Heights, The Loss of Philadelphia and The Conway Cabal Summary and Analysis

Washington plans to attack the nearest British army installment located in Trenton, New Jersey. Washington knows that the Hessian soldiers populating the British encampment will be celebrating Christmas Day with food and drinking, so Washington moves his troops across the Delaware River into New Jersey in the darkness of Christmas night. Marching the nine miles to Trenton in the early hours of the next morning, the American army surprises and defeats the Hessians sleeping off their Christmas revelry. Washington gains not only significant captured supplies but also newfound pride in his troops.

Washington is able to convince about half his soldiers to stay with him at the end of 1776, and is encouraged by the resourceful, patriotic men who remain. This new army is also more...