Washington's Army first crossed the Delaware on 8 Dec 1776. Also, midnight 8 Dec is T-23 'til New Years.
8 December 1776 Washington Retreats Across the Delaware River
On 8 December 1776, after a long retreat through New Jersey under pressure from the British Army, American General George Washington crossed the Delaware River from New Jersey to Pennsylvania. The crossing completed one of the most successful retreats in history. Washington’s retreat enabled him to preserve what was left of the Continental Army’s strength and launch his famous surprise attacks later in the month. Fatefully, the British were satisfied with chasing the Americans across the river and decided to cease major operations for the winter.