“The Ukies crossing the Dnieper is YUGE. The Russians expect a counter-attack in Zaporizha and the Ukies are taking advantage of Russian weakness in Kherson province...The Spring campaign is starting.”
Appreciate your comment. There surely appears to be increasing military activity.
PONDER: Is the Ukanians troops crossing the Dnieper reminiscent of George Washington crossing the Delaware River to attack an isolated garrison of Hessian troops located at Trenton, New Jersey?
Washington and his very worn-out Continental Army crossed an ice-choked Delaware River on the frigid Christmas night in 1776 night not to just get to the other side. His aim was to conduct a surprise attack upon an isolated Hessian garrison around Trenton, New Jersey.
Apparently, there was a British spy within Washington’s headquarters that learned the early plans of Washington’s war council & passed this info that Washington looked to attack north of the riverto British Major General James Grant. Then, Grant passed this information to General Leslie and Col. Von Donop in turn passed to Col. Johann Rall at Trenton. Either Rall dismissed or even welcomed the threat stating “Let them come… Why defenses? We will go at them with the bayonet.” Thankfully, his military arrogance had the upper hand as to why Rall wasn’t more prepared to defend the town.
The day before, Rall had received two American deserters that had crossed the river and told the Hessians that the American army was ready to move. Also, other loyalists informed the Hessians that an attack was imminent. These series of false alarms and the growing winter storm gave the Hessian defenders a sense that no attack was likely that night, e.g.[they were celebrating & drunk!]
Washington contemplated canceling the attack. His militia was tired, hungry, and ill-clothed. Previously, they had marched many miles through the dark and snow to even reach the river crossing site. From there, they needed to board boats at night. During the river crossing, one soldier recorded that “it blew a perfect hurricane” of snow and sleet. Finally, after crossing the river, Washington was dismayed to discover that he was a full three hours behind his schedule.
His continued plan called for another march of 10 miles to the outskirts of Trenton on roads covered thick with ice and snow. Washington later wrote, “…As I was certain there was no making a retreat without being discovered and harassed on repassing the River, I determined to push on at all Events.”
Remember, not only had the militia crossed the river. But, the Continentals under the command of Col. Henry Knox brought: 18 cannons over the river: 3-Pounders, 4-Pounders, some 6-Pounders, horses to pull the carriages, and enough ammunition for the coming battle.
The 6-Pounders, weighed as much as 1,750 pounds were the most difficult to transport to the far side of the river. However, all the trouble to move all this large artillery to Trenton proved it be extremely important. Col. Knox placed most of his artillery at the top of the town where enabling to reach the center of Trenton.
Other interesting facts:
-Col. Henry Knox was given command of the river crossing operation.
-It took the American army roughly 4 hours to march from the river crossing site to the outskirts of Trenton
-Temperatures for the crossing ranged from 29 degrees to 33 degrees, with brisk winds coming out of the northeast.
-Future US President James Monroe crossed with the American forces and was wounded at the Battle of Trenton.
-Washington chose the challenge or counter-sign of “Victory or Death” for his forces who crossed the river.
-George Washington was 44 years old at the time of the Delaware River crossing.
-There were roughly 1,380 Hessian soldiers in and around Trenton at the start of the battle.