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What was the source of George Washington’s Strength?

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“From the last week of August to the last week of December,” writes David McCullough,

. . . the year 1776 had been as dark a time as those devoted to the American cause had ever known–indeed, as dark a time as any in the history of the country.  And suddenly, miraculously it seemed, that had changed because of a small band of determined men and their leader.

. . . .

[That leader George Washington] was not a brilliant strategist or tactician, not a gifted orator, not an intellectual.  At several crucial moments he had shown marked indecisiveness.  He had made serious mistakes in judgment.  But experience had been his great teacher from boyhood, and in this his greatest test, he l earned steadily from experience.  Above all, Washington never forgot what was at stake and he never gave up.

Again and again, in letters to Congress and to his officers, and in his general orders, he had called for perseverance–for “perseverance of spirit,” for “patience and perseverance,” for “unremitting courage and perseverance.”  Soon after the victories of Trenton and Princeton, he had written:  “A people unused to restraint must be led, they will not be drove.  Without Washington’s leadership and unrelenting perseverance, the revolution almost certainly would have failed.

What accounts for this great’s perseverance against such incredible odds?  Perhaps we would know more had his wife Martha not burned all but two of his letters.  Perhaps, his strength lay in the cause for which he fought or perhaps in the depth of his love for her.

Whatever its cause, the Father of our Country does provide an example of leadership in tough times, a reminder to keep your head up even as the events — and your enemies — bring you down.  That’s not just a reminder for leaders, but for all of us.

We all have down days, weeks even.  And sometimes even longer.

We should learn from George Washington to severe in times of trial and not to whine about our sorry fate — or problems we “inherited.”  We have all inherited problems.

It is not always easy.  And we do not always succeed.  Sometimes we just can’t seem to find the perseverance which drove General Washington.  But, when we do, we do occasionally find the strength to overcome obstacles which seem (to us at least) as insurmountable as those he faced.  And our triumphs seem as miraculous as he.

If you haven’t already, just read the book.  And if you have few extra hours to spare, Ron Chernow’s biography is well worth your time.

Comments

  1. While I reiterate the professions of my dependence upon Heaven, as the source of all public and private blessings, I will observe, that the general prevalence of piety, philanthropy, honesty, industry, and economy seems, in the ordinary course of human affairs, particularly necessary for advancing and confirming the happiness of our country.
    Letter from George Washington to the Presbyterian Church, 1789

    I receive reproof when reproof is due, because no person can be readier to accuse me, than I am to acknowledge an error, when I have committed it.
    Report from George Washington to the Lieutenant Gov. of Virginia, 1757

    No people can be bound to acknowledge and adore the invisible hand, which conducts the affairs of men, more than the people of the United States. Every step, by which they have advanced to the character of an independent nation, seems to have been distinguished by some token of providential agency.
    George Washington’s First Inaugural Address

    I must assure you in particular that I take in the kindest part the promise you make of presenting your prayers at the throne of grace for me.
    Letter from George Washington to the Presbyterian Church, 1789

    If such talents as I possess have been called into action by great events, and those events have terminated happily for our country, the glory should be ascribed to the manifest interposition of an overruling Providence.
    Letter from George Washington to the Reformed Dutch Church, 1789

    The propitious smiles of Heaven can never be expected on a nation that disregards the eternal rules of order and right, which Heaven itself has ordained
    George Washington, First Inaugural Speech

    America, under the smiles of Divine Providence, the protection of a good government, the cultivation of manners; morals, and piety, can hardly fail of attaining an uncommon degree of eminence in literature, commerce, agriculture, improvements at home, and respectability abroad.
    Letter from George Washington to the Catholic Church, 1789

    I sincerely wish, gentlemen, that you may in your social and individual capacities taste those blessings which a gracious God bestows upon the righteous.
    Letter from George Washington to the Baltimore Church, 1793

    The man was devoted to God. He ascribed the mysterious fog that covered the escape of his army from Long Island as the Hand of Divine Providence and there is no indication anywhere that he did not fully believe it.

    No less than the Geological Society of America called Washington’s escape “Providential” in their 2006 paper.

    Political Correctness deems that dealing with Washington’s profound belief in God and Divine Providence be subsumed and viewed as a character attribute rather than the steel rod which made him who he was.

  2. One of Washington’s great strengths was his ability to listen and take advise from others. He would have preferred to attack the British armies head on, but was convinced to use a Fabian / Hit and Run long view strategy instead. He wanted to go to New York and take on the Brits there but Laffayette (I believe) convinced him to switch his focus to the South, where the British army had more strategic weaknesses.

    Another great attribute has his self control. The man had a nasty nasty temper, yet he kept it in check. If you read biographies of other founding fathers, say Jefferson or Hamilton, (Dan, did you ever read the AH book by Chernow?), you’ll find they mention the few occasions where Washtington lost his cool. His inner struggle was a source of personal strength.

    Then there was that physical gift… He was a specimen! He was one of those guys who, when he walked into a room, he naturally caught your eye. He had that “something” that every perfume manufacturer withes they could capture in a bottle.