An American Revolution Diary
Introducing the American Revolutionary Diary: A Day-by-Day Journey Through the Ten Crucial Days
Join the Princeton Battlefield Society for an exclusive, immersive exploration of one of the most pivotal moments in American history—the Ten Crucial Days of 1776–1777. Launching December 14, the American Revolutionary Diary offers a compelling day-by-day look at this defining campaign of the Revolutionary War.
Told through the words of renowned historians and award-winning authors, this series brings to life the drama, danger, and determination that shaped the future of the United States.
Featuring Contributions From:
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Prelude: December 14–25, 1776 – David O. Stewart
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Day 1: December 25, 1776 – Ron Chernow
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Day 2: December 26, 1776 – Mark Lender
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Days 3 & 4: December 27–28, 1776 – David Hackett Fischer
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Days 5 & 6: December 29–30, 1776 – James Kirby Martin
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Days 7 & 8: December 31–January 1, 1776–77 – Larry Kidder
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Day 9: January 2, 1777 – David Price
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Day 10: January 3, 1777 – Glenn Williams
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Postscript: January 3–6, 1777 – Rick Atkinson
This is a bold and refreshing retelling of the American Revolution’s most critical campaign, unfolding across ten extraordinary days—from Washington’s daring Christmas night crossing of the Delaware River, to his twin victories at Trenton, and the surprise attack and triumph at the Battle of Princeton.
We begin with a Prelude (December 14–25) to set the stage, and continue through each dramatic turn, concluding with a Postscript (January 3–6) that reflects on the lasting impact of these days.
Whether you’re a lifelong student of history or newly discovering America’s fight for freedom, we invite you to experience these events as never before—with fresh insights, vivid storytelling, and expert analysis.
Follow the Diary. Discover the drama. Experience the Ten Crucial Days.
Postscript – January 3-6, 1777
The British high command initially acknowledged losses for the day of 276 men; as more reports filtered in, the tally eventually grew to 450, or a third of the Princeton garrison.
Day 10 – January 3, 1777: Battle of Princeton
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Day 9 – January 2, 1777: Battle of Assunpink Creek (Second Trenton)
In the early morning hours, General Charles Cornwallis marched from Princeton with about 8,000 British and Hessian troops, intending to crush Washington’s ragtag army and the rebellion. Washington had positioned
Days 7 and 8 – December 31, 1776-January 1, 1777
On December 31, 1776, with temperatures in the 30s, Washington completed his efforts of the past several days to convince his Continentals to extend their one-year enlistments, which ended that
Days 5 and 6 – December 29-30, 1776
General Washington faced two major problems when finally deciding to move his victorious Continentals back across the Delaware River from their temporary campsite in Newtown, Pennsylvania. Justifiably, he felt obligated
Days 3 and 4 – December 27-28, 1776
As at every difficult moment, Washington decided to convene a council of war. On the afternoon of December 27, he informed his adjutant, “I have called a meeting of the
Day 2 – December 26, 1776: First Battle of Trenton
As Washington approached Trenton, he was astounded by the valor of his men, who had marched all night and were still eager to attack. Though a snowy tempest still whirled
Day 1 – December 25, 1776: Crossing the Delaware River
At about 4:30 A.M., as dusk settled into dark, vanguard regiments began to board sixty-five foot Durham boats—some thirty-five men to each of the massive shallow-draft vessels—as sailors from the
Prelude – December 14-25, 1776
After punishing defeats in New York and a desperate retreat across New Jersey, General Washington’s freezing men camped on the west bank of the Delaware River, many without tents. Fewer