Battle of Trenton
The Battle of Trenton, fought on December 26, 1776, was a pivotal engagement during the American Revolutionary War. Following a series of defeats in the New York campaign, General George Washington sought to regain momentum for his beleaguered troops. Seizing a strategic opportunity, Washington led a surprise attack against a Hessian garrison in Trenton, New Jersey, after crossing the icy Delaware River on Christmas night. The Hessians, caught off guard and still recovering from holiday festivities, were quickly overwhelmed by Washington's forces, resulting in a swift American victory.
The battle was significant not only for its immediate military successes but also for its broader implications. Washington's forces inflicted heavy casualties on the Hessians, capturing nearly 1,000 prisoners and six pieces of artillery while sustaining minimal injuries themselves. This victory helped to undermine British confidence and reignited support for the revolutionary cause among the American populace. Additionally, the successful use of field artillery showcased its effectiveness in combat. Overall, the Battle of Trenton marked a turning point, enhancing Washington's reputation as a capable leader and setting the stage for subsequent American military efforts.
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Battle of Trenton
Type of action: Ground battle in the American Revolution
Date: December 26, 1776
Location: Trenton, New Jersey
Combatants: 2400 Americans vs. 1,400 Hessians
Principal commanders:American, General George Washington (1732–1799); British/Hessian, Colonel Johann Gottlieb Rall (c. 1720–1776)
Result: American victory
During the New York campaign of 1776, British Redcoats inflicted a series of humiliating defeats on rebel forces. With his ragtag army demoralized and dwindling in number, General George Washington sought an opportunity to strike back. Intelligence reports showed that the dispersed British army was retiring to winter quarters. The Hessian soldiers at Trenton could not be easily reinforced, and the garrison’s commander failed to prepare its defenses. Washington therefore planned to lead 2,400 men across the Delaware River at McKonkey’s Ferry and march the nine miles to Trenton. Simultaneously, General James Ewing’s force would cross the river below the town, while Colonel John Cadwalader’s men would create a diversion at Bristol.
During the night of December 25-26, Washington, his troops, and eighteen artillery pieces crossed the icy Delaware River. Heavy snow and ice prevented Ewing and Cadwalader from doing likewise. By 8:00 a.m., Continentals reached Trenton, pushed back enemy sentries, and stormed the town. Wet conditions silenced many American muskets, so artillery keyed the attack. Colonel Johann Gottlieb Rall’s troops, recovering from a boisterous Christmas celebration, awoke to the sounds of battle and offered scattered resistance. The Hessian commander tried to rally his confused men, but by that time rebels had infiltrated the town with withering gunfire. Rall was fatally wounded. Leaderless and surrounded, the Hessians surrendered less than an hour after the fighting began.
Significance
Washington’s troops suffered 4 wounded, while inflicting 114 casualties, capturing 948 prisoners, and seizing 6 field pieces. The battle’s outcome severely compromised the Redcoats’ image of invincibility, revitalized American support for the revolutionary cause, demonstrated the effectiveness of field artillery, and bolstered Washington’s reputation, which had suffered from the setbacks of 1776.
Bibliography
Burgoyne, Bruce E. The Trenton Commanders: Johann Gottlieb Rall, George Washington. Bowie, Md.: Heritage Books, 1997.
Dwyer, William M. The Day Is Ours! November 1776-January 1777, An Inside View of the Battles of Trenton and Princeton. New York: Viking Press, 1983.
Lefkowitz, Arthur S. The Long Retreat: The Calamitous American Defense of New Jersey. Metuchen, N.J.: Upland Press, 1998.