We take pleasure in presenting this story of Washington crossing the Delaware. The picture of that famous event is familiar to everyone, but the story of what led up to it, and of its importance in American history is not so well known. The fall and early winter of the year 1776 saw the fortunes of Washington's army sink very low indeed. Beginning with the defeat on Long Island in late August, Washington and his army had met reverse after reverse. They had been forced to retire in succession from Manhattan to Fort Washington, then across the river to Fort Lee, then from Fort Lee to Hackensack. This succession of defeats and the enforced retirements had disorganized and depleted the army. But even worse than that, it had well-nigh ruined the morale of the civilian population, whose hearty support was absolutely necessary if the war was to be carried on. But now, discouraged and disheartened, the mass of the population gave Washington no help, no encouragement, no cooperation. This is the situation on the morning of November 22, 1776, as we begin our story. Washington is in his headquarters at Hackensack, New Jersey, when Colonel Joseph Reed, his aide, enters-- REED Good morning, General Washington! WASHINGTON Good morning, Colonel, what news? REED Not much, I'm afraid, sir. WASHINGTON Have we no information of the British movements yet? REED None! WASHINGTON What's the matter with our intelligence service? REED It's completely disrupted, sir; and we can get no help from the civilian population. WASHINGTON I know--they've lost all faith in us, Colonel. Nothing but a victory can bring us again the loyalty and help of our own people! It's discouraging, Colonel, to think that now when we need it more than ever before, we can get no help! REED Sir, if we could only turn and strike a quick blow, we might recapture Fort Lee. WASHINGTON Yes--if I only knew what force of the enemy is holding the Fort, and when Lord Howe expects to bring the rest of his army across the Hudson. REED Well, we don't know that! WASHINGTON And without an intelligence service we can't find out! Of course if General Lee would join me--there wasn't any word from Lee this morning, was there? REED None, sir. WASHINGTON Oh, why doesn't he answer? Why doesn't he come? It's been more than a week now since I ordered him to join me at once! Have you heard any rumor about him? Has he left Peekskill yet? Has he crossed the Hudson? REED I haven't heard a word. He hasn't even acknowledged the last half dozen orders I've forwarded to him. WASHINGTON That's the most discouraging thing of all! If the second in command won't obey orders, is it any wonder that the rest of the army is out of hand? Oh, well! We can't hope to do anything without Lee's help, so there's nothing for us to do but retreat-- REED Again? WASHINGTON Yes, Colonel, our small force is uselessly exposed here. We can't risk capture--that would be the end of everything! REED Yes, sir.