Washington's Crossing of the Delaware

German Hessian Mercenary Troops

In December 1776, the German Regiment found themselves serving directly under the command of General George Washington. In hopes of surprising a battalion of about 1,300 German Hessian mercenaries fighting for the British and holding the town of Trenton, Washington rallied his troops and made a daring crossing of the Delaware River on Christmas Eve.

Jacob Hoover, along with the rest of the German Regiment, were an invaluable tool for Washington that night. They were fighting under the direct command of Lieutenant-Colonel George Sticker. After surprising and defeating the Hessians, Washington ordered the German Regiment, who mainly spoke German and little English, to talk the Hessians into laying down their arms and take prisoners.

The victory played a pivotal role in the Revolution, as word of the accomplishment spread through the colonies and lifted the spirits of both troops and colonists. It reaffirmed the support of the citizens and most importantly, helped convince the French to side with the Americans and support the cause with both troops, supplies and money.

The Emanuel Leutze painting "Washington Crossing the Delaware" famously commemorated the crossing, but is highly inaccurate in its depiction. The crossing took place at night, there was heavy snowfall, blowing wind, and , and according to many historians, the flag portrayed in the work, the well-known Betsy Ross 13 stars flag, did not appear in the colonies until 1777. 

There have been other paintings since which depict the crossing more accurately, but the Leutze work is by far the most famous. The original 1850 painting, which was being displayed in Germany during World War II, was destroyed in a bombing raid. The painting below is a copy that Leutze made in 1851.   

"Washington Crossing the Delaware"
Emanuel Leutze 1851

Washintgon wrote the follow letter Lt. Col. Tench Tilghman on the eve of the crossing:

"McKonkey's Ferry, Six o'clock P.M, December 25, 1776.

Dear Sir: Notwithstanding the discouraging Accounts I have received from Col. Reed of what might be expected from the Operations below, I am determined, as the Night is favourable, to cross the River and make the attack upon Trenton in the Morning. If you can do nothing real, at least create as a diversion as possible. I am, etc."  

Source: The Writings of George Washington from the Original Manuscript Sources, 1745-1799. John C. Fitzpatrick, Editor.--vol. 06, The George Washington Papers at the Library of Congress.