<P> Washington eventually crossed the Hudson River at Peekskill with most of his army, leaving New England regiments behind to guard supply stores and important river crossings . Later, British movements chased him across New Jersey and into Pennsylvania, and the British established a chain of outposts across New Jersey . Washington, seeing an opportunity for a victory to boost the nation's morale, crossed the Delaware and surprised Rall's troops in the December 26 Battle of Trenton . </P> <P> Each year on or near the anniversary date, the White Plains Historical Society hosts a commemoration of the event at the Jacob Purdy House in White Plains, New York . Two ships in the United States Navy were named for the Battle of White Plains . CVE - 66 was an escort carrier in World War II . AFS - 4 was a combat stores ship that was decommissioned in 1995 . </P> <P> According to some historians, the Headless Horseman depicted in Washington Irving's short story "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" was inspired by a real - life Hessian soldier who lost his head by cannon fire during this battle . </P>

How did the battle of white plains start