In other words, the American war was just like Oliver Cromwell's a century before: inspired by religious fanaticism.

The Theatre of War in 1776 was carefully tracked in London as well as in America. Washington's defeats of 1776 were also recorded in the British papers.

By December 1, 1776 the Brits were happy with the progress of war in the colonies. Follow this link to a cartoon with a gloating caption:

The gloating soon ended when General Washington and his troops crossed (December 9-10) and recrossed (December 25-26, 1776) the Delaware River. (Follow this excellent link to view the U.S. Military Academy map depicting where Washington crossed the river. Look in the lower left-hand corner. The annotated map also describes the battles.) America delivered quite a Christmas present to the Redcoats: A surprise attack at Trenton and a much-needed victory (and boost in confidence) for the patriots.

But confidence in war, like the rest of life, ebbs and flows depending on lows and highs. One of the lowest points, in war or life, happens when a trusted person turns traitor. The actions of the most famous hero-turned-traitor in the Revolutionary War were so bad his name means traitor in America: Benedict Arnold.