Facing Washington’s Crossing: The Hessians and the Battle of Trenton

In Emanuel Leutze’s iconic painting of Washington’s Crossing, the American commander gazes confidently through the dawn, envisioning Hessian soldiers asleep that December 25, 1776, in the snow-covered village of Trenton. These Hessians, soldiers from the Germanic principality of Hesse-Kassel hired to the British army by their Landgrave, Frederick II, were in winter quarters, having fought the American rebels from Long Island, through New York City, across New Jersey, to the banks of the Delaware River. Accusations of rape and plunder followed the Hessians, along with their military prowess. Still, on that fateful morning, they would be humiliated by the American army, their commander killed, and most taken prisoner. Washington’s surprise victory at the Battle of Trenton was a turning point in the Revolutionary War. But who were these German soldiers, thousands of miles from home, caught up in a war they scarcely understood?
Facing Washington’s Crossing: The Hessians and the Battle of Trenton by Steven Bier offers a fresh perspective on this event by narrating the story through Hessian eyes. The author traces Frederick II’s decision to hire out his army, their harrowing voyage across the Atlantic, and the numerous clashes leading up to Trenton. Drawing on newly translated documents throughout, the battle in Trenton is fully recounted, providing a much-needed understanding of the Hessian experience. Germanic soldiers continued to fight for the remainder of the Revolution; still, as the war ended, many found themselves torn between the opportunity of a new life in America and loyalty to their impoverished Fatherland. A significant contribution to the history of the American Revolution, Facing Washington’s Crossing completes the story of America’s first and most crucial victory.

Steven Bier, MD, graduated from Mount Sinai School of Medicine and currently attends at Saint Peters University Hospital and Jersey City Medical Center. He is author of many medical and scientific papers and received a Writing Fellowship from Columbia University. As an active public historian, he has long been fascinated with the American Revolution. Steven is also dedicated to philanthropic work and cofounded Popcorn for the People, a nonprofit organization that provides career opportunities for disabled people, with his son.