Trenton and Princeton 1776–77: Washington crosses the Delaware (Campaign)

Following the battle of White River and the fall of Forts Washington and Lee during the American Revolutionary War (1775-1783), George Washington withdrew his army, crossing the Delaware River to regroup. However, with morale at a critical low and the terms of enlistment of many of his troops set to expire, Washington decided on one more strike before the winter weather made military operations impossible. Re-crossing the Delaware on Christmas night, 1776, Washington's army surprised the Hessian garrison at Trenton and managed to kill, wound or capture 1,000 of the enemy for the loss of only four men. Then, avoiding a major engagement with the British Army under General Cornwallis that had been sent to track him down, Washington attacked and defeated another small British force at Princeton. Having inflicted two costly and embarrassing defeats on the British forces, Washington withdrew his army into winter quarters at Morristown. Using a combination of modern photographs and period artwork, this book tells the story of the legendary campaign that restored the morale of American forces, caused the British to abandon large parts of New Jersey, and established General George Washington's reputation as a daring military strategist. "Following the New York campaign, George Washington managed to escape across the Delaware River at Trenton and the British dispersed their army into winter quarters. Risking all, Washington ferried his troops back across the Delaware on the night of December 25, 1776, falling upon the Hessian garrison at Trenton and killing, wounding or capturing over 1,000 men for the loss of only four. He then managed to hold off the inevitable British response at Assunpink Creek on January 2, 1777, successfully defending his position before marching on Princeton to the rear and inflicting a further defeat upon a smaller British force. This brief campaign established Washington's reputation as a military commander, restored the flagging morale of the American forces and gave new life to the rebellion."--Back cover COVER......Page 1 CONTENTS......Page 5 ORIGINS OF THE CAMPAIGN......Page 7 CHRONOLOGY......Page 11 American......Page 13 British......Page 15 The American Army......Page 17 The British Army......Page 19 Orders of battle......Page 21 British plans......Page 26 American plans......Page 28 Retreat through New Jersey......Page 30 Ten days that shocked the world, December 25, 1776, to January 3, 1777......Page 50 AFTERMATH......Page 93 THE BATTLEFIELDS TODAY......Page 95 BIBLIOGRAPHY......Page 96 INDEX......Page 97 COVER......Page 100 Pursued by British forces, Washington and his remaining 5,000 men resolved on a risky strike against the British and Hessian positions across the Delaware River. Crossing the river, Washington took the Trenton garrison for the loss of only four men, before outflanking Cornwallis'8,000-strong force and marching on Princeton. His military reputation established, Washington's victory restored American morale and turned the tide of the war. Origins Of The Campaign -- Chronology -- Opposing Commanders -- Opposing Armies -- Opposing Plans -- Trenton And Princeton, Victory Or Death -- Aftermath -- The Battlefields Today. David Bonk ; Illustrated By Graham Turner. Includes Bibliographical References And Index.