What Was The Weather?

In this very evening, December 25, 1776, George Washington led his somewhat ragtag band of soldiers across the Delaware River and surprised the Hessian mercenaries, beating them soundly at the Battle of Trenton for one of the earliest victories in the war for independence.

“The weather when George Washington crossed the Delaware River in 1776 was horrible, with temperatures ranging from the 20s to just above freezing, about 33 degrees, and a strong wind from the northeast making it much colder for the men. A blinding snowstorm and sleet also made the conditions almost impossible.”**

It’s been chronicled that many soldiers of the Continental Army that night were without boots or their feet were wrapped in straw, whatever was available. When I think of them, I’m both awed and grateful for their fortitude, bravery and the leadership of General Washington.

**americanhistorycentral.com

Steve

December 2024

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srbottch

Retired in 2013 after 5 years as an elementary school teacher and 40 years as a sales representative to begin anew as a school crossing guard. SMy essays/stories are a way to communicate through the telling of personal experiences. One reader said about my blog stories, "...these are like a cold sip during a marathon run, simple, real life events". Another offered about my blog, “it brings some sense of normalcy not easily found in the modern world.”

16 thoughts on “What Was The Weather?”

  1. Merry Christmas Steve!
    Thank you for sharing I am amazed at the true grit of these men and the determination they had to follow a Leader and an ideal that was freedom!

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    1. You’re right, John. Against all odds, they prevailed. Maybe divine providence. Hope we can continue for a few more centuries. Ron Chernow wrote WASHINGTON. It’s a wonderful biography if you like to read about that period. GE was a special man.

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    1. Robbie, it was a fascinating period in the growth of our young country at that time. And Washington was special person to lead the colonial army and then the country as our first president. Thank you for your comment.

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  4. What was particularly remarkable was that so many soldiers hung in there despite the difficult decisions. The following year at Valley Forge was also incredibly harsh.

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    1. Yes, they did, but history also tells us that there were many who wanted out, as well. They were needed at home and, like military life during war time, it wasn’t at all easy. Pay wasn’t good and financing the war was a challenge. Also, keep in mind, Washington did not take desertion likely and threatened to execute anyone who tried to desert. As for Valley Forge, it’s hard to imagine the conditions there. We owe a huge debt of gratitude to that generation, too. Thanks for commenting, Peter.

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