Victory at Trenton revived his reputation and enhanced his stature. Odes would be penned in his honor, with such immortal couplets as “Washington, though least expected near, / Opened fire upon the Hessians’ rear.” As Dr. Rush had urged, in late December Congress granted the commanding general autocratic powers for six months to pay enlistment bounties, raise additional regiments, appoint all officers below the rank of general, confiscate provisions, and arrest those who refused Continental currency or “are otherwise disaffected to the American cause.” Rodney told his diary, “Gen’l. Washington
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