Answer:General Washington left a few soldiers in Trenton during the counterattack to create the illusion of presence. c) To create the illusion of presence: By leaving a small number of soldiers behind, General Washington aimed to deceive the British forces into thinking that the American army was still in Trenton. This strategic move was intended to confuse and mislead the British, making them uncertain about the true strength and location of the American forces. Creating the illusion of presence helped to divert the attention of the British, potentially slowing down their response time and giving the main body of the American army more time to regroup and plan their next moves. It also forced the British to maintain a defensive posture and allocate resources to deal with the perceived threat, even if it was relatively small in numbers. This tactic played a crucial role in the success of the American counterattack at Trenton. By exploiting the element of surprise and utilizing deception, General Washington and his troops were able to achieve a significant victory and boost morale among their ranks.
Step-by-step explanation: