It was Christmas Eve 1776. George Washington's army was getting sick and some men din't have shoes! The army was about ready to leave for home in a few days. George needed a victory, so that hopefully most of the army would re-enlist for another six weeks. So far George Washington had lost more battles than he had won. He would attack, retreat, rest his men, feed them, and attack again.
Tonight, George W. planned to surprise attack Colonel Johanonn Gottlieb Rall's army in Trenton, Since it was Christmas Eve, the army would be celebrating. It was a very cold winter that year in 1776.
George Washington and his army stood at the edge of the Delaware River at Mc Konkey's Ferry. No one complained or said anything. Everyone knew the plan and was ready to fight for their country. First the soldiers would cross, then the horses, and finally the cannon. They would cross the Delaware River and cross down near Trenton. After everything landed on the other side, they would walk the rest of the way on foot.
When everything crossed safely and everyone was ready, they started their walk to Trenton, Time passed and so far the road was clear. Then, after some time had passed, George and his army came across a small cabin on one side of the road, ON the other side was a man chopping wood. George asked the man chopping wood, "Can you tell me where the Hessian picket is?" The man hesitated, but pointed over at the cabin.
George W. and his army can't let anyone warn Colonel Rall or this is over before it begins. So, George looks over at the cabin, and before he could give out a command, three men came out firing their muskets at George and his army. Soon George W. and his army were shooting at all the Hessians that were coming from everywhere, but Americans everywhere too. Within minutes George W. was getting reports on the battle. The battle was over within ninety minutes, George Washington had captured 868 Hessians, six cannons, a thousand muskets, forty gallons of rum and the musical instruments of Colonel Rall's band. Twenty-two Hessians were dead, ninety-eight were wounded and at least five hundred got away but it was a victory.
After the victory at Trenton, many more were to come and over 1,400 Americans re-enlisted for an additional six weeks.
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