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Washington took his tiny force and challenged General Cornwallis' British army consisting of 8,000 men. This ten-day period from Christmas 1776 to early January 1777 was described by Frederick the Great of Prussia as "the most
Washington took his tiny force and challenged General Cornwallis' British army consisting of 8,000 men. This ten-day period from Christmas 1776 to early January 1777 was described by Frederick the Great of Prussia as "the most
brilliant in the world's history."
brilliant in the world's history."
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.
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
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
Trentown
31 Dec. 1776''
The evening of Jan. 2, 1777, General Washington left the campfires of his troops burning and quietly had his army sneak around the back of the British camp at
The evening of Jan. 2, 1777, General Washington left the campfires of his troops burning and quietly had his army sneak around the back of the British camp at