Changes

Following the [[Battle of Trenton]], where Washington surprised and defeated the Hessians on December 26th, 1776:

'''Following the [[Battle of Trenton]], where Washington surprised and defeated the Hessians on December 26th, 1776:

On Dec. 27th General Calwalader, who had been unable to land on the Jersey shore on the 26 th due to the ice on that shore, reported he was crossing near Burlington, reinforced by militia which was turning up encouraged by the victory. Calwalader was unaware that Washington had recrossed the river. He moved into the now empty Burlington and then to Bordontown, reporting that the citizens were hastily removing the red rags nailed to their doors as symbols of loyalty to the crown. He entreated Washington to join him in advancing on the British who were in a panic.

On Dec. 27th General Calwalader, who had been unable to land on the Jersey shore on the 26 th due to the ice on that shore, reported he was crossing near Burlington, reinforced by militia which was turning up encouraged by the victory. Calwalader was unaware that Washington had recrossed the river. He moved into the now empty Burlington and then to Bordontown, reporting that the citizens were hastily removing the red rags nailed to their doors as symbols of loyalty to the crown. He entreated Washington to join him in advancing on the British who were in a panic.

Washington gathered all the troops he could to him, calling on the Pennsylania, Maryland, and New Jersey militia. He sent the following notice out with militia officers:

Washington gathered all the troops he could to him, calling on the Pennsylania, Maryland, and New Jersey militia. He sent the following notice out with militia officers:'''

   

   

''To the Friends of America in the State of New Jersey

''To the Friends of America in the State of New Jersey''

The Army of the American States under my Command being lately greatly reinforced, and having again entered ''the State of New Jersey, I most warmly request the Militia of Said State at this Important Crisis to ''Evince their Love of their Country, by boldly Stepping forth and defending the Cause of Freedom. The'' Inhabitants may be Assured that by a manly or spirited Conduct they may now relieve their Distingu''ished State from the ­ depredations of our Enemies-I have therefore dispatched Coll. Neilson, Majors ''Taylor, Van Emburgh, + Frelinghuysen together with some other Gentlemen of your State to call toge''ther and Embody your Militia, not doubting but Success will attend their Endeavors-

''The Army of the American States under my Command being lately greatly reinforced, and having'' ''again'' entered the State of New Jersey, I most warmly request the Militia of Said State at this'' ''Important Crisis to Evince their Love of their Country, by boldly Stepping forth and defending the'' ''Cause of Freedom. The Inhabitants may be Assured that by a manly or spirited Conduct they may'' now'' ''relieve their Distinguished State from the ­ depredations of our Enemies-I have therefore'' ''dispatched Coll. Neilson, Majors Taylor, Van Emburgh, + Frelinghuysen together with some other'' ''Gentlemen of your State to call together and Embody your Militia, not doubting but Success will'' ''attend their Endeavors-''

(signed) G. Washington

''(signed) G. Washington''

Trentown

''Trentown''

31 Dec. 1776''

''31 Dec. 1776''