It was Christmas Day, 1776, freezing cold wintry weather – sometimes snowing, with sleet and rain – making any movement of troops extremely difficult.
After being chased by the British out of Long Island, New York, and retreating off of Manhattan island, across the Hudson River and into New Jersey, Washington was faced with the real possibility of losing the war and the struggle for independence would be lost. With the British continually pursuing the Continental Army through New Jersey, they crossed the Delaware into Pennsylvania and set up camp in the frigid winter weather.
Facing the loss of the majority of his militia due to expiring enlistments, Washington new he had to attack the British. With no winter clothing, some of his troops without shoes, he ordered them to march through the deep snow and ice and across the treacherous, icy Delaware river to stage an attack on the Hessians hold up in Trenton.
The snow slowed the march to the river so the river crossing was delayed, the treacherous water and icy conditions caused the crossing to take longer than planned. Washington walked along the line of the militia, and with a deep solomn voice, encouraged the soldiers to “keep by your officers. For God’s sake, keep by your officers!”
Washington crossing the Delaware
After getting across the Delaware, marching on to Trenton they found the Hessians more interested in keeping warm than they were at keeping watch. A quick battle ensued, the Hessian commander was killed, the Hessians surrendered, and a much needed victory was won for the struggling Continental militia and new country.
As a result, Washington was able to encourage many of the soldiers whose enlistments had expired to remain with the army for another month. Their love of George Washington, a reflection of his respect and dedication to his troops, and his determination to take action when all others felt the cause was lost will forever leave George Washington as a true American hero.
Patriotic Expressions 