From Farm House to the White House - 912 Freedom Library
From Farm House to the White House - 912 Freedom Library
From Farm House to the White House - 912 Freedom Library
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<strong>Farm</strong> <strong>House</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>White</strong> <strong>House</strong>, by William M. Thayer 171<br />
"That is not an insuperable barrier," replied Washing<strong>to</strong>n. "Besides, if we wait until <strong>the</strong> river is frozen over, <strong>the</strong><br />
enemy will surprise us."<br />
"You are resolved <strong>to</strong> attack <strong>the</strong>m?" added Greene.<br />
"Yes, on <strong>the</strong> 25th, which is close by."<br />
General Greene and <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r officers entered in<strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> plan with all <strong>the</strong>ir hearts, as soon as <strong>the</strong>y fully<br />
comprehended it. The night of <strong>the</strong> 25th was <strong>the</strong> earliest moment <strong>the</strong> army could move. The intervening time<br />
would be required for preparation.<br />
"A good chance <strong>to</strong> avenge <strong>the</strong> loss of Fort Washing<strong>to</strong>n, and <strong>the</strong> wrongs inflicted upon <strong>the</strong> people of Jersey by<br />
<strong>the</strong> Hessians," remarked General Greene <strong>to</strong> his command. The Hessians had been reckless and destructive in<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir march through <strong>the</strong> Jerseys.<br />
"Miserable hirelings, <strong>the</strong>se Hessians!" exclaimed Major Wilkinson, by way of stirring up <strong>the</strong> soldiers <strong>to</strong> crave<br />
an attack upon <strong>the</strong>m. "Such wretches, fighting us for mere pay, without caring whe<strong>the</strong>r liberty or slavery<br />
reigns, deserve <strong>to</strong> be shot."<br />
The night of <strong>the</strong> 25th was a boisterous one. A s<strong>to</strong>rm was coming on, and <strong>the</strong> Delaware rolled tempestuously.<br />
But, undismayed, Washing<strong>to</strong>n ordered <strong>the</strong> army <strong>to</strong> move at dark. He crossed <strong>the</strong> Delaware nine miles above<br />
Tren<strong>to</strong>n, where <strong>the</strong>re were fifteen hundred Hessians and a troop of British light-horse, <strong>to</strong> march down upon<br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>to</strong>wn. General Ewing, with his force, was <strong>to</strong> have crossed a mile below <strong>the</strong> <strong>to</strong>wn, but was prevented by <strong>the</strong><br />
quantity of ice. General Putnam, with <strong>the</strong> troops occupied in fortifying Philadelphia, crossed below<br />
Burling<strong>to</strong>n.<br />
When Washing<strong>to</strong>n was ready <strong>to</strong> march, after crossing <strong>the</strong> river, a furious s<strong>to</strong>rm of snow and sleet began <strong>to</strong><br />
beat in <strong>the</strong> faces of <strong>the</strong> troops, <strong>to</strong> impede <strong>the</strong>ir progress. It was eight o'clock before <strong>the</strong> head of <strong>the</strong> column<br />
reached <strong>the</strong> village. Seeing a man chopping wood, Washing<strong>to</strong>n inquired:<br />
"Which way is <strong>the</strong> Hessian picket?"<br />
"I don't know," <strong>the</strong> man replied.<br />
"You may tell," said Captain Forest of <strong>the</strong> artillery, "for that is General Washing<strong>to</strong>n."<br />
The man changed his aspect instantly. Raising both hands heavenward, he exclaimed:<br />
"God bless and prosper you!"<br />
Then pointing <strong>to</strong> a house, he said:<br />
"The picket is in that house, and <strong>the</strong> sentry stands near that tree."<br />
Rising in his stirrups, and waving his sword in <strong>the</strong> air, Washing<strong>to</strong>n addressed his troops: "There, boys, are <strong>the</strong><br />
enemies of your country! All I ask of you is <strong>to</strong> remember what you are about <strong>to</strong> fight for! March!"<br />
Soon <strong>the</strong> battle began. It was a complete surprise <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> foe. They rallied at first, and under<strong>to</strong>ok <strong>to</strong> make a<br />
stand, but were unable <strong>to</strong> breast <strong>the</strong> s<strong>to</strong>rm of shot that beat in<strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir very faces. The British light-horse fled<br />
from <strong>the</strong> <strong>to</strong>wn, <strong>to</strong>ge<strong>the</strong>r with o<strong>the</strong>r troops, none of which could have escaped if General Ewing and General<br />
Cadwalader had been able <strong>to</strong> cross <strong>the</strong> river, and coöperate with Washing<strong>to</strong>n, according <strong>to</strong> his plan. They were<br />
<strong>to</strong> guard <strong>the</strong> only way of retreat open <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> enemy.