![Picture](/uploads/6/1/8/8/61889095/6769873_orig.jpg)
December 24-25, 1776
Dear Mom and Dad,
I am very sorry that I cannot be with you this Christmas. Although General Washington is committed to crossing the Delaware River to surprise the Hessians, many of us are dying, or are in serious condition from famine or illness. Luckily, I am still alive and well. When we woke this morning, our camps were covered in ice, and snow was beneath our feet. Washington hid this plan from us until the very end, so we soldiers knew nothing about it . We filled the boats on December 25, 1776, Christmas day, and struck the Hessians the following morning. It was indeed a rough trip, due to the storm that caused our boats to crash into ice. Not to mention that our horses are in the small, packed rowboats too. The Patriots need this win in order to want other people to feel confident to re-enlist in the military. Because it will be Christmas when we attack, the Hessians will either be drunk or asleep, without a thought that today could be the last day of their lives. I will save this letter so I can tell you about the results.
It is a success! At 9:30 this morning we marched into the Hessians camps and surrounded them. Sadly, it was not a crisp, clean win, but it was close. At the loss of only four American soldiers, we captured 1,000 Hessians, with a few escaping. Our spirits are raised, and when we come home, we will celebrate our small but great victory. Although this time was enduring, we soldiers came through and won. Now more Patriots will want to enlist in the military because our victory has brought back the courage needed to win more battles. Alive and well, I cannot wait to see you and share the happiness with you that this letter cannot contain.
"Washington Crosses the Delaware." History.com. A&E Television Networks. Web. 26 Oct. 2015