Johann von Ewald the Hessian officer wrote in his Diary of the American War, that after the defeats at Trenton Princeton, he knew the war was lost. Prior to Trenton the British and Hessians held the American army in contempt and a few days later after the Battle of Princeton they continually feared and respected the Americans under Washington. December 25, 1776 to January 3, 1777 truly was ten days that changed the world forever.