December 26th
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ON THIS DAY IN 1776
BATTLE OF TRENTON
“Fix with Colo. Griffin on our Points of Attack.”
George Washington before the Battle of Trenton
The MET
To Colonel John Cadwalader
Head Quarters, 24 December 1776
Sir,
Fix with Colo. Griffin on our Points of Attack.* In this, as circumstances must govern, I shall not interfere; but let the hour of attack be the 26th., and one hour before day (of that Morning).
I have wrote to Colo. Hitchcock to join his Brigade to yours and cooperate therewith. If you should be successful (of which I have the highest hopes) move forward if possible, so as to form a junction with me, if the like good fortune should attend our Enterprize, either at Trenton or Princeton.
Let your Men be provided with Blankets and three days Provisions ready Cooked. Most ardently wishing you Success. I am Yr Most Obedt
G:o Washington
* preparations for the upcoming Battle of Trenton (Colonel Cadwalader was unable to cross the river and supply artillery support due to river ice) — MVLA16
“It is in vain to ruminate upon, or even reflect upon the Authors or Causes of our present Misfortunes, we should rather exert ourselves, and look forward with Hopes, that some lucky Chance may yet turn up in our Favour.”
Robert Morris, 1785
National Portrait Gallery
To Robert Morris
Head Quarters, 25 December 1776
Dear Sir,
I have your obliging favors of the 21st. and 23d. the Blankets are come to hand, but I would not have any of the other Goods sent on, till you hear again from me.
I agree with you that it is in vain to ruminate upon, or even reflect upon the Authors or Causes of our present Misfortunes, we should rather exert ourselves, and look forward with Hopes, that some lucky Chance may yet turn up in our Favour. Bad as our prospects are, I should not have the least doubt of Success in the End, did not the late Treachery and defection of those who stood foremost in the Opposition, while Fortune smiled upon us, make me fearful that many more will follow their Example, who by using their Influence with some, and working upon the Fears of others, may extend the Circle so as to take in whole Towns, Counties, nay Provinces. Of this we have a recent Instance in Jersey, and I wish many parts of Pennsylvania may not be ready to receive the Yoke.
“The Night is favourable, to cross the River and make the attack upon Trenton in the Morning.”
John Cadwalader
Smithsonian
To Colonel John Cadwalader
McKonkey’s Ferry, Six o’clock P. M., 25 December 1776
Dear Sir,
Notwithstanding the discouraging Accounts I have received from Col. Reed of what might be expected from the Operations below, I am determined, as the Night is favourable, to cross the River and make the attack upon Trenton in the Morning, If you can do nothing real, at least create as great a diversion as possible. I am Sir your most obt Servant
G:o Washington
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