December 9, 2006

America's Greatest Christmas Gift

By Stan Dyer

There is a famous painting of General George Washington standing proudly aboard a small boat on the Delaware River headed to victory at Trenton in December of 1776. There may be many inaccuracies in the painting, but few can deny the importance of the scene. There is more aboard that ship than is visible, even to the people rowing the frigid waters. On that day, Washington's boat and crew went to Trenton to retrieve America's Greatest Christmas Gift ever. It was the gift of hope.

America declared its independence from England on July 4, 1776. Soon, a huge fleet of British ships awaited in New York Harbor to squash the rebellion. The next four months belonged to the British, and it appeared they would have their way. Washington's army would be swept off Long Island, chased throughout Manhattan, and lose battles at both Fort Washington and Fort Lee on the Hudson. While Congress debated over whether or not there should be a standing army, Washington's army avoided direct conflict, morale dwindled, and the American people lost hope. The cold winds of December brought more than frigid temperatures.

The Continental Army would soon go to winter quarters knowing nothing but defeat. Additionally, over half of the soldiers' enlistments would expire with the New Year and an already undermanned and under-funded army would grow even smaller. For Washington, it was the time to act or watch the aspiration of a nation evaporate with the melting snows in spring. Washington planned a bold move.

In the days of Napoleonic War, it was impractical and virtually impossible to fight effectively in the winter. Most armies waited until spring. For a beleaguered Continental Army, it was also the perfect time to attack and catch an enemy off guard. Washington's spy, John Honeyman, busily planted false ideas in the German mercenaries at Trenton called "Hessians". He convinced them that Washington's army was no threat. Then, in the midst of a severe, winter snowstorm, Washington's force of 2400 set out on Christmas Day, 1776 to meet the Hessians at Trenton, New Jersey, across the Delaware River.

Before the battle, Washington had Thomas Paine's "The Crisis" read to his troops. It started, "These are the times that try men's souls...". It went on to outline the situation and what was at stake, ending with, "By perseverance and fortitude we have the prospect of a glorious issue; by cowardice and submission, the sad choice of a variety of evils". This may or many not have inspired the troops, but it united them in cause and gave them purpose. Some say the Hessians were "hung-over" after Christmas festivities the day before, and others credit the work of John Honeyman, but, either way, the Hessians were caught unprepared by Washington's inspired troops. One division of Americans under Nathaneal Green attacked from the north, and another under John Sullivan attacked from the west. A third division never made it across the river. The quick moving Americans out-maneuvered the Hessians at every turn and routed the surprised mercenaries.

In the "10 Critical Days" from December 25 to January 3, the Revolutionary forces won twice at Trenton and once at Princeton. Most of all, they captured much needed supplies and ammunition, restored morale, ignited patriotism, encouraged re-enlistment, gained support of the French government, and left the Royal Government of England wondering if they still had a taste for this war. The turnaround was monumental. Washington said, "This is a glorious day for our country, Major Wilkinson", and later said, "In justice to the officers and men, I must add that their behavior upon this occasion reflects the highest honor upon them". Only today do we truly realize the importance of the actions, and the truth of his words.

Washington may never have stood aboard a boat navigating the icy, Delaware River in December, but history records his arrival in Trenton and the outcome that sustained the Revolution. When you open your Christmas gifts this year, remember the one that George Washington brought back from Trenton in 1776. It was the Christmas gift of hope that inspired a nation to victory.