7. The march to Trenton was brutal
In the dark, Washington divided his men into two columns. One, under John Sullivan, was assigned a route to Trenton which followed along the river. The other, under Nathaniel Greene, took another road, further inland. Washington traveled with the latter group. The temperature was by then well below freezing and jagged ice ripped at the legs and feet of the men as they marched. The columns frequently stopped, unable to see ahead. Both columns sent detachments ahead to block anyone leaving Trenton. While on the march Washington learned that neither Ewing nor Cadwalader had been able to get their men across the river. He also received a message from John Sullivan that his men’s gunpowder was wet from the rain, sleet, and snow. “Tell General Sullivan to use the bayonet”, Washington said to the messenger. “I am resolved to take Trenton”.
It was obvious the planned pre-dawn attack was impossible, but the troops plodded on as the winter storm continued to worsen. Just as the column neared Trenton Washington learned a detachment of New Jersey militia, about 50 men led by Adam Stephen, had attacked a Hessian picket outpost. Washington raged at Stephen, who had had no knowledge of the pending American attack on Trenton. Washington’s concern was that Stephen’s freelance attack had alerted the Hessian garrison. He need not have worried. The Hessian commander viewed the attack as a nuisance raid, which in fact was what it was. The Hessian garrison was not alerted and prepared for an assault when Washington and Sullivan arrived at the town by their separate routes. Washington led the attack himself, riding at the head of his column. Despite being several hours behind schedule, the attack achieved complete surprise.