four o'clock in
the morning
`` The river had been free from ice , but in the last twenty-four hours before the time appointed for the expedition the weather changed , growing very much colder , so that the water was filled with floating ice , greatly increasing the difficulty and danger of crossing ; a storm of sleet and snow set in too , and the night was dark and gloomy . `` Still the little army was undaunted ; they paraded at M'Conkey 's Ferry at dusk , expecting to reach Trenton by midnight ; but so slow and perilous was the crossing that it was nearly four o'clock when at last they mustered on the Jersey shore . `` It was now too late to attack under cover of the darkness , as had been Washington 's plan . '' `` Excuse me , mamma , but surely it would be still dark at four o'clock in the morning ? '' Walter said half inquiringly . `` Yes , my son , but you must remember they had crossed at M'Conkey 's Ferry , which is eight miles higher up the river than is Trenton , so that they had that distance to march before they could make their attack . `` Washington divided his forces , leading one portion himself by the upper road , -- Generals Greene , Mercer , and Lord Sterling accompanying him , -- and giving Sullivan command of the other , which was to approach the town by another road leading along the river .