Summary
Is there anything new to be said of George Washington as a military leader? Indeed there is, and Edward G. Lengel, associate editor of the Washington papers, provides fresh insights in his General George Washington: A Military Life (Random House, $29.95, 450 pages, illus.).
From the outset of the Revolution, Washington was destined for high command. Not only was he one of a handful of Americans with military experience, but he came from an important state, Virginia. Mr. Lengel makes it clear, however, that Washington had much to learn. Once the American commander had brought a degree of organization to the colonial forces besieging Boston, his first campaign was deceptively easy. In the autumn of 1775 Washington fortified Dorchester Heights in such a manner as to threaten the city, and forced the British to evacuate.See the full content of this document
Extract
[ Biography ]
After Boston, however, Washington attempted to defend New York City and its environs, with very different results. "New York was not only indefensible," the author writes, "it was an open grave waiting for an occupant." From Brooklyn across Manhattan, Washington was repeatedly outgeneraled by Gen. Wil...
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