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Delaware - Delaware Crossing of the Delaware. Generally recognized as the “turning-point of the Revolution,” this exploit of Washington checked the British advance and restored the
American morale, then in danger of collapse. Under his command, about three o’clock in the afternoon of Christmas Day, 1776, some 2400 men and 18 field pieces set out from a position west of
the Delaware river above Trenton to surprise the British, chiefly Hessians, in their quarters between Trenton and New York. The weather was terrible, the river covered with floating ice, the
supporting columns failed or refused to make the crossing. Between three and four o’clock the next morning Washington’s command made its way across the river, marched to Trenton surprised the
Hessian garrison, killed some, including the Hessian commander, Rall, took 946 prisoners, 1200 muskets, 6 cannon and the regimental colors. Having accomplished this daring raid the American
troops recrossed the Delaware, with half of their number disabled by the cold. The Hessian commander, Donop, hearing of the defeat of his fellow officer, Rall, hastily retired to Princeton,
leaving his stores, sick and wounded to be captured by Cadwallader, who, hearing of Washington’s exploit on Dec 27, crossed into New Jersey. On Dec 29 Washington again crossed the Delaware,
advanced to Trenton, and, attacked there by the British under Cornwallis, marched to Princeton, hoping to capture the British supplies at Brunswick. There ensued the battle of Princeton, in
which the British lost some 200 men killed and more than that taken prisoner. This was the most daring exploit of the Revolutionary War and not merely saved the American cause from collapse
but raised the reputation and influence of Washington to a point where he could, at last, be free to carry out his plans with a minimum of hindrance from his rivals and the authorities.
Photo - Washington Crossing the_Delaware by Emanuel Leutze, MMA-NYC,_1851 (Wikipedia)
Map - Plan of the Operations of George Washington against the King's Troops in New Jersey, by William Faden (Wikipedia)
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