Read this section The Story Matters. Using that and this chapter as a guide, write a short journal entry as if you are one of Washington's men crossing the Delaware River on the way to attack the British in Trenton, New Jersey. Write at least 5 complete sentences:

The story matters : It is December 25, 1776. General George Washington is preparing to lead 2,400 troops across the Delaware River to launch a surprise attack on the British troops stationed in Trenton. The river is filled with huge chunks of ice. The weather is terrible, and hurricane-force winds pound at Washington's troops. After crossing the Delaware River, General Washington and his troops will have to march 9 miles (14 km) to meet their enemy. The young United States is in desperate need of some battlefield success in its war against the British.