Posted on 12/24/2016 7:20:18 AM PST by NonValueAdded
In the winter of 1776, General George Washington and his ragged army had experienced only defeat and despair. The War for Independence was going badly, with failure following failure.
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General Washington hatched a daring plan to cross the Delaware River under the cover of darkness, march to Trenton and attack the Hessian outposts in and around Trenton. The boats to be used for the crossing were gathered earlier in the month in compliance with Washington’s orders, primarily as a defensive measure. Various types of boats were collected; most notable were the large, heavy Durham boats used to carry pig iron down the Delaware.
Fully expecting to be supported by two divisions south of Trenton, Washington assembled his own troops near McConkey’s Ferry in preparation for the crossing. By 6 pm, 2,400 troops had begun crossing the ice-choked river. The operation was slow and difficult due to the condition of the river. There was an abrupt change in the weather forcing the men to fight their way through sleet and a blinding snowstorm. These obstacles proved to be too much for the supporting divisions led by Generals Cadwalader and Ewing, ultimately preventing their crossing at southern points along the Delaware.
Against all odds, Washington and his men successfully completed the crossing and marched into Trenton on the morning of December 26, achieving a resounding victory over the Hessians. By moving ahead with his bold and daring plan, Washington re-ignited the cause of freedom and gave new life to the American Revolution.
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtoncrossingpark.org ...
Posted a day early as any of you will be busy tomorrow. Remember too the men of John Glover's Marblehead Regiment, a company of experienced seamen from Marblehead, Massachusetts.
There is a reenactment scheduled from noon to 3 PM on Christmas Day at the Washington Crossing Historic Park, 1112 River Road, Washington Crossing, PA 18977
It was the Hail Mary Pass of its day.
Merry Christmas to all and remember how our brave Patriot ancestors spent their Christmas Day.
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Recessional of the Sons of the American Revolution:
“Until we meet again, let us remember our obligations to our
forefathers who gave us our Constitution, the Bill of Rights,
an independent Supreme Court and a nation of free men.”
Dr. Benjamin Franklin, when asked if we had a republic or a monarchy, replied "A Republic, if you can keep it."
That it was!
Will be on the banks of the Delaware tomorrow at 1pm to watch the reenactment. Hope the weather is better than what Washington had to endure!
By moving ahead with his bold and daring plan, Washington re-ignited the cause of freedom and gave new life to the American Revolution.
Hard to imagine those times. The sacrifices made by many and the boldness of a leader.
Have seen this many times. Costumes of the re-enactors are very accurate. Tomorrow will be great weather to watch if you can find a parking spot.
Hope you can post photos from your Christmas Day outing. Shout out a huzzah! for me when you are there :)
I will!
My mother bought me that painting in 1965 when I was 9 years old. It hung in my bedroom and complimented the early colonial bedroom suite.
It now hangs on the wall in my computer/music room. One of my treasures.
TIA
Thanks for posting — good to remember, with thankfulness to God for His Providence.
// Will be on the banks of the Delaware tomorrow at 1pm to watch the reenactment. Hope the weather is better than what Washington had to endure! //
Yes, yes, photos please if you can — stay warm (hot chocolate or spiced tea?).
I don’t know how to post photos here.
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Actually one of the great What If Moments in US history.
What If, due to the weather, Washington had called off his attack?
Would his army quietly melted away over the dreadful winter?
Would fresh recruits have joined his army come spring?
Would the fickle congress have abandoned Washington, his army and the cause of freedom?
From such a slender thread did our future hang.
We’ve been there (in the summer)!
Beautiful historic park: and the replica (or maybe it was the real one) boat looks very precarious in real life.
Frederick the Great was so impressed with Washington’s winter campaign he sent him a sword. Washington with this bold stroke and follow up basically drove the Brits out of NJ.
If you ever visit Princeton there are still bullet holes on Nassau Hall from the battle.
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