AR-SP37 Winning the Ten Crucial Days, with David Price

Our American Revolution Round Table heard a presentation from author David Price, about his book:  Winning the 10 Crucial Days, which focuses on General Washington's campaign during the ten days between December 25, 1776, and January 3, 1777. This period encompasses the Trenton and Princeton campaigns, which are significant for being Washington's army's first three major victories of the war. These victories fundamentally changed the momentum of the conflict and transformed Washington's public image from an inept leader to a military genius and national hero.

Price explains that his book offers a unique framework, departing from a straight chronological narrative. Instead, it employs five interpretive themes or analytical factors, presented in order of priority: leadership, geography, weather, artillery, and contingency. He includes appendices in the book, one of which attempts to quantify these subjective factors and their percentage contribution to the campaign's outcome.

Here's a breakdown of the key analytical factors discussed:

• Leadership: This is considered the priority factor, foundational to the campaign's success. It examines the strategy, tactics, character, and competence of officers on both sides. Key figures include George Washington (for his bold vision), Henry Knox (for directing the Delaware River crossing and artillery), Edward Hand (for holding off Cornwallis at Assunpink Creek), and John Cadwalader (for his actions and drawing a "spy map" of Princeton defenses). On the British/Hessian side, it looks at the erroneous assumptions of General William Howe, the failure of commanders like Rahl and Von Donop to cooperate, and Lord Cornwallis's tactical errors, such as approaching Trenton in a single column and failing to monitor Washington's troop movements.
• Geography: This factor involves the terrain and natural barriers, particularly the Delaware River and Assunpink Creek. Examples include the vast and undefendable area the British were trying to occupy in New Jersey, the distance between their outposts making Trenton vulnerable, and the British inability to pursue Washington across the Delaware due to lack of boats. The swollen currents of Assunpink Creek posed an obstacle to Cornwallis, while the lack of impediments on the Princeton battlefield aided Washington's forces.
• Weather: This covers natural elements like temperature, precipitation, river ice, and road conditions and their impact on army maneuvers and combat. The river not freezing until after the British left, the blizzard obscuring Washington's march to Trenton (potentially lulling Hessians), and the storm impeding Hessian defense at Trenton are cited. Later, rain and warm weather turned the road to Trenton into a "muddy morass" for Cornwallis, while a subsequent freeze hardened the ground, facilitating Washington's artillery movement to Princeton.
• Artillery: This discusses the critical role of cannon in all three battles, highlighting the American numerical advantage and effective deployment under Henry Knox. The American superiority in field pieces was significant: approximately 18-6 at Trenton, 40-28 at Assunpink Creek, and 35-6 or 35-8 at Princeton. Cannon fire is seen as decisive in all American victories.
• Contingency: Defined as "sheer dumb luck," this factor encompasses fortuitous decisions and non-weather events that benefited Washington's army. Examples include the capture of General Charles Lee, which arguably freed Washington from his skeptical second-in-command and expedited crucial reinforcements. Another instance is General Adam Stephen's unauthorized raid on December 25th, which, despite Washington's initial fury, may have inadvertently led Colonel Rahl to be less vigilant at Trenton.

The host also introduces "desperation" as an additional key factor, noting that Washington faced a "do or die" situation due to expiring enlistments, pushing him to attempt something audacious. Price elaborates that Washington was instinctively aggressive in military tactics and, after receiving reinforcements, sought the first opportunity for a counterattack.

Regarding the decision to attack Princeton, traditional accounts suggest it was a spontaneous decision made during a council of war. However, Price argues that it was a well-conceived plan Washington had "all along," supported by circumstantial evidence like scout reports and Cadwalader's "spy map" showing undefended areas of Princeton. While Princeton was a success, Washington's ultimate objective was New Brunswick, but he was advised against it by his officers due to his army's exhaustion.

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To see a list of upcoming Round Table events, where you can participate on Zoom, go to: ⁠⁠https://amrevrt.org/virtual-round-table-events⁠

Order a copy of Winning the Ten Crucial Days: The Keys to Victory in George Washington's Legendary Winter Campaign at Amazon.

Subscribe to David Price's Blog, or find a list of this other books at https://dpauthor.com

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