The Attack On Trenton

Men, I know this is Christmas Night.
However, remember we have a war to fight.
His Majesty’s forces have had us occupied.
Our freedom and well-being is something they have denied.
They are just across the river from our encampment.
They are engaged in frolic and holiday merriment.
We can catch these redcoats by complete surprise.
They do not expect us to move until sunrise.
Of our plans, they must be very unaware.
Get everything into the boats and cross the Delaware.
If all goes well, victory will be on our side.
Tonight is when we must turn the battle’s tide.

Copyright © | Year Posted 2011



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Date: 3/28/2014 12:36:00 AM
I liked your poem. However, you should substitute 'Hessians' for 'redcoats' to be historically accurate, Washington fought German mercenaries at the Battle of Trenton.
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Pettit Avatar
Robert Pettit
Date: 3/28/2014 10:31:00 AM
Thank you for your input. When Paul Revere made his famous midnight ride, he didn't say "The British are coming". At the time, everybody in the colonies were still considered subjects of the Crown. The British soldiers were called 'redcoats' because that's what their uniforms looked like. Our side also had the services of European mercenaries.
Date: 2/2/2012 7:30:00 PM
Hopefully we'll be able to keep what we've won. It's been going downhill at a fast pace. Good historical write.
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Date: 12/21/2011 6:56:00 PM
Facinating Write!
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Date: 12/21/2011 5:13:00 PM
Reading your poem, I imagine stone silence on that boat as he crossed...Enjoyed this bit of history, Robert. Take care and best wishes for a wonderful Christmas! Love, Annalise
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Date: 12/21/2011 11:04:00 AM
a lover of history. i can tell. TS
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Date: 12/21/2011 3:46:00 AM
What a glorious site this must have been for Washington's troops...talk about pulling the rug our from underneath your enemy!! One of my favorite moments to read about in history. A new fav poem for me. Thanks for writing this poem at this memorable time. Gwendolen
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Date: 12/20/2011 8:32:00 PM
George Washington gambled it all and won big. Today he'd have to go all the way to Atlantic City to gamble. From what we know of him, he'd still win.
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