George Washington was ready to make a decisive move as Christmas 1776 approached. Camped on the Pennsylvania side of the Delaware river, his forces were recently reinforced and well-supplied and there was a certain amount of time pressure involved – the British forces on the opposite bank were only waiting for winter to freeze the river enough to cross and attack. Washington planned one of his most daring maneuvers, to cross the Delaware under cover of night and assault the British garrison at Trenton in New Jersey.
The Continental Army forces he had gathered were split in three – one force to create a diversion and hopefully draw the British out; one to hold a vital bridge and block the British retreat; and the third and largest force under direct command of Washington, to directly assault Trenton, and which would cross first. Washington’s force crossed successfully, but worsening conditions prevented the other two forces from making the crossing. Not that it mattered much – Washington and his men attacked Trenton the following day and ultimately won the battle. Only three Americans were killed and six wounded, while 22 Hessians were killed, with 98 wounded. The Americans captured nearly 1,000 prisoners, and seized muskets, gunpowder, artillery pieces, and drums. Washington’s forces crossed back over the Delaware with their prisoners and plunder, having scored a signal victory that did wonders for American morale.
