Editing Washington Crossing (section)

== Desperation and Decision ==

The autumn of 1776 had been disastrous for the Continental Army. British forces under General William Howe had captured New York City in September, defeated Washington at White Plains in October, and seized Fort Washington in November, capturing nearly 3,000 American soldiers. Washington's army retreated across New Jersey, closely pursued by British and Hessian forces, and crossed the Delaware River into Pennsylvania in early December. By then, the army had dwindled to fewer than 6,000 effective soldiers, many of whose enlistments would expire on December 31. Morale was at its lowest point since the war began; many officers and civilians believed the revolution was finished.<ref name="lengel">{{cite book |last=Lengel |first=Edward G. |title=General George Washington: A Military Life |year=2005 |publisher=Random House |location=New York}}</ref>

Washington recognized that only a bold stroke could save the cause. British forces had established a chain of outposts across New Jersey, including a garrison of approximately 1,500 Hessian soldiers at Trenton, just across the Delaware River from Washington's position. The Hessians, professional German soldiers fighting for the British under contract with their prince, were formidable troops but were stretched thin across their outpost line. Intelligence reports suggested they might be vulnerable to surprise attack, especially during the holiday period when discipline might relax. Washington conceived a plan to cross the Delaware on Christmas night and attack Trenton at dawn, striking before the enemy could react.<ref name="fischer"/>