The Crossing

After repeated defeats in the Revolutionary War campaign of 1776, the Continental Army withdraws across the pressing landscape of New Jersey. The fighters are exhausted, with heavy losses and discipline eroded by pursuit. The retreat sets the stage for a desperate winter and a precarious hold on the cause.

The Continental Army has lost New York City and is chased across the state by British forces. Casualties are high, with 90 percent of troops killed, captured, or deserting. Morale is crushed as desertion and attrition threaten the army's survival.

The army narrowly crosses the Delaware River to the Pennsylvania shore, gaining a temporary reprieve from pursuit, aided by having the only usable boats on that stretch. Washington hopes the river freezing would end the reprieve but aims for a bold next move. This crossing sets up Washington's plan for a bold counterstrike.

General Hugh Mercer warns Washington that food, medicine, ammunition and winter clothing are dangerously low. The army's safety and effectiveness hinge on obtaining critical quantities of supplies. The looming shortage accelerates Washington's urgency to strike a decisive blow.

Faced with dwindling resources and a fragile posture, Washington conceives a daring plan to cross back across the Delaware. The goal is a surprise attack on the Hessian garrison at Trenton. The plan hinges on speed, stealth and exploiting the Hessians' Christmas celebration.

Glover, a seasoned mariner, warns the crossing may be impossible in one night under freezing weather but agrees that it must be done to save the Revolution. He and his Marblehead troops vow to perform the crossing and evacuate Washington's army. Their resolve is pivotal to the operation's feasibility.

General Horatio Gates points out perceived flaws in the plan, suggesting Washington should relinquish command. Washington defies him, orders Gates to be silent, and has Alexander Hamilton escort Gates out of camp at gunpoint. The moment underscores the high stakes and discipline required.

With morale low and winter weather biting, the army schedules an attack at dawn while the Hessians are still recovering from Christmas revelries. The plan relies on surprise and the element of a fatigued enemy. Time is short to prepare the troops and weapons for the assault.

The officers have only a few days to drill and ready the troops, while secrecy keeps the plan from leaking. Soldiers are told only what is necessary to maintain the advantage. The atmosphere is tense as they balance preparation with risk of discovery.

Glover and his men oversee the movement of Washington's troops from the Pennsylvania side to the New Jersey shore during a freezing night. The crossing itself is perilous and executed with precision to avoid detection. The operation relies on stealth more than force.

The crossing is completed by dawn on December 26, slightly later than planned. The sun's rise increases the risk that British watchers along the river will notice the movement. Washington's troops press on toward Trenton despite the delays.

At eight o'clock in the morning, Washington's forces march into Trenton and launch a surprise attack on the Hessian garrison. The element of surprise catches the enemy off guard and the Continental Army achieves a stunning victory. Most of the Hessian force is captured.