Letter George Washington to William Maxwell, December 28, 1776
The Writings of George Washington from the Original Manuscript Sources, 1745-1799. John C. Fitzpatrick, Editor.--vol. 06
Sir: As I am about to enter the Jerseys with a considerable force, immediately for the purpose of attempting a recovery of that Country from the Enemy, and as a diversion on your Quarter may greatly facilitate this event, by distracting and dividing their troops; I must request, you will collect all the force in your power together, and annoy and distress them, by every means which Prudence can suggest. It will be exceedingly proper, for you to use every Argument to inspirit and encourage the Militia, as also to prevail on the troops commanded by Colo. Vose, to continue longer in Service. You may assure the Militia, that every effort shall be made to rescue their Country from the hands of the Enemy, and that with their concurrence I hope and expect to effect it; It may be urged to the Eastern Troops with great truth, that if a successful opposition is not made to the Enemy in the Jerseys, that their Country will not remain long free from the ravages of War.
I have the pleasure to inform you of the success of an enterprize, which took effect the 26th. Instant at Trenton; On the night of the preceding day, I cross'd the Delaware with a detachment of the Army under my Command, amounting to about 2400; the difficulties arising in the passage of the River, prevented my arriving at the Town so soon as I expected, by which means the attack did not commence till eight O'Clock; when our Troops pressed forward with so much Ardor, and Spirit, as never to suffer them to form completely, about Seven hundred of the enemy ran away in the begining of the action; the rest amounting to 1000 including 31 Officers, after making a feeble opposition, laid down their Arms and Surrendered themselves prisoners of War. We have taken about one thousand stand of Arms, four Standards and Six pieces of brass Artillery, with some other Stores. I have issued some orders to day for the encouragement of the Troops, whose terms are near expiring, which I shall be glad you will immediately communicate to them, in your Orders. I am &c. (5)
[Note 5: The draft is in the writing of William Grayson. There is no copy of these orders in the Washington Papers.]
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