[little jeremiah]

Exclusive–O’Donnell: America’s First Christmas that Changed the Course of History

December 1776 was one of the darkest times for America: hyperinflation gripped the economy, Washington’s army lost one battle after another, the mood of the country changed from optimism to defeat. But on Christmas Day, Americans amid a raging Nor’easter crossed an impassable ice-filled river, surprised and killed an expertly trained enemy, and changed the course of history.

Thomas Paine epically captured the days leading up to Christmas 1776 in “The American Crisis.”

“These are the times that try men’s souls,” Paine wrote. “The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph.”

Washington’s army had lost one battle after another. The economy had tanked. And the paper money the United States printed seemed worthless. Americans were abandoning the cause in droves.

During the fall of 1776, the British issued an amnesty proclamation that offered pardon and protection to rebels who signed an oath of loyalty to the king within sixty days. Thousands of Americans, including several members of Congress, clambered to sign the oath. One disgusted American Patriot recalled, “To the disgrace of the country and human nature, great numbers flocked to confess their political sins to the representative of Majesty, and to obtain pardon. It was observed, that these consisted of the very rich and the very poor, while the middling class held their constancy.” Making matters worse, the enlistments for the Continental Army expired in December and January 1, 1777.

MUCH MORE AT LINK - very inspiring.

[Melian]

I’d wager Thomas Paine would look at us today and say THESE are the times that try men’s souls...

[Publius]

A little anecdote about the Battle of Trenton.

Henry Knox was a morbidly obese Boston bookseller who signed on as an officer in Washington’s command. The other officers ribbed him constantly about his weight. When they saw Knox on horseback, they would facepalm and say, “Oh that poor horse.”

As Washington’s staff was planning the crossing of the Delaware, Knox approached Washington to complain about his treatment from the other officers. The worst time to approach your commanding general to say “The other boys are making fun of me” is right before a major battle, and witnesses saw Washington’s jaw tighten.

George Washington had a ferocious temper that he struggled all his life to place under iron discipline. When his jaw tightened, it was considered acceptable to vacate the premises immediately. But Washington’s jaw relaxed, and he sent Knox on his way.

As the boats were departing the dock that night, Washington noticed that his own boat was listing to one side. Peering through the darkness, he noticed that Henry Knox was seated alone on the last bench with one enormous butt cheek perched to one side. Turning around, Washington called into the darkness, “Shift your ass, Knox, and trim the boat!”

There was raucous laughter from the assembled officers. Washington had put Knox in his place in a humorous way and broken the tension.