The British soldiers, thinking the war virtually ended, had grown careless, and Howe and Cornwallis had returned to New York to celebrate Christmas. It was at this juncture that Washington decided to attack. More than ten hours were consumed in getting across the river, which was blocked with ice. At daybreak on the 26th, Washington entered Trenton, and surprised the enemy. ACROSS THE DELAWARE The winter night is cold and drear, Along the river's sullen flow; The cruel frost is camping here-- The air has living blades of snow. Look! pushing from the icy strand, With ensigns freezing in the air, There sails a small but mighty band, Across the dang'rous Delaware. Oh, wherefore, soldiers, would you fight The bayonets of a winter storm? In truth it were a better night For blazing fire and blankets warm! We seek to trap a foreign foe, Who fill themselves with stolen fare; We carry freedom as we go Across the storm-swept Delaware! The night is full of lusty cheer Within the Hessians' merry camp; And faint and fainter on the ear Doth fall the heedless sentry's tramp. O hirelings, this new nation's rage Is something 'tis not well to dare; You are not fitted to engage These men from o'er the Delaware! A rush--a shout--a clarion call, Salute the early morning's gray: Now, roused invaders, yield or fall: The refuge-land has won the day! Soon shall the glorious news be hurled Wherever men have wrongs to bear; For freedom's torch illumes the world, And God has crossed the Delaware! WILL CARLETON. The surprise was complete. Eighteen of the enemy were killed and over a thousand made prisoners, while the American loss was only four. The remainder of the enemy retreated in disorder to Princeton, leaving their sick and wounded, and all their heavy arms and baggage behind them. THE BATTLE OF TRENTON On Christmas-day in seventy-six, Our ragged troops, with bayonets fixed, For Trenton marched away. The Delaware see! the boats below! The light obscured by hail and snow! But no signs of dismay. Our object was the Hessian band, That dared invade fair freedom's land, And quarter in that place. Great Washington he led us on, Whose streaming flag, in storm or sun, Had never known disgrace. In silent march we passed the night, Each soldier panting for the fight, Though quite benumbed with frost. Greene on the left at six began, The right was led by Sullivan Who ne'er a moment lost. Their pickets stormed, the alarm was spread, That rebels risen from the dead Were marching into town. Some scampered here, some scampered there, And some for action did prepare; But soon their arms laid down.