Crossing the Delaware
A Nearly Frozen River
Providence aided the American Army.
An unusual extreme freezing rain hit the Hessians after the Americans escaped across the Delaware. Huge Ice chunks in the river were making crossing impossible. The storm was so extreme that it was impossible for the Hessians to continue their attack.
Trenton, New Jersey
Hessians in Trenton
The Hessians stopped fighting for the winter and camped at Trenton, New Jersey, nearby.
The patriots began recovering from their wounds. George Washington took up residence in a 2 story home where he could spy on the Hessians across the river. He was in sight of the Hessian barracks through a telescope from a window on the 2nd floor of the home. As he watched the Hessians he was inspired to cross the Delaware on Christmas Day and attack on the morning of the 26th. He drew up a 3 division invasion plan. But when it was put into action one group could not cross the ice jammed river downstream.
The Battle of Trenton
As Washington crossed the river his troops, artillery and horses formed up at a staging area north of Trenton now called "Washington's Crossing National Park". In the early morning they attacked, totally surprising the Hessians. There was return fire but the surprise attack gave way to a fairly quick surrender by the Hessians.
The battle lasted much longer than traditional stories are told regarding this battle. The Hessians were professional soldiers and they did not give up easily. Even though they were surprised by the attack both sides had casualties.
The Patriots suffered 7 casualties - 2 dead and 5 wounded. One of those wounded was Lieutenant James Monroe during a courageous charge to silence two Hessian cannon. Monroe would become the fifth President of the United States in 1817.
The Hessians suffered 22 killed, 83 wounded, and 896 captured. Colonel Rall soon died of his wounds.
12/26/1776 The Battle of Trenton Trenton, New Jersey - A Patriot Win > A major win with the help of a storm that stopped the Hessians from continuing to follow the escape from New York. A surprise battle in horrible conditions. This began the "10 days that changed the world". - - Click Here to Continue - - After this decisive major win Washington organized his battered soldiers to fight again in the Battle of Princeton. The many battles in 10 days in this area gave the Americans a chance to celebrate. The moral of the American troops was exhilarated and the reputation of Washington was reinstated.
George Washington fought again within a few days up north at Princeton. The battle of Princeton was not a surprise attack. This was an expert accomplishment by the battered patriots in very cold conditions. The Hessians and the British were subdued. There were other battles and in 10 days the history of the revolution had changed. These battles in December and January were a major setback for the British. News of these battles by the Continental Army were broadcast throughout the world.
Providence was with them
“In God We Trust” printed on coins & bills
Washington gained the confidence of the Continental Congress after the wins at Trenton and Princeton. These 10 days truly changed history. George Washington was inspired and knew that providence was with he and his troops. After the war was over the phrase "In God We Trust" was placed on coins and bills in tribute to so many saving events that made defeat become wins for the United States of America and the cause of liberty and freedom.
Fight - Regroup - Fight Again
Many British Losses of Troups
Washington gained the confidence of the Continental Congress after the wins at Trenton and Princeton. These 10 days truly changed history. George Washington was inspired and knew that providence was with he and his troops. After the war was over the phrase "In God We Trust" was placed on coins and bills in tribute to so many saving events that made defeat become wins for the United States of America and the cause of liberty and freedom.
Fighting for their Liberties
The idea of the patriots being enticed into switching sides and going back to their allegiance of the crown was not working. Those that switched for a time, switched back. The colonists were fighting for their homes, their liberties and their new country.
Hit & Run Tactics
Many times the British would win a battle but would loose more troops than the Americans. The hit and run tactics of the Americans worked time after time. The colonists would fight, get beat and come back and fight again. It seemed that the patriots could loose, loose and loose again but might eventually win the war. Under the direction of George Washington and his generals the patriots were doing the impossible. And they were getting better at standing up to the European forces.
Lacked Supplies
The biggest problem was warm clothes, supplies and funds for the American soldiers. Washington and his generals would lead the army into battle, even though outnumbered and out supplied. Sometimes the army would even run out of gun power and have to retreat unexpectedly. Thank heaven for the French sending gunpowder and a few basic needs throughout the war. At first the needed supplies were sent in unmarked ships.
French Impressed
After the Trenton and Princeton wins the French were more open with their support and they sent even more supplies. Previously the French had been sending supplies and gun powder in unmarked ships. Now they were bringing the supplies and gun power in marked ships. This alliance will grow to a point that the French eventually will send men and ships to battle the British on American soil and seas.