The New York herald., 1876-12-26

PREPARATIONS FOR THE ADVANCE UPON TREN-
TON ro-DAY-THE TROOPS AND COMMANDER
N-cHIEY SAFELY LANDED-THR ATTACK TO
DE MApR AT DAWN


DE MADR AT DAWN.
JsRsEY SuoRE THE DELAWARE, SgAR(
TRENTON, Dec. rs, 17,6-xidnighL
The passage OF the Delaware is almost ended The
advance upon Trenton from the north ward has already
begun. However exhausting and vexauous tho
cmbarkaton OF the men the Pennsylvania side
may have been, It is as nothing compared with the
hardships encountered in eneciing landing on
this side OF the river. Here the banks
rise with rapid slope that II is with difficulty and
much suffering that the soldicrstired with wait
ing and numb with cold--manage to drag themselves
up the steep banks. The ground is slippery that
the men fall down and have to make great exertons
to prevent themselves slipping backward. The
ground being sandy gives way constantly, so
that by tho time the reach tho
summit OF tho encrcng hills they are
completely worn out Yet their courage is unfagging
that they do not grumbe however much they may
suffer There good deal OF trouble in getting the
field pieces over and their caissons but Colonel knex
says that both guns and stores will be by the
the columns are organized and the troops ready TO
march.
PREPARATIONS FOR THE ATTACK
When tho 1rst detachment crossed over to the Jer-
scy shore Captain Anderson sent forward with his
company to make reconnaissance up to the eneiny's
outposts and bring back information Of their where
abouts. He has not yet been heard from and coDsid
cradle anxiety is felt to learn wha, he may have dis
organizing their columns, and unless some unlocked
Tor delay occurs will begin march about TOUR
O'Clock A. ~ The two columns VIII enter Trenton
from different points and endeavor, IN conjunction
with Ewing's forces, TO cut of the garrison
aud make them prisoners OF war Considerable un-
easness felt lest the advance troops has been
discovered by the enemy, bat tar there is nothing
known which jusihcs these iears There some
hope that the Christmas festivities and the abuminu-
bic weather have combined TO la the enemy
state false security No is likely expect that
the passage OF the river has been attempted during
A. - tl,A
information Of an intended attack they likely
TO be thrown of their guard by tho
woua have enough. Of Carrvpa % ont d the
now engaged IN in view OF the apparently in
surmouniable difficulties that blocked the way last
night. There has been fearful loss OF time, and
though is nearly three O'Clock IN the morning. the
guard has not yet been all passed How
ever the chief difficulties have been overcome The
artillery with caissons Tor twenty pieces has been
safely conveyed across well the cavalry horses.
The men who remain behind are infantry. and the
work OF getting them over is comparatively easy.
WASHINGTON ACROSS THE RIVER.
When the greater portion OF the troops had been
members Of his personal stan entered large scow
since Caesar embarked his fortunes In lsh
ing smack has any small boat borne SO important
charge On the safety Of the Chief hangs
the late Of the Continental army, and both
the independence OF the United States. Sturdiiy
the boatmcn worked their way across the icecncum-
bored rver the Old nobly resisting the vicious
onslaught Of the ice which AT times pressed closely
against the boats side as to endanger its safety The
difficult TO manage the unwicidly scow, which
hoated at random under the combined force OF wind
anu current During the passage General Washington
remained perfectly silent, deeply eommuning with his
own thoughts. He held his military cloak tightly
around him. paying little attention TO the Of wild
struggle with the elements that was going about
HIM. The inhuence of that commanding presence
felt by the rude boamen, who labored in silence,
and II tney swore now and then they did SO under
meath their breath But their stout and resoute
viii have last succeeded in overcoming all difficulties
and landing the General and his stafi ON the Jersey
shnra xha1a htSa
ndcnce and renewed hope All the labors and suffer-
ugs OF the passage are forgotten, and the men are
waiting impatentiy TO be led against the enemy.
THE FIRST BLOOD.
Captain Anderson has already encountered the enc.
my posts the ,ghborhoood Trenton and fired
uRpn them with effect The garrison put under
aud pursuit undertaken but MS the Captains company
retrcaed rapidly the enemy soon gave up the pursuit
and returned TO the town. doubt that
merely scouting party that accidentally fell upon
the outpost Fortunately the Hessians arc not likely TO
discover their mistake before morning. when II will
probably be too late. The troops forming up in
their assigned order. and bv tour O'Clock A. NJ. the
army Will DO on the march. No change has been
made In the plans oil attack General Greenc's column
viii advance by the upper or Pennington road, while
General sullivan marches by the river road The
storm continues with UNDATED violence, and we arc
not likely meet with any living thing until we iall
in with The enemy IS outposts At Trenton.
TIM COOPERATING FORCES.
Among the general officers who have taken
part In tins movement and given efficient
ard 10 the Commandcr-in-Chef are Sullivan,
Greene, Mercer and Stirling, and among
the most efficient field officers Stark oi New Hamp.
snre; Hand, OF Pennsylvania; Glover and Knox, Of
Massachusetts,; Webb, Of Connecticut; Scott Will
Iiams, Washington aud James Monroe, oil Virginia,
been issued by General Washington tor the organiza.
ton OF two coumns-onc 10 be commanded by Gen.
eral Greene, which the Commander Chief will nc
company; the other Will be Gnder the command of
General sullivan.
4 LIVELY DAY AT ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS