Hosting The Enemy For Xmas - Abraham Hunt at Trenton
Abraham Hunt got the German mercenaries nice and drunk just before Washington crossed the Delaware.
Abraham Hunt
After the French and Indian War, Abraham Hunt became a successful merchant and leading citizen of Trenton, NJ.
In 1664, Benjamin Franklin, serving as Postmaster General for the King of Great Britain commissioned Hunt as Trenton's Postmaster.
In 1775 Franklin again named Hunt town Postmaster, this time for the United Colonies then in rebellion.
By the time he joined the Revolution, Hunt had already established himself with the rebels, serving on the local Committee of Correspondence.
Additionally, he was chosen as a Lieutenant Colonel in the County Militia.
Welcoming Rall
Abraham was in Trenton when the German mercenaries came to town under the command of Colonel Rall.
Hunt decided to remain in town and hosted Rall in his home on Christmas.
It was this strong drink that left the Germans in a less than optimal state when George Washington crossed the Delaware and attacked in the wee hours of the morning, leading to one of the major victories in the war.
Vindicated
Hunt was later accused of treason for partying with the invading army but was cleared of all wrongdoing.
It was decided that Abraham was a Patriot and his decision to liquor up the Germans played a key roll in the victory.
Hunt lived in Trenton another 50 years, making key improvements to the city including the creation of a school and overseeing the first bank.
Read about some other people associated with Trenton here:
Barnt De Klyn Clothes The Continental Army and Hosts a King
Isaac Smith - Partisan Politics in Early New Jersey
Benjamin Mecom’s Disappearance - Ben Franklin’s Failed Nephew
If you’d like to learn more about the Battles of Trenton and Princeton, check out ‘Victory or Death’.
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