How long was the trenton war

The British refused to send troops. This happened twice. It makes small numbers formidable; procures success to the weak, and esteem to all. I am resolved to take Trenton. Washington kept riding down the lines of soldiers encouraging his men that they could take Trenton and still make it back to their families alive. When they did meet the other men they were frightened at first. Upon discovering that they were Americans, the colonists began to have confidence that this feat could be accomplished.

Washington rode in front of his men as they marched down Pennington Road, about one mile northwest of Trenton. He sent out an advance of troops to a Hessian outpost in a copper shop on Pennington Road.

The battle began when a German, Lieutenant Andreas von Wiederholdt, came out of the copper shop to get fresh air and was shot at by the American troops. Some of his men ran from the shop and surrounding area when Lt. The small contingent was no match for the American troops, and they hurriedly organized a retreat.

Washington knew that he needed to cut off all means of retreat for the Hessians. He ordered some of his men to disband and assemble near Princeton. General Sullivan stationed his men near Assunpink Creek. Some Prussians, Lt. Fortunately for Gen. Washington's army, the surprise had been maintained. The Hessians were caught off guard by the attack and defeated decisively.

The American victory cost only several American casualties but inflicted substantial casualties to the Hessians: 22 dead, 83 wounded, and approximately taken as prisoners of war.

They felt Rall was crude and lacked respect for their authority. When British General William Howe decided to shelter for the winter, he created a chain of 17 outposts across New Jersey, including three along the Delaware River in Burlington, Bordentown, and Trenton. Thirty-six-year-old Colonel Carl von Donop was given the overall command of the Delaware River posts, and Rall was appointed commander of Trenton.

So, when von Donop ordered Rall to erect fortifications around Trenton, which was considered the most exposed of the three Delaware River sites, Rall simply ignored him. Despite his bravado, Rall was actually getting nervous about a possible attack on Trenton.

Rall sent messages to von Donop and General James Grant, the British commander of New Jersey, asking for support but his requests were denied. So, it was up to Rall and his weary troops to bear the burden of an American assault. As Rall lay dying from his wounds after the battle, he asked Washington, who had come to receive his surrender, to treat his captured men with humanity. Washington graciously complied.

New Jersey Dec 26, How it ended American victory. Before the Battle After asking his enlisted men to stay for one last effort, Washington devises a daring plan to stun the British, capture supplies, and reinvigorate American morale.

During the Battle. American 2, Aftermath American. Estimated Casualties. American 5. Questions to Consider 1. Trenton: Featured Resources.

Rev War Article. Rev War Video. The British then pursued the Americans across New Jersey. In mid-December Washington led his army south across the Delaware River. They camped on the Pennsylvania side, short of food, ammunition and supplies. George Washington at left on horseback points to the river as the troops embark across the river in rowboats on the evening of December 25, Washington realized that without a decisive action, the Continental Army was likely doomed, so he planned a daring assault on the Hessian garrison at Trenton.

In the end, neither Cadwalader nor Ewing were able to carry out their parts of the plan. As he approached the town, Washington divided his men, sending flanking columns under General Nathaniel Greene and General John Sullivan.

Rall attempted to rally his troops but was never able to establish a defensive perimeter, and was shot from his horse and fatally wounded. The Hessians quickly surrendered. All told, 22 were killed, 92 wounded, captured and escaped in the Battle of Trenton.

The Americans suffered two frozen to death and five wounded. Realizing his men could not hold Trenton against British reinforcements, Washington withdrew across the Delaware.