Branson, Douglas M. Washington's Lieutenants

Major versus Brigadier Generals in the Revolutionary War

As commander-in-chief of the Continental Army, George Washington developed the strategy that decided the War of Independence. Although Washington led some battles, his strategy was largely implemented by his subordinates majors and brigadier generals with different backgrounds, experience and abilities who also won or lost most of the battles. In the spirit of the best military history and biography, Washington's Lieutenants tells the story of the generals who served under Washington from 1775 to 1781. Based on extensive research from a variety of sources, the book presents the brigadier generals as a commendable group of commanders. Hugh Mercer, for example, played a crucial role in the surprise crossing of the Delaware in December 1776 and was killed by bayonet a week later at the Battle of Princeton. Peter Muhlenberg, a clergyman turned soldier, led a brigade of the Virginia Line at Brandywine, Germantown, Monmouth, and Yorktown. A quarter of all brigadiers died in the service of the new nation. Although some distinguished themselves through their military skills, bravery on the battlefield, and loyalty to Washington, the major generals were generally disappointing, marked by the pursuit of their own military and political ambitions and a propensity for internal power struggles and disputes. Only three served throughout the entire war, including Nathanael Greene and Henry Knox. Ten resigned. Benedict Arnold changed sides. At least three were involved in the so-called Conway Conspiracy of 177778 to overthrow General Washington. In the southern theatre of war, Robert Howe indulged in womanising, quarrelled with local leaders to the point of duelling, and ultimately botched the defence of Savannah. The controversial Horatio Gates, self-proclaimed victor of Saratoga, was accused of cowardice in the Battle of Camden, South Carolina. Washington's Lieutenants is both an entertaining read about some of the most colourful military commanders of the War of Independence and an insightful analysis of how the young nation fought for its independence.