This Day in History – “Victory or Death” December 25th, 1776

This Day in History – “Victory or Death” December 25th, 1776

December 25th, 1776, General George Washington planned and executed a secret attack on the Hessian Forces in Trenton New Jersey. The plan was to, under the cover of darkness, cross the Delaware River. Washington has gathered intelligence that the enemy too was planning a similar attack but was waiting for the river to freeze over. 4 PM Washington informed his troops of the attack. Instructed them to gather 3 days rations and fresh flint. By 6 PM the troops had reached the crossing. Using ferries and small boats, 2400 men and 50 -75 horses and 18 pieces of artillery made there way across the icy water. One Solider’s journal recounts the weather to be below zero with hurricane force winds with sleet and ice. By 4 AM December 26th, all of the troops, horses and artillery had successfully made it to the opposing shoreline.

General Washington’s attack easily defeated the Hessian troops. He lost only 3 men, and managed to capture over 1000 prisoners. Unconventional warfare has a long legacy in American history, including this famous victory planned on Christmas Day 1776.