Washington's crossing... again

In 2010, the battle to save the American Republic is a bit like right before George Washington famous crossing of the Delaware... British troops were gaining ground ... and all seemed lost.

To some right now: saving America may seem 'hopeless' or not important... after all, they have American Idol, Starbucks, Hollyweird celebrities clothing to worry about, McDonald's, video games to play and all sorts of nonsense. "What, me worry?" as creeping tyranny slowly surrounds.

Slowly and steadily though ... there has been an awakening... even as progressives thought they had gained ground...

Americans will "vote with their feet" ala Ronald Reagan as they HAVE in Virginia, New Jersey and Massachusetts and "vote them out" in 2010 (and 2012).

I think history will show 2009/2010 as the true beginning of a second revolution. We have the perfect documents, like the constitution to guide us. Patriots will prevail as history repeats.

Dr.Kate reports the Continental Congress 2009 is near ratification of the Articles of Freedom.
... and onwards the battles will wage.

Washingon's Crossing - by David Hackett Fischer, 2004:

Winner of the 2005 Pulitzer Prize for History
A 2004 National Book Award Finalist
New York Times Book Review Ten Best Books of 2004
Washington Post Book World Best of 2004
Los Angeles Times Best Books of 2004
Boston Globe Best of the Year
Chicago Tribune Best Books of 2004
The Week Best Books of 2004

Description:
Six months after the Declaration of Independence, the American Revolution was all but lost. A powerful British force had routed the Americans at New York, occupied three colonies, and advanced within sight of Philadelphia. George Washington lost ninety percent of his army and was driven across the Delaware River. Panic and despair spread through the states.


Yet, as David Hackett Fischer recounts in this riveting history, Washington--and many other Americans--refused to let the Revolution die. Even as the British and Germans spread their troops across New Jersey, the people of the colony began to rise against them. George Washington saw his opportunity and seized it. On Christmas night, as a howling nor'easter struck the Delaware Valley, he led his men across the river and attacked the exhausted Hessian garrison at Trenton, killing or capturing nearly a thousand men. A second battle of Trenton followed within days. The Americans held off a counterattack by Lord Cornwallis's best troops, then were almost trapped by the British force. Under cover of night, Washington's men stole behind the enemy and struck them again, defeating a brigade at Princeton. The British were badly shaken. In twelve weeks of winter fighting, their army suffered severe damage, their hold on New Jersey was broken, and their strategy was ruined.

Fischer's richly textured narrative reveals the crucial role of contingency in these events. We see how the campaign unfolded in a sequence of difficult choices by many actors, from generals to civilians, on both sides. While British and German forces remained rigid and hierarchical, Americans evolved an open and flexible system that was fundamental to their success. At the same time, they developed an American ethic of warfare that John Adams called "the policy of humanity," and showed that moral victories could have powerful material effects. The startling success of Washington and his compatriots not only saved the faltering American Revolution, but helped to give it new meaning, in a pivotal moment for American history.

From SonOfTheSouth:

At the close of November, 1776, the British occupied New Jersey, and only the Delaware River shut off Cornwallis from Philadelphia. On December 2, Washington, with a considerable force, crossed the river, securing every boat so that the British were unable to follow him. Determined to surprise the Hessians, under Colonel Rahl, at Trenton, Washington recrossed the river a few miles above Trenton on December 25, with 2,400 men and twenty pieces of artillery.

This famous painting captures the nobility, strength

and character of George Washington.

At the Metropolian Museum of Art in New York:

Emanuel Gottlieb Leutze, American, 1816-1868
George Washington Crossing the Delaware, 1851

There are few technical problems with accuracy in this painting, but the determination, anguish and monumental nature of the event depicted are clearly seen. Certainly, a small group of men, banded together to fight a common cause is a lasting impression from the image. One also gets the sense of the heroic nature assigned to General Washington from this painting.

The Durham Historical Society has a replica Durham boat that can be viewed by anyone in its pavilion located on the green next to the Durham Post Office on Durham Road in Durham, PA. The boat was used for a number of years in the annual December 25th Washington Crossing the Delaware event at Washington’s Crossing, PA.

The Durham boats at Washington crossing.

Annual Christmas crossing reenactment. The annual memorial recreation of Washington Crossing the Delaware River is a great event for the entire family. Come and reflect on the historic activities of 1776 and witness this great commemorative event. Speeches and activities for this event are sponsored by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.