Christmas Eve and George Washington

It is December 24th, 1776 and George Washington stands on the banks of the Delaware River facing toward the East and New Jersey. Gale force winds are driving a northeaster pelting Washington’s weary body with hail and sleet.

Though barely visible, large blocks of ice float down the Delaware. This becomes a moment of contemplation for Washington as his mind is occupied with past events, the present situation and hopes for the future.

Since his appointment as Commander of the Continental Army, the first year of the revolutionary war has been a dreadful experience. Contrary to his natural inclination for positive results, he has been on the run. Chased from Long Island, forced to evacuate New York City, retreating over the Hudson River and through New Jersey, his weakened and demoralized army is hanging by a thread. Desertions are multiplying and terms of enlistments for many soldiers expire with year’s end. His mind recalls the words recently penned by Thomas Paine “ These are the times that try men’s souls.” Now as he stands on the banks of the Delaware, his large frame shivering from the wet and the cold, he yearns for the comfort of his beloved home, Mount Vernon.

He must forget the past and focus upon the present. This morning final plans had been agreed upon by he and his staff on the details to be implemented during the afternoon and continuing into the early hours of Christmas Day. The magnitude of the risk and the inherent dangers are not discussed, they are evident on the faces of everyone present.

Washington’s mind envisions for the last time how the day and evening events will proceed. Barges will be transporting 2600 hundred soldiers, hundreds of horses and heavy artillery equipment directly into the onrushing storm. He estimates that the duration of this exodus, which will begin this afternoon, will not be completed until the early hours of Christmas morning. Limited visibility will be further hampered by pitch darkness. Upon reaching the New Jersey shore a ten mile march through woodland will be required to arrive at their final destination at Trenton and confrontation with the enemy. He considers the requirements upon his leadership to inspire his troops.

Washington contemplates this huge gamble and risks facing his men. He knows the future outcome of the revolution rests upon the success or failure of this expedition. For comfort and inspiration he recalls these words from the recently drafted Declaration of Independence : That all humans are created equal. That they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. He considers the basis for his happiness. It derives from his love for Mount Vernon, the companionship of Martha at home and during his encampments and from the bond developing with his young generals. Yet these pleasures would be hollow without recognizing the true sources of happiness. For him and many of his contemporaries, the ingredients for a satisfying life are virtue and honor. Embracing these character traits could carry this revolutionary cause to fulfillment.

These contemplative moments standing on the banks of the Delaware fuel Washington for the momentous challenge ahead. The lives of the present and future generations rest upon his accomplishment. With virtue his sword and honor his shield protecting the ideal buried in his heart and in the hearts of all patriots throughout the thirteen colonies, Washington orders his officers and men into action. This ideal, impossible for the British to comprehend, is FREEDOM.

Now, two hundred and forty three years later, thank you George Washington. You and the efforts of all patriots provide Americans today with the blessing and the responsibility of freedom.


Hank Coleman
History Discussion Group
Blanding Library