{"id":1204797,"date":"2022-01-10T13:08:48","date_gmt":"2022-01-10T18:08:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/?p=1204797"},"modified":"2022-01-10T13:09:21","modified_gmt":"2022-01-10T18:09:21","slug":"exclusive-odonnell-the-forgotten-bridge-that-saved-america","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/exclusive-odonnell-the-forgotten-bridge-that-saved-america\/","title":{"rendered":"Exclusive&#8211;O&#039;Donnell: The Forgotten Bridge that Saved America"},"content":{"rendered":"<aside class=\"mashsb-container mashsb-main mashsb-stretched\"><div class=\"mashsb-box\"><div class=\"mashsb-count mash-medium\" style=\"&quot;\"><div class=\"counts mashsbcount\">14<\/div><span class=\"mashsb-sharetext\">SHARES<\/span><\/div><div class=\"mashsb-buttons\"><a class=\"mashicon-facebook mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservativenewsdaily.net%2Fbreaking-news%2Fexclusive-odonnell-the-forgotten-bridge-that-saved-america%2F\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-twitter mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=&amp;url=https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/?p=1204797&amp;via=ConservNewsDly\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Twitter<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-subscribe mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"#\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Subscribe<\/span><\/a><div class=\"onoffswitch2 mash-medium mashsb-noshadow\" style=\"display:none\"><\/div><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                <div style=\"clear:both\"><\/div><\/aside>\n            <!-- Share buttons by mashshare.net - Version: 4.0.47--><p class=\"subheading\">\u201cDefend the bridge to the last extremity!\u201d Washington shouted to his officers and men 245 years ago as he stared at the massive British army coiling in front of the stone arched bridge that stood between his men and their destruction.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cTo the last man, Excellency,\u201d one of Washington\u2019s officers responded to his commander in chief, as a phalanx of Cornwallis\u2019s army readied to charge the bridge.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp; <\/span>The stone structure was one of the few places to traverse the swollen waters of the Assunpink.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp; <\/span>Behind the bridge lay the nearly frozen Delaware River; Washington\u2019s line of retreat was nearly cut off.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp; <\/span>If the British crossed the bridge, they could breach Washington\u2019s defenses and annihilate the American army. <span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"D-ROS-B1\" class=\"a8d\"><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"M-ROS-B1\" class=\"a8d\"><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"gmxrevmore\" class=\"H\"><\/figure>\n<p>The full story is now told in the new bestselling book,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Indispensables-Marbleheads-Soldier-Mariners-Washington-Delaware\/dp\/0802156894\/\"><span>The Indispensables: Marblehead\u2019s Diverse Soldier-Mariners Who Shaped the Country, Formed the Navy, and Rowed Washington Across the Delaware<\/span><\/a>. The book is a <i>Band of Brothers<\/i>-style treatment of the regiment and the leading revolutionary citizens from Marblehead, a unique largely unknown group of Americans who changed the course of history.<\/p>\n<p>The crucial bridge spanned Assunpink Creek \u2013 a tributary on the eastern side of Trenton, NJ.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp; <\/span>On the wintery day of January 2, 1777, Washington\u2019s army stretched several miles along the eastern side of the Assunpink.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp; <\/span>Following the glorious Christmas Day crossing of the Delaware River in 1776 and capture of the bulk of Trenton\u2019s Hessian garrison, Washington had not intended to fight in Trenton so soon; however, the actions of a militia unit led by John Cadwalader and his Philadelphia Associators forced Washington\u2019s hand.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp; <\/span>Unable to cross the ice-choked Delaware on Christmas Day for the attack on Trenton, Cadwalader tried again, and on December 27 entered Trenton.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp; <\/span>Washington now had 3,000 stranded men, vulnerable to a British counterattack led by General Charles Edward Cornwallis\u2019s approaching army.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp; <\/span>Making matters worse, most of the enlistments in Washington\u2019s army expired on New Year\u2019s Day. Washington mustered his oratorical prowess and appealed to the men to continue fighting.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp; <\/span>\u201cMy brave fellows, you have done all that I asked you to do and more than could be reasonably expected.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp; <\/span>But your country is at stake, your wives, your houses, and all that you hold dear\u2026.if you consent to stay one month longer, you will render that service to the cause of liberty and to your country which you probably can never do under any other circumstances.\u201d<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp; <\/span>Moved by Washington\u2019s impassioned words, the majority of the men remained with the army, and, tragically, many of the re-enlisted men perished before the end of their new enlistment.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp; <\/span>Undaunted, Washington re-crossed the Delaware, linked up with Cadwalader, and set up his army on the eastern side of the Assunpink Creek as Cornwallis\u2019s juggernaut approached.<\/p>\n<p>The American army was in the grip of despair.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp; <\/span>\u201cNo possible chance of crossing the River, ice as large as houses floating down, and no retreat to the mountains, the British between us and them.\u201d<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp; <\/span>One private summed up the situation, \u201cOn one hour, yes, on forty minutes, commencing at the moment when the British troops first saw the bridge and creek before them, depended the all-important question whether we should be independent States, or conquered rebels.\u201d<\/p>\n<figure id=\"M-ROS-B2\" class=\"a8d\"><\/figure>\n<p class=\"p4\"><span class=\"s2\">Washington, never a chairborne general, led from the front. One private captured the moment,<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp; <\/span>\u201c<\/span>The noble horse of Gen. Washington stood with his breast pressed close against the end of the west rail of the bridge, and the firm, composed, and majestic countenance of the General inspired confidence and assurance in a moment so important and critical. In this passage across the bridge it was my fortune to be next to the west rail, and arriving at the end of the bridge rail, I was pressed against the shoulder of the General\u2019s horse and in contact with the General\u2019s boot. The horse stood as firm as the rider, and seemed to understand that he was not to quit his post and station.\u201d<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p5\">Next to Washington on the crucial bridge stood his Immortals (greatly diminished Maryland and Delaware regiments) and a portion of The Indispensables, the Marblehead Regiment.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp; <\/span>One officer near the elite troops gave the men a few words of instruction: \u201cWell, boys, you know the Old Boss has put us here to defend this bridge; and by God it must be done, let what will come.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp; <\/span>Now I want to tell you one thing.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp; <\/span>You\u2019re all in the habit of shooting too high. You waste your powder and lead; and I have cursed you about it an hundred times.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp; <\/span>Now I tell you what it is, nothing must be wasted; every crack must count.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp; <\/span>For that reason, boys, whenever you see them fellows first begin to put their feet upon this [bridge], do you <i>shin \u2018em<\/i>\u2026Fire low. Bring down your pieces, fire at their legs, one man wounded in the leg is better than a dead one for it takes two more to carry him off &amp; there is three gone.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp; <\/span>Leg them dam \u2018em I say leg them.\u201d<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_19414858\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/This-map-from-Andreas-Wiederholdt-c.-1776-shows-the-engagement-at-Trenton.-Library-of-Congress-call-number-G3814.T7S3-1776-.W5.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-19414858\" src=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/This-map-from-Andreas-Wiederholdt-c.-1776-shows-the-engagement-at-Trenton.-Library-of-Congress-call-number-G3814.T7S3-1776-.W5.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-caption-text\">This map from Andreas Wiederholdt, c. 1776, shows the engagement at Trenton. Library of Congress call number G3814.T7S3 1776 .W5<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"p6\">The Second Battle of Trenton unfolded as Hessian grenadiers (Britain\u2019s German allies) in prodigious columns made the first attempt to storm the bridge. The assault troops fought halfway across facing withering American musket fire, many undoubtedly \u201clegged,\u201d slowing their advance.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp; <\/span>Scores of Hessians fell, coating the stone bridge with blood and gore.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp; <\/span>Unbroken, they reformed and charged, again; dozens fell from the musket fire, and the columns disintegrated before they reached the center of the bridge.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp; <\/span>Elated from their triumph, the Americans raised a massive cheer at the site.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp; <\/span>\u201cSuch a shout I have never since heard\u2026 The [American] line was more than a mile in length, yet they shouted as one man.\u201d<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp; <\/span>Indomitable, the Crown\u2019s troops reformed and charged over the bodies of their dead comrades who \u201clay thicker and closer together for a space than I have ever beheld sheaves of wheat lying in a field which the reapers had just passed.\u201d<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp; <\/span>Once again, the Americans held the bridge.<\/p>\n<p>With the third failed attempt, the British withdrew for the night; however, Washington\u2019s army was in grave danger of being encircled and destroyed by Cornwallis\u2019s larger force.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp; <\/span>Nightfall approaching, Cornwallis confidently postponed the main attack, and opted to wait for the morning.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp; <\/span>According to legend, he rebuked one of his officers, who insisted that unless they attacked immediately, Washington would be gone by daybreak.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp; <\/span>To which Cornwallis supposedly retorted, \u201cWe\u2019ve got the old fox safe now.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp; <\/span>We\u2019ll go over and bag him in the morning.\u201d<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp; <\/span>Instead of retreating, the \u201cOld Fox\u201d boldly persevered, attacking and defeating the British at Princeton.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_19414914\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Photo-taken-by-the-author-of-some-of-the-stonework-from-the-original-bridge-.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-19414914\" src=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Photo-taken-by-the-author-of-some-of-the-stonework-from-the-original-bridge-.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"590\" height=\"730\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo taken by Patrick K. O\u2019Donnell of some of the stonework from the original bridge<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>A portion of the original stone structure of Assunpink Bridge, the Bridge That Saved America, remains to this day, standing proudly in the heart of Trenton, unmarked, without sign or interpretation, but as of this month, that is reportedly finally scheduled to change.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p9\"><em>Patrick K. O\u2019Donnell is a bestselling, critically acclaimed military historian and an expert on elite units. He is the author of twelve books, including&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.barnesandnoble.com\/w\/the-indispensables-patrick-k-odonnell\/1138627684\"><span class=\"s3\">The Indispensables<\/span><\/a>, which is featured nationally at Barnes &amp; Noble, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Washingtons-Immortals-Regiment-Changed-Revolution\/dp\/0802126367\"><span class=\"s3\">Washington\u2019s Immortals<\/span><\/a>,&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Unknowns-Americas-Soldier-Decorated-Brought-ebook\/dp\/B075VCL8QT\"><span class=\"s3\">The Unknowns<\/span><\/a>.&nbsp;He is the featured speaker at Washington\u2019s Crossing on December 12 and will participate in the annual reenactment and crossing of the Delaware River. O\u2019Donnell served as a combat historian in a Marine rifle platoon during the Battle of Fallujah and often speaks on espionage, special operations, and counterinsurgency. He has provided historical consulting for DreamWorks\u2019 award-winning miniseries&nbsp;Band of Brothers&nbsp;and documentaries produced by the BBC, the History Channel, and Discovery.&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/www.patrickkodonnell.com\/\"><span class=\"s3\">PatrickODonnell.com<\/span><\/a>&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/combathistorian\"><span class=\"s3\">@combathistorian<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>\u201cDefend the bridge to the last extremity!\u201d Washington shouted to his officers and men 245 years ago as he stared at the massive British army coiling in front of the &#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":2315279,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":"","fifu_image_url":"","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1204797","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1204797","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1204797"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1204797\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2315279"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1204797"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1204797"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1204797"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}