This book not only covers the crossing of the Delaware, and the Battle of Trenton it gives a brief summary of the military career of George Washington, and why he was the commander of the U.S. forces, as well as a history of the Revolutionary War up to that point. This includes the failures in New York, and then the wintering at Valley Forge. A victory was badly needed, and it was obtained by stealth at Trenton. Although the stirring painting with Washington standing is probably unrealistic, it does catch the mood at the time. It also includes an African American rower.
Washington would later recross the river, establish himself on higher ground and wait for Cornwallis to advance with the British. Washington only had 3300 men as a third of his men had left service when they time commitment was up. However sharpshooters were able to slow the advance of Cornwallis and his much larger force while Washington and his men dug themselves in. swollen rivers and fighting from behind entrenched positions the American forces were able to hold the British at bay.
Then during the night the Americans snuck away to attack Princeton, the British base. This resulted in some very intense fighting, and if nothing more a great moral victory for the Americans. The Americans were able to leave the scene of battle. After this the British only maintained token forces in New Jersey. The moral booster for the American side lead to greater recruiting, and shortly there were 17,000 men in Washington's command.
This book is very enjoyable. It is written at a youth level but is still very good.
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