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Wilderness Woman
Watcher of the Wood
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]: November 27 2002
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Posted - December 26 2002 : 2:57:00 PM
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It seemed appropriate, given the time of year, so I watched, again, "The Crossing." Once again, I was reminded that the events which took place on Dec. 25th and 26th of 1776, were nothing short of a miracle. When you think of the odds against such a daring plan being even partially successful, given all of the circumstances... and then to have it be completely successful... is utterly mind-boggling.
Once again, I was reminded of the desperation with which Gen. Washington conceived his plan, and the courage and determination with which he set it into motion.
Once again, I was reminded of the stamina and sheer physical strength of Col. John Glover's Marblehead fishermen, who rowed an army of 2,000 men across a cold river in big, heavy Durham boats... not once... but three times. Each crossing was not done in just one trip. No, those men rowed back and forth across that river many times, for hours upon hours... carrying not only men, but cannon, wagons, and even horses!
Between the first crossing, from New Jersey to Pennsylvania, and the second crossing from Pennsylvania to Trenton, was a lapse of twenty days. But between the second crossing, to Trenton, and the third crossing, back to Pennsylvania, there elapsed only a few hours... with no rest or sleep for Col. Glover or his men.
And on the third and final trip, along with the 2,000 men of Washington's army and the accompanying cannons and horses, they took with them everything they had captured: 6 brass cannon; gun carriages; wagons full of ammunition, food, clothing, blankets, medicine; at least 200 horses; and 900 Hessian soldier prisoners. All rowed across the river in the big Durham boats... by fishermen from Marblehead, Mass.
Unbelievable.
P.S. If you can't find the movie... I highly recommend the book "The Crossing," by Howard Fast.
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"It is more deeply stirring to my blood than any imaginings could possibly have been." |
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Theresa
Bumppo's Tavern Proprietress
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]: May 17 2002
Status: offline
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Posted - December 26 2002 : 5:41:58 PM
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Hey Wilderness Woman, I thought this movie was excellently done. I've only seen it once and I remember thinking these were such harsh circumstances inwhich to carry out this plan. Unbelievable and amazing that they were able to carry it off. Jeff Daniels was superb! Thanks for reminding me. As I sit here in relatively cozy Alabama (temps hovering around 45 with sunny skies) I owe such honor and respect to President Washington and his men. And to those of you who were caught in this horrendous winter storm, stay safe and warm.
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Theresa |
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Wilderness Woman
Watcher of the Wood
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]: November 27 2002
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Posted - December 27 2002 : 09:29:23 AM
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I agree, Theresa! Watching this movie the first time and reading the book, for the first time in my life, I realized that George Washington was more than just a face on our dollar bill. He became very real, and he became one of my historical heroes.
And I am so very, very proud of a man in my past, named Cornelius Drake. He was a young, common soldier, who was with Washington's army from the very beginning to the very end, in the 3rd NJ Regiment. Seven long years of heat, cold, hunger and deprivation; marching all over the Eastern/mid-Atlantic seaboard, and into the Wilderness of New York (on the Sullivan Expedition); fighting in battle after battle; surviving the Valley Forge and Morristown encampments. Why did he stick with it? There is no doubt in my mind that he did it for one reason... and for one man: for the love, respect and admiration he had for his Commanding General... Washington. |
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richfed
Sachem
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]: May 13 2002
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Posted - December 28 2002 : 07:02:24 AM
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With all due respect to the brilliance of the Jeffersons, Franklins, Adams, et al who made such major contributions as Founding Fathers, to my mind there can be little doubt that George Washington is most deserving of the title, "Father of our Country" ... America. What an amazing man & life.
Often times, when I hear others complain on the job, I bring up the subject of that rag-tag, demoralized, beat up band of soldiers - tracking blood from their bare feet in the snow - who participated in that incredible campaign of Trenton and Princeton. Talk about "against all odds." What hardship they endured. What sacrifice! What a tribute to the abilities & leadership of George Washington.
Amazing ... |
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Wilderness Woman
Watcher of the Wood
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]: November 27 2002
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Posted - December 28 2002 : 11:30:38 AM
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Well said, Sachem Rich! I need only begin to think of it and the ol' lump comes to the throat, and the eyes mist over.
BTW... I forgot about the 4th trip! On Dec. 28th, Col. Glover's men rowed the whole works across that river yet again! That, of course, led to the occupation of Trenton, and the victory at Princeton. |
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Scott Bubar
Colonial Militia
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]: May 17 2002
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Posted - March 26 2003 : 11:42:52 AM
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There were a couple of Bubiers (Bubars) in Glover's Marine Regiment, and at least one in-law I know of. They also rescued the Continental Army after the Long Island fiasco. |
~~Aim small, miss small. |
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Wilderness Woman
Watcher of the Wood
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]: November 27 2002
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Posted - March 26 2003 : 1:07:59 PM
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quote: Originally posted by Scott Bubar
There were a couple of Bubiers (Bubars) in Glover's Marine Regiment, and at least one in-law I know of.
Cool! I'm jealous! Glover is another one of my heroes. |
"It is more deeply stirring to my blood than any imaginings could possibly have been." |
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Dances with Beagles
Colonial Settler
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]: May 19 2002
Status: offline
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Posted - December 23 2003 : 9:20:27 PM
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I posted the schedule/info for the re-enactment of Washington's Crossing of the Delaware over in the "Lexington Green-1775" forum..., (See Washington Crossing the Delaware/Battle of Trenton), but I'll continue with this Washington Crossing thread that's was already here!
Anyway, a little update...there has been a bit of controversy in the news about a possible boycott by some of the reenactors, who are in a dispute with the Washington Crossing Park site administrator, who wants to have other people play parts in the reenactment. I don't know if it's been settled yet, but I'm sure the event will go on as planned, if the weather cooperates.
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Highlander
Colonial Militia
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]: February 04 2003
Status: offline
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Posted - December 24 2003 : 03:44:39 AM
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quote: Originally posted by Dances with Beagles
I posted the schedule/info for the re-enactment of Washington's Crossing of the Delaware over in the "Lexington Green-1775" forum..., (See Washington Crossing the Delaware/Battle of Trenton), but I'll continue with this Washington Crossing thread that's was already here!
Anyway, a little update...there has been a bit of controversy in the news about a possible boycott by some of the reenactors, who are in a dispute with the Washington Crossing Park site administrator, who wants to have other people play parts in the reenactment. I don't know if it's been settled yet, but I'm sure the event will go on as planned, if the weather cooperates.
I feel a solidarity with those reenactors.Especially when you see what kind of people the P.H.M.C makes as Site Administrators. |
Highlander |
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Diana
Pioneer
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]: May 18 2002
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Posted - December 24 2003 : 08:30:09 AM
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Colonel Glover...what a guy!!
(Sebastian Roche's portrayal of him wasn't so bad either).
By the way, got a question--who do you prefer as General Washington--Kelsey Grammer or Jeff Daniels?
Diana |
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Wilderness Woman
Watcher of the Wood
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]: November 27 2002
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Posted - December 24 2003 : 2:38:31 PM
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quote: Originally posted by Diana Colonel Glover...what a guy!! (Sebastian Roche's portrayal of him wasn't so bad either).
Agreed! (Woo-hoo!)
quote: --who do you prefer as General Washington--Kelsey Grammer or Jeff Daniels?
I definitely prefer Jeff Daniels. But my decision is probably biased due to the materials involved. I was very unhappy with the Benedict Arnold movie, and tend to judge Mr. Grammer's portrayal accordingly. Although, he is a fine actor and I did like one scene in particular that he did very much. He and Arnold were at Valley Forge, and Washington was talking about the loyalty of his army and expressing his amazement and gratitude. Very well done. But I think that Jeff Daniels more closely resembles Washington both in facial features and in stature. To me, he was simply more believable. |
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Wilderness Woman
Watcher of the Wood
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]: November 27 2002
Status: offline
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Posted - June 28 2004 : 2:54:43 PM
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For those who may be interested...
Tuesday evening (June 29th) at 9:00 eastern time on the History Channel, there will be a program called "Tech Effect." This week's program will be about the crossing:
On an icy, unforgiving Christmas night in 1776, General George Washington made a bold decision that would become a turning point in the American Revolution when he led his troops across the treacherous Delaware River to Trenton for a last stand against the Hessians. We profile the technology available to Washington and see how he effectively used it to his advantage, including the sturdy Durham boats and ferries used to carry troops and artillery, and pocket watches used to synchronize the attack. |
"It is more deeply stirring to my blood than any imaginings could possibly have been." |
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