Monthly Archives: April 2013

Loss after loss after loss, Washington’s ability to lead the colonial army was beginning to be questioned by some of the other officers.    While Washington’s personal secretary Joseph Reed was away from the New Jersey front, Washington opened a … Continue reading →

Next to fall to the British were twin forts along the Hudson river. As the disheartened men made a hasty retreat down the river, Washington supervised from the dangerous rear position. As 18 year old Lieutenant James Monroe described, “I … Continue reading →

He had failed the crucial mission given to him by Congress.  He had failed to hold New York. When writing to his steward back at Mount Vernon, Washington stated, “In short, such is my situation, that if I were to … Continue reading →

The retreat was inevitable.  How could this small volunteer army defend islands from the world’s most powerful navy?  After Long Island was taken by the British and 3,000 American soldiers killed, Washington had to save the remaining army on Manhattan.  Hunkered down … Continue reading →

How was a militia of untrained men to defeat the world’s foremost super power?  How was the militia to defend the island of Manhattan from the largest most powerful navy on the seas?  The day came when the British invaded … Continue reading →

Washington’s stepson Jacky often had a tumultuous relationship with the future President.  As a man who made rash decisions, Jacky stood in stark contrast to his studied stepfather.  They often argued over Jacky’s lackadaisical approach to education and his brash … Continue reading →

After his first great victory at war, Washington was awarded an honorary degree from Harvard.  A Massachusetts politician named Josiah Quincy told Washington his name would be, “handed down to posterity with the illustrious character of being the savior of … Continue reading →

We should not have won the Revolutionary War.  Even looking back into history when hindsight is 20/20, we should not have won that war.  We were outmanned, outgunned, and quite frankly, outgeneraled.  What Washington lacked in quick decision making and … Continue reading →

Martha Washington spent every winter of the Revolutionary War by her husband’s side.  It was during these adverse conditions that she resolved, “I am still determined to be cheerful and to be happy in whatever situation I may be.” When … Continue reading →

It is no secret that Washington, as a plantation owner, owned many slaves.  At one point, he is listed as owning over 150 slaves.  It’s a strange thing to be sitting here in 2012 and try and imagine the leader … Continue reading →