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Christmas Miracle of 1776 - The U.S.A. was Born

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American Statesman

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What does it mean when the final battle of the American Revolution was on Christmas of 1776?

George Washington’s Christmas Miracle: The Battle of Trenton http://providentialhistoryfestival.com/219/washingtons-christmas-miracle/

"In the months following the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the war had not gone well for the Americans. Washington had suffered many defeats, his men were tired, finances nearly non-existent, and morale and commitment were extremely low. The American cause was on the verge of collapse."

"By the end of December, the British had trapped Washington near Trenton, NJ, and the end of the war seemed imminent. Yet, for some unknown reason, they did not finish off the job, choosing to wait to attack until the spring."

"Washington decided to risk a surprise attack on the Hessian forces encamped in Trenton.  To do so, he had to lead 2,400 men across the Delaware River, through the night, battling a current strong with ice floes. He then had to march down snow-covered roads, and do so without the British learning of his movements. So oppressive were the driving rain, snow, hail and sleet that only one of his three units was able to complete its mission. Yet, this same inclement weather also concealed them and aided in their approach. The Hessian commander discontinued his routine scouting patrols because he believed that the stormy weather would preclude any attack from the Americans, whom he called,country clowns."

"God not only used the weather, but He also used a mysterious attack that remains unexplained to this day. The Hessians had been warned that the Americans were coming, and had been watching for them. But earlier in the day, a small, mysterious band of Patriots had made a minor strike and then had retreated into the forest, leading the Hessians to believe that the enemy had come and gone."

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