Miracle #2. Battle of Trenton, Hope Survives

by Clark Kelly Price

This emotional piece by Mr. Clark lets us experience the surrender of the Hessian soldiers at Trenton.  The spirit of sacrifice is portrayed in the wounds to the feet of the shoeless young soldier his feet wrapped in rags and the evidence of the wounds, crimson blood in his snowy tracks. This is historically correct. The young American has not held back his devotion and been personally engaged as evident by the wound to the forehead.  This painting must be experienced up close to feel the expressions captured by the artist.  The surprise and bewilderment of the professional Hessian soldier reputed to be the toughest and most determined in the world is stark and equally captured by the expression of the young, untrained, ill clothed, American accepting the surrender.  In the background is the General.  The dark night of defeat, retreat, sacrifice, pleading and planning has been given new hope with the dawn of a blessed day. The Iconic painting of Washington crossing the Delaware tells part of the story; this painting emotionally captures the rest.