Des Arc citizen., 1858-12-11
CROSSING THE DELAWARE.

hS iOA'o"iiico SN''oS') Q ''iAiSo ~ ton of the crossing of the Delaware, by Washington and his troops, is taken from an address delivered in New York, on the hundredth anniversary of Washington's birth day, by ELI MOORE, Esq
 In no one instance, perhaps, was Wash. ington's influence with the army so strk- ingly exempified as in his attack on the enemy at Trenton. Over and over have listened wilD intense anxiety, in the days of my boyhood, while my now de- parted sire, who fought and bled on that proud field, recied with thrilling interest all that related to the enterprise. It was on a December night, (would be say, when our little heart broken army halted on the banks of the Delaware. That night was dark-cheerles and bore strong resemblance to ou country's fortunes! Il tseemed as if heaver and earth conspired for our destruction The clouds lowered ed-darkness and the storm came apace. The snow and the hail descended, beating with unmitigated violence upon the supperless, half-clad shivering soldier; and in the roaring oI the flood and the wailings of the storm, was heard, by fancy's ear, the knell of oul hopes and the dirge of liberty! The i'm petuous river was filled with floating ice an attempt to cross it at that time, and un. der such circumstances, seemed a despe. rate enterprise-yet 1t was undertaken and thanks be to God and Washington was successfully accomplished.
 From where we landed on the Jersey shore, to Trenton, was about nine miles, and on the whole line of march there was scarcely word uttered, save by the officers when giving some order. We were well-nigh exhausted (said he e)-many of us frost -bitten-and the majority of us so badly shod the blood gushed from our frozen and lacerated feet at every tread yet we upbraided not, complained not but marched steadily and firmly, though mournfuly, onward, resolved to persevere 10 the uttermost-not for our country-our country, aas we had given up for lost. .Not for ourSelues-life for us no longer wore a charm; but because Such 1caS Me wW of our beIoued chief-'twas for Wash ington alone we were willing to make the sacrifice. When We arrived within sight of the enemys encampments, we were ordered 10 form line, when Wash ington reviewed us. Pale and emacated -displrited and exhausted-we presented most unwaril1e and melancholy aspect. The paternal eye of our chief was quick to discover the extent of our sufferings, and acknowledge them with his tears; but sud. denly checking his emotions, he reminded us that our country and all that we held dear were staked upon the coming battle. As he spoke we began to gather ourselves ur and rally onr energies; every man grasped his arms more firmly; and the clenched hand, and the compressed lip, and the steadlast look, and the knit brow, told the souls resolve. Washington observed us well; then did he exhort us, with all the fervour of his soul, "on yonder field tc conquer, or die the death of the braye."
 Al that instant tie glorious sun. as l in prophetic token of our success, burs forth in all its splendor, bathing in liquid light the blue hills of Jersey. The faces which but a few moments before were blanched with despair, glowed with mar. tial fire and animation. Our chief witt exulation hailed the scene; then casting his doubts to the winds, and calling on the God of battle and lis faithful soldiers, lee on the charge The conflict was fierce and bloody. For more than twenty min utes not a gun was fired; the sabre anc the bayonel did the work of destruction
 it was hurricane of fire, and steel, ant death. There did we stand, Che woul' say, } Mere did we. stand, foot to foot and hiIt 10 hit," with the serried foe ant where we stood we died or conquered Such was that terrifi scene.
 i The result of that action, gentlemen, i known 10 you alias are also its bearing upon the fortunes of America. Had de feat attended our arms at that trying crisi; our cause was lost-for ever lost-an
 freedom had found a grave on the plain of Trenton! But the wisdom and pru dence of Washington secured us the vic tory-and consequently our liberty.
 How great our obligation then, and ho' , much it behooves us al this time to sho' , our gratitude by erecting to his memor
 monument, that shall tell to after-agei not only that Washington was great, bl that we are grateftd! Let it no longer b l delayed! To pause is to invite defeat