Tortured Birth: The Military Campaigns of the American Revolution

By: Richard Walsh

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Synopsis: George Washington was not a great tactical general. The poor placement of his troops and preliminary scouting before several major engagements, which resulted in defeats, attest to that assessment. His insights on overall strategy, however, were superior to those of his opponents. He understood for the patriots to triumph, the Continental army must survive and stay in the field, until the foe tired of the struggle. This required avoiding pitched battles against greater numbers when practicable, and running away to fight another day when circumstances dictated. In contrast, many British commanders believed the rebels would quit if they conquered enough territory and major cities, a false assumption. Every prominent colonial city- Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Charleston, fell to the British at some point in the war, but the rebellion did not terminate. The main factor in eventual American victory proved to be the indomitable will and fortitude of George Washington and his soldiers. Washington’s men grew to respect and love their leader, for his conduct in command, and because he never left them. For the six years between 1775 and 1781, General Washington would not see his home at Mount Vernon. He made a short two-day visit there as his army marched from New York to Virginia in September, 1781, heading for the rendezvous with Cornwallis at Yorktown.