Washington, part V

The American army would split into three divisions. Washington would command one division and cross the Delaware and then split into two groups, and attack Trenton from the west and north. The other two divisions were to cross the Delaware at different points, one was to secure the bridge, and the other was to put pressure on the British in Burlington. The night fixed upon the attack was Christmas night and was bitterly cold. Sleet and snow fell on the poorly clad Americans as they forced their way across the Delaware. They surprised the British garrison at Trenton and took the town easily; taking over a thousand prisoners and all of the military stores there. The other two divisions hadn't been able to cross the river and so Washington decided to re-cross to safety. "Wisdom to plan, and strength to act, were given to him by the mighty God of armies." [1]

The results of the Battle of Trenton were far reaching. First, it reminded the British that the Americans were still fighting. It also lifted the spirits of the American forces, and the following spring saw no problems for finding men to enlist. It also ended that year's campaign on a good note for the Americans.

The winter proved to be extremely hard on the Americans, but they bore their trials with stoic bravery. Washington often marveled at the fact that there weren't any mutinies that winter.
The following spring didn't go well for the Americans. The British chased them all over the colonies. The British captured city after city, steadily forcing the Americans back. The situation looked very bleak for the Americans. It was also very trialing for Washington, who was responsible for so many young lives. His faith in God never wavered though. "My only hope is in God." [2]

During the following winter of 1777, the French, eager to get back at the British for their humiliating defeat in the French and Indian War, joined the Americans against Great Britain. Washington was overjoyed, he knew they needed help. "By order of Washington, the several brigades assembled, and their chaplains offered up public thanks to Almighty God for His mercies."[3]

The next several campaigns, with the aid of the French, turned the tides for the Americans. There were many setbacks, and defeats, but the Americans were winning now. On October 19th, 1781, the British general Cornwallis surrendered to Washington at Yorktown, thus winning the war for the Americans.

Trials prove the mettle of a man, as we see with Washington. Throughout the entire war he never doubted God. Washington looked at the events of the war and plainly saw God's involvement. "The hand of Providence is so conspicuous in all of this, that he must be worse than an infidel that lacks faith, and more than wicked, that has not gratitude to acknowledge his obligations."[4] So said the Father of our Country. He didn't claim honor for the victories of the American army, he was a humble leader.

There were some instances in the war, when the more glorious option was not the wisest route. He always went with the wise options. At one point, all were urging him to make an instant attack on Philadelphia. He decided not to attack after sizing up the conditions of both armies. "His steady mind was not dazzled by the idea of the praise he should gain by success, and he persevered in resisting public clamor." [5]

Washington had an explosive temper, but he worked to control it, because he respected the Bible, ("Be ye angry, and sin not.") but also because, "he knew he could not command others so as to have their respect, if by the indulgence of passion he proved that he could not command himself."[6] He learned to control his temper, we know this because the army, and the Americans, all looked up to and respected him. One militia officer said this of Washington, "I shall never forget what I felt when I saw him brave all of the dangers of the field, his important life hanging as it were by a single hair, with a thousand deaths flying around him. I thought not of myself. He is surely Heaven's peculiar care." [7] Years later, as President of the United States, he was greeted on the street by the children as, "Washington," not "President," and he would always stop and talk to them and give them some kind words. They truly respected and admired him.

Washington always prayed for the victory of his armies and for the guidance of his nation. When both were granted, he thanked God. He made it a daily practice to read the Bible and pray. Robert Lewis, his nephew, several times accidently happened upon Washington during his morning devotions, "on those occasions he had seen him in a kneeling posture, with an open Bible before him," and he, "believed that to be his daily practice." [8] During the long years of the war, he always prayed. One man was walking through the woods when he heard the sound of low talking. He decided to investigate and saw Washington, "engaged in prayer, he quietly passed on, that he might not disturb him, and on returning home, told his family he knew the Americans would succeed, for their leader did not trust in his own strength." [9] Or another time, an officer was going to deliver papers to Washington, but heard voices within the room. He stopped to listen, and quickly realized Washington was praying. "I knew this to be his habit, and therefore retired with the papers in my hand." [10]
[1] Life of Washington (Anna C. Reed) p85
[2] Life of Washington (Anna C. Reed) p91
[3] Life of Washington (Anna C. Reed) p115
[4] Life of Washington (Anna C. Reed) p126
[5] Life of Washington (Anna C. Reed) p105
[6] Life of Washington (Anna C. Reed) p62
[7] Life of Washington (Anna C. Reed) p88
[8] Life of Washington (Anna C. Reed) p272
[9] Life of Washington (Anna C. Reed) p118
[10] Life of Washington (Anna C. Reed) p119