ANNOUNCER
Thus, on that cold and stormy December morning, the half frozen, desperate band of ragamuffin soldiers started its march toward Trenton—toward its last forlorn hope. Washington prayed that he might catch the garrison of Hessians unsuspecting and unprepared; but he feared that he had taken so long to effect the crossing of the ice-filled river that he could not surprise the enemy!
As a matter of fact, warning was sent to Colonel Rall, but that officer, secure in his belief that no effective force of Colonial soldiers could be sent against him, paid no attention to the warning.
It was nearly nine o'clock when the Corporal of the advance guard of Washington's detachment hurried back to report to the General.
CORPORAL
General Washington, we've sighted the enemy outpost.
WASHINGTON
Good! Halt the brigade, Knox.
KNOX
Brigade!
VOICES
Company—company! (etc.)
KNOX
Halt!
WASHINGTON
It lacks five minutes of the time set! Oh, Corporal—
CORPORAL
Yes, sir?
WASHINGTON
Did you see any sign of General Green's command on the river road?
CORPORAL
We saw 'em a half hour ago, sir, as we came over that hill back there.
WASHINGTON
Were they abreast of us?
CORPORAL
Yes, sir, a little ahead of us, sir.
WASHINGTON
Good. General Knox.
KNOX
Yes, sir.
WASHINGTON
This storm has likely ruined the flintlocks.
KNOX
No doubt of that, sir—we'll have to use bayonets.
WASHINGTON
Order bayonets fixed, and the troops deployed ready to charge bayonets on command.
KNOX
Brigade, fix bayonets! (voices repeat order, etc.) Shall the artillery lead or follow, sir?
WASHINGTON
Follow and take position at the head of every street.
KNOX
Very good, sir.
WASHINGTON
Hm—two minutes—order the troops deployed.
KNOX
Deploy your troops—prepare to charge bayonets! (command repeated—mob noise as order is obeyed)
WASHINGTON
Keep your ears open for firing—it's nearly time. (musketry)
KNOX
WASHINGTON
Green has started! Order the charge, Knox! And God be with us!
KNOX
Forward! Charge bayonets! Ho! (a great roar from the mob as the charge begins)