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Here comes the General!! | the courage of George Washington.

Feb 22

What is Courage?

Courage is not just being brave—it’s the ability to move forward with bravery even in times of fear and difficulty; not giving up when the world tells you to, and fighting for liberty and integrity when it could cost you your life. Few men have embodied this more than the American soldier, general, and leader George Washington. From leading the nation’s army to leading the nation itself, courage was not only essential in his success as a man, but essential in that of his army—and most of all, his country.

During his time on the battlefields Washington played pivotal roles in both the French and Indian War, and the American Revolutionary War. He was sworn in as a major to the Virginia militia in February 1753, inheriting this position from his brother. In the Battle of Monongahela, commander-in-chief General Braddock was mortally wounded and put out of action, leaving a now–promoted Lieutenant Colonel Washington to steady the militia and lead the retreat himself. Through the following skirmish, he had two horses shot from underneath him, and yet never gave up. Later he found that he had four bullet holes in his coat, but miraculously, his body was left completely unscathed. The valiant Virginian had evaded death several times and saved the militia from a humiliating defeat.

'Washington the soldier', by French artist Jacques Auguste Regnier, depicting the Monongahela conflict. — '*Washington the soldier*', by French artist Jacques Auguste Regnier, depicting the Monongahela conflict.

But it was in the conflict following the French and Indian War that truly put his courage to the test. After suffering many taxes, unfair trials, and dictatorial actions from the British in the following years, the American colonists had had enough, sparking what became the American Revolution.

In June of 1775, the Continental Congress (which was the colonies’ form of self-government during the war) needed a military leader for their Continental Army, and with his direct military experience, remarkable leadership qualities, and youthful strength, Washington was the ideal candidate. With astonishing humility, he accepted the task while fully knowing that if the British won the war, he’d be subject to a public execution.

His first mission on the Revolutionary battlefront was the Siege of Boston. At the time, Boston was a loyal stronghold for the British. Drawing parallels with the Biblical story of Gideon, Washington tricked the Bostonian loyalists into thinking they were surrounded by patriot artillery, and in a turn of events the redcoats fled the besieged city.

This was only the beginning of many daring adventures that Washington embarked on in his new military campaign. The famous Delaware River crossing was one of the most risky actions he and his army took, and is now one of the most famous events in colonial American history. It was Christmas night when the Continental Army split into three groups to cross the Delaware River and attack the enemy on the other side. A Hessian garrison at Trenton was isolated and easily vulnerable for attack. Patriot forces under the command of Colonel Cadwalader and General Ewing failed the crossing, leaving Washington and his small army on their own. Winter was upon them and a storm was rolling in, but he courageously persevered and successfully crossed the icy river with not a single death before the attack. After marching for four hours once they reached land, the Continentals were victorious at the Battle of Trenton and crossed the river again—twice.

'Washington Crossing the Delaware', by German-American artist Emanuel Leutze. — '*Washington Crossing the Delaware*', by German-American artist Emanuel Leutze.

Independence was declared by the American patriots on the 4th of July, 1776. Five days later, Washington read it aloud for his troops in New York City, inspiring them to persevere and continue on their quest for liberty. But now that America had declared its independence, the patriots were even more at risk of punishment for treason against the British Crown—if they lost the war. It took great faith for him to, despite the bedraggled state of his army, continue leading them against such tyranny.

Once America—with France’s aid—won the War of Independence, the people needed a leader. Through the 1789 American presidential election, George Washington was unanimously voted first president of the United States of America. If leading an army hadn’t been enough, leading a nation was a test that even the most courageous of men failed. More was the fact that he openly acknowledged his faith and beliefs in what became a very secular institution. An advocate for religious freedom amongst the many atheists, he showed this the most on his inauguration day.

On the 30th of April, 1789, he led America’s first government to St Paul’s Chapel, New York City, where he dedicated America and its government to God. Even today, a plaque in the church commemorates his quote: “Almighty God, we make our earnest prayer that you will keep the United States in Holy protection”. Amidst the likely criticism of the atheists and folk against any form of such doctrine, Washington took the courage to dedicate the new nation to God.

Having served as a leader in the military and political worlds, many folk have, and will continue to, look up to George Washington for his humble, courageous, and faith-oriented leadership. He not only inspired generations of people across the world, but he also laid down a foundation of bravery and strength for his country. He’s taught us that perseverance and not giving up is what lies at the base of all great success, and that liberty is worth fighting for at all costs.