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The Battle of Trenton. And George Washington Crossing The Delaware River. Morale was down in 1776. George Washington’s Continental Army had lost several casualties. His army had to retreat through New Jersey to the west side of the Delaware River into Pennsylvania.
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The Battle of Trenton And George Washington Crossing The Delaware River
Morale was down in 1776 • George Washington’s Continental Army had lost several casualties. • His army had to retreat through New Jersey to the west side of the Delaware River into Pennsylvania. • Three Hessian regiments (German soldiers hired by the British) were across the river in Trenton, NJ numbering around 1,400 soldiers. Washington's’ Army
Get Em’ When They Least Expect It… • George Washington decided that the day after Christmas, December 26, 1776, would be a good day to attack the Hessians. • He knew they would be liquored up and tired from celebrating, and they would not be expecting an attack.
Bad Weather Ahead • As they prepared to cross the Delaware River to Trenton, it started sleeting and snowing. The river was filled with ice. • With great effort and difficulty, the army crossed the river in Durham Boats, the horses and artillery were sent across by ferries. • The trip across the Delaware River was dangerous and delayed by the bad weather, but eventually they made it across.
The 9 Mile March • After crossing the river, the army then had to march 9 miles to the city of Trenton. • Washington continuously encouraged his troops as they march 9 miles to Trenton. • Many of the soldiers lacked shoes and were bleeding from their feet.
The Battle of Trenton • The first gunfire happened about a mile north of Trenton at a Hessian outpost. • The Hessian soldiers immediately began to retreat. • Only 2 American solders were killed (although some sources say zero were killed by gunfire,) but many died of hypothermia and disease. • The Hessians suffered 83 injuries, 22 deaths, and 896 captured by Washington’s army. All 4 Hessian colonels were killed. • The battle raised the morale of Washington’s Army dramatically.
Washington’s Surprise Attack on Trenton http://www.history.com/topics/american-revolution/american-revolution-history/videos/george-washington-makes-surprise-attack-on-trenton