7. The Indispensables at Trenton: Crossing the Ice-Filled Delaware River Author: Patrick O'Donnell Book Title: The Indispensables: The Diverse Soldier Mariners Who Shaped the Country, Formed the Navy, and Rowed Washington across the Delaware On Christmas

The John Batchelor Show

7. The Indispensables at Trenton: Crossing the Ice-Filled Delaware River
Author: Patrick O'Donnell
Book Title: The Indispensables: The Diverse Soldier Mariners Who Shaped the Country, Formed the Navy, and Rowed Washington across the Delaware
On Christmas night 1776, Washington ordered his 2,400 men to cross the ice-filled Delaware River to attack Trenton. This "mission impossible" was only achieved due to the skill of the Marbleheaders in handling the Durham and flat-bottom boats, as all other attempts to cross the river that night failed. Their unique expertise, developed while fishing the Grand Banks, allowed them to manage the difficult currents and ice flows. The regiment was a diverse, unified team, including free men of color such as Caesar Gloverand Oliver Cromwell. After crossing in the nor'easter, the troops—many lacking shoes—marched toward Trenton. Glover's regiment was in the vanguard, marching down the river road. They secured the crucial Assunpink Creek bridge, ensuring the captured Hessians under Johann Rall had no means of retreat, leading to a decisive double envelopment victory. Days later, during the Second Battle of Trenton at Assunpink Creek, the remaining Marbleheaders held the bridge against repeated assaults by elite British grenadiers, allowing Washington to execute a feint and escape north toward Princeton.

8. The Legacy and Sacrifice of the Marbleheaders: From Bankruptcy to Monument
Author: Patrick O'Donnell
Book Title: The Indispensables: The Diverse Soldier Mariners Who Shaped the Country, Formed the Navy, and Rowed Washington across the Delaware
Following the Trenton campaign, many Marbleheaders, exhausted and with enlistments expired, returned home, including John Glover, whose wife was ill. Marblehead suffered immense devastation post-war; the prosperous town went "bust," the industry declined, and many leading men went bankrupt. The sacrifice was tragic, resulting in nearly 400 widows by the war's end, with many bodies lost at sea. Washington eventually entreated Glover to return, promoting him to general, and Glover continued fighting until 1782. Today, the Marbleheaders' story is visible through remaining historic landmarks: John Glover's house has a plaque, the Jeremiah Lee mansion serves as part of the Marblehead Museum, and notable figures are buried in Old Burial Hill. In Trenton, a statue of Marbleheader John Russell is displayed, holding an oar to symbolize the famous Delaware crossing. Henry Knox paid tribute to the regiment, stating he wished Congress had seen the men of Marblehead alone stand forward to lead the army across the perilous river to achieve the victory at Trenton.