Thank you Tara for another telling of General Washington's victory at the battle for Trenton. This important and somewhat improbable victory gave wind to the American sails, just before moving to winter quarters.
Providence once again, helped provide this moral victory and helped convince the American forces to extend their enlistments.
I have wondered what might have happened if all of Washington's men had made the crossing. Would more have died in the march? Would more have been killed in the battle? Would the larger numbers have spoiled the surprise attack, leading to greater losses of life on both sides? I know it's easy to look at things in retrospect and draw what may be artificial conclusions...but I think this played out the way it did by the hand of Providence (as Washington might have said) so that victory was attained with the least amount of loss of life possible on both sides.
Interesting question. Remember that Washington retreated back across the Delaware soon after this battle, and that the Germans retreated to Trenton. With a full complement of soldiers, Washington may have been able to get the Germans encircled and off the battlefield for good. Or Howe would have needed to recapture Trenton, and devoted scarce troops that were needed elsewhere. Trenton could then be in the Revolutionaries’ hands and provided a defensible location across the Delaware. Perhaps Valley Forge could have had less horror. This would be a good scenario to game out, if it hasn’t been done already...
Great point(s)... :) Who can say...! This is why I said it's so easy to see things in retrospect and draw conclusions that are at best artificial. But, it's a good thought exercise, anyway! Sometimes things seem to only make sense in hindsight, but often they just open up a host of additional "what ifs" to ponder. :)
The attitude of the British and the hired to fight for them worked to the advantage of the American Revolution. Their continual attitude of superiority made them extremely vulnerable several times over and again.
And thus a Nation was born. The turning of the tide so to speak fore told the ending of a long and glorious war that eventually led to the greatest Country ever.
Tara - I saw a piece in an AR newspaper yesterday about a MOH awardee - if you have covered him before I apologize as I don't remember reading it. His name was Lloyd Leslie "Scooter" Burke and his story was very interesting. If you haven't written about him before you might look into him and see what you think. Also I don't know if younger people will even know their names or not but Sgt Alvin York and Audie Murphey also deserve to be recognized - their service to our country was great. Thank you.
It is always great to read of the courage the American forces had - they fought on through many difficult circumstances as they realized just what they were fighting for. General Washington was truly a great leader with daring and foresight on is side. Thank you for sharing this story once again.
Having had and fired flintlock firearms, I can only suppose that this battle was fought mostly with bayonets, swords and daggers! Keep your powder dry, would have been nearly impossible in this weather. What fortitude they had and how difficult was their task, can hardly be imagined! Thanks Tara, for this look at our ancestor's grit!
Maybe not even 1 hour: Trenton sunrise is 7:20AM today. Time standards weren't so well established yet, though, at that time. Still it was early dawn by then.
As Rall was dying, he requested the chance to make a formal surrender to Washington. Comments about Rall's (in)competence by Lieutenant Piel and Captain Ewald disagreed with each other.
A great gift to our troops. So many of these happened which enabled those in battle to finally overcome at Yorktown. Thank you Tara. Without these lessons, I would not be as informed. my love for history has been awakened.
Thank you Tara for another telling of General Washington's victory at the battle for Trenton. This important and somewhat improbable victory gave wind to the American sails, just before moving to winter quarters.
Providence once again, helped provide this moral victory and helped convince the American forces to extend their enlistments.
Truly a stunning victory! It's reminiscent of the San Jacinto battle fought by the Texians. This made for a very happy New Year.
Washington followed his instincts and pursued what the poet urged: "Seize the day." Damn the ice, full speed ahead.
That's a great Christmas gift!
I have wondered what might have happened if all of Washington's men had made the crossing. Would more have died in the march? Would more have been killed in the battle? Would the larger numbers have spoiled the surprise attack, leading to greater losses of life on both sides? I know it's easy to look at things in retrospect and draw what may be artificial conclusions...but I think this played out the way it did by the hand of Providence (as Washington might have said) so that victory was attained with the least amount of loss of life possible on both sides.
Interesting question. Remember that Washington retreated back across the Delaware soon after this battle, and that the Germans retreated to Trenton. With a full complement of soldiers, Washington may have been able to get the Germans encircled and off the battlefield for good. Or Howe would have needed to recapture Trenton, and devoted scarce troops that were needed elsewhere. Trenton could then be in the Revolutionaries’ hands and provided a defensible location across the Delaware. Perhaps Valley Forge could have had less horror. This would be a good scenario to game out, if it hasn’t been done already...
Great point(s)... :) Who can say...! This is why I said it's so easy to see things in retrospect and draw conclusions that are at best artificial. But, it's a good thought exercise, anyway! Sometimes things seem to only make sense in hindsight, but often they just open up a host of additional "what ifs" to ponder. :)
Bold Determination and Grit won the day for a new and young Nation! Glory be to God!!!
Thank you Tara.
The attitude of the British and the hired to fight for them worked to the advantage of the American Revolution. Their continual attitude of superiority made them extremely vulnerable several times over and again.
And thus a Nation was born. The turning of the tide so to speak fore told the ending of a long and glorious war that eventually led to the greatest Country ever.
❤️🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Thank you, Tara.
Tara - I saw a piece in an AR newspaper yesterday about a MOH awardee - if you have covered him before I apologize as I don't remember reading it. His name was Lloyd Leslie "Scooter" Burke and his story was very interesting. If you haven't written about him before you might look into him and see what you think. Also I don't know if younger people will even know their names or not but Sgt Alvin York and Audie Murphey also deserve to be recognized - their service to our country was great. Thank you.
It is always great to read of the courage the American forces had - they fought on through many difficult circumstances as they realized just what they were fighting for. General Washington was truly a great leader with daring and foresight on is side. Thank you for sharing this story once again.
🇺🇲 A story always worth retelling! Thanks, TR! 🇺🇲
A Great Victory !!
Having had and fired flintlock firearms, I can only suppose that this battle was fought mostly with bayonets, swords and daggers! Keep your powder dry, would have been nearly impossible in this weather. What fortitude they had and how difficult was their task, can hardly be imagined! Thanks Tara, for this look at our ancestor's grit!
Maybe not even 1 hour: Trenton sunrise is 7:20AM today. Time standards weren't so well established yet, though, at that time. Still it was early dawn by then.
As Rall was dying, he requested the chance to make a formal surrender to Washington. Comments about Rall's (in)competence by Lieutenant Piel and Captain Ewald disagreed with each other.
Unfortunately, the link doesn't cite references. https://www.nj.gov/dep/parksandforests/education/docs/hh-Rall%20at%20Trenton.pdf
A great gift to our troops. So many of these happened which enabled those in battle to finally overcome at Yorktown. Thank you Tara. Without these lessons, I would not be as informed. my love for history has been awakened.
The courage of our forefathers may again be needed.