Presidents as Military Officers, As Commander-in-Chief with Humor and Anecdotes

By Lee R McDowell

A great deal of history can be learned by reading the policies of our 44 presidents. This publication (45 chapters) describes the military activity prior to the presidency as well as the Commander-in-Chief decisions of each president. Important war battles are described wi

• Language: English
• Publisher: Authors Press
• Release date: Sep 30, 2021
• ISBN: 9781643146713

Lee R McDowell

Dr. McDowell studied the presidents in detail at a very early age. In high school he could name the presidents in 19 seconds. He has given talks on presidential humor at many locations. The presidents have been ranked from great to below average. Most presidents loved their country and did their best. In the future may God grant us exceptionally qualified presidents that love our country.

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Copyright © 2021 by Lee R. McDowell

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ISBN: 978-1-64314-669-0 (Paperback)

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Contents

Introduction and Acknowledgements v

Chapter 1 Relationship of U.S. Presidents to the Military 1

Chapter 2 George Washington 10

Chapter 3 John Adams 24

Chapter 4 Thomas Jefferson 31

Chapter 5 James Madison 39

Chapter 6 James Monroe 49

Chapter 7 John Quincy Adams 59

Chapter 8 Andrew Jackson 66

Chapter 9 Martin Van Buren 81

Chapter 10 William Henry Harrison 88

Chapter 11 John Tyler 98

Chapter 12 James K. Polk 105

Chapter 13 Zachary Taylor 116

Chapter 14 Millard Fillmore 131

Chapter 15 Franklin Pierce 136

Chapter 16 James Buchanan 142

Chapter 17 Abraham Lincoln 148

Chapter 18 Andrew Johnson 164

Chapter 19 Ulysses S. Grant 170

Chapter 20 Rutherford B. Hayes 182

Chapter 21 James A. Garfield 190

Chapter 22 Chester A. Arthur 197

Chapter 23 Grover Cleveland 203

Chapter 24 Benjamin Harrison 210

Chapter 25 William McKinley 218

Chapter 26 Theodore Roosevelt 227

Chapter 27 William Howard Taft 239

Chapter 28 Woodrow Wilson 245

Chapter 29 Warren G. Harding 257

Chapter 30 Calvin Coolidge 263

Chapter 31 Herbert Hoover 271

Chapter 32 Franklin Delano Roosevelt 280

Chapter 33 Harry S. Truman 290

Chapter 34 Dwight D. Eisenhower 299

Chapter 35 John F. Kennedy 311

Chapter 36 Lyndon Johnson 320

Chapter 37 Richard M. Nixon 331

Chapter 38 Gerald Ford 339

Chapter 39 James Earl Carter 347

Chapter 40 Ronald Reagan 355

Chapter 41 George H. Bush 368

Chapter 42 Bill Clinton 377

Chapter 43 George W. Bush 385

Chapter 44 Barack Obama 395

Chapter 45 Donald Trump 405

References 415

About the Author 453

Introduction and Acknowledgements

There have been 44

presidents from George Washington to the current President Donald Trump. Before the presidency, what were the major careers of the 44 men? Most of us would guess that the most common career, prior to becoming president, was as a lawyer. However, more of our presidents were in the military than were lawyers. Americans assumed that a candidate with a military background, especially one with combat experience, was a natural political leader, someone practiced in the art of command. Of the 44 men who became president, 31 had served in the military.¹

All of the 31 presidents were officers in the military, the exception was James Buchanan who served as a private. Twelve of the 31 were generals. The most famous generals were Washington, Jackson, W. H. Harrison, Taylor, Grant, Hays and. Eisenhower. Six union veterans became presidents, as did 8 who served in World War II.¹

Prior to their presidency, 13 presidents would be considered heroes due to their conspicuous gallantry. These are George Washington, James Monroe, Andrew Jackson, William Henry Harrison, Ulysses Grant, Rutherford Hayes, James Garfield, William McKinley, Teddy Roosevelt, Dwight Eisenhower, John Kennedy, Gerald Ford and George H. Bush. Other presidents who did not serve in the military but were effective while serving as Commander-in-Chief during major wars include James Polk, Abraham Lincoln, and Franklin Roosevelt. The president is the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces. Presidential foreign and domestic decisions need to be backed up by the military. A strong military is essential to avoid undesirable consequences.

In 2018 the author previously published a president’s book, The Presidents, Humor, Events and Morality. This book was for those interested in American History. As Americans, we have so much to be thankful for. We need to know our own history, the principals of our founding fathers and our government based on the Constitution. By studying the actions of our president, we learn the history of the United States.

The current book will emphasize each president in relation to military action prior to the presidency and as the Commander-in-Chief with military action and foreign policies. For each of the presidential chapters, the outline is A. Introduction (Background and Events), B. Military Activities prior to the Presidency, C. Military Activity and Foreign Polices as President, D. Humor and Anecdotes and E. Summary. A table will summarize a chronological listing of events during the life of each president. Included are pictures of each president, along with photographs of military activity.

I am grateful to the typing and proofing of this book by Teresa A. Ingley. Appreciation is expressed to Lorraine McDowell for her useful suggestions and assistance in proofing and editing of the entire book. In preparing this book I am grateful to Bert Ingley for his computer expertise and advice preparing the book cover.

Chapter 1

Relationship of U.S. Presidents to the Military

A. Introduction

When thinking of the

most frequent pre-presidential careers most of us would suggest lawyers. However, more of our presidents were in the military than were lawyers. Prior to their presidency, the majority of chief executives served in the military. With the election of Donald Trump, 44 men have held the position of president of the United States. There is confusion in that President Trump is classified as the 45th president. The answer is that Grover Cleveland was elected twice, but not in consecutive terms. Therefore, Grover Cleveland became both the 22nd and 24th president. Of the 44 men who became president, 31 had served in the military. All but one had been officers in the military, the exception being James Buchanan who served as a private during the War of 1812. Twelve generals reached the presidency.

For generations, Americans assumed that a candidate with a military background, especially one with combat experience, was a natural political leader. Who better to take charge, so the logic went, than someone who was practiced in the art of command?¹

When running for president, having a good military record was a bonus for getting elected. War heroes were often nominated for president. The most famous generals to be elected were George Washington, Andrew Jackson, William Henry Harrison, Zachary Taylor, Ulysses Grant and Dwight Eisenhower. Of these six generals, most likely William Henry Harrison, Zachary Taylor, Ulysses Grant and Dwight Eisenhower would never have been nominated for president without their heroism in combat and organizational skill. However, due to their bravery and victories in battle, they were very popular and easily nominated for the presidency.

This tradition of course started with George Washington who was admired for the discipline of his troops, and for his personal restraint as well as his battlefield successes in war. Being a hero of the War of 1812 and many Indian battles, Andrew Jackson won support for the presidency. Likewise, General William Henry Harrison due to his military victories over Indians at Tippecanoe Creek in 1811 and battles in 1813 won him the presidency in 1840. Zachary Taylor, the successful Indian and Mexican War General, greatly resisted politics, but finally relented to run for president in 1848. Grant was the most successful general in the Civil War, and Eisenhower in the European Theater of World War II. Teddy Roosevelt’s popularity was increased by being a hero in the Spanish-American War.²

Two wars produced many successful presidential candidates. Seven Union generals became president: Andrew Johnson, Ulysses S Grant, Rutherford B. Hays, James Garfield, Chester A. Arthur, Benjamin Harrison and William McKinley. A major reason for the reelection defeat of Grover Cleveland by Benjamin Harrison in 1888 related to Cleveland not being in the Civil War. Of interest five of these seven were born in Ohio.

Eight men who served in World War II became president. First was five-star General Dwight Eisenhower, followed immediately by a wave of naval officers: Lt. Jack Kennedy, Lt. Cmdr. Lyndon Johnson, Lt. Cmdr. Richard Nixon, Lt. Gerald Ford, and Annapolis graduate James Carter. Army Capt. Ronald Reagan shot training films in California while decorated Navy pilot George H. Bush flew in the Pacific.¹

For various reasons of course, many great generals and military leaders never became presidents. This would include Benjamin Church (King Philips War) Winfield Scot (Mexican War, Civil War) George Custer (Civil War and Indian Wars) and Douglas MacArthur (World War I and II).

Table 1.1 Presidents who served in the Armed Forces³

Table 1.2 Military Service of the Presidents²

Highest rank held by presidents in military serve and time of service noted.

B. Wars

The United States has been involved in Indian Wars, International Wars, the Civil War and two World Wars. Where applicable the activities of future presidents is noted:

Early Indian Wars – There were continual Indian wars prior to the American Revolution and afterwards. King Philip’s War (1675, 1676) was also called the First Indian War.⁴,⁵ In the first Thanksgiving, in 1621, the Wampanoags Indians were at peace with the pilgrims. In 1675, 54 years after the Thanksgiving celebration, the Wampanoags were at war (King Philip’s War). The war pitted the Pilgrims plus the Mohegans and Pequots against the Wampanoags and four other Indian tribes.

During the two years of King Philip’s War the greatest number of deaths, population percentagewise, in American history occurred. It was perhaps the most devastating war in this country’s history. One-third of New England’s 100 or so Colonial towns and villages were either burned or abandoned. One in 10 soldiers on both sides were wounded or killed.⁵

Wikipedia⁶ lists over 25 significant American Indian Wars. Starting with the Cherokee-American War in 1776 and ending in the last Indian uprising of Ute Indians in 1923. Prior to their presidencies the great Indian fighters were George Washington, Andrew Jackson, William Henry Harrison and Zachary Taylor.

Major Indian Wars that involved future presidents were the Cherokee-American War (1776-1795), Northwest Indian War (1785-1793), Creek War (1813-1814), Seminole Wars (1817-1818, 1835-1842, 1855-1858) and the Black Hawk War (1832).

George Washington was heavily involved in the French and Indian War of 1754. Washington also continued fighting Indians who were allies of the British in the American Revolution (1775).

In addition to Washington, future presidents who fought Indian battles were Andrew Jackson (Creek War, Seminole War), William Henry Harrison (Northwest Indian War), and Zachary Taylor (Second Seminole War, Black Hawk War). Abraham Lincoln joined the military as a militia captain to fight against Indians in the Black Hawk War. However, he saw no combat, but joked that he had many struggles with mosquitoes.

The major wars of the United States, besides Indian Wars, that required substantial numbers of military personal and supplies were: The American Revolution, War of 1812, Mexican-American War, Civil War, Spanish American War, World War I, World II, Korean War, Vietnam War, and wars involving Afghanistan and Iraq.⁶, ⁷

American Revolution War (1775-1783) – Our first president, George Washington, was the General and Commander of the continental Army against Great Britain. Other ‘to be’ presidents, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, James Monroe and Andrew Jackson had activity in the war.

War of 1812 (1812-1815) – Major Generals in the War of 1812 were Andrew Jackson, William Henry Harrison and Zachary Taylor. John Tyler and James Buchanan were also in the war.

Mexican – American War (1846-1848) – Zachary Taylor was a principal General in the war. Ulysses Grant was active in the war with Franklin Pierce having limited activity.

American Civil War (1961-1965) – For the Civil War Ulysses Grant was the major union General, with six others serving as officers in the conflict. Grant along with officers Andrew Johnson, Rutherford B. Hays, James A. Garfield, Chester A. Arthur, Benjamin Harrison and William McKinley all later became presidents.

Spanish – American War (1898) – Only Theodore Roosevelt was active in the Spanish-American War. Roosevelt was the only president to receive the Medal of Honor.

World War I (1914-1918) – Two future presidents were in World War I, Dwight D. Eisenhower and Harry Truman.

World War II (1939-1945) – Dwight D. Eisenhower was the commander of the European Theatre of World War II. For World War II, in addition to Eisenhower, seven other future presidents served in this war. The other officers were John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson, Richard M. Nixon, Gerald R. Ford, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan and George H. Bush.

Korean War (1950-1953) – Jimmy Carter served on active duty during the Korean War but was not called on for action.

Vietnam War – During the Vietnam War George W. Bush was in the Texas Air National Guard, he was not called on to serve in Vietnam.

Afghanistan and Iraq – None of our current presidents were in the military for war action in Afghanistan and Iraq.

C. Presidents as War Heroes

There were nine U.S. presidents whose military service prior to the presidency qualifies them as true heroes.⁸ These are George Washington, Andrew Jackson, Ulysses Grant, Teddy Roosevelt, Dwight Eisenhower, John Kennedy, Gerald Ford and George H. Bush. I would agree that all listed were heroes, likewise I believe the hero status should be given to James Monroe, William Henry Harrison, Rutherford B. Hays, James Garfield and William McKinley. I would also give honorable mention to the heroism concept for Benjamin Harrison, Harry Truman and Richard Nixon. For example, how could we not consider Rutherford Hays a hero? Hays had exhibited conspicuous courage in many battles. He had been wounded five times with four horses killed under him. General Grant considered Hays a hero, as he described his activity as conspicuous gallantry.

D. Commander-in-Chief

The United States has been involved in many wars. Since the beginning of the Republic, Presidents of the United States have taken the U.S. population into major wars roughly once in a generation.⁹

Each president is the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces. Every president, except William Henry Harrison, has had to make decisions that required military backup. Not all decisions have involved foreign affairs; for example, presidents have used the military to control strikes and to enforce integration. Presidential foreign and domestic decisions and even threats need to be backed up by the military.

A strong military is important to avoid undesirable consequences. After the Revolution War, the U.S. was not receiving respect from other countries, particularly Great Britain and France. Our ship cargos were stolen, and our sailors shanghaied. The U.S. even had to pay tribute to Barbary pirates. These problems were encountered by Presidents Adams, Jefferson and Madison. The problem of lack of respect for our navy resulted in the War of 1812 with Britain. It was not until the presidency of Theodore Roosevelt (1901-1909) that the U.S. greatly strengthen the navy and army, resulting in respect and the U.S. becoming a world power.⁷

The president of the U.S. is the Commander-in-Chief of the military, but military service isn’t a prerequisite for becoming president. Presidents Woodrow Wilson and Franklin Roosevelt were in charge of the military for World War I and II, respectively, even though they had no military background as civilians. Though Wilson and Roosevelt were in charge of the military, others made decisions for conducting these wars. They allowed generals and admirals to plan and carryout battles.

Allowing military leaders to be in charge of wars was not completely true for Presidents James K. Polk and Abraham Lincoln. Polk did not trust anyone but himself to carry out the details of battle. He reassigned troops of General Zachary Taylor after he had won a major battle (Battle of Monterrey) and was becoming a war hero. Poke, a Democrat, did not want Taylor, a Whig, to be a presidential candidate. Taylor disobeyed orders and went ahead with reduced troops and defeated Mexican General Santa Anna, although outnumbered 4 to1. Polk’s plan failed and the popular Whig hero went on to become president.⁷

Lincoln arrived in the White House with no previous military experience. Therefore, in the Civil War at first, he let his generals decide strategy and carry out battles. Lincoln studied war strategy and gave suggestions to his generals, which were mostly ignored. He established himself as the greatest Commander-in-Chief in American history. Lincoln oversaw strategy and planning for major enemy engagements. He had to constantly goad his reluctant generals toward battle and fired generals that would not comply. Finally, he found generals (Ulysses Grant, William Sherman, Phil Sheridan) who would follow his strategy to defeat the Confederacy.

Theodore Roosevelt was a master in using the military to control foreign affairs. Roosevelt brandished a Big Stick abroad and was the first American president to play an important role in World affairs which included construction of the Panama Canal. He brought a peaceful end to the Russo-Japanese War and enforced the Monroe Doctrine throughout multiple interventions in Latin America. Without a strong military, Roosevelt’s international policies could not have been successful.

The brilliance of Ronald Reagan was responsible for winning the Cold War from the Soviet Union. The Soviet Union had spent vast sums of money on their military to compete with the U.S. However, Reagan observed that the Soviet Union was economically weak and could not sustain military production to match the U.S. Reagan greatly increased our military expenditures resulting in concessions from the Soviet Union, which won the Cold War for the Free World.⁷

Chapter 2

George Washington

1st President

1789-1797

A. Introduction

George Washington was born

in 1732 into a Virginia planter family where he learned the morals, manners, and body of knowledge requisite for an 18th century Virginia gentleman. He was raised on land that his great, great grandfather, a native of England, had settled. At 16 he helped survey lands in the Shenandoah Valley.

Commissioned a lieutenant colonel in 1754 he fought in the French and Indian War as an aid to British General Braddock. In the fighting, Washington showed the qualities of a first-rate officer. George had a cool, thoughtful courage. He was not hurt, but two horses were killed under him and his uniform was slashed by four bullets.¹

From 1759 to the start of the American Revolution, Washington managed the farm at Mount Vernon and served in the Virginia House of Burgesses. He married a rich, young widow named Martha Dadridge Custis and devoted himself to a busy and happy life. During this time period great changes were taking place in the American colonies. Like many colonists, Washington suffered from British regulations and taxes, and spoke out firmly against them. When the Second Continental Congress assembled in Philadelphia in May 1775, Washington was elected commander in chief of the Continental army. He took command of his ill-trained troops and embarked upon a war that was to last six grueling years.

After the war Washington realized that the nation under its articles of Confederation was not functioning well; he became a prime mover in the steps leading to the Constitutional Convention at Philadelphia in 1787. When the new Constitution was ratified, the Electoral College unanimously elected Washington president.

As first president of the United States, he showed a great deal of common sense, pursuing policies that enabled the new republic to get off to a good start. He established precedence for the new republic. George Washington and Congress set precedents for the relationship of the executive and the legislative branches.²

Washington enjoyed less than three years of retirement dying at age 67 from a respiratory condition in 1799. Actually, he would have likely survived but his doctors kept bleeding him. This treatment killed many patients it intended to save. The doctor’s conversation probably went something like this: Bleeding him an hour ago didn’t seem to do much good, let’s do it one more time before we leave. I could be wrong, but in my opinion, George Washington could still be alive today had his doctors not bled him that last time. George and Martha were buried at Mount Vernon, Virginia.²

B. Military activity prior to presidency

French and Indian War – In the early 1750’s Britain and France clashed over the Ohio Valley. As a young man Washington commanded the colony’s soldiers guarding Virginia’s frontiers against French and Indian raiders. In 1755 Washington was an aide to General Edward Braddock, who led a British army accompanied by an army of colonists into the Ohio Valley. Their mission turned disastrous when the French killed Braddock and shot Washington’s horse from under him—twice. With 900 men dead or wounded, Washington, thrust into command on Braddock’s death, led his men to safety and retreated to Philadelphia. Despite this defeat, the colonists extolled Washington’s bravery. After the Braddock defeat, Washington saw little action in the war and returned to his plantation.³

Revolutionary War – The war started following skirmishes at Lexington and Concord in April 1775. The British had retreated to Boston. Two months later, Boston was surrounded by American militia. The British attempted a breakthrough in June under General William Howe, resulting in the Battle of Bunker Hill, but they were ultimately forced to return to Boston with heavy casualties. On July 2nd, George Washington arrived from Philadelphia and took command of the American forces, now officially the Continental Army. Washington inspected his new army and was astonished to find a ragtag assembly of undisciplined, poorly sheltered and badly outfitted soldiers. He formally took command on July 3 and immediately initiated reforms.⁴ Excellent comprehensive reviews of the war are provided.⁵-⁷ The following is an overview of major battles and events for Washington during the war:

Bombardment of Boston – Washington ordered the bombardment of Boston on March 5, 1776, and after a few days of heavy artillery fire from Dorchester Heights and other high ground around Boston Harbor, General Gage decided to withdraw. His army departed the city with the help of the British Navy and retreated to Halifax, ending the eleven-month siege.

Battles on Long Island and New York City – In August, the British launched their campaign to capture New York City. They first landed on Long Island in force, and flanked Washington’s forward positions in the Battle of Long Island. A British amphibious assault upon the American positions atop Brooklyn Heights led to a British victory. General Howe assaulted Washington’s flank on August 27 and inflicted 1,500 Patriot casualties, while the British suffered 400 casualties.⁷

In September British bombardment from the river scattered inexperienced militia into a panicked retreat, forcing Washington to retreat further. In mid-November the British had taken almost 3,000 prisoners and captured Fort Lee and Fort Washington. In the face of a siege he seemed certain to lose, Washington then decided to withdraw. In what some historians call one of his greatest military feats, he executed a nighttime withdrawal from Long Island across the East River to Manhattan to save those troops and materiel.⁸

During the campaign a general lack of organization, shortages of supplies, fatigue, sickness, and above all, lack of confidence in the American leadership resulted in a melting away of untrained regulars and frightened militia. Washington had been fortunate that General Howe was more focused on gaining control of New York than on destroying Washington’s army.⁹

The Battle of Trenton – At this time the enlistments of Washington’s army were about to expire. Washington decided that only a bold step could save the army and the revolutionary cause from oblivion.

By October 1776 Washington and his troops, who had been greatly outnumbered, were constantly retreating from the superior British forces. He desperately needed a victory to boost morale. On Christmas Day, Washington and his troops crossed the Delaware and attacked Hessian soldiers (Fig. 1) and Prussian mercenaries fighting for the British at Trenton, New Jersey. By forging ahead through a raging snowstorm, Washington and his troops surprised the enemy and won a remarkable victory. See also Chapter 6, Monroe and Battle of Trenton.

Battles at Princeton, Brandywine Creek, Germantown and Philadelphia – On January 3, 1777, Washington attacked at Princeton and for the first time caused a British line to break. The redcoats, however, triumphed again in September 1777 at Brandywine Creek in Pennsylvania and the following month at Germantown. Then they captured Philadelphia, the seat of the U.S. government, and sent the Continental Congress fleeing.³

Battles of Saratoga – Fought eighteen days apart in the fall of 1777, the two Battles of Saratoga were a turning point in the American Revolution. Washington was concerned that British Generals Howe and Burgoyne were moving toward Saratoga, New York. The British invasion from Canada captured Fort Ticonderoga with ease. However, Burgoyne moved slowly which gave the Americans time to regroup under General Horatio Gates. To support Gates Washington sent Benedict Arnold, his best infantry commander, and others to raise Gates’s strength to about sixty-five hundred men. After a furious struggle Burgoyne surrendered.⁵

Valley Forge – In December 1977 Washington led his poorly fed and weary army to their winter quarters at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. They suffered thousands of deaths over the next six months. Most were from disease, compounded by lack of food and proper clothing, poor shelter, and the extreme cold. Historians’ estimates range from 2,000 to more than 3,000 men lost. The British, by contrast, were comfortably quartered in Philadelphia; they paid for their supplies in pounds sterling, while Washington had difficulty procuring supplies with depreciating American paper currency.

During the winter Washington introduced a full-scale training program supervised by Baron von Steuben, a veteran of the Prussian general staff. Despite the hardships the army suffered, this program was a remarkable success, and Washington’s army emerged in the spring of 1778 a much more disciplined force.⁶

French entry into the war – The Americans received a boost in 1778 when France, long Britain’s archenemy and buoyed by Gate’s victory at Saratoga, recognized the United States as an independent nation. French entry into the war changed its dynamics, for the British were no longer sure of command of the seas and had to worry about an invasion of their home islands and other colonial territories across the globe.

Battle of Monmouth – The British, now under the command of General Sir Henry Clinton, evacuated Philadelphia in 1778 and returned to New York City, with Washington attacking them along the way at the Battle of Monmouth in New Jersey. There was an indecisive outcome, however this caused the Redcoats to garrison in New York City.³ This was one of the war’s largest battles.

Southern Strategy – In late 1778, General Clinton sent 3,000 troops by ship from New York to Georgia and launched a Southern invasion. He seized Savannah, reinforced by 2,000 British and loyalist troops, and repelled an attack by Patriots and French naval forces. The success bolstered the British War effort. General Clinton marshaled a force of more than 10,000 men that in the first half of 1780 successfully besieged Charleston, South Carolina. In June 1780 he captured over 5,000 Continental soldiers and militia in the single worst defeat of the war for the Americans.⁶

General Cornwallis attempted to extend British authority into North Carolina but was defeated in the October 1780 Battle of Kings Mountain, and also was defeated in the January 1781 Battle of Cowpens. Kings Mountain in particular proved a decisive blow to further attempts to win and control North Carolina.

Nathanael Green, as head of the southern Continental forces, had waged an effective partisan campaign against Cornwallis at Hillsboro, North Carolina in March of 1781. Although he lost the Battle of Guilford Court House, Greene inflicted significant casualties on Cornwallis while retaining his own army intact.¹⁰

Removing Indian British allies from the war – In the summer of 1779, Washington and Congress decided to strike the Iroquois warriors of the Six Nations in a campaign to force Britain’s Indian allies out of New York, which they had used as a base to attack American settlements around New England. The Indian warriors joined with Tory rangers led by Walter Butler and slew more than 200 frontiersmen in June, using barbarities normally shunned, and they laid waste to the Wyoming Valley in Pennsylvania.¹¹ General John Sullivan was sent by Washington to defeat and disperse the Iroquois. The Indians were defeated with some seeking protection by the British in Canada.

Yorktown victory, peace treaty, and resignation – In July 1780, 5,000 veteran French troops arrived at Newport, Rhode Island. Also, the French West Indies navy fleet was ordered to assist operations in North America. France also gave money to the United States to assist in the war effort.¹²

General Clinton in late July issued firm orders to Cornwallis to establish a fortified deep-water port in Virginia. Cornwallis informed Clinton that he would do so at Yorktown. In early September the French and continental armies marched to Yorktown, while the British and French fleets met in the Battle of the Chesapeake. The French victory was strategically vital, for it denied the British control of the Chesapeake and set the stage for the encirclement of Cornwallis at Yorktown.¹³

After almost a month after the start of the American and French siege of Yorktown, Lord Cornwallis agreed to surrender his British and Hessian forces to General Washington. With the French and American troops blocking Cornwallis on land and pounding him and the French navy blocking his ocean exit, he capitulated in October 1781. This total victory over the British was the final major military action upon the continent.³

It took a long time for all of the British troops to depart, with the peace treaty in April 1783. Washington bade farewell to his officers and resigned his commission on December 1783. Washington gave a brief statement:

"I consider it an indispensable duty to close this last solemn act of my official life, by commending the interests of our dearest country to the protection of Almighty God, and those who have the superintendence of them, to his holy keeping.¹¹

Washington as a general – Washington had taken command of ill-trained troops and embarked upon a war that was to last six grueling years. His soldiers lacked supplies, including guns and ammunition. They were often ragged and hungry and suffered from extreme cold during the winter. Washington lived and suffered with them. Washington had problems of army desertions and some mutiny, as well as one of his top generals, Benedict Arnold, becoming a traitor and fighting for the British.

Today most military experts believe that George Washington was a good general but not a great one. Some suggest that if there had been better British generals who had taken more decisive action, the revolution would have been short lived. Washington’s army lost more battles than it won. But it was never destroyed. It was never captured. Washington himself said that as long as the Americans could keep an army in the field, the British could not win. And somehow Washington kept his army in the field. This was where he was truly great. He had an unusual ability to inspire men.³

C. Military activity and foreign policies as president

When Washington was elected France and England were at war again. Many Americans now wanted to help France. Washington wanted to keep his country at peace. The United States, he said, should stay out of European troubles. This was further emphasized in Washington’s farewell address at the end of his presidency. Thinking of the turmoil in Europe, Washington advocated neutrality in foreign affairs. "It is our true policy to steer clear of permanent alliances, with any portion of the foreign world.¹,³

Battle of Fallen Timbers – Washington’s most pressing problem at the start of his presidency was the British occupation of forts in the Northwest frontier and their concerted efforts to turn Indians against American settlers. Tribes of Indians formed a confederacy led by Little Turtle and other chiefs and were conducting numerous attacks and depredations against settlers, and they roamed largely uncontested throughout the territory. Warfare against the Indians was unsuccessful until Revolutionary War hero General Anthony Wayne was in command. In August 1794, Wayne defeated the Northwest Indians at the Battle of Fallen Timbers, and the Ohio country was opened up for American expansion. Future President William Henry Harrison also participated in this battle, See Chapter 10.⁴

Foreign affairs with France and Britain – The British intensified their raids on American ships, confiscating cargo and even forcing sailors into their navy. Washington sent John Jay to London to negotiate a treaty. The treaty was unpopular, but the British agreed to depart from their forts around the Great Lakes, and the United States-Canada boundary had to be modified. Numerous pre-Revolutionary debts were liquidated, and the British opened their West Indies colonies to American trade. However, the treaty refused to recognize American rights officially as a neutral nation. Relations with France deteriorated after the Jay Treaty was signed, leaving President John Adams with the prospect of war.¹⁴

Tax revolts – Since the American Revolution there were two revolts due to taxation policies, Shays’ Rebellion and the Whiskey Rebellion. Both these revolts had implications for military use. Shays’ Rebellion was an armed uprising in Massachusetts during 1786 and 1787. Revolutionary War veteran Daniel Shays led four thousand rebels in an uprising against perceived economic and civil injustices. The rebellion was crushed by the authority linked to the Articles of Confederation. Most of the uprising had been from farmers who had been Revolutionary War soldiers. The cash-poor veterans were heavily taxed. Unable to pay the tax they lost their land and were jailed until the debt was paid. At the time, the vast majority of prisoners were those unable to pay taxes. Popular support of the insurgents and their causes brought pardons for most of the captives. Examples, however, had to made of the traitors. Two hangings were for individuals from the most rebellious counties and one hanging from counties less rebellious.

Washington responding to Shays’ Rebellion—Drawing hope for the future of America not alone from the firmness of government, but from the fundamental decency of the rebels themselves. Their reluctance to shed blood had been marked and consistent; never to his knowledge had there been so innocent an insurrection.¹⁵

A personal note from the author relates to Captain Gale, the co-leader of Shays’ Rebellion. Henry Gale was my great, great, great, great grandfather. Henry had fought in the Revolution War starting at Lexington in 1775 and went on to serve his country at the Battle of Bunker Hill, the capture of General Burgoyne and the Battle of Rhode Island. A decade later he and others were scheduled to be hung for protesting high taxes. There were many pleas to spare Henry’s life. The execution date fell into Governor John Hancock’s new administration. Hancock was sympathetic to Henry Gale’s cause, but the council insisted there must be a show of the state’s power against those who resort to arms.¹⁶

The day arrived when Henry was escorted to the gallows. At the gallows there were many interested spectators and sympathizers. Henry was solemnly marched up the steps of the gallows and the noose was adjusted around his neck, with clergy offering solemn prayers for Henry’s soul. Just when Henry was to leave the land of the living, the sheriff withdrew a piece of paper from his pocket reading it aloud he announced to Henry and the stunned crowd that Hancock had granted Henry Gale a reprieve. Later Henry was pardoned and four years later the Gales had a daughter named Betsy. Betsy was a direct descendent to my family. Had it not been for John Hancock and Gale’s daughter Betsy, my family, so to speak, would not have existed.¹⁶

The Whiskey Rebellion came about when Congress imposed an excise tax on distilled spirits. Many people did not believe that the federal government had the right to tax individuals in that way. Along the frontier, whiskey served as a means of exchange, and in western Pennsylvania farmers refused to pay the taxes, which they considered loathsome and oppressive. They even tarred and feathered revenue collectors.

In July 1793 about 500 frontiersmen attacked and destroyed the house of excise collector John Neville and killed an armed guard. In August Washington and Hamilton, his treasury secretary, considered the Whiskey Rebellion to be a threat to order—decided to send an army into western Pennsylvania. James Madison called it an excuse to establish the principle that a standing army was necessary for enforcing the laws. ³

Washington took command of troops to fight the rebels. This represented the first instance of the federal government using military force to exert authority over the states and citizens. The federal troops never faced armed revolutionaries. No rebellion could be found. As it turned out, the few frontiersmen who supported armed action had scattered and disappeared. Only two of the insurgents were convicted of treason, and Washington pardoned them.³

Possible war with France – Washington had happily retired to Mount Vernon. Unfortunately, the Federalists pressured President John Adams to appoint Washington as commander of a provisional army then being organized to protect the United States against a possible French invasion. Fortunately, war did not occur with France.

Table 2.1 Chronological Listing of Important Events during the Life of George Washington²,³,⁶

D. Humor and Anecdotes

Good news and bad news

Washington tries to tame a very spirited horse. The spirited horse plunged with tremendous force resulting in a heart attack. To his mother he said, Your favorite, the sorrel is dead.

Mother…It is well; while I regret that loss of my favorite, I rejoice in my son, who always speaks the truth. ¹⁷

Return those library books!

Another story on the truthfulness of Washington was as a boy he destroyed a cherry tree with his new hatchet. He told his father; I cannot tell a lie. I did it with my little hatchet. This story may not be true, but it illustrates the concept of truthfulness of Washington. There is no disagreement of Washington’s truthfulness. However, Washington borrowed from the New York City library two books in October 1789. The library is still waiting for the return of these books. I wonder how much the fine is for overdue books?

Why was young Washington not punished?

Teacher; George Washington not only chopped down his father’s cherry tree, but also admitted doing it. Now do you know why his father didn’t punish him?

One student: Because George still had the axe in his hand.

Do your job Jackass!

In 1786, Washington received a jackass named Royal Gift from the King of Spain. The following is a note later sent to his nephew: If Royal Gift will administer, he shall be at the service of your mares, but at present he seems too full of Royalty, to have anything to do with a plebeian race. ¹⁸

Washington in the British Navy?

At age fourteen, George Washington received word from his half-brother Lawrence that the British Royal Navy was seeking a new midshipman. Washington knew a spot in His Majesty’s Navy would mean a lifetime of adventure as well as a wonderful career.