This part of the plan was to be executed by the General in person, at the head of about two thousand four hundred continental troops.

It was thought practicable to pass them over the river by twelve, and to reach the point of destination by five in the morning of the next day, when the attack was to be made.

General Irvine was directed to cross at the Trenton Ferry, and to secure the bridge below the town, in order to prevent the escape of the enemy by that road.

General Cadwallader was to pass over at Dunk's Ferry, and carry the post at Mount Holly.

It had been in contemplation to unite the troops employed in fortifying Philadelphia, to those at Bristol, and to place the whole under General Putnam; but such indications were given in that city of an insurrection of the royal cause, that this part of the plan was abandoned.