Regarding credit for the idea of attacking Trenton, there is plenty of room for both Washington and his subordinates.

Colonel Joseph Reed, Washington's adjutant, sent a letter to Washington detailing the activity of various militia groups, especially the group led by Samuel Griffin.   According to Fischer, Reed proposed a choice "We can either give him a strong reinforcement--or make a separate attack--the latter bids fairest for producing the greatest and best effects"

McCullough's comment: "What was remarkable was the degree to which it corresponded with Washington's own mind and plans".

Fischer: "Washington called a council of war. The general announced that the army had grown stronger; all of the reinforcements from New England had now arrived. The meeting debated Reed's plan for crossing the Delaware and attacking one of the enemy's posts in New Jersey. The council agreed very quickly , and a long discussion followed on how it might be done. Much of the conversation was about the weather, the river, and boats."