After retreating across the state of New Jersey into safe haven in Pennsylvania, Washington and his staff are in the process of planning their next course of action. Thomas Paine has just completed his pamphlet, "The American Crisis" and it is taking the Colonies by storm.
These are times that try men's souls; the summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of his country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph.Lee's troops arrived just a few days ago without their commander. General Charles Lee had been captured by the British earlier this past month when he ventured outside of his picket lines in search of more comfortable lodgings (OK, he had been in search of "female company"
). Gates' and Cadwalader's troops have also just arrived making the total number of men fit for duty at 6,000. Of this number a large portion has been detailed to guard the ferries between Bristol and Coryell's Ferry (present-day New Hope), some have been sent to Newtown to guard supplies and the sick and wounded. The rest will remain with Washington.
A daring plan to attack Trenton is in the works and preparations for it will begin very shortly...
