December 2026 marks 250 years since George Washington’s army crossed the Delaware River on the night of December 25–26, 1776, and attacked the Hessian garrison at Trenton.
On December 27, 1776, from his headquarters in Newtown, Pennsylvania, George Washington issued this general orders commending his troops for their gallantry at the Battle of Trenton and to encourage his soldiers to stay and continue the "glorious work" that they had begun.
Our latest original design commemorates these events.
On the left chest: A profile of George Washington with his signature
On the back, a powerful line from the General Orders and his signature.
"...as we have begun the glorious work of driving the Enemy, he hopes they will not now turn their backs upon them, and leave the business half finished at this important Crisis, a Crisis, which may, more than probably determine the fate of America."
The shirt:
- Navy and Dark grey — Printed in New England on a 100% cotton using cotton grown, knitted, dyed, and sewn in the USA. 4.4oz
Also available:
- Long-sleeved shirt — Made in America
- Women's v-neck shirt
- Crewneck sweatshirt
Comes with a hang tag that includes a historical quote, background on the event, and a historical map.
More on the map:
A map of the Delaware River area depicting the route George Washington and his Army made during the crossing, by William Faden, an English cartographer and a publisher of maps. He printed the North American Atlas in 1777, and ". . . it became the most important atlas chronicling the Revolution's battles." There were 29 maps in the atlas, and they included detailed battle maps drawn by eyewitnesses.
Source: Wikipedia (large image of the map) By William Faden - Library of Congress, Public Domain
The Complete Transcript of the General Orders:
HEAD QUARTERS: NEWTON [Pa.], Dec. 27, 1776
THE GENERAL, with the utmost sincerity and affection, thanks the Officers and soldiers for their spirited and gallant behavior at Trenton yesterday. It is with inexpressible pleasure that he can declare, that he did not see a single instance of bad behavior in either officers or privates; and that if any fault can be found, it proceeded from a too great eagerness to push forward upon the Enemy. Much! very much, indeed, is it to be lamented that when Men are brought to play the part of Soldiers thus well, that any of them, for the sake of a little temporary ease, should think of abandoning the cause of Liberty and their Country at so important a crisis. - As a reward to the officers and soldiers for their spirited behavior in such inclement weather, the General will (in behalf of the Continent) have all the Field pieces, the Arms, Accoutrements, Horses and everything else which was taken yesterday, valued and a proportionate distribution of the Amount made among the Officers (if they choose to partake) and the Men who crossed the River.
The Commissary is strictly ordered to provide Rum for the Troops that it may be served as Occasion shall require
Col. Bradley's Reg't or such part of them as have overstayed the time for which they were engaged, and are still in Camp, have the General's thanks for so doing, and may be dismissed if they choose it; But as we have begun the glorious work of driving the Enemy, he hopes they will not now turn their backs upon them, and leave the business half finished at this important Crisis, a Crisis, which may, more than probably determine the fate of America. The General therefore not only invites them to a longer continuance, but earnestly exhorts the Officers and Soldiers of all those Regiments whose term of service expires in a few days, to remain.
The Col's and Commanding Officers of each Regiment are, without delay, to have the Plunder of every kind (taken by his Reg't) collected and given in to the Quar. Master Gen'l that the men may receive the value of it.