We rank and file were kept ignorant. It was not for us to contemplate the meaning of war. We only knew its motions: "walk," "at ease," "to arms."
And we knew it would be a miserable night. The wind wailed; the sleet stung; the snow chilled to the bone. The Delaware ran black and fathomless as the Styx. Ice gnawed at its banks.
We crossed slowly and silently in the Durham boats and learned our mission on the other side: a surprise attack on Trenton at dawn.
As I prepared to march, I glimpsed our General stooped over a fire, his cloak wrapped close about him. Sometimes he watched the boats' progression, sometimes the fire. Flurries tumbled into the flames, evaporating with a puff and hiss. Destiny weighed heavily on his snow-dusted shoulders. His thoughts were of the motions and meanings of war.
His officers gathered around him. General Washington spoke, but I heard not, for he spoke softly, even in those days. It was General Knox who replied, "My dear General, the Rubicon was crossed in July. The die was cast long before this night. There is no turning back, remember: victory or death."
That "or" cast over me like a shadow, for I was grievously wounded at Trenton. But I lived. We were victorious. I have carried the scar and these affecting memories with me all my life. For those men and this country, I would brave it all again - the snow, the bullet, the long night.
About the Creator
Ava Mack
Forced Compliance Not Necessary
Some people knew this would happen. The chips in our heads, I mean. Everyone laughed. Isn't that funny? The crazy part: even the conspiracy nuts had a mobile phone. Everyone walked around with the "chip" glued to their hand, eyes glued to chip.
By L.C. Schäfera day ago in Fiction
Comments (7)
That was wonderful, Ava. well done.
This was incredibly well written. Excellent entry into the challenge
Wow, this is such a strong immersive piece. So well done!
Thank you for this piece of history, love your words and the image and great challenge entry
I really enjoyed reading that ❤️, and I hope you 'll read my stories and rate me on them because I care about your opinion🥰💝
This story reads with the intensity of all the might and fury of war. Through the snow scenery, the depiction of fictional elements intermixed with history allows the reader to immerse themselves in the story. Continue with these works.
Author’s Note: This is a work of fiction based on historical facts. This is not a historical text or any part of historical text. I knew I wanted to write my snow micro about Washington’s crossing of the Delaware on Dec 25, 1776, but I recently learned that future US President James Monroe was also there as an 18 year old lieutenant and wounded the next day at Trenton. I thought Monroe’s POV as President and Commander in Chief looking back many years later would be an interesting take on the well-known story and the challenge. I enjoyed writing it, I hope you enjoyed reading it!