Reply #161: George Washington Grew Jaded, Too, Believe It Or Not!

[CorpGovActivist]

His letters home to his brother, especially, reveal a side of him that few know: http://etext.virginia.edu/washington/fitzpatrick/

He grew discouraged - just like us.

He had down days - just like us.

Sometimes he wanted to just pack it in - just like us.

To honor his gift, we must be just like him, though.

We must rally from our despair - just like him.

We must saddle up for battle once more - just like him.

We must welcome newcomers to the camp - just like him.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valley_forge

If Washington had given up that dreadful winter, all would have been lost.

If Washington had turned away the help of the foreign military experts who showed up that dreadful winter, all would have been lost.

If Washington had given into his own private gloom and doom, all would have been lost.

He drew inspiration from the privations and hardships endured by his own men. As an officer, he enjoyed certain creature comforts that they did not. However, this was not lost on him, as his letters home bear out. He was in awe of their fortitude.

It has been a long and cruel "winter at Valley Forge," but - so help me - it has also been a time of retraining, drilling, and retooling.

Don't throw down your musket now. Check your powder. Roll your musket balls. Get ready to march!

: )

If all else fails, read this little pamphlet: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_Sense_%28pamphlet%29

- Dave