(1732 - 1799) US general and political leader. He was the commander in chief of American forces during the AmericanRevolutionary War (1776 - 1783) and first president of the United States (1789 - 1797). He led the American forces during a n important victory at Trenton, New Jersey in December 1776. Scouting reports told him that Hessian troops in Trenton were scattered and practically without defenses. Despite a bitter storm, Washington crossed the Delaware River north of Trenton on Christmas night. The Americans quickly penetrated the picket lines and advanced through the city, taking the Hessians almost completely by surprise in the early hours of December 26. The mercenaries resisted briefly then surrendered. The victory gave new life to the Americancause and led to the eventual withdrawal of the British from New Jersey. —State of ManCongress Approved Gls (14.5.92)