Crossing the Delaware – Part 2
By Andrew, FPP Intern
Washington crossing the Delaware and his subsequent victory at Trenton on December 25-26, 1776, is one of the most famous engagements of the entire American Revolution. Washington’s strategy was so brilliant, that the Hessian movements are often completely ignored. What is relatively unknown, is that the errors of the Hessian commander, Colonel Rahl, are a large part of why the attack was so successful.
In the weeks leading up to Christmas, Colonel Rahl was ordered to construct defenses outside and around Trenton. He delayed, thinking there was no way Washington would attack in the dead of New Jersey’s winter. December 25th rolls around and there are still no defenses around the town, leaving Washington with an easy target.
While the Americans are crossing the river, and preparing to march on Trenton, Colonel Rahl is eating his Christmas dinner and his troops are celebrating the holiday. The Colonel is brought a message, but he chooses to ignore it in order to finish his dinner. The Americans attack early on the morning of the 26th and the hungover Hessians are unable to defend their unfortified town. Not only are most of the Hessians captured, many of them are killed or wounded including Colonel Rahl (who was among those that died). The ignored message was found in his pocket after the fighting. Upon further examination, it was discovered that it was a warning telling him that the Americans were approaching in order to launch an attack.
So while Washington’s assault was one of the most brilliant surprise attacks in history, the failure of Colonel Rahl helped secure the American victory.
