and charged right up to the enemy line. All of a sudden a musket ball ripped through his left shoulder in pain, shock, and massive loss of blood he lost consciousness. When he woke up, he was in the doctor's house. The farmer-doctor said that if they got him there any later, he might have died because the musket ball cut through a lot of arteries.
             Later, general Washington spoke of Monroe's bravery. The Americans won the battle and captured more than 1,000 prisoners and a lot of ammunition. Monroe didn't speak of his courage though. But general Washington promoted Monroe to the rank of captain and wrote a report to the Continental Congress, Washington wrote: "Our forces were exemplary, extraordinary conduct of Lieutenant James Monroe, Third Virginia Infantry. Second, in command of the vanguard, he assumed command when Captain William Washington was wounded. His safety is meaning nothing to him; Lieutenant Monroe demons...