Anne-Louis Toussard of the American Revolution

Last month and this month, I wrote quite a lot on this man in my Not So Forgotten: War of 1812 blog.  I had never heard of him before and came across an article about a letter he had written describing the big hurricane that hit New Orleans in 1812, while he was the French consul there.

It turns out he was a major force in early American history, especially during the American Revolution, but also later in the young country's history.  He was one of the French who saved the fledgling country.  I probably should have written about him more in this blog.

Just a short summary of some of what he did:

A French artillerist who served  in the American Continental Army under Lafayette and was given a commission.    He wrote an artillery book which became the training basis of the American Army as well as the one who pushed for a school to train officers (that became West Point).

You can go click on the My Blogs section to the right of this to read more about him, especially if you're really into the American Revolution.

This man should be as well known as Lafayette, but sure isn't.

--Cooter

December 25, 1776-- Part 2: Washington Crosses the Delaware

So, late Christmas night, Washington and his troops hopped into boats and crossed the Delaware River to test his theory.  He was right.  The Hessians were totally unprepared for the surprise they got at dawn December 26.

About 2,400 Continental troops rushed into Trenton and captured it with little difficulty.  The British/Hessian force surrendered after an hour and a half.

The mission, now known as the Battle of Trenton, had huge significance to the American cause.  Not only did it raise American spirits and morale, but revised the hope of the colonials who were beginning to think independence could not be achieved.

Thanks, George.  --DaCootTrent

December 25, 1776: Washington Crosses the Delaware-- Part 1: To Catch the Hessians By Surprise

From the December 25, 2020, AeroTech News "Remembering Christmases past, major military events."

Throughout the history of our country, several notable military events have taken place on this date.

1776:  WASHINGTON'S FAMOUS CROSSING OF THE DELAWARE RIVER

The winter of 1776 didn't start very well for General Washington and his Continental Army.  They suffered many defeats in the first few months of the American Revolution and had been pushed out of New York and New Jersey and now were in Pennsylvania.  For the troops, the morale was low.

Washington desperately needed to renew their faith in the battle for independence, so he decided to surprise the Hessians --  German troops hired by the British -- who were stationed in Trenton, New Jersey.  He figured that doing so after the enemy's Christmas celebrations that would find them groggy, hungover and not ready to fight.

Also, there was one of those winter storms brewing as well as armies generally going into winter quarters and not fighting until spring.

--Cooter