Early in the morning the next day, under cover of darkness and heavy snowfall, General George Washington, along with General Henry Knox had crossed the icy Delaware River with troops, horses and cannon, organized their forces and began marching toward Trenton, where commander Rall and his Hessians mercenaries were still held up at Hunt's residence. During the evening, as Rall and others were still drinking and playing cards, by morning Washington and his troops launched a two-pronged surprise attack.Stryker, 1898, p. 122 After a touch and go battle the Hessians finally scattered, were outmaneuvered, and were defeated by Washington's forces, where many of them were captured and taken prisoner. During the battle, Rall was shot twice in his side and was mortally wounded. Before he died that evening, Rall requested a formal surrender to Washington.Fischer, 2006, pp. 248, 255
