Emanuel Leutze’s iconic and masterful painting shows George Washington crossing the Delaware River on Christmas Night, 1776. The American cause seemed on the point of utter failure; they had lost New York, their morale was low, enlistments were about to expire, they didn’t have enough equipment (especially cold weather gear). General George Washington needed to pull off a miracle—and he did just that. Washington (with the crucial help of the Massachusetts Marbleheaders) managed to get his army across the ice-filled, freezing Delaware River and pull off a surprise attack on the (British-hired) Hessian garrison at Trenton on December 26. And contrary to popular belief, the Hessians were
Very inspirational painting for many reasons, but let me draw your attention to one of Washington’s letters to Martha. In that he laments that his army is fading, but he is not beaten, for he says, “thank God, I can rely upon the men from Ulster.” The men from Ulster were the Scots-Irish.
Very inspirational painting for many reasons, but let me draw your attention to one of Washington’s letters to Martha. In that he laments that his army is fading, but he is not beaten, for he says, “thank God, I can rely upon the men from Ulster.” The men from Ulster were the Scots-Irish.