According to Robert Gerenser, what would have been the 29th annual Lt. James Monroe Crossing the Delaware Parade will not be held this year, because of a lack of "time and money."
The event would have been held, he said, on Dec. 20.
Reached by phone Tuesday, Mr. Gerenser, captain of the Coryell’s Ferry Militia, said area residents and visitors may expect a return of the event in December 2015.
The Coryell’s Ferry Militia was formed in 1984 by several of New Hope’s citizens. As of 2013, core members were Lt. Bob Gerenser Jr., Justine Oleksa Walters, Steve Rote, Mary F. Coffee, Elaine McNeely, G.A. Cristiano and Ron Gehring
The events that took place in the area during the winter of 1776 (American Revolution) included a "vital mission carried out by Lt. James Monroe and Capt. William Washington (George Washington’s third cousin).
The story goes like this: "Gen. George Washington asked for volunteers to cross the Delaware River at dusk. The crossing had to be far enough up river so as not to alert the British forces that an attack was coming. This mission was to cut off all communications between the British stationed at Princeton and the Hessian mercenaries billeted in the old French and Indian War Barracks in Trenton.
"Lt. Monroe had to cross several hours before the main body of troops with Gen. George Washington at McKonkey’s Ferry (now Washington Crossing, Pennsylvania) so he could be in a place to be effective.
"Just at dusk, Capt. William Washington and Lt. Monroe and 57 private soldiers crossed at Coryell’s Ferry, Pennsylvania, into the Jersies. The troops went to their post at Princeton-Pennington Road, and successfully completed their mission.
"A farm that was nearby was occupied by a Doctor Riker. Doctor Riker sensed that the cold soldiers huddled in that intersection were on a valuable and secret mission. Once the good doctor ascertained they were indeed Continental soldiers, he offered to come along stating ‘that perhaps I may be able to help some poor fellow.’
"Doctor Riker’s words came true later the next morning when Capt. Washington and Lt. Monroe marched on to Trenton, joined up with Gen. Washington and as a special honor were charged to lead the attack on the Hessian Barracks (on Dec. 26, 1776). It was Doctor Riker’s quick actions that stemmed the bleeding wounds of the heroes. The men were brought back to the Coryell House (South Main Street) where they recovered and went on to greater glory."

