48 Ibid., vol. 1, 11-15-1754.
49 Ibid., vol. 1, 4-20-1755. The full text of the letter says, “Dr. Sir: I was sorry it was not in my power to wait upon you at Westover last Christmas. I had enjoy’d much satisfaction in the thought when an unexpected accident put it entirely out of my power to comply either with my promise, or Inclination; both of which equally urg’d me to make the Visit. I am now preparing for, and shall in a few days sett off, to serve in the ensuing Campainge; with different Views from what I had before; for here, if I can gain any credit, or if I am entitled to the least countenance and esteem, it must be from serving my Country with a free, Voluntary will; for I can very truly say, I have no expectation of reward but the hope of meriting the love of my Country and friendly regard of my acquaintances; and as to any prospect of obtaining a Comn. I have none, and am pretty well assur’d it is not in Genl. Braddock’s to give such a one as I wou’d accept off as I am told a Compa. is the highest Comn. that is now vested in his gift. He disir’d my Company this Campainge, has honoured me with particular marks of Esteem, and kindly invited me into his Family; which will ease me of that expence, which otherwise wou’d undoubtedly have accrued in furnishing a proper Camp Provision; whereas the expence will now be easy, (comparatively speaking) as baggage Horses, tents and some other necessarys will constitute the whole of the charge tho’ I mean to say to leave a Family just settling, and in the utmost confusion and disorder (as mine is in at present) will be the means of my using my private Fortune very greatly, but however this may happen, it shall be no hindrance to my making this Campaigne. I am Sir with very g’t esteem, etc.”
50 Ibid., vol. 6, 10-12-1776.
51 Ibid., vol. 36, 7-4-1798.
52 Ibid., vol. 36, 8-29-1797. Washington wrote to Thomas MacDonald, (Of the British Board of Agriculture.): “Little doubt can be entertained of harmonious proceedings in any business, where men of character and honor, well disposed to do justice, are appointed to conduct it.” (WGW note: Thomas MacDonald and Henry Pye Rich were the British Commissioners for carrying into effect the VIth Article of Jay’s Treaty. They visited Mount Vernon Oct. 14-16, 1797.)
53 Ibid., vol. 23, 7-23-1775. Washington wrote to Brig. Gen. John Thomas, as Thomas was considering resigning. “Sir: The Retirement of a general Officer possessing the Confidence of his Country and the Army at so critical a Period, appears to me to be big with fatal Consequences both to the Publick Cause and his own Reputation. ...I think it my Duty to use this last Effort to prevent it; he may very properly insist upon his claims of Rank...but in such a cause as this, where the Object is neither Glory nor extent of territory, but a defence of all that is dear and valuable in Life, surely every post ought to be deemed honorable in which a Man can serve his Country. ...if at such a time and in such a cause smaller and partial considerations cannot give way to the great and general Interest. These remarks can only affect you as a member of the great American body, but as an inhabitant of Massachusetts Bay, your own Province and the other Colonies have a peculiar and unquestionable claim to your Services, and in my opinion you cannot refuse them without relinquishing in some degree that Character For publick Virtue and Honor which you have hitherto supported. If our Cause is just, it ought to be supported, but where shall it find support, if Gentlemen of merit and experience, unable to conquer the prejudices of a competition, withdraw themselves in an hour of Danger.”
54 Ibid., vol. 19 To Col. Goose Van Schaick on June 20, 1780: “...the Troops must not tarnish by an unbecoming or unsoldierly conduct, the honor and character of perseverance which they have justly acquired. The want of pay and necessaries are not peculiar to the Regiment garrisoning Fort Schuyler: The rest of the Army have experienced the same.”
55 Ibid., vol. 23, 10-31-1781. General Orders, October 31, 1781, “The General in order that this declaration may have its proper Effect and that Colonel White may be totally freed from the aspersions cast on his Character in consequence of the Charges alluded to Directs it to be Published to the Army. The General cannot forbear adding that Accusations of so serious a nature should be made with the most scrupulous caution; an Officer’s Character being too sacred to be impeached with Levity without a sufficient foundation.”
56 The phrase “conduct unbecoming” is found nine times. “Unsoldierly conduct” is found twice. The phrase “court martial” is found over one thousand times in Washington’s writings. “Guilty” is found 550 times; “innocent” 80 times.
57 WGW, vol. 6, 9-16-1776. General Orders: “ ...the abandoned and profligate part of our own Army, countenanced by a few officers, who are lost to every Sense of Honor and Virtue, as well as their Country’s Good, are by Rapine and Plunder, spreading Ruin and Terror wherever they go; thereby making themselves infinitely more to be dreaded than the common Enemy they are come to oppose; at the same time that it exposes Men who are strolling about after plunder to be surpriz’d and taken. The General therefore hopes it will be unnecessary, on any future Occasion, for him to repeat the Orders of yesterday, with respect to this matter, as he is determined to shew no Favor to officer, or soldier, who shall offend herein, but punish without exception, every person who shall be found guilty of this most abominable practice, which if continued, must prove the destruction of any Army on earth.”
58 Ibid., vol. 6, 11-3-1776. General Orders: “The General is sorry to find, that there are some Soldiers, so lost to all Sense of Honor, and Honesty, as to leave the Army, when there is the greatest necessity for their services: He calls upon the Officers of every Rank, to exert themselves, in putting a stop to it, and absolutely forbids any officer, under the Rank of a Brigadier General, discharging any officer, or soldier, or giving any permission to leave the Camp on any pretence whatever.”
59 Ibid., vol. 25, 11-13-1782. Washington wrote to Brig. Gen. Peter Muhlenberg, “an Officer of the Virginia Line ... has received a sum of Money for the recruiting service, which he declares he will apply in the first instance to the payment of his own arrearage of Pay, and the Balance, if any, to the purposes for which he drew the sum. The Governor further informs me, that he has furnished you with proofs of the fact, and has desired you to call the Officer to a proper account. I can have no doubt of your not only immediately doing this, but taking steps to put a stop to a practice of the like kind by others. Tho’ I hope no other will be found so lost to all sense of honor and honesty as to attempt it. It will be necessary for you, not only for information, but to prevent misapplication of public Money, to call upon the Recruiting Officers very often for returns, and if Men are not sent in agreeable to Returns, you may well suspect improper Conduct. You will as before directed, make me monthly returns at least.”
60 Ibid., vol. 8, 5-3-1777. Washington wrote, “I am well informed, from various parts of the Country, that the pernicious practice of Gaming has been exceedingly injurious to the recruiting Service; not only in point of the Officer’s time being taken up; but that they have been so lost to all sense of Honor, that the Money drawn and intended for Bounty has been Squander’d this way. it therefore becomes a matter of great concern, that every Commander of a Regiment should be particularly attentive, that this Evil may be prevented from creeping in amongst them, and punish it in a most exemplary manner, upon its first appearance.”
61 Ibid., vol. 15, 7-8-1779. General Orders: “At a Brigade General Court Martial in the 1st. Pennsylvania brigade July 5th., Colonel Humpton President, Neil Megonigle soldier in the 7th. Pennsylvania regiment was tried for, “Desertion from his guard at an advanced post proceeding towards the enemy and opposing the party who took him.” The Court are of opinion the prisoner is guilty of the several charges exhibited against him and in consequence of his former bad character and his late conduct do unanimously sentence him to suffer death. The Commander in Chief confirms the sentence and orders said Megonigle to be hung next Saturday, 10 o’clock in the forenoon at such place as Genl. Putnam shall direct.”
62 Ibid., vol.18, 3-1-1780. Washington wrote to Col. Thomas Craig, “Sir: I have received your favor on the subject of Lieutenant Armstrong. Previous to the receipt, the sentence had been issued in Genl. Orders. You will there observe that Lt. Armstrong was found guilty and sentenced to be discharged, but that the Genl. in consequence of the favorable character given him of the Gentn. has restored him to his rank and command. So far from thinking your commission a trouble, he assured me if it was not in the line of my duty, I should be happy to serve you.”
63 Ibid., vol. 26, 2-4-1783. General Orders, February 4, 1783, “The General is happy in having the following honorable testimony to the Character and memory of Major General Lord Sterling recorded in the Annals of the Army. By the United States in Congress assembled January 28, 1783. The Commander in Chief having in a letter of the 20th, informed Congress of the death of Major General Lord Stirling. On motion, Resolved, That the President signify to the Commandr. in Chief, in a manner the most respectful to the memory of the late Major General the Earl of Stirling, the sense Congress entertain of the early and meritorius, exertions of that general in the common cause; and of the bravery, perseverance and military talents he possessed; which having fixed their esteem for his character, while living, induce a proportionate regret for the loss of an officer who has rendered such constant and important services to his country.”
64 Ibid., vol. 20, 9-26-1780. Writing to Lt. Col. John Laurens on October 13, 1780, Washington further discussed the treason of Benedict Arnold: “In no instance since the commencement of the War has the interposition of Providence appeared more conspicuous than in the rescue of the Post and Garrison of West point from Arnolds villainous perfidy. How far he meant to involve me in the catastrophe of this place does not appear by any indubitable evidence, and I am rather inclined to think he did not wish to hazard the more important object of his treachery by attempting to combine two events the lesser of which might have marred the greater. [Note: Laurens had congratulated Washington on his escape from the machinations of Arnold’s plot.]
“A combination of extraordinary circumstances. An unaccountable deprivation of presence of Mind in a man of the first abilities, and the virtuous conduct of three Militia men, threw the Adjutant General of the British forces in America (with full proofs of Arnolds treachery) into our hands; and but for the egregious folly, or the bewildered conception of Lieut. Colo. Jameson who seemed lost in astonishment and not to have known what he was doing I should as certainly have got Arnold. André has met his fate, and with that fortitude which was to be expected from an accomplished man, and gallant Officer. But I am mistaken if at this time, Arnold is undergoing the torments of a mental Hell. [Note: Laurens had written: “Arnold must undergo a punishment incomparably more severe in the permanent increasing torment of a mental hell.”] He wants feeling! From some traits of his character which have lately come to my knowledge, he seems to have been so hackneyed in villainy, and so lost to all sense of honor and shame that while his faculties will enable him to continue his sordid pursuits there will be no time for remorse.” WGW, vol. 20, 10-13-1780.
65 Ibid., vol. 24, 8-7-1780. Washington wrote, “Honorary Badges of distinction are to be conferred on the veteran Non commissioned officers and soldiers of the army who have served more than three years with bravery, fidelity and good conduct; for this purpose a narrow piece of white cloth of an angular form is to be fixed to the left arm on the uniform Coat. Non commissioned officers and soldiers who have served with equal reputation more than six years are to be distinguished by two pieces of cloth set in parallel to each other in a similar form; should any who are not entitled to these honors have the insolence to assume the badges of them they shall be severely punished. On the other hand it is expected those gallant men who are thus designated will on all occasions be treated with particular confidence and consideration. The General ever desirous to cherish virtuous ambition in his soldiers, as well as to foster and encourage every species of Military merit, directs that whenever any singularly meritorious action is performed, the author of it shall be permitted to wear on his facings over the left breast, the figure of a heart in purple cloth, or silk, edged with narrow lace or binding. Not only instances of unusual gallantry, but also of extraordinary fidelity and essential service in any way shall meet with a due reward. Before this favor can be conferred on any man, the particular fact, or facts, on which it is to be grounded must be set forth to the Commander in chief accompanied with certificates from the Commanding officers of the regiment and brigade to which the Candidate for reward belonged, or other incontestable proofs, and upon granting it, the name and regiment of the person with the action so certified are to be enrolled in the book of merit which will be kept at the orderly office. Men who have merited this last distinction to be suffered to pass all guards and sentinels which officers are permitted to do. The road to glory in a patriot army and a free country is thus open to all. This order is also to have retrospect to the earliest stages of the war, and to be considered as a permanent one.”
Ibid., vol. 24, 8-7-1782, note: “This decoration, now known as ‘The Purple Heart,’ was revived by the President of the United States, Feb. 22, 1933, and thrown open to all who served in the Army of the United States. As established by Washington, “The Badge of Military Merit” was unique, in that it was obtainable only by privates and noncommissioned officers.”
67 Ibid., vol. 11, 4-27-1783. General Orders said, “The Board appointed to take into consideration the claims of the Candidates for the Badge of merit [Known today as the “Purple Heart.”] Report. That Serjeant Churchill of the 2d regt. of Light Dragoons and Serjeant Brown of the late 5th Connecticut regt. are in their opinion severally entitled to the badge of Military merit and do therefore recommend them to His Excellency the Commander in chief, as suitable characters for that honorary distinction.”
68 Ibid., vol. 11, 5-2-1778.
69 Ibid., vol. 11, 5-2-1778.
CHAPTER 11
1 WGW, vol. 30, 4-30-1789.
2 Ibid., vol. 30, 10-3-1789.
3 Ibid., vol. 30, 5-5-1789. To James Madison, “As the first of every thing, in our situation will serve to establish a Precedent, it is devoutly wished on my part, that these precedent may be fixed on true principles.”
4 Jedidiah Morse (1761-1836), The Life of Gen. Washington (Philadelphia: Jones, Hoff & Derrick, 1794).
5 WGW, vol. 30, 4-30-1789. A similar quotation is often attributed to James Madison. See Federer, America’s God And Country, pp. 411, 780, n. 16. This may be incorrect, since the attribution appears to be an exposition of Washington’s Inaugural Address, perhaps made by another historical commentator and inadvertently attributed to Madison. If Madison did say it, no specific place in his writings has been found thus far where he uses these words.
6 Willard Sterne Randall, George Washington A Life (New York: Henry Holt and Company, 1997) p. 256. He writes: “Washington was not a deeply religious man.”
7 Douglas Southall Freeman, George Washington, A Biography Victory with the Help of France (New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1952), vol. 5, p. 493.
8 James Thomas Flexner, The Indispensable Man, p. 216.
9 David Humphreys, Life of George Washington (University of Georgia Press, 1991).
10 The specific religious phrases of Washington’s “Circular to the States” from Newburgh on June 8, 1783, are:
— the glorious events which Heaven has been pleased to produce in our favor,
— to give my final blessing to that Country, in whose service I have spent the prime of my life
—...we shall find the greatest possible reason for gratitude and rejoicing;
—...the lot which Providence has assigned us,
—whether we view it in a natural, a political or moral point of light.
—...sole Lords and Proprietors of a vast Tract of Continent, comprehending all the various soils and climates of the World, and abounding with all the necessaries and conveniencies of life, are now by the late satisfactory pacification, acknowledged to be possessed of absolute freedom and Independency; They are, from this period, to be considered as the Actors on a most conspicuous Theatre, which seems to be peculiarly designated by Providence for the display of human greatness and felicity;
—...Heaven has crowned all its other blessings,
—...The foundation of our Empire was not laid in the gloomy age of Ignorance and Superstition, but at an Epocha when the rights of mankind were better understood and more clearly defined,
—...and above all, the pure and benign light of Revelation, have had ameliorating influence on mankind and increased the blessings of Society.
—Such is our situation, and such are our prospects: but notwithstanding the cup of blessing is thus reached out to us, notwithstanding happiness is ours, if we have a disposition to seize the occasion and make it our own;
—For, according to the system of Policy the States shall adopt at this moment, they will stand or fall, and by their confirmation or lapse,
—it is yet to be decided, whether the Revolution must ultimately be considered as a blessing or a curse: a blessing or a curse, not to the present age alone, for with our fate will the destiny of unborn Millions be involved.
—... compelled to beg their daily bread from door to door!
—...the Legacy of One, who has ardently wished, on all occasions, to be useful to his Country, and who, even in the shade of Retirement, will not fail to implore the divine benediction upon it.
—I now make it my earnest prayer, that God would have you, and the State over which you preside, in his holy protection, that he would incline the hearts of the Citizens to cultivate a spirit of subordination and obedience to Government, to entertain a brotherly affection and love for one another, for their fellow Citizens of the United States at large, and particularly for their brethren who have served in the Field, and finally, that he would most graciously be pleased to dispose us all, to do Justice, to love mercy, and to demean ourselves with that Charity, humility and pacific temper of mind, which were the Characteristicks of the Divine Author of our blessed Religion, and without an humble imitation of whose example in these things, we can never hope to be a happy Nation.
