Life of George Washington, volume 2 of 5Irving, Washington
History
Life of George Washington, volume 2 of 5
Irving, Washington
Presidents -- United States -- Biography; Washington, George, 1732-1799
The skirmishing had now ceased in every direction. Major Wilkinson, who
was with the lower column, was sent to the commander-in-chief for
orders. He rode up, he says, at the moment that Colonel Rahl, supported
by a file of sergeants, was presenting his sword. “On my approach,”
continues he, “the commander-in-chief took me by the hand, and observed,
’Major Wilkinson, this is a glorious day for our country!’ his
countenance beaming with complacency; whilst the unfortunate Rahl, who
the day before would not have changed fortunes with him, now pale,
bleeding, and covered with blood, in broken accents seemed to implore
those attentions which the victor was well disposed to bestow on him.”
He was, in fact, conveyed with great care to his quarters, which were in
the house of a kind and respectable Quaker family.
The number of prisoners taken in this affair was nearly one thousand, of
which thirty-two were officers. The veteran Major Von Dechow, who had
urged in vain the throwing up of breastworks, received a mortal wound,
of which he died in Trenton. Washington’s triumph, however, was impaired
by the failure of the two simultaneous attacks. General Ewing, who was
to have crossed before day at Trenton Ferry, and taken possession of the
bridge leading out of the town, over which the light-horse and Hessians
retreated, was prevented by the quantity of ice in the river. Cadwalader
was hindered by the same obstacle. He got part of his troops over, but
found it impossible to embark his cannon, and was obliged, therefore, to
return to the Pennsylvania side of the river. Had he and Ewing crossed,
Donop’s quarters would have been beaten up, and the fugitives from
Trenton intercepted.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account