Johann von Ewald and a few of his jägers are in the vanguard of Grant's column and engage the American sentries to the south of Bound Brook.

Unaware that this is supposed to be a feint, Ewald drives the sentries back nearly to the main redoubt where the outpost's cannons are located.

By sunrise he is nearly surrounded; the timely arrival of von Donop's column just over the river, and the attack by Cornwallis's column prompts the Americans to begin abandoning the post.

The surprise is very nearly complete; the Pennsylvania artillery company, which had been manning the redoubt, is severely mauled, with numerous killed and captured.

Colonel von Donop reports that General Lincoln "must have retired en Profond Négligé" ("profoundly undressed", or naked), and Lincoln's papers are taken.

The British plan is marred by the early skirmishing involving Ewald, and the too-late arrival of the companies sent to cut off the road to Morristown; Many Americans escape via this route.

The British capture also cannons, ammunition, and supplies, and loot Bound Brook, but return to New Brunswick later in the morning.