After eight bloody years of unconventional warfare, a controversial and transformative figure must fight one of the most important battles of his military career and this confrontation will pit him, not against his sworn enemy, but against his very own ranks…
Seventeen long, tense, and bloody days had passed since the two belligerent forces first met one another on a nearly frozen, previously soaked battlefield. Only hours later, almost 1,500 casualties lay dead in the stained snow, shattered ice, and oozing muck at Saratoga. The stench in the air choked the breath out of every surviving combatant. Putrid remains littered the front, as human and equestrian carcasses rotted right on the ice melting under the sun into the muddy puddles left by a hard downpour.
Colonial General Horatio Gates celebrated his tough victory over British Field Marshal Sir John Fox Burgoyne, marking the very first time an entire royal English army was forced to surrender to their enemy. Now, this win would give the French ample reason to join the colonists in their struggle for independence.
“Men, I congratulate you on putting up such a fight! Let this unlikely triumph serve as a rallying cry for freedom! Freedom for you and I! Freedom for our families and generations to come!”
Cheers erupted among the ranks as musket fire cracked the sky in jubilation. Even the wounded took part, raising their arms and voices, knowing their incredible feat defied all odds.
“Thank you, General Gates, for such brave leadership! Washington will surely be impressed.”
“I am confident many officers will, but Washington, that’s another matter, Major Armstrong. Still, I appreciate your enthusiasm.”
General Gates looked over the scene, scanning the entire field from one end to the other. Now, at 50 years of age, the English-born Continental field commander was eager to rise to the highest prominence. With this incredible victory under his belt, his quest to become a transformative, historical figure was all but solidified. It represented many years of proving not only his tactical skills, but also his leadership style.
Twenty-three years ago, Gates rose to the rank of captain during the French and Indian War and retired after suffering a battle wound while defeating British Major General Edward Braddock in western Pennsylvania in 1755. But, later that same year, he rejoined the military, becoming a brigadier general. In less than twelve months, he was promoted to major general, taking command of the Northern Army.
“General, what should I order the men to do now?”
“Take a count of the prisoners, Major Armstrong. Make sure our wounded are getting proper care. Search the redcoat officer bodies for any dispatches and other intelligence. Also, make arrangements for Lord Burgoyne – treat the man with respect – he deserves it.”
“Right away, sir!”
The momentous Battle of Saratoga was now over. The Continental Army emerged the clear victor. It represented yet another surprising win for the colonists. Just about a year earlier, militia and patriot regulars defeated the redcoats in 1776 at Trenton and Princeton. Those losses absolutely stunned the British Crown. But, both were put down to anomalies and this October 17th defeat pointed to a possible trend, a conceivable turn in momentum, shifting away from the English forces to the rebel separatists.
The victory likewise embolden those involved in an ongoing internecine battle, one that raged behind the scenes among the Continental commanders, some of which, grew increasingly frustrated with George Washington, who lost to British General Sir William Howe just a month earlier in the Battle of Brandywine, on September 11, 1777. For the disenchanted, it proved yet again Gates would be a superior leader over Washington.
After all, it was Washington who recently ordered his men to retreat. While encamped in Germantown, Pennsylvania, British forces were left to freely overrun Philadelphia, seizing control nearly instantaneously, due to no real Continental opposition. Moreover, the Brandywine loss was a humiliating and costly one. More than 1,100 of Washington’s men were killed or captured. And, Howe’s troops successfully managed to fall all the Continental’s artillery horses, causing their cannons to fall into the hands of the British.
Such defeat couldn’t go unnoticed or without strict scrutiny. It prompted Brigadier General Thomas Conway, an Irish member of the French army, to write a letter to the Continental Congress, requesting his promotion to the rank of major general. It would place Conway in a position to essentially wrestle away control from Washington, who learned of the request.
“Brigadier General Thomas Conway.”
“What about him, General Washington?”
“He’s petitioning Congress to appoint him to the rank of major general, Lieutenant Colonel Laurens. I believe he has plans to remove me from commanding the Continental Army.”
“But, General Washington, such an act might have a deleterious effect.”
“My thinking, exactly. It would undermine the morale of the senior officers. Regardless, I shall press on, until I am officially relieved of command.”
Lieutenant Colonel John Laurens, who often went by the name Jack, fought with Washington at Brandywine. Fluent in French, and well-educated, Laurens would not only serve alongside Washington but become one of his most trusted military aides and confidants. Laurens would also be the one who devised the plan to proactively recruit slaves from the south to serve in the Continental Army in exchange for emancipation. Later, Laurens became close friends with Alexander Hamilton and the Marquis de Lafayette, two others Washington deeply admired.
It wasn’t just the loss at Brandywine, either. Since the inception of the Continental Army in June of 1775, Washington suffered a number of defeats. Although the first battle ended in victory, the Siege of Boston, subsequent skirmishes resulted in substantial losses. Including the Battle of Long Island in August 1776, the Battle of Kip’s Bay in September, the Battle of White Plains in October, the Battle of Fort Washington in November, and the forced evacuation of Fort Lee.
Washington did emerge victorious in other fights, though fewer, like the Battle of Harlem Heights in September of 1776, and twice more in the battles of Trenton and Princeton. Subsequent battles in White Marsh and Monmouth would end in stalemates. It wouldn’t be until British troops withdrew from Philadelphia that Washington would earn his most remarkable victory in the Siege of Yorktown in 1781.
However, that win wouldn’t come for another four years. Now, in October of 1777, several notable military officers and politicians were fully in favor of ousting Washington as the highest commander of the Continental Army. General Horatio Gates’ name repeatedly came up in a number of discussions as the preferred replacement. Particularly, after Washington’s failed attempt to retake Germantown.
Brigadier General Thomas Conway not only wrote Congress, but he also dispatched written encouragement to Gates himself, arguing, “Heaven has been determined to save your Country, or a weak General and bad Councellors would have ruined it.”
Washington eventually learned of the letter through Lord William Alexander Stirling, one of Washington’s most loyal subordinates and veteran of the French and Indian War, where the two first met. Many years later, Stirling earned a commission from Congress, promoting him to the rank of Brigadier General in 1776.
“It’s not just Congress who is being solicited, General Washington. Mr. Conway has also written directly to Gates himself.”
“Is that so, Lord Stirling?”
“Yes, it is General.”
“And, how did you come by this information?”
“From one of my staff, a gentleman who was told the letter’s contents by one drunken James Wilkinson.”
“I’ve heard Mr. Wilkinson is very fond of drink.”
“Indeed, General Washington.”
“Lord Stirling, this would be the same James Wilkinson that serves as a top aide to Horatio Gates?”
“Oh, yes, the same gentleman.”
“Then, I believe a meeting with Brigadier General Thomas Conway is in order, Lord Stirling.”
“I’ll make the arrangements personally, General Washington!”
Washington had heard such insults and provocations many times before. But, he usually dismissed those comments and incidents, being careful not to become embroiled in unnecessary arguments and confrontations. He understood just how trying the times were and chose his battles one by one.
Washington necessarily developed a thick skin, an obligatory evolution for a man of his station and military and political position. Though not a politician at this time, affairs of state and partisan proclivities were often present, even in the exercise of prosecuting a war. But, this particular situation could not go without intervention.
Stirling set up the meeting between Washington and Conway. He wanted to do all he could to help his long-time friend, someone who he first met many years ago when serving as a provisioning agent for the British army during the Seven Years’ War when the English and Franco armies clashed over New World territory. For Stirling, it was imperative Washington and Conway be able to openly and honestly discuss the matter.
“Good evening, General Washington!”
“Good evening, to you as well, Brigadier General Conway!”
“Quite chilly tonight, isn’t it?”
“Yes, more so than this time last year, I do believe.”
“I think we might use the weather to our advantage, particularly those in command who have experienced it before. What say you, General Washington?”
“Oh, I agree Brigadier General Conway, the climate and topography can most certainly be leveraged to our common benefit.”
“You’ve undoubtedly heard of General Gates’ victory at Saratoga?”
“Indeed I have. Being the top commander of the Continental Army, I am apprised of all such news. Although, I am disappointed General Gates stepped outside the chain of command and informed Congress directly rather than myself. Now, I trust Lord Stirling has explained why I requested this meeting, Brigadier General Conway?”
“Yes, sir, he told me, General Washington.”
“Mr. Conway, I do not doubt your intentions are good. But, I am of the firm belief that all thoughtful considerations be flushed out to the fullest. A trusted member of Lord Stirling’s staff has confirmed detailed the contents of a letter, written by you, sir, to the very same General Gates, after being divulged by his aide, James Wilkinson. It is your particular use of the phrase ‘weak general’ that most concerns me.”
“General Washington, I admit playing devil’s advocate, for the sake of the fight for independence, but I did not pen the words, ‘weak general.’ Rather, I merely expressed it is entirely possible that you, General Washington, could be inadvertently and unduly influenced by men who are not in any way equally experienced as you!”
“Brigadier General Conway, I greatly appreciate your candor and your sincerity, your fidelity, to the cause of colonial freedom. I bid you good night, and goodwill, sir!”
Although Washington showed no ill intention toward Conway, the incident was perturbing. So much so, that it caused Conway anxiety over the possibility of the situation becoming public that he offered his formal resignation to Congress on November 14th, slightly less than a month after the redcoats surrendered at Saratoga.
But, the legislative body did not accept the request. Instead, Conway was promoted to major general and appointed to the newly created position of Inspector General. Additionally, the Board of Wars was established to oversee Washington. This, because some members of Congress were also questioning Washington’s ability to lead the Continental Army to victory, such as Thomas Mifflin and Richard Henry Lee. Even Samuel Adams had serious doubts, reservations he publicly expressed. It was this loosely-knitted effort by military personnel and politicians that would become known as the Conway Cabal.
All of these events led Washington to the inescapable conclusion that Gates himself was involved in the campaign to be the top commander and chief of the Continental Army. In fact, Gates’ slight to inform Congress of his Saratoga victory instead of his direct commander wasn’t the first and wouldn’t be the last.
Washington was also angered over a previous incident when Gates did not promptly act to return troops sent by the top commander to help fight the New York campaign. Rather, Gates held onto the troops sent by Washington, instead of dispatching them back in a timely manner. Only a month later, Congress would place Gates at the head of the Board of War, technically making him Washington’s superior. Subsequently, Gates formulated plans to invade Canada, without ever consulting Washington.
These actions dealt a huge blow to Washington’s trust in Gates and his own confidence in winning the war but never deterred him from carrying out his duties. As a man of honor and of deep conviction for the cause of independence from the British Crown, Washington kept up the fight. This represented his quintessential nature. Endearing qualities that made him so very popular among so many.
Though, not everyone wanted to replace Washington. The vast majority of military commanders, their subordinates, the various militia, the civilian patriots, and politicians greatly admired him. Some even attempted to persuade him to become the first king of the new nation, but Washington declined. His popularity was unparalleled at the time and his acclaim would endure for generations to come.
Born on February 22, 1732, under British rule in the colony of Virginia, George Washington was one of six siblings to his father Augustine, and mother Mary. Raised on a large plantation, Ferry Farm, he gained his first success as a surveyor as a teenager. The money he earned allowed the young man to acquire land of his own. At the age of 19, he took his only trip outside of Northern America to Barbados. About a year later, in 1752, he contracted smallpox and survived, though the disease left permanent scars across his face.
His half-brother Lawrence, died from tuberculosis the same year, leaving his Mount Vernon estate on the Potomac River to the teen. Despite having no military experience, Washington was appointed to lead the Virginia militia in December 1752 and fought in the French and Indian War.
Although he rose to be the top commander for all of the colony’s militia, Washington resigned his post and returned to Mount Vernon in 1759. Thereafter, he was elected to serve in the Virginia House of Burgesses, a seat he held until 1774.
It was in the latter part of the 1760s that Washington experienced firsthand the destructive consequences of the taxes imposed on the colonists. This solidified his belief the colonies should seek independence and he served in a delegate role to the First Continental Congress. But, Washington would transition back to the military as commander in chief about a year later when hostilities broke out.
Ultimately, Washington’s greatest talent would not be a battlefield strategist. Instead, it was his uncanny capacity to rally troops, militia, and civilians, together, particularly poorly trained and under-equipped soldiers. He could even persuade skeptical politicians who wanted answers about the true state of the war.
“Gentlemen! Gentlemen! I tell you, we must keep up this fight until there is no fight left in our bodies!”
“General Washington, how would you best describe our current situation?”
“Well, Mr. Adams, I would say the circumstances, though recently good, remain untenable. If the French join our cause soon, I’d be much more optimistic. But, if left to our Continental regular forces and scattered militia, I’m afraid the redcoats will ultimately prevail. We must rally more men to fight alongside us, it’s as simple as that, Samuel.”
“Thank you General, for your honest assessment. We as members of Congress should heed this warning with existential care. General Washington knows of what he speaks. What say you, Misters Jay and Henry?”
“Unfortunately, we have very meager means and no real authority over the colonies. This leaves us in a precarious predicament. One, I’m sad to say, without an easy answer. Do you agree or disagree, Mr. Henry?”
“John, my good friend, I am a vocal patriot. I call for freedom upon every occasion given. But, it’s not possible to ignore reality. And, I agree, Mr. Henry, and Mr. Adams, there is quite little we can do, as the Articles of Confederation are extraordinarily limited.”
“General Washington?”
“Yes, Mr. Adams?”
“How much longer can you hold off the redcoat army?”
“Realistically, not long. This is why it’s imperative we strengthen our numbers. As you know one of my closest aides, Lieutenant Colonel John Laurens, has proferred a plan to enlist the help of slaves from the south to serve in the Continental Army in exchange for their emancipation. And, if the French join us, we have a real chance at winning this war!”
“So, it’s a matter of manpower? Is that right, General Washington?”
“Indeed, that’s a large portion, Mr. Jay.”
“What about equipment?”
“Well, Mr. Henry, that’s where the French come in. Their ships, arms, and troops would greatly benefit our cause.”
“But, if the French aren’t willing or too slow to join, then what are our chances? I mean, even if thousands of slaves take up Mr. Laurens’ offer?”
“Such an increase in manpower would certainly help. But, it does not necessarily guarantee our survival. We’d need thousands upon thousands more men.”
The deliberations went on for hours. The Continental Congress didn’t have the power to tax the colonies under the Articles of Confederation. That meant relying on requisitions to pay the military. But, the colonies put their self-interests ahead of the collective cause. So, few requisition requests or demands were met.
Despite this, the Continental Army fought valiantly. After winning the Battle of Saratoga in 1777, the French would declare war against England in June of 1778. Stuck in freezing, deplorable conditions at Valley Forge, with very little to eat or wear, the colonials’ situation again grew dire.
But, that would change. Until now, the Continental Army wasn’t a real fighting group. It lacked many of the key components found in the British and French military units. During its winter encampment at Valley Forge, nearly 2,000 men died. Most succumb either to the harsh winter conditions, malnutrition, or disease. Influenza, dysentery, typhoid, and typhus killed approximately two-thirds of the soldiers who lived in the camp.
If these conditions persisted, the Continental Army wouldn’t be able to fight the British effectively, even with the help of the French, who knew how dire the circumstances had become. To prepare the regulars for battle against the redcoats, the French sent Prussian military officer Baron Friedrich von Steuben to train the soldiers at Valley Forge.
Friedrich Wilhelm August Heinrich Ferdinand von Steuben was well-known among his German peers as an excellent officer. A brave man, stout disciplinarian, and tactical mastermind, von Steuben repeatedly carried out rigorous drills at Valley Forge, turning the Continental soldiers into a military powerhouse.
Along with his and Washington’s leadership, the Continental Army gained precisely what it needed most. French aristocrat Marquis de Lafayette also served an important role. Then, in July 1778, the French fleet arrived. A joint attack on the redcoats in Newport Rhode Island followed, and though it ultimately failed, the outcome did settle the war into a stalemate in the North.
From 1779 through 1781, the colonists suffered a number of setbacks. Among the most notable was the betrayal of General Benedict Arnold. Mutinies occurred thereafter in the Continental Army and the British successfully occupied Georgia by the early part of 1779 and captured South Carolina’s capital, Charlestown, months later in 1780.
General Horatio Gates, the commander who a number of individuals thought to be superior to George Washington, suffered a crushing defeat at Camden in late summer at the hands of Lord Charles Cornwallis. That December, Nathanael Green replaced Gates, taking the lead position of the southern colonial army. Under Green, General Daniel Morgan won a key victory at Cowpens, South Carolina, defeating Colonel Banastre Tarleton’s redcoat forces in January of 1781.
Despite this, Lord Cornwallis remained feared among the continentals, their militia brethren, and civilians alike. His reputation for victory preceded him. This only fed his already massive ego and caused him to make some extremely costly mistakes. By the fall of 1781, Cornwallis’ forces were forced to retreat to Virginia’s Yorktown peninsula.
Washington pursued with approximately 14,000 soldiers, as French army commander General Jean Baptiste de Rochambeau moved in support. A total of thirty-six French warships floated strategically off the coast, preventing Cornwallis from resupplying, reinforcing, or evacuating.
Facing complete annihilation, the British army only had one option left. Trapped and outgunned, with no way to escape, Cornwallis was forced to surrender on October 19th, 1781. The English empire would remove all their troops from Charleston and Savannah in late 1782. On September 3rd, 1783, the British Crown would formally recognize the independence of the colonies under the Treaty of Paris.
However, this wouldn’t be Washington’s last fight. Although he would go on to be elected as the first President of the United States, he still had one of his biggest and most important battles ahead. And this time, it wouldn’t be against a foreign power. Instead, it would be against his fellow officers.
“We deserve the pay promised!”
“No one fights for nothing!”
“What good is it to lose all these men in a war for independence when we’re left destitute for our hard-fought service?!”
“How is it we can give so much and be given so little in return? Is our blood, our limbs, our loyalty worthless?!”
“If the new government is unable – or unwilling – to meet its monthly back pay and pension obligations, how can we trust we’ll receive anything at all?!”
“It is entirely dishonorable, not to mention, disheartening, that proven patriots are completely expendable to this new nation! At least the British Crown keeps its word!”
Many months had passed since Congress passed a resolution guaranteeing half-pay and pensions for life in 1780. It provided that all soldiers discharged from the Army would receive fifty percent of their regular pay. However, Robert Morris, a former delegate to the Continental Congress from Pennsylvania, later became the Superintendent of Finance of the United States. Seeing the huge debt obligations, Morris subsequently halted funding to the Continental Army to save money in 1782.
Later on during his tenure, Morris supported a new amendment to the Articles of Confederation. The proposal would give Congress the authority to raise revenue through taxes. This allowed the new nation to pay its military and meet its foreign loan obligations. But, the state legislatures refused the draft legislation and rejected the amendment.
The news quickly traveled around the Continental Army. Disappointment and disillusion were particularly pronounced in the north, especially so in Newburgh, New York. Under General Henry Knox, several high-ranking officers and many soldiers composed a memorandum to the Confederation Congress. The letter demanded immediate lump sum payment and was delivered to the legislative body by Major General Alexander McDougall, Colonel John Brooks, and Colonel Matthias Ogden in December of 1782.
By January of 1783, a Congressional committee was commissioned to address the soldiers’ demands. Although committee members proposed a lump sum of pay, the meetings ultimately proved fruitless and no deal was reached. This incensed the officers and soldiers who grew ever more desperate and angry. By February 8th, a plot began to emerge.
“Major General Alexander McDougall, Colonel John Brooks, Colonel Matthias Ogden. I appreciate your steadfast duty to service and loyalty during these trying months. But, I am afraid our new nation is not as supportive. Congress is failing to live up to its obligations. I, for one, am truly upset about this situation. However, no matter how slighted I may feel, I cannot recommend any action that would undermine Congress.”
“I agree, General Gates. I believe Philadelphia will eventually deliver on its financial obligations to us all. We must proceed with caution and approach the Congress in a stately, level-headed manner.”
“Tell me, sir, have you also heard of Colonel John Brooks’ return here to Newburgh?”
“Yes, I have, General Gates. The men were speaking earlier of him carrying two letters. One, from Major General Alexander McDougall and Colonel Matthias Ogden. The other, from Gouverneur Morris to General Henry Knox.”
“And, what are the contents of those letters, do you know?”
“I am not certain. Although, I do believe the first details the rather poor and unsettling circumstances in Philadelphia. The second is a private message and I am not privy to its contents.”
“This could easily set off a disaster. We should not let the situation spiral out of control.”
“Yes, General Gates.”
But, only four days later, on February 12th, Knox received another letter from Alexander McDougall, informing Henry of his obligation to keep the army together, not demobilize the units, and be ready to lead a revolt demanding payment. However, Knox refused to comply and replied in a February 21st letter, explaining to McDougall and Morris that the “Continental Army is a sharp point which…will never be directed [other] than against the Enemies of the liberties of America.”
It was a blow to the ambitions of Horatio Gates, who colly played both sides against one another. His quest for stature and power was practically unrivaled. But, he couldn’t risk openly defying Washington or Congress. Still, he needed an opportunity to deliver on one of his deepest desires.
Then, the very next month, in early March of 1783, an anonymous letter circulated all through camp Newburgh, forcefully calling for an ultimatum on Congress, demanding pay. The correspondence called for a new meeting addressing the subject on the 15th, the Ides of March – a time that once signified the new year and was celebrated with food, drink, and rejoicing. Perhaps, it would serve as a new reason for celebration. The conference could give the soldiers their long-overdue pay.
But, for Major John Armstrong, the trusted confidant and aide to General Gates, the letter demanding a new assembly wasn’t sufficient enough. The new Congress must be persuaded with much stronger language and action. It had to be made clear the military’s patience now wore too thin. Officers and rank and file troops would no longer tolerate any dithering by the government.
Armstrong wrote an inflammatory address, calling on the army to disband and leave the fledgling, vulnerable nation unprotected. Alternatively, refuse to dissolve even after a peace treaty ending the War of Independence was signed. Or, to take the far more drastic action of seizing military control of the country. The message quickly spread through the camp at Newburgh and rallied much support.
“Major Armstrong is right! We cannot stand idly by any longer, sending dispatches to a deaf, callous Congress! Action is our only recourse now!”
“A show of solidarity is no longer sufficient! We must move forward to claim what is rightfully ours! The war against the Crown may be over, but the struggle to get our just compensation continues. We cannot give up!”
“Let’s use a show of strength! That will convince the Congress, beyond all doubt, that our demands must be met – one way or another!”
“It’s time to take control! Words have clearly not been enough by any measure. Perhaps an armed presence will change their minds in a manner advantageous to our poor predicament!”
“We cannot let a new government fully form without its wholehearted support for the very men that protect its shores! Tell me, what happens, my fellow men, when those same forces stand out in the face of an existential threat?!”
Although Armstrong’s sentiment was widely shared among the troops, not all of them were in favor of such actions. However, these soldiers represented a small minority – not nearly enough to quash the enthusiasm of those who wanted to take decisive action.
Upon hearing about the tentative plans among the army camped at Newburgh, Washington issued a general order, forbidding any move endangering the new nation. The Commander and Chief deemed such actions treason and called for a meeting among the army’s officers and troops four days later, implying he would not be present and the camp would make the right decision on their own. Washington also hoped the time in between would provide ample time for “passions” to cool.
On March 15th, 1783, Gates stepped forward to address the mutinous officers. Wearing his best uniform, he took the podium, wiping away small beads of sweat from his nervous brow. Every eye in the room stared angrily back at him, as their impatience grew palpable. Before he could utter a word, whispers gently broke the tense silence. He knew at that very moment, that any plea for restraint or further indulgence of the circumstances would fall on deaf ears. But, he could not remain silent.
Just as he cleared his throat and leaned forward against the podium, the distinct but faint sound of straight lasted shoes interrupted, growing louder with every step across the creaking wood floor, the sudden clap of a closing back door following. Gates turned his attention away from the crowd, only to see a familiar figure unexpectedly approach. “General Washington?”
“Yes, General Gates. May I address the men, please?”
“Most certainly, sir!”
“My fellow patriots. Let me conjure you, in the name of our common country – as you value your own sacred honor – as you respect the rights of humanity, and as you regard the military and national character of America, to express your utmost horror and detestation of the man who wishes, under any specious pretenses, to overturn the liberties of our country, and who wickedly attempts to open the flood gates of civil discord, and deluge our rising empire in blood. Let me request you to rely on the plighted faith of your Country, and place a full confidence in the purity of the intentions of Congress!”
The room stood silent, with not a single word spoken in reply or reaction. Washington could immediately sense his plea did not dissuade the officers from their nefarious plans. So, he paused, looked about the room, and hung his head momentarily.
“Excuse me, gentlemen. I have a letter here, from Joseph Jones, a member of Congress from Virginia.”
Washington slowly pulled the letter from his pocket, unfolded the paper carefully, and scanned through the contents. As he looked back up, he began to read it aloud, the message assuring the officers of Congress’ full intentions to make good on their promises. Suddenly, he stopped, wiped his eyes, cleared his throat, and reached into his coat pocket.
“Gentlemen, will you permit me to put on my spectacles? You see, I too have not only grown gray, but almost blind in service of my country…just like you.”
It was the first time anyone had seen Washington wear glasses. Never before in public had the man shown any sense of weakness whatsoever – not even for the last eight years of brutal warfare. Seeing the sincere vulnerability in this ever-so-stoic man, now a legend in his time, took every man in the room by sheer surprise. Some bowed their heads in shame. Others began to openly weep, realizing their selfishness over the higher ideal of a nation where all could be free.
Washington would go on to serve as the first president of the United States from 1789 to 1797. Upon leaving office, he sent a Farewell Address to Congress, never reading it aloud. The letter first appeared on September 19, 1796, in the Philadelphia Daily American Advertiser and then in papers around the country. He retired to Mount Vernon and ran his farm for two years, where he died on December 14, 1799, at the age of 67.
General Horatio Gates never achieved his ultimate goal. He left the military in 1783. Seven years later, in 1790, he sold his plantation in Virginia, freed his slaves, and purchased a New York estate known as Rose Hill Farm. He would serve just one term in the state legislature from 1800 to 1801 and die five years later on April 10, 1806.
