Narrative and Critical History of America, Vol. 6 (of 8): The United States of North America, Part I
History
Narrative and Critical History of America, Vol. 6 (of 8): The United States of North America, Part I
America -- Discovery and exploration; America -- History; United States -- History
which escaped over the Assanpink or to Brunswick, Rahl's entire force
was either killed or captured. The prisoners numbered nine hundred and
eighteen. The killed, Washington thought, did not exceed twenty or
thirty. The Americans had two privates killed, one frozen to death,
and two officers and four men wounded. As the enemy were supposed to
be in force at Princeton and Bordentown, and the Americans were in no
condition to withstand an attack, it was thought best not to risk the
advantage which had been gained, and as soon as the men were rested the
army, with its prisoners, returned to Pennsylvania.
Ewing and Cadwalader had been unable to carry out the parts assigned
them, on account of the ice. The latter sent a portion of his infantry
over the river, but recalled it when he found he could not land his
artillery. With no definite news of Washington's success, Cadwalader
recrossed on the morning of the 27th, supposing Washington to be at
Trenton. He soon learned his mistake, but discovered that Donop had
retreated towards Brunswick when he heard of the action at Trenton.
Cadwalader then moved on to Burlington, and on the 29th marched to
Crosswicks. The desperate condition of affairs previous to the battle
had stimulated the people to extraordinary efforts, and the news of the
victory raised their spirits in proportion to the depression they had
so lately suffered. Ignorant of the victory Washington had achieved,
Congress on the 27th vested him with powers that virtually constituted
him a military dictator for the period of six months. To convince the
people of the reality of the victory, the Hessians were marched through
the streets of Philadelphia, and one of their standards was hung up in
the chamber of Congress at Baltimore. Public rejoicings broke forth on
every side. "The Lord of Hosts has heard the cry of the distressed, and
sent an angel to their assistance", exclaimed Muhlenberg, the patriarch
of the Lutherans. On the 27th and 28th of December, fifteen hundred
militia under Mifflin followed Cadwalader into New Jersey, while the
Jerseymen gathered at Morristown and other points. In the face of this
feeling it was necessary that the offensive should be resumed, and on
the 30th Washington occupied Trenton. The service of the New England
troops expired on the first of the year; but through the efforts of
Robert Morris money was raised to offer bounties, which, with appeals
to their patriotism, induced them to remain six weeks longer with the
army.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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