Dearest family,
You will never guess what has been happening over here! So you guys remember how we have been loosing all these fights with the British? Well, all of the colonists, including me, were pretty much all giving up. I was thinking, since we kept loosing all those battles, well, what was the point to continue fighting? My contract for fighting in the war was almost over, so after that, I was going to come back home. Since the morale in the army was low, George Washington, the Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army, created a plan to cross the Delaware River on Christmas night to attack and surround the Hessian barricade. So, before I knew it, we were on our way to attack an army. Because the river was icy and the weather was so severe, it was a very dangerous journey. Washington only had about 2,400 men under his command in the attack. We marched about 9 miles south to Trenton after crossing the river. The Hessians had lowered their guard, thinking they were safe from the our army during Christmas night, and had no outposts or patrols. Washington's forces caught them off guard and, after a short but fierce resistance, most of the Hessians surrendered. Almost two thirds of the 1,500-man garrison was captured, and only a few troops escaped across Assunpick Creek. Despite the battle's small numbers, our victory inspired other rebels in the colonies. With the success of the revolution in doubt a week earlier, our army had seemed on the verge of collapse. The victory inspired more soldiers to serve longer and attracted new recruits to enlist in our army. It was amazing! I thought for sure that the battle we were going into would lead us to our death, but I was proved wrong. I am singing up for another year in the war! I want to continue fighting for my country, and if we keep winning battles like the Battle of Trenton, this war will be over in no time! I miss you all so much! Stay strong throughout these tough times, because I will be fighting not only for our country, but also for the safety of my family! With luck, I will see you all soon! Love, Alexis Citation: 1. http://www.britishbattles.com/ battle-trenton.htm 2. http://militaryhistory.about.com/od/ americanrevolution/p/American-Revolution-Battle-Of-Trenton.htm |
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