Aiming Low

Curious Footnote to the American Revolution: It was at the Battle of Trenton (following George Washington’s famous crossing of the icy Delaware River on Christmas night, 1776) that American Col. Charles Scott of Virginia reportedly issued the odd command for his soldiers to fire at the Hessian defenders’ legs. Scott allegedly reasoned that if a man was hit in the leg, two of his comrades would be occupied carrying him from the battlefield.

Is it just me, or does that seem ludicrous to you, too? I wasn’t there, but I’ve always understood that most of the wounded were carried from the field after a battle was over. Meanwhile, a soldier shot in the leg might continue to participate in the fray, loading and firing his musket.

Happily for Washington and company, the Hessians were totally surprised and surrendered with comparatively little resistance. I for one doubt that aiming low had much to do with the outcome.