George Washington’s Leadership Proves Invaluable once Again

It is mid-March 1783 and the officers of the continental army have called an emergency meeting in Newburgh, New York to discuss an uncomfortable situation due to lack of support from the continental Congress.  Primarily, the lack of pay and provisions an army needs to survive.  For too many of the officers, this is a slap in the face considering victory over the British is all but finalized.

It was no secret Washington knew of an anonymous call for a meeting accompanied by a letter for the officers to take matters into their own hands.  Washington wanted to give the men time to cool off and issued a general order forbidding the use of unsanctioned meetings.  However, a sanctioned meeting was called by Washington a few days later to discuss the merits of the letter but he implied he would not be present.  The letter, which was more of a threat, accuses America of “trampling on the soldiers’ rights” and suggests if peace was finally declared, the Continental Army may refuse to lay down their arms and march on Philadelphia.  However, the letter also declared that if the war was to continue, the Army could simply refuse to fight, go home, and leave the colonies to the British.

From the soldiers’ point of view, they had given up and sacrificed so much.  Some had not seen their families in years, they were growing angry and more frustrated by the minute.

As Washington contemplates what actions his army may make, he has a moment of empathy as no one understands more than he does the sacrifice his soldiers have endured.

The meeting takes place a few days later as scheduled.  Midway through the meeting, Washington arrives in his full military uniform and wishes to address the soldiers.  The officers are stunned and in awe of their stoic leader. Washington begins by denouncing the finer points of the letter.  He implores his army to put their confidence in the intentions of congress.  Toward the end of his remarks, the aging general asks to share a supportive letter written to him by a congressman from Virginia named Joseph Jones.  As he pulls out the letter, the Commander in Chief who has led the continentals to the cusp of victory, has trouble reading the print.  The general slowly reaches into his pocket and pulls out a pair of spectacles and says “Gentleman, you must pardon me, for I have not only grown gray but almost blind in service to my country.”  The vulnerability the General displayed deeply affected the officers as several started to openly weep. After Washington had finished his remarks, they resolved to drop their grievances and to continue to fight on with Washington.  There are several stories about how Washingtons leadership saved the cause of liberty.  This display of empathy and vulnerability is perhaps his greatest show of leadership by saving a young country it her most desperate hour of need.

A Spotlight on a Primary Source by  George Washington. (n.d.). George Washington and the Newburgh Conspiracy, 1783. George Washington and the Newburgh Conspiracy, 1783 | Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History. https://www.gilderlehrman.org/history-resources/spotlight-primary-source/george-washington-and-newburgh-conspiracy-1783

A&E Television Networks. (n.d.). George Washington puts an end to the newburgh conspiracy. History.com. https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/washington-puts-an-end-to-the-newburgh-conspiracy