The Continental Army was formed by the Second Continental Congress and as we already know, George Washington was appointed as its Commander-in-Chief. Washington took command of his ill-trained troops on 3 July, 1775 at Cambridge. The war that he embarked on did not come to an end for the next six years.
Washington was a man of tactics. He knew that his troops were somewhat demoralized because of several setbacks in the war. In particular, the capture of New York by the British had eroded their confidence and they needed a morale booster.
On the evening of December 25, 1776, Washington, along with 2500 soldiers, crossed the Delaware River. The climate was harsh due to the ongoing snowstorm. They caught the British soldiers who were sleeping and killed over one hundred of them. At least a thousand men were taken as prisoners. Not a single American was killed in the entire operation. This was a major boost for the colonists.
Washington was well-trusted by his troops. There is an interesting story about him; Washington once rode out on a horse in the middle of a battle and waved his hat at his men. This made them fight harder and all the more determined to win.
Picture Credit : Google
