Life of George Washington, volume 2 of 5

Note 156 — Chapter XLIII · WASHINGTON CLOTHED WITH ADDITIONAL POWERS—RECRUITMENT OF THE ARMY—INCREASED PAY—COLONEL JOHN CADWALADER—ARRIVAL OF SULLIVAN—GATES—WILKINSON—A COUP DE MAIN MEDITATED—POSTURE OF AFFAIRS AT TRENTON—GATES DECLINES TO TAKE A PART—HIS COMMENTS ON WASHINGTON’S PLANS—PREPARATIONS FOR THE COUP DE MAIN—CROSSING OF THE DELAWARE—ATTACK ON THE ENEMY’S FORCES AT TRENTON—DEATH OF RAHL—HIS CHARACTER.

Reading edition

Who it was that made this attack upon the outpost is not clearly ascertained. The Hessian lieutenant who commanded at the picket, says it was a patrol sent out by Washington, under command of a captain, to reconnoitre, with strict orders not to engage, but if discovered, to retire instantly as silently as possible. Colonel Reed, in a memorandum, says, it was an advance party returning from the Jerseys to Pennsylvania.—See Life and Corresp. vol. i. p. 277.

Return to CHAPTER XLIII. WASHINGTON CLOTHED WITH ADDITIONAL POWERS—RECRUITMENT OF THE ARMY—INCREASED PAY—COLONEL JOHN CADWALADER—ARRIVAL OF SULLIVAN—GATES—WILKINSON—A COUP DE MAIN MEDITATED—POSTURE OF AFFAIRS AT TRENTON—GATES DECLINES TO TAKE A PART—HIS COMMENTS ON WASHINGTON’S PLANS—PREPARATIONS FOR THE COUP DE MAIN—CROSSING OF THE DELAWARE—ATTACK ON THE ENEMY’S FORCES AT TRENTON—DEATH OF RAHL—HIS CHARACTER.