Trenton
On December 25, 1776, General George Washington and his troops sailed across the icy Delaware, then marched through 9 miles of snow. Many did not have adequate clothing, and two of his men froze to death. Despite this, Washington and his army plundered on. On December 26, 1776, they launched an attack on the drunk Hessians, whom were hired by the British. Washington and his army had the upper-hand and won this battle. "The victories reasserted American control of much of New Jersey and greatly improved the morale and unity of the colonial arm and militias." (www.history.com)
"This difficulty also hindered General Cadwallader from crossing, with the Pennsylvania Militia, from Bristol, he got part of his Foot over, but finding it impossible to embark his Artillery, he was obliged to desist. I am fully confident, that could the Troops under Generals Ewing and Cadwallader have passed the River, I should have been able, with their Assistance, to have driven the Enemy from all their posts below Trenton. But the Numbers I had with me, being inferior to theirs below me, and a strong Battalion of Light Infantry at Princetown above me, I thought it most prudent to return the same Evening, with my prisoners and the Artillery we had taken. We found no Stores of any Consequence in the Town. In justice to the Officers and Men, I must add, that their Behaviour upon this Occasion, reflects the highest honor upon them. The difficulty of passing the River in a very severe Night, and their march thro' a violent Storm of Snow and Hail, did not in the least abate their Ardour. But when they came to the Charge, each seemed to vie with the other in pressing forward, and were I to give a preference to any particular Corps, I should do great injustice to the others. Colonel Baylor,95 my first Aid de Camp, will have the honor of delivering this to you, and from him you may be made acquainted with many other particulars; his spirited Behaviour upon every Occasion, requires me to recommend him to your particular Notice. I have the honor &ca."
- George Washington's letter to Continental Congress, December 27, 1776 |
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Washington mentions how determined his troops were to continue on with their journey. This may be a factor with America's victory in their independence from Britain. They were fighting for their own way of life, and the lives of their family. Compared to the Hessians, or the British soldiers, who were fighting for a king, whom they most likely have no emotional ties with. They were just doing their jobs. After Washington and his men easily win this battle, it inspires hope and confidence within those fighting and those supporting the Revolution, that they can achieve their goals of freedom.
Elise Bennett
Julian Charter School
Date of Publication : January 9, 2015
Date Last Edited : January 9, 2015
Julian Charter School
Date of Publication : January 9, 2015
Date Last Edited : January 9, 2015