Posted on 12/25/2005 3:56:59 AM PST by mainepatsfan
WTG GW!
It is worth mentioning that the Hessians did not celebrate Christmas by decorating trees and opening presents; they celebrated by getting mind-splittingly drunk. General Washington kept his troops in line and took full advantage of the enemy's dissolution.
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night.
Many other men would have sent a message to Howe attempting to cut a deal to save his own neck.
His troops didn't get to Trenton until 8:00 but the Hessians were still sleeping it off. Any other day and he couldn't have pulled it off.
One of the defining moments in American military history - a bold, unconventional attack which achieved success.
pingy
Washington would have been ripped for prolonging the blood shed.
It was an all or nothing gamble but he had no choice.
I will make my yearly post of the story of Washington Crossing the Delaware a little later. Thanks for your post.
I do have to disagree with the History Channel on one thing and that is their assertion that the Battle of Trenton didn't have much strategic significance. The crossing and battle, set off a chain of events (the 10 Crucial Days) that changed the course of the Revolution forever. Never again did the forces of the Crown have as good an oppurtunity to achieve victory as they did before December 25, 1776.
The Crossing, the 1st Battle of Trenton (December 26) and the subsequent 2nd Battle of Trenton (January 2, 1777) along with the Battle of Princeton (January 3, 1777) ended any British hopes of holding New Jersey and defeating the Rebellion.
P.S. - the Hessian soldiers were not hung over, that is legend not fact. Some of their officers (e.g. Colonel Rall) did attend drinking parties the evening before but the enlistedmen were allowed no such pleasures.
Read 1776 by David McCullough.
His troops didn't get to Trenton until 8:00 but the Hessians were still sleeping it off. Any other day and he couldn't have pulled it off.
You sound disappointed?
I agree with your disagreement.
I have. One of the best books I've read in years.
Heck no.
Sounds like those Hessians partied like it was 1799 !!!
Yet another site I have to visit.
NY Times Headlines (December 25th):
WASHINGTON'S DELAWARE CROSSING A FAILURE!
(LIBERALS QUESTION ATTACKING HESSIANS DURING HOLIDAY)
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