George Washington

Chapter 1

HEN Washington accepted the command of the Virginia militia, which was enlisted in the service of King George to prosecute the war against the French forces in I756, the twentyfour-year-old commander could conceive no further ambition than "by rules ofunerring bravery" to merit the Javor of his sovereign. He seemed singularly self-possessed. Perhaps for this reason, biographers and historians have sometimes described Washington as "a born aristocrat"; at any rate, Washington believed in an adherence to eighteenth-century principles of enlightened behavior. He dedicated himself to putting a noble and virtuous code of conduct into practice in his own life. Some historians see his truly classical behavior as the real source of his greatness. Washington's characteristic attitude, punctilious in matters ofjust respect, colored his early career in a manner which cannot be more than dimly evoked in this summary presentation ofthose years which culminated in his being named Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army in I775· That attitude made a large contribution to his developing political ideas. In light of the growing revolution of the colonies, these may seem a beginning; but infact they reflect a richer course of development. Washington was an indefatigable letter-writer and diarist, and thus onefinds the principalfacts about Washington's contribution to the founding ofthe United States related in his own words. Wefind here the idea of an American union, which motivated Washington throughout the thirty years (IJ6CJ-I799) ofactive citizenship during which he guided his country. Andfrom thefirst moment ofthe Revolution , Washington shows a thoughiful appreciation ofliberty and its political significance. 3 ADDRESS TO HIS COMMAND August 1756 You see, gentlemen soldiers, that it hath pleased our most gracious sovereign to declare war in form against the French King, and (for divers good causes, but more particularly for their ambitious usurpations and encroachments on his American dominions) to pronounce all the said French King's subjects and vassals to be enemies to his crown and dignity; and hath willed and required all his subjects and people, and in a more especial manner commanded his captain-general of his forces, his governors, and all other his commanders and officers , to do and execute all acts of hostility in the prosecution of, this just and honorable war. And though our utmost endeavors can contribute but little to the advancement of his Majesty's honor and the interest of his governments, yet let us show our willing obedience to the best of kings, and, by a strict attachment to his royal commands, demonstrate the love and loyalty we bear to his sacred person; let us, by rules of unerring bravery, strive to merit his royal favor, and a better establishment as reward for our services. Loyalty to the King French and Indian War Dear Sir: 1756-1775 4 TO GOVERNOR ROBERT HUNTER MORRIS Winchester, April9, I756 I had scarce reached Williamsburg, before an express was after me with news of the French and Indians advancing within our settlements, and doing incredible mischief to the inhabitants , which obliged me to postpone my business there, and hurry to their assistance with all expedition.* When I came to this place I found everything in deep confusion; and the poor distressed inhabitants under a general consternation. I therefore collected such forces as I could immediately raise, and sent them in such parties, and to such places as was judged most likely to meet with the enemy, one of which, under the command of Mr. Paris, luckily fell in with a small body of them as they were surrounding a small fort on the No. River of Cacapehon; whom they engaged, and after half an hour's close firing put to flight with the loss of their commander Monsieur Danville (killed) and three or four more mortally wounded. The accident that has determined the fate of Monsieur , has, I believe, dispersed his party. For I don't hear of any mischief done in this colony since, though we are not without numbers who are making hourly discoveries. I have sent you a copy of the Instructions that were found about this officer; that you may see how bold and enterprising the enemy have grown; how unconfined are the ambitious designs of the French; and how much it will be in their power *The events related here followed Washington's return from Boston, where he had gone to confront Governor Shirley and to clear up...