American History In Video: Episode 4: American Crisis
Episode 4: American Crisis from The History Channel (A&E Television Networks, 2006) 46:00.
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NARRATOR Previously on the Revolution, Continental Congress took the ultimate step toward independence with a stunning declaration.
Willard Sterne Randall Jefferson wasn't hiding anything that was revolutionary in the eyes of his own people only in the rest of the world.
All of our founding fathers, they think they're gonna hang. They are outlaws.
NARRATOR The British battled the Continentals in New York Harbor.
When the British come in the summer of 1776 , it's like Star Wars. It's the Empire Strikes Back. It's the Death Star.
These soldiers were fresh off the farm and so it was really a disaster for the Americans.
NARRATOR But a heavy fog allows the rebels to escape.
The failure to capture the Americans really was one of the greatest blunders of the war.
THE REVOLUTION Manhattan
Edward Herrmann September 1776 , New York . The rebel army is in retreat, pursued by the British up the isle of Manhattan . In battle after battle, the colonial army is sent running, overwhelmed by the British forces and their superior power.
[sil.]
Edward Herrmann The two sides engaged at Kip's Bay then up Manhattan at Harlem Heights, and again north in White Plains . Only one lone American outpost prevents the total loss of New York and control of the Hudson River. Fort Washington, the garrison named after his Excellency, George Washington himself. And now, it is under a massive attack. George Washington watches the terrifying scene from just across the Hudson River. His last hold on New York is fading fast. Nearly all of his officers had recommended abandoning it. Fort Washington was not built to defend itself against such a sizable British onslaught. The Continental soldiers prepared themselves for a last stand but they are in no shape for heroics. A month of steady defeats have left them exhausted. And now again, they are outnumbered. Three thousand of them against eight thousand Royals. It was Washington's most trusted general, Nathanael Greene , who had convinced the commander to defend the fort. Greene , a young and talented Rhode Island officer had, over time, become Washington's most trusted confidant. But this time, following his advice is a disastrous error in judgment for the rebel leader.
Major John Hall Military Historian, West Point
Major John Hall Nathaniel Greene opines that he can hold that Fort with the men he has available to him and he had recommenced that course of action to Washington . Washington trusts this very capable and energetic subordinate and Greene was wrong.
Edward Herrmann The British Army is unstoppable. Not only do they have the numbers, they put their big guns out in front. They unleash a fierce battalion of German fighters called "The Hessians." The Hessians are unmistakable from their armored helmets to their expertise with the bayonet. They are a near mythical vision from the Old World. England has used foreigners for centuries to help fight their wars. But in America , the Hessians create a new specter. At once feared and hated, they are seen as outsiders in the conflict between brothers. They quickly gain a reputation as detested mercenaries.
Elliga Gould Historian, University of New Hampshire
Elliga Gould The Hessians did not regard themselves as engaged in the Civil War. And wherever the ah, German mercenaries went off in Nimes , there were uhm, ah, allegations of all sorts of brutality ranging from ah, sexual violence to ah, stealing of supplies.
Edward Herrmann These European fighters have been trained under a different set of ethics than the Colonial Army. An almost medieval sense of warfare. Plot from society's castoffs and often pressed into service against their will, the Hessian soldiers are ruthlessly drilled into fighting machines. Their rewards, when they receive them, come in the form of pride and a fair share of whatever plunder they can get their hands on. In America , they sang songs about their chance for treasure.
Go us to America . There will be enough for all. There will be silver, gold, and money. Everything that a man seeks in the world, all that a man seeks there is in America .
Elliga Gould Essentially, the Hessians operated according to a code that made sense in Germany but was very different from anything that the Americans had been familiar with.
Edward Herrmann On this day, the Hessians earn their worth. They lead the British in overwhelming Fort Washington in mere hours.
[sil.]
Edward Herrmann By afternoon, the rebels laid down their weapons. Fort Washington has surrendered and along with it, New York . The two sides now face each other up close. The King's Army and their hired warriors get their first chance to gaze upon the faces of the exhausted rebel army they have pursued for months. It is a sight that leaves them shocked.
CAPTAIN FREDERICK MCKENZIE A great many of them were lads under fifteen and old men, and few of them have the appearance of soldiers. Their odd figures frequently excited the laughter of our soldiers. Captain Frederick McKenzie , British officer.
Edward Herrmann The King's men had been fighting a wretched army, a band of citizens with little training. As the smoke clears over the dead and wounded, an amazing sight takes both sides by surprise. A young woman sits by her dead husband's side, but she had not been an idle bystander. When John Corbin fell from wounds, Molly Corbin stepped up to the canons firing on the British with the rest of the patriots. The British quickly sent Molly Corbin home. There, after the war, she will die in obscurity. But on this day, the rebels will not forget the woman who evoked their cause. If this war is to persist, every citizen, man, woman, and child will be called upon.
GENERAL NATHANAEL GREENE I feel mad, vexed, sick, and sorry. This is the most terrible event. Its consequences are justly to be dreaded. General Nathanael Greene .
Edward Herrmann Half the army is captured at Fort Washington. New York , in control of the mighty Hudson, falls squarely into British hands. Some begin to wonder whether the rebels can actually deliver an independent America .
GENERAL GEORGE WASHINGTON I was never in such an unhappy, divided state since I was born. I am weary to death. General George Washington .
Major John Hall The Americans in 1776 have encountered nothing but reverses. Its defeat followed by defeat, withdrawal followed by withdrawal. This really negatively affects the morale of his force and perhaps, more importantly, affects the morale of some of his subordinate commanders who really now question whether or not Washington is the right man for this job.
GENERAL CHARLES LEE Between us, a certain great man is most damnedly deficient. He has thrown me into a situation where I have my choice of difficulties. General Charles Lee .
Edward Herrmann Some of Washington's own generals now take their aim at his reputation. Washington and the army at their weakest and most vulnerable will soon have to face another battle. A power struggle at the very top. The revolution is about to stumble.
THE REVOLUTION
Edward Herrmann November, 1776 . George Washington's Continental Army is in full retreat across New Jersey . He has just lost New York and with it, half his army. Washington cannot afford another confrontation. Hundreds had died. Many thousands more had been taken as prisoners of war.
[sil.]
Edward Herrmann Enemy captives are not something the British had planned for in this rebellion. Now, they are forced to confront the problem.
Caroline Cox Historian, University of the Pacific
Caroline Cox After the defeat in New York , ah, the British find themselves holding more American prisoners than they know what to do with and so they are going to use ah, the shiver hut and a number of other large structures that can quickly be made secured. They're also going to use prison ships.
Edward Herrmann Of all the places of internment, the ships quickly become the most notorious. Thousands are thrown into the holds of decommissioned warships. There, with inadequate food, hygiene, and air, disease runs rampant. Starvation is common. Being here is almost worse than a quick death on the battlefield.
Barnet Schecter Author, The Battle for New York
Barnet Schecter Some of these ships would have a thousand men, a thousand prisoners and perhaps, a dozen a day would be taken out, dead and buried in the shallow graves on the sandy shores of Brooklyn .
EBENEZER FOX I now found myself among a collection of the most wretched and disgusting-looking objects that I ever beheld in human form. Now shriveled and surrounded with the horrors of sickness and death. Here, thought I, must I linger till death should terminate my sufferings. Ebenezer Fox , prisoner.
Edward Herrmann To the British, these men are not just prisoners of war, they are traitors. Yet, their punishment will not be swift. Instead of an executioner's hand, these rebels will be left to rot.
[sil.]
Edward Herrmann Along Washington's retreat, there is no time for sympathy. No one knows what lies ahead for them. It is a minor consolation that they have become experts in at least one aspect of the military.
COLONEL SAMUEL WEBB I can only say that no lad's ever showed greater activity in retreating than we have. Our soldiers are the best fellows in the world at this business. Colonel Samuel Webb , Continental officer.
Edward Herrmann With retreat comes more recrimination, this time from within Washington's own ranks. General Charles Lee is among those who revel in Washington's failures and secretly scheme against him. In late November of 1776 , Lee steps up his campaign for the Commander's job. Like Washington , Lee is ambitious for glory. But their similarities end there. Where George Washington has a famous grace, Charles Lee has an infamous coarseness.
Willard Sterne Randall Author and Historian
Willard Sterne Randall He was a slob. Uhm, he didn't wash. Ah, he always had a pack of dogs going everywhere with him. Uhm, he consorted with low women. He was not a gentleman. Uhm, a corporal's wife would be his preference.
Edward Herrmann Yet as a general, his prowess is undeniable, even intimidating. He had, after all, learned his skills in the best army in the world, the British.
Major John Hall Lee is arguably the most qualified general officer in the American army in a strictly military sense. He fought the French-Indian War. He fought the Continental Europe during the Seven Years' War. He fought from Russia to Poland . He's exceptionally experienced. But this experience breeds some hubris. He thinks that he knows better.
Edward Herrmann Passed over for promotion in England , Lee jumped ship for America . Only to find himself subordinate to George Washington . Now, Lee's sense of self worth pushes him toward betrayal once again. This time, he wants what he deserves. Command of the Continental Army.
GENERAL CHARLES LEE I foresaw all that has happened. Had I the powers, I could do much good.
Edward Herrmann Confidence in General George Washington is at an all-time low. Lee's chance is at hand. Late November, 1776 , the two generals now lead regiments in separate retreats. Washington , through the center of New Jersey with the main army; Lee , north, with a regiment of four thousand. As they move, Lee corresponds with all those who might be sympathetic to his personal cause. These include a once faithful adjutant to Washington , a certain Colonel Joseph Reed .
COLONEL JOSEPH REED Dear General Lee , I do not mean to flatter or praise you at the expense of any other. But I do confess it is entirely owing to you that this army is not totally cut off.
Edward Herrmann Reed , too, encourages a change in leadership.
COLONEL JOSEPH REED We are in an awful and alarming situation. I think yourself and some others should go to Congress to form the plan of the New Army. Joseph Reed .
Edward Herrmann Charles Lee has just such ambitions and let many in Congress and the Army know it. Only George Washington himself remains unaware of the plot at hand. That is about to change.
Barnet Schecter Washington , by accident, opened a letter from Charles Lee to Joseph Reed , and it was clear that the two men had been discussing Washington's fatal indecision of mind.
GENERAL CHARLES LEE My dear Reed , I lament with you that fatal indecision of mind, which in war is a much greater disqualification than stupidity or even want of personal courage. Eternal defeat must attend the man of the best past if cursed with indecision. General Charles Lee .
Barnet Schecter Washington's response was to write to Reed and say, "I opened this by accident. I thought it was official business," and to just try to smooth it over. I think all of these moments really just highlight the extraordinary kind of equilibrium that he maintained.
Edward Herrmann Washington lets it pass, but he can have no doubt that his own power is weakening. His errors in New York are becoming widely known, and those who once threw their support behind him, the Army, and the cause of Independence, are now compelled toward doubt. A sense of doom gathers across America .
Bruce Chadwick Author, George Washington's War
Bruce Chadwick Washington is devastated by his defeats. This public relations disaster means that the people don't support the Army. They're back to maybe we should, maybe we shouldn't try revolution.
Edward Herrmann It is the opportunity the British have been waiting for. Into this vacuum of power and the flagging spirit for rebellion, they issue a proclamation. They offer leniency to those who pledge allegiance to the king. Those who will not shall be considered traitors.
Ray Raphael Author and Historian
Ray Raphael Every American had to choose. Do I support the patriots? Do I support the loyalists? Is there any neutral ground between them? How do you make this choice? People are not only making this choice according to their political beliefs or whether they, you know, really ah, respect the King or not. They often were making this choice according to what's best for them.
Edward Herrmann The soul of the revolution is now up for grabs. Who will come out ahead? General Charles Lee , George Washington , or the British Army? What each does next will determine the outcome? America's revolution hangs in the balance.
THE REVOLUTION
Edward Herrmann December, 1776 . British are gaining control of New Jersey . Yet they find the populace unwilling to support them. With their massive army, food, and supplies are critical to their efforts. Out of need and a hint of vengeance, the British turned to more forceful methods.
[sil.]
Edward Herrmann They take what they need by whatever means necessary.
[sil.]
Edward Herrmann It is a bitter taste of what America might look forward to under full British military -occupation.
[sil.]
CHARLES WILSON PEALE They have taken hawks, sheep, horses, and cows everywhere. Even children have been stripped of their clothes. In short, the abuse of the inhabitants is beyond description. Charles Wilson Peale , American soldier.
Edward Herrmann Soon, the Hessian mercenaries join the fury, cutting their own path of plunder across the colony. Along with them, stories of brutality spread far and wide, allegations of torture, rape, and murder. Such acts become a rallying point around which to sway Colonists against the British. Patriot newsprint quickly takes full advantage.
They strip them of their cash and clothes. Poor creatures, many of them died. The devils, not more cruel.
Major John Hall Military Historian, West Point
Major John Hall It was a huge propaganda coup for the Colonists who were able to isolate a few incidents of Hessian brutality and atrocities and project that as par for the course. It helped muster more support for the revolution and demonstrated to the Americans the extreme lengths to which the British were willing to go to put down this insurrection.
Edward Herrmann The British had aimed to bolster loyalty in New Jersey . Instead, their actions stir up an infuriated population. Patriots and loyalists now take up arms against one another as the War of Independence descends into anarchy and civil strife.
[sil.]
Edward Herrmann Washington can sense the mounting chaos. Both sides, loyalist and patriot, seem to have given up on the cause of the revolution.
Bruce Chadwick Author, George Washington's War
Bruce Chadwick As Washington flees across New Jersey and people are unwilling to help him, he fully realizes that this revolution might be over. He's a commander in chief of an army that has shrunk drastically. He's on the run with the enemy on his heels. Congressmen write their wives and their friends letters saying that the game is just about up. They're fearful that this war is shortly going to be over.
Edward Herrmann Washington turns his focus toward Philadelphia around which, he would try to build a defense but General Charles Lee's troops are still 50 miles north. Without them, Washington's numbers are inadequate. Like it or not, he needs Lee . Lee has other plans and they don't include helping Washington . He ignores the commander's almost daily pleas to rejoin the main army.
GENERAL GEORGE WASHINGTON December 1. Dear Sir, the enemy are advancing and from information not to be doubted mean to push the Philadelphia . I must entreat you to hasten your march as much as possible, or your arrival maybe too late to answer any valuable purpose. General George Washington .
Barnet Schecter Author, The Battle for New York
Barnet Schecter Technically, Washington could order, could have ordered Charles Lee to do what he wanted.
GENERAL GEORGE WASHINGTON Dear Sir, having wrote you fully both yesterday and today of my situation, you will readily agree that I have sufficient cause for my anxiety and to wish for your arrival as early as possible.
Barnet Schecter Perhaps Washington thought that with a loose canon like Lee, perhaps the best way was not force but to cajole him into seeing things the same way.
December 13th 1776 Basking Bridge, New Jersey
Edward Herrmann Friday the 13th 1776 . General Charles Lee has no intention of coming to Washington's aid. Instead, he stops his retreat and takes residence in a comfortable tavern. There, Lee makes his final move. It won't be a good one. Lee works over his correspondences denigrating George Washington . Yet, he remains unaware of the scene just outside his window. British scouts have tracked Lee to the tavern and will take him by surprise.
Barnet Schecter The scene was almost comical if it hadn't been so tragic. Lee was surrounded by a British cavalry in his dressing gown, slippers basically.
Edward Herrmann Lee puts up no fight. In one brazen and sloppy moment, his campaign for leadership of the Continental Army comes to an abrupt halt.
England
Edward Herrmann London celebrates the capture. The traitor Lee , some say, is the only rebel general they had cause to fear. Even the stock market goes up on the belief that this is the coup that will end the war. But Washington is not so easily phased. A political rival out of the way and his absent troops now marching toward him, Washington regains his sense of mission. His own officers like General Nathanael Green take notice.
GENERAL NATHANAEL GREEN His Excellency, George Washington , never appeared so much advantage as in the hour of distress.
Edward Herrmann Again, it falls to Washington to turn the fortunes of the war if it isn't too late.
THE REVOLUTION
Edward Herrmann New Jersey is now a battlefield, not only for the two armies but for the colonists themselves. Amidst the tension, citizens weigh their loyalties. Should they side with the fleeing Continentals or with the British occupiers, whose very presence has created fresh hostility in the colony?
Christopher Brown Historian, Rutgers University
Christopher Brown And this is what happens right, when you put military men in the charge of what is also a delicate political operation and in this respect, I think one has to be a little sympathetic to the British government. Putting down a anti-imperial, anti-colonial uprising is not something anyone had much experience with in the 18th century.
Edward Herrmann As winter sets in, both sides retrench. The British occupied more of New Jersey by spreading smaller units throughout the territory. Washington meanwhile, escapes into Pennsylvania where he hopes to prevent an attack on Philadelphia , the seat of Congress.
December 8th 1776 Continental Camp, Pennsylvania
Edward Herrmann Mid December, 1776 . The mood of despair has crept into his own soldiers as well. Many simply decide it is time to go home. Faith in the revolution is falling as fast as the temperature.
Caroline Cox Historian, University of the Pacific
Caroline Cox It's been a wretched year for them. Ah, conditions have been harsh. Ah, small pox has broken out in the army. That's an addition to the other camp diseases that ah, ravaged the army in regular intervals. Ah, militarily things have been disastrous. There's not a lot of incentive for them to stay.
Edward Herrmann One man watches in horror. Thomas Paine had joined Washington's army as one of the revolution's first war correspondents. Now, the young author of Common Sense who helped spark independence only a year earlier, knows he must once again take up his pen. This time, he will not aim his words at the enemy but directly at the hearts of American patriots.
THOMAS PAINE These are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of his country. Thomas Paine .
[sil.]
Edward Herrmann With the sense that the war rides as much on his words as on the musket ball, Paine rushes to Philadelphia to print his new manifesto.
[sil.]
Edward Herrmann There, Paine finds his hometown in chaos. Fear and rumor are spreading like a virus. Citizens are convinced that Washington's forces won't be able to defend Philadelphia . In response, people flee. A steady stream of Philadelphians take their belongings and head elsewhere, leaving their empty homes and closed-up shops to the British if they should come. The citizens are not alone. Continental Congress and all its members have evacuated too, heading further south to Baltimore . Against this backdrop, Thomas Paine gets to work. In a span of ten days, the young author and printer, the man who arrived in America only a few years ago full of hopes to begin a new world in this raw colonies, sets his thoughts to print. He titles it "American Crisis." As quickly and widely as Common Sense had spread, so too does this book. It begins to work its magic instantly.
THOMAS PAINE What we obtain, too cheap. We esteem, too lightly. And it would be strange, indeed, if so celestial an article is freedom should not be highly rated. Thomas Paine .
Barnet Schecter Author, The Battle for New York
Barnet Schecter This was really the, the low point for the Americans. Washington's reputation was really at stake and with that reputation, the ability to round up fresh recruits for the army so it was a, a really do or die moment in New Jersey .
Edward Herrmann Paine's words only go so far. Washington must alter his entire approach to the war. He must make some bold move that will restore faith in him and in the durability of the revolution.
Bruce Chadwick Author, George Washington's War
Bruce Chadwick He makes up his mind, "I've gotta shift tactics." He thinks that it isn't necessary to win the war on a battlefield. He just can't lose it. The most important thing is to keep the army together at the same time back home convincing the, the mothers and wives, and children, our British soldiers that the cause of this war is too high in deaths, casualties, and for parliament too, in money.
Edward Herrmann For the British commander, William Howe , things are not going as planned. The occupation of New Jersey has spread his forces thin. In London , people are asking why the war is not yet won. He needs time to think. Howe has his army dig in for the winter. To guard against rebel attacks, he places Hessian forces at key junctions along the Delaware River. Places like Burlington and Trenton . As the cold sets in, the British expect to catch their breath before the next season of fighting begins. Howe's command along the Delaware River falls to Hessian colonel, Johann Rall . Rall has been on constant alert but now hold up in Trenton , he is finally beginning to relax. An attack is unlikely as the weather turns grim, and a blizzard blows outside his window. Rall lets his guard down and waits for reinforcements due any moment.
December 24th 1776 Mount Holly, New Jersey
Edward Herrmann Christmas Eve, New Jersey . Rall's Hessian reinforcements have made an unscheduled stop. Their commander, Colonel von Danop has decided to spend the night with a fair widow in Mount Holly just twenty miles from Trenton .
CAPTAIN JOHANN EVAULT(ph) The Colonel who was exceedingly devoted to the fair sets had found a beautiful young widow of a doctor. He wanted to set up rest boarders in Mount Holly which to the misfortune of Colonel Rall , he was permitted to do. Captain Johann Evault(ph) , Hessian officer.
Edward Herrmann Von Donop's rest will have consequences he cannot imagine and history will soon record the contribution to the Revolution made by the mysterious widow of Mount Holly whose identity will never be known. Some believe she may have been Betsy Ross , the future creator of the American flag.
[sil.]
Edward Herrmann Scouts soon report to Washington that the Hessian army has left its defenses down. Washington hatches his plan. He will attack. It may well be his last shot, a final effort to revive his reputation, the spirit of his soldiers, and the survival of the Revolution.
THE REVOLUTION
Edward Herrmann In the last cold days of 1776 , Washington prepares his army for what may be the final gambit in the War of Independence. Few believe he can still be victorious. His own soldiers regularly leave the army as their commissions come up and urgency creeps into everything and everyone.
JOSEPH REED We are all of the opinion, my dear general, that delay is now equal to a total defeat. Some enterprise must be undertaken in our present circumstances or we must give up the cause. Joseph Reed , Continental officer.
Bruce Chadwick Author, George Washington's War
Bruce Chadwick By the time Christmas of 1776 approaches, everything has bottomed out. His army has shrunk to only about 5,000 men. He's lost the support of a lot of the people. It all appears to be lost. It truly is a do or die situation.
Edward Herrmann Washington makes a bold decision. He will strike the enemy at Trenton .
December 25th 1776 Pennsylvania Camp
Edward Herrmann On Christmas day, Washington tells his army to prepare. After months of defeat and loss, they understand his purpose. The army will now take the offensive. They will be crossing to Delaware back to New Jersey . Shortly before departing, Washington has American Crisis read aloud.
THOMAS PAINE Let it be told to the future world that in the depth of winter when nothing but hope and virtue could survive, that the city and the country alarmed that one common danger came forth to meet and to repulse it. Time hath found us. Thomas Paine .
Edward Herrmann It will be a monumental task. Washington's men must ford a near frozen river in the blizzard and get across fast enough to take the enemy before dawn by surprise.
[sil.]
Edward Herrmann Yet Washington's leadership, his army, and the revolution, all ride on the success of this singular mission. Washington himself will lead the soldiers into battle for the first time in the war. The general knows that if they fail, there will be no more chances.
Banks of the Delaware, Pennsylvania
Edward Herrmann At 11:00 p.m., the boats begin to cross. It will be harder than they had even imagined.
Bruce Chadwick Every school child in America is familiar with the painting of Washington crossing the Delaware when he's boldly in the front of the boat, standing up, looking heroically towards the eastern shore of the river. It would have been nice but it didn't happen like that. Nobody stood up that night, wisely so.
CAPTAIN THOMAS RODNEY It was a severe a night as I ever saw. The frost was sharp, the current difficult to steer in, the ice increasing, the wind high and at 11 it began to snow. It was only with the greatest care and labor that the horses and artillery could be ferried over the river. Captain Thomas Rodney , Continental officer.
Edward Herrmann It takes most of the night to get the army over. It cost them severely in time.
Banks of the Delaware, Pennsylvania 4:00 AM
Edward Herrmann As dawn approaches, this surprise attack on the Hessian forces at Trenton grows nearly impossible. For a moment, Washington considers turning back.
GENERAL GEORGE WASHINGTON It made me despair of surprising the town as I well knew we could not reach it before the day was fairly broke. I determine to push on at all events. General George Washington .
On the Road to Trenton
Edward Herrmann 5:00 a.m., the weather worsens and the temperatures drop even further. The soldiers, some with only rags on their feet, begin to succumb to the elements.
JOHN GREENWOOD I was so benumb with cold that I wanted to go to sleep. Had been passed, I noticed, I should have frozen to death without knowing it. But as good luck attended me, Sergeant Madden(ph) came and made me walk about. John Greenwood , Continental fifer.
Edward Herrmann Not all are so lucky. Two soldiers lay down in the snow, never to get up again. The others press on.
[sil.]
Edward Herrmann Everything now depends on speed and stealth. It is Washington's new way of waging war.
Bruce Chadwick If he's victorious, fine. If he's defeated, escape as fast as you can and keep your army together. Move fast. Sneak attacks. Surprises. The night escapes. Any trick a magician could pull out of his hat, that's how he's gonna fight.
Edward Herrmann Washington had learned his lessons the hard way. Now, he will change the rules.
Trenton, New Jersey 8:00 AM
Edward Herrmann In a swift move, he catches the Hessians off guard. It sets off a fierce battle. Hessian soldiers scrambled to grab their muskets and meet the enemy.
[sil.]
Edward Herrmann Colonel Rall wakes up to a battle already under way. He had been expecting something from the rebels, but nothing of this scale.
[sil.]
Edward Herrmann Nor is this the same army the Hessians once met in New York .
[sil.]
Edward Herrmann Now, the Continentals fight with fierce spirit. In bloody chaotic engagements, they hold their own.
Fire!
Edward Herrmann Trenton is a small battle in numbers, but it is a vicious and closely-fought one.
Bruce Chadwick The Battle of Trenton is a brutal encounter. The Americans surprise the Hessians who tumble out of their barracks, grab their muskets, and attempt to defend themselves. The battle last less than an hour, though. The Hessians don't have a chance to give some surprise.
COLONEL HENRY KNOX Here conceived a scene of war of which I had often conceived but never saw before. The hurry, the fright, and confusion of the enemy was nothing like that which will be when the last trump shall sound. Colonel Henry Knox , Continental Officer.
Edward Herrmann In the midst of the fighting, the Hessian Colonel Rall is shot twice. As he dies in bed, the leaderless Hessians lose their will to go on. The path that had taken them from victory in New York ends with defeat at Trenton . A thousand Hessians are captured or killed, out of only fifteen hundred present.
[sil.]
Edward Herrmann It is Washington's day. Trenton sends a resounding message. The Continental Army is back, and Washington is their undisputed leader. In the year of hardships and loss, he has now learned how to fight this war.
Major John Hall Military Historian, West Point
Major John Hall Trenton illustrates the genius of George Washington . Here is an opportunity to strike the enemy where he's weak, when he's weak. This is going to establish the pattern for the rest of the war, in which the Continental Army will always live to fight another day, pick low-hanging fruit, frustrate the British, and continue to provide a thorn in the side of the different British commanders.
Edward Herrmann Yet Washington faces one more challenge before 1776 is over.
December 31st 1776
Edward Herrmann December 31st marks the last day of many soldiers' commissions. Many, if not all, are eager to return to their citizen lives.
Bruce Chadwick At the end of December, a lot of enlistment terms ran out. Those men want to go home. He goes back on to the field. And he tells 'em as heartfelt as he can that you've done everything that America could ask of you. You've risked your lives. You've been in fierce encounters, and now I'm asking you to do it just one more time. And he waits, nobody moves.
Edward Herrmann The men have given all they can. Now, it is Washington's turn. To anyone who will re-enlist, Washington makes an offer of an additional ten dollar's pay, more than a month's salary.
GENERAL GEORGE WASHINGTON My brave fellows, you have done all I have asked you to do and more than could be reasonably expected. But your country is at stake. We know not how to spare you. General George Washington .
Bruce Chadwick And then one soldier grumbles, "Well, I might as well keep fighting". He steps forward. Then others follow him and eventually, a little but more than half the men in the army stay for the ten dollars. But he doesn't have the ten dollars.
Edward Herrmann Washington writes to Congress to request the emergency funds. For this trifling sum, the army holds together and grows as news of Trenton brings new recruits. At the very end of this dark year, Washington has revived the revolution.
Caroline Cox Historian, University of the Pacific
Caroline Cox Through most of the fall, there had been a number of officers who thought they could do his job better than he could, and a number of members of Congress who thought the same. Ah, that changes after Trenton ah, that that criticism evaporates at least for a while. And it seems that the tide has turned. At least the army is going to continue to exist. And the army is the revolution.
Edward Herrmann 1776 , the year America is born, and a grueling test for the new nation. Liberty is embraced and then, very nearly lost. Washington has saved the revolution but the biggest battles still lie ahead. With cautious optimism, a friend of George Washington writes him a New Year's card. "The year 1776 is over. I am heartily glad of it and hope neither you nor America will be plagued with such another."
Edward Herrmann Next time on The Revolution. After losing Philadelphia to the British, Benjamin Franklin needs a decisive victory at Saratoga to convince France to back the rebels.
His job is essentially to make it appear to the French that the American cause is a viable one and that the Americans can win this contest. Those are all of them, at that point, fictions.
Edward Herrmann A declaration of war between France and England would change what was once a colonial uprising into a world war.
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Battle of Trenton 11:25
Trenton 11:25