It had been snowing nearly all night, and about the time when the troops
were set in motion the storm increased, the wind rose, and hail was
mingled with the snow. The storm blew in the faces of the men and they
had nine miles to go before reaching Trenton, where fourteen hundred of
the Hessian troops were posted under Colonel Rahl.
Soon after, it was whispered about among the men that the fuses of the
best muskets were wet and could not be discharged. Upon this being
reported to General Sullivan, he glanced around at Captain St. Clair and
asked: "What is to be done?"
"You have nothing for it," replied St. Clair, "but to push on and
charge."
The gallant Stark of Vermont was in command of the advance guard, and
perhaps near him marched the father of Daniel Webster. Colonel Stark
told his men to get their muskets in the best order they could as they
marched, and an officer was sent to inform General Washington of this
mishap.
"Tell your General," said the Commander-in-chief, "to use the bayonet
and penetrate into the town; the town must be taken, and I am resolved
to take it."
The soldiers overheard this reply, as it was given by the aide to
General Sullivan, and quietly fixed bayonets without waiting for an
order.
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