Trenton

by Oliver Sipe
__**Intro**__ The Battle of Trenton was the turning point of the American Revolution for the American troops. The battle did not win the Americans a large amount of territory, or gain them a fort, but it raised the morale of the American troops under Gen. George Washington. The American troops were just coming off a loss in New York, and retreated all the way back into Pennsylvania. George Washington came up with the plan to cross the Delaware River on Christmas Night and surprise attack the Hessian troops in Trenton in order to raise morale of the troops. The attack was planned to be a surprise attack. One officer noted that "They make a great deal of Christmas in Germany, and no doubt the Hessians will drink a great deal of beer and have a dance tonight."

__**The Battle**__ On Christmas Night, 1776, George Washington and about 2,700 men started the march towards the Delaware River. They reached the river at about midnight and started to cross, but they were slowed down by snowfall, sleet, and ice in the river. About 3 hours later at 3 in the morning, all troops and guns were across the river, and they started the march toward the town of Trenton where the Hessians were garrisoned. Washington then split his troops into two columns, one under his command, and one under Gen. John Sullivan. Washington and his men marched around the city, and attacked down the streets one way, while Gen. Sullivan's men and artillery marched from the opposite side of the city, so the Hessians would be completely surrounded. The American troops drove the Hessians into a field where they made their last stand. The Hessian Colonel Johann Rall ordered his men to advance to take one of their cannons back, and they succeeded despite American fire from 3 directions. But before the Hessians could fire the cannon, American troops rushed it and took it back. The American troops under Washington kept pushing, and eventually the Hessians were forced into an orchard, where their commander, Johann Rall, was fatally wounded. The Hessian troops surrendered there and the Americans won the battle, and took over 800 prisoners, 6 artillery guns, over 1000 arms, and a lot of ammunition which was much needed.

__**Results** British / Hessian forces__ __American forces__
 * 22 killed
 * 83 wounded
 * 896 captured
 * 2 killed
 * 5 wounded

__**Commanders** British / Hessian forces__ __American forces__
 * Commandant Colonel Johann Rall
 * General George Washington
 * General John Sullivan