MAKING HISTORY COME ALIVE PRESENTS A SPECIAL NEW ARTICLE BY JAKE SUGGS- WASHINGTON CROSSING THE DELAWARE A Christmas Miracle
16 December 2023|American History, Christmas
As we delve into one of the most iconic moments of the American Revolutionary War, it's important to set the stage. The year was 1776, a challenging time for the Continental Army and its commander, George Washington. Following a series of defeats in New York, morale was low, and the future of the revolutionary cause looked bleak. Washington's army was dwindling due to expiring enlistments and desertions, and they faced a well-equipped, professional British force. In this backdrop of despair, Washington knew that a bold move was necessary to reinvigorate the American cause. The plan was risky and audacious: a surprise attack on the Hessian forces (German mercenaries fighting for Britain) stationed in Trenton, New Jersey. To reach Trenton, the army had to cross the icy Delaware River, a perilous endeavour, especially in the harsh winter conditions.
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On the night of December 25-26, 1776, Washington faced a series of daunting challenges. The plan was for three detachments to cross the river and converge on Trenton, New Jersey, but the operation encountered numerous complications. The river itself presented a formidable obstacle. Laden with floating ice, the Delaware's currents were treacherous, and the extreme winter weather compounded the difficulties. The army had to navigate through a storm that brought freezing rain, sleet, and snow, turning their mission into a perilous endeavour. Of the three detachments, only Washington's group, consisting of about 2,400 men, managed to cross the river. The other two detachments, hindered by the ice-choked river and the worsening weather, were unable to make the crossing. This reduction in numbers was a significant blow to the original plan, which counted on a force of approximately 5,400 men.
Moreover, the army was significantly behind schedule. The crossing, initially planned to be completed by midnight, extended to 3:00 AM. This delay forced Washington to alter his plans, as they had intended to reach Trenton before dawn. Yet, the determination of Washington and his men never wavered.
Upon reaching Trenton, the Continental Army faced Hessian troops led by Colonel Johann Rall. Rall had been warned of a possible American attack. However, he dismissed these warnings, reportedly believing that no army would be audacious or capable enough to attack in such severe weather and on Christmas. This underestimation proved to be a fatal error. The battle itself was swift and decisive. The Americans took the Hessians by surprise, launching a two-pronged attack. The Continental Army moved quickly and with a level of discipline that belied their recent hardships. The Hessians, caught off guard and disorganized, were unable to mount an effective defence. Colonel Rall attempted to rally his troops but was mortally wounded in the effort. With their commander down and their defences overrun, the Hessians quickly surrendered. The battle lasted just a few hours, but the victory was crucial; it boosted the morale of the Continental Army and rekindled hope among the American public. It also had strategic importance, capturing a large number of Hessian soldiers, arms, and supplies.
The timing of the crossing was incredibly symbolic. Christmas, a day traditionally associated with peace, celebration, and goodwill, stood in stark contrast to the perilous and aggressive military action undertaken by Washington and his troops. This juxtaposition highlighted the extraordinary circumstances and the urgency of the Continental Army's situation, and it represented a rebirth of the American spirit. The crossing of the Delaware River on Christmas Day has since taken on an almost mythic status in American history. It represents not just a military victory but the embodiment of the American qualities of resilience, strategic brilliance, and the relentless pursuit of independence. This event, on this particular day, remains a powerful symbol of the extraordinary measures that the founders of the United States were willing to take to secure their freedom and independence.
Emanuel Leutze's 1851 masterpiece, "Washington Crossing the Delaware," immortalized this pivotal moment in American history. While the painting is not a literal depiction of the events of December 25-26, 1776, it captures the essence and spirit of that daring endeavour with dramatic effect. Leutze took several artistic liberties in depicting the scene. The crossing occurred during the night in treacherous conditions, a far cry from the more serene and light-infused scene portrayed in the painting. The Delaware River, in reality, was choked with ice and presented a formidable barrier, much more menacing than the relatively calm waters shown.
The boat itself is filled with a diverse group of soldiers, representing the varied faces of the Continental Army. These figures are not specific historical individuals but rather symbolic representations of the American melting pot — a mix of ethnicities and backgrounds united in a common cause. Central to the composition is George Washington himself, standing tall and resolute. This depiction, while dramatized (it's unlikely Washington would have stood in such a precarious position on a small boat in icy waters), serves to symbolize his leadership and unwavering commitment to the revolutionary cause. His gaze forward, towards the unseen shore, reflects the vision and determination that characterized his leadership.
Washington's crossing of the Delaware and the subsequent Battle of Trenton marked a turning point in the Revolutionary War. It demonstrated the resilience of the American forces and foreshadowed the ingenuity and determination that would eventually lead to American independence. This event remains a testament to the power of leadership and the unyielding pursuit of a cause, embodying the spirit that gave birth to a nation.
By Jake Suggs. Jake is the founder and content producer of American History Gazette. His weekly podcasts and daily Instagram posts explore all aspects of American history and bring the events and people that shaped the United States to light
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