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This Glorious Struggle: George Washington's Revolutionary War Letters
George Washington wrote an astonishing number of letters, both personal and professional. The majority—about 140,000 documents—are from his years as commander in chief during the Revolutionary War, from 1775 to 1783. This Glorious Struggle presents a selection of Washington's most important and interesting letters from that time, including many that have never been published. Washington's lively and often surprisingly candid notes to his wife and family, friends, Congress, fellow soldiers—and even the enemy—chronicle his most critical tactical and strategic decisions, while offering a rare glimpse of the extremes of depression and exultation into which he was cast by the fortunes of war. The letters are arranged chronologically and give a dramatic sense of the major phases of the war, from Boston, Trenton, and Valley Forge, to Monmouth and Yorktown. The more personal missives show us a Washington who worried about his wife's well-being and who appreciated a good joke and a well-laid table, not to mention the company of the ladies. This Glorious Struggle brings Washington to vivid life, offering a fresh and intimate sense of this most towering American figure and the critical role he played in the creation of our country.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published February 1, 2008
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176 people want to read
About the author
Edward G. Lengel
28 books126 followersIndependent historian, hiker, and voracious reader. As an author, I'm delighted to have reached the stage where I can write purely for personal enjoyment and interest, as my forthcoming works will attest!
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
September 15, 2011
This is a very interesting book for anyone who wants to learn more about the American Revolution. All the books I've read about the war (textbooks included) have been, basically, an interpretation of events by historians. This book is a chance to learn about the war right from Washington's own mind. You can see, very easily, how he did not have high hopes for success in the early days. You can see how stressful his position was as he begs and pleads with Congress for money and provisions for the Army. One of my favorite letters, since I am a native of Trenton, NJ, was his letter to Congress describing the success of the army during the Battle of Trenton. Reading his description of it was better than any historian description I have read. Another great one, of a non-political/military issue, is a letter he wrote to the president of the Virginia Assembly. Apparently Washington's mother was trying to claim a pension payment, which she claimed was owed to Washington from the Assembly and he had to embarrasingly explain that his mother is well taken care of, since he made sure of it before he left for the war. He also said, in much more polite terms, that the Assembly should ignore any more letters from his mother and deny any claims. Can you imagine in the middle of the trial of his life, he has to deal with annoyances by his mother? This little tid bit of personal information made Washington a much more human and relatable figure for me. Enjoy, history buffs!
January 3, 2012
Edward Lengel assembled the letters that George Washington wrote during the Revolutionary War against the British Empire. The letters are laid out year by year; there are comments in-between to give context to what it is the reader is looking at. Lengel's remarks are always italicized to distinguish them from General Washington's letters. It is an all right read, but not something for a beginner, rather for someone who already has a strong understanding of the period.
Here are some of the letters I found most interesting:
On the Declaration of Independence,
"I perceive that Congress have been employed in deliberating on measures of the most Interesting nature. It is certain that It is not with us to determine in may Instances what consequences will flow from our Counsels, but yet It behoves to adopt such, as under the smiles of a Gracious & All kind Providence will be most likely to promote our happiness; I trust the late decisive part they have taken is calculated for that end, and will secure us that freedom and those privileges which have been and are refused us, contrary to the voice of nature and the British Constitution. Agreable to the request of Congress I caused the Declaration [of Independence] to be proclaimed before all the Army under my Immediate command and have the pleasure to inform them that the measures seemed to have their most hearty assent, The expressions and behavior both of Officers and men testifying their warmest approbation of It." p.52
On Saratoga,
"By this Opportunity, I do myself the pleasure to congratulate you on the signal success of the Army under your command, in compelling Genl Burgoyne and his whole force, to surrender themselves, prisoners of War. An Event that does the highest honor to the American Arms, and which, I hope will be attended with the most extensive and happy consequences. At the same time, I cannot but regret, that a matter of such magnitude and so interesting to our General Operations, should have reached me by report only, or though the channel of Letters not bearing that authenticity, which the importance of it required, and which it would have received by a line under your signature, stating the simple fact." p.119
On American nationhood,
"We are known by on other character among Nations than as the United States--Massachusetts or Virginia is not better defined, nor any more thought of by Foreign Powers then the County of Worcester in Massachusetts is by Virginia, or Gloucester County in Virginia is by Massachusetts (respectable as they are); and yet these Counties, with as much propriety might oppose themselves to the Laws of the State in Government, by which they are, as an Individual State can oppose itself to the Federal Government, by which it is, or ought to be bound. Each of these Counties has, no doubt, its local polity & Interests, these should be attended to, & brought before their respective legislatures with all the force their importance merits; but when the come in contact with the general Interest of the State--when superior considerations preponderate in favor of the whole--their Voices should be heard no more--so it should be with individual States when compared to the Union--Otherwise I think it may properly be asked for what purpose do we farcically pretend to be United?" p.281
This book is a rich holding of primary source material on General George Washington and the American Revolution.
Here are some of the letters I found most interesting:
On the Declaration of Independence,
"I perceive that Congress have been employed in deliberating on measures of the most Interesting nature. It is certain that It is not with us to determine in may Instances what consequences will flow from our Counsels, but yet It behoves to adopt such, as under the smiles of a Gracious & All kind Providence will be most likely to promote our happiness; I trust the late decisive part they have taken is calculated for that end, and will secure us that freedom and those privileges which have been and are refused us, contrary to the voice of nature and the British Constitution. Agreable to the request of Congress I caused the Declaration [of Independence] to be proclaimed before all the Army under my Immediate command and have the pleasure to inform them that the measures seemed to have their most hearty assent, The expressions and behavior both of Officers and men testifying their warmest approbation of It." p.52
On Saratoga,
"By this Opportunity, I do myself the pleasure to congratulate you on the signal success of the Army under your command, in compelling Genl Burgoyne and his whole force, to surrender themselves, prisoners of War. An Event that does the highest honor to the American Arms, and which, I hope will be attended with the most extensive and happy consequences. At the same time, I cannot but regret, that a matter of such magnitude and so interesting to our General Operations, should have reached me by report only, or though the channel of Letters not bearing that authenticity, which the importance of it required, and which it would have received by a line under your signature, stating the simple fact." p.119
On American nationhood,
"We are known by on other character among Nations than as the United States--Massachusetts or Virginia is not better defined, nor any more thought of by Foreign Powers then the County of Worcester in Massachusetts is by Virginia, or Gloucester County in Virginia is by Massachusetts (respectable as they are); and yet these Counties, with as much propriety might oppose themselves to the Laws of the State in Government, by which they are, as an Individual State can oppose itself to the Federal Government, by which it is, or ought to be bound. Each of these Counties has, no doubt, its local polity & Interests, these should be attended to, & brought before their respective legislatures with all the force their importance merits; but when the come in contact with the general Interest of the State--when superior considerations preponderate in favor of the whole--their Voices should be heard no more--so it should be with individual States when compared to the Union--Otherwise I think it may properly be asked for what purpose do we farcically pretend to be United?" p.281
This book is a rich holding of primary source material on General George Washington and the American Revolution.
February 22, 2014
One of the best ways to see the character of a person is to read their letters. I enjoyed reading this selection of George Washington's letters written from June 1775 to December 1783. Each letter, or sometimes groups of letters, are prefaced with a note from the editor to give the letter context within the events of the Revolutionary War and/or Washington's personal views. I was very grateful to these notes, as the writing style of the 18th Century is not always easily understood by modern audiences. (I am sad to include myself in that number.) Tone, especially that of flirtation or sarcasm, and sometimes even anger, are hard to pick out, as everything was written in a much more formal manner. However, I was able to see that Washington, while not being the greatest of military minds, had a keen sense of duty to his soldiers, a sense of responsibility that kept him moving forward through all opposition, which is pretty impressive, considering the odds stacked against him and the fact that he never wanted the position in the first place. He is also very careful with his speech and sensitive to the feelings and situations of others, and this was I think was was responsible for him keeping the rag-tag American Army together throughout the war. I'm glad I got the chance to have this inside look at a very modest, diligent, and remarkable man.
October 2, 2009
A collection of letters (not all, mind you) written by General George Washington during the Revolutionary years (1775-1783).
There are only two letters to his wife Martha, both written in 1775 when Washington accepted the post of General. The rest were burned by Martha when Washington died in 1799. The rest are letters composed to members of congress (usually the President of the Continental Congress), friends, various family members, his generals and to a few citizens.
Even included is a letter that may have not been written by Washington at all, but might be a forgery. Also included are his farewell to his army when they disbanded after news of the Treaty of Paris reached the Americans at the end of October 1783. The final letter included in this collection is Washington's resignation, read aloud to congress two days before Christmas 1783.
Particularly interesting are Washington's views of what the American Revolution will mean to future generations and also his views of the future of this new country.
Good read. Took a while to get through, not for lack of interest, but because reading letter after letter can get tedious after a while. Worth it in the end.
There are only two letters to his wife Martha, both written in 1775 when Washington accepted the post of General. The rest were burned by Martha when Washington died in 1799. The rest are letters composed to members of congress (usually the President of the Continental Congress), friends, various family members, his generals and to a few citizens.
Even included is a letter that may have not been written by Washington at all, but might be a forgery. Also included are his farewell to his army when they disbanded after news of the Treaty of Paris reached the Americans at the end of October 1783. The final letter included in this collection is Washington's resignation, read aloud to congress two days before Christmas 1783.
Particularly interesting are Washington's views of what the American Revolution will mean to future generations and also his views of the future of this new country.
Good read. Took a while to get through, not for lack of interest, but because reading letter after letter can get tedious after a while. Worth it in the end.
March 13, 2008
A fascinating selection of the wartime letters of George Washington, one that ought to be read by any scholars who wish to discern the thoughts of our first Commander in Chief at the time of the Revolution. Perhaps the most interesting of the collection, to me, was a letter dated May 12, 1779, to the Delaware Nation, which gives me some indication of the form of respectful address used in diplomacy with the Native Americans in Washington's time.
January 4, 2012
I actually didn't finish it. Not at all what I thought; it was a lot about strategy or Washington's disappointment in the Congress' lack of action. I was expecting more details about battles, reactions to the training of his troops, or something to that extent. Maybe I'll try it again in the future.
July 30, 2008
Better than any Revolutionary War lesson I've ever had...straight from the horse's mouth.
December 20, 2008
Great collection of letters for research and further insight into Washington.
Read
March 27, 2009Great read. Learning history through actual words. Incredible!
May 27, 2013
Incredible! A great eye opener into the heart and thoughts of Washington during the critical days of the Revolutionary War.
Read
August 15, 20182008-06 - This Glorious Struggle: George Washington’s Revolutionary War Letters. By Edward G. Lengel (Associate Editor, The Papers of George Washington). 304 pages. 2007.
This book is a collection of letters written by George Washington during the Revolutionary War (1775-1783). It does not contain every letter which he wrote but a selection of letters. Some of the chosen letters illustrate the private side of Washington and others the very public side of Washington. Sadly most of the correspondence between Washington and his beloved Patsy (his pet name for Martha) were burned at his request shortly after his death. There are though two or three of the remaining few included in this collection.
The Washington that emerges from these letters will be no surprise to students of his life. His involvement in nearly every phase of military operations is legendary. Though he comes across as knowledgeable on everything from troop leading, development, logistics, decorum, intelligence, and of course politics it is easy to forget that like his subordinates Washington was mostly self-taught and making it up as he went along. When this is juxtaposed next to the creation and recreation of the American Army it becomes truly awe inspiring. Consider his position in DEC1775-JAN1776 and then again in DEC1776-JAN1777. In each case the American Army as it was literally ceased to exist and had to be re-created while actively engaging the enemy. Imagine being an NFL coach and nine minutes into the first quarter having to get mostly new players and coaches with no timeouts for equipping, uniforming, training, etc. Add into this that your coaches have no experience and your players have all had maybe a little bit of football in phys-ed. class back in high school.
Washington was also a true patriot. He is the genesis of a civilian controlled military in our country and his patriotism was not merely that of an aristocrat trying to better himself and his peers. It comes shining through in these letters that Washington’s vision was of an entirely new society, his patriotism was not opportunism it was genuine and deeply heartfelt, almost religious in its depth and fervor. His patriotism and his religious faith were not underpinned by foreboding or a sense of restriction, rather his tone is mostly upbeat and encouraging. He never forgets to remind others and himself of posterity, and the need to challenge people to rise above themselves. He tends to dwell on what he wants instead of what is lacking, in other words he does not wallow in the sins of the present or past but rather looks towards better conditions and actions, points them out and challenges himself and others to achieve this.
Washington’s letters are a snapshot into the thoughts and actions of a man who is still the Father of his country. His shadow still looms large in our lives and the handiwork of his hands is now so commonplace that our appreciation of his labors has been sadly taken for granted.
This editor of this book has largely left the language of Washington intact. Spelling, grammar, cultural and religious references are as they were in Washington’s original letters. Though he was a man of perhaps three or five years of formal education Washington’s prose is not at all difficult to read and understand. This book provides a good introduction into the mind and heart of the man.
This book is a collection of letters written by George Washington during the Revolutionary War (1775-1783). It does not contain every letter which he wrote but a selection of letters. Some of the chosen letters illustrate the private side of Washington and others the very public side of Washington. Sadly most of the correspondence between Washington and his beloved Patsy (his pet name for Martha) were burned at his request shortly after his death. There are though two or three of the remaining few included in this collection.
The Washington that emerges from these letters will be no surprise to students of his life. His involvement in nearly every phase of military operations is legendary. Though he comes across as knowledgeable on everything from troop leading, development, logistics, decorum, intelligence, and of course politics it is easy to forget that like his subordinates Washington was mostly self-taught and making it up as he went along. When this is juxtaposed next to the creation and recreation of the American Army it becomes truly awe inspiring. Consider his position in DEC1775-JAN1776 and then again in DEC1776-JAN1777. In each case the American Army as it was literally ceased to exist and had to be re-created while actively engaging the enemy. Imagine being an NFL coach and nine minutes into the first quarter having to get mostly new players and coaches with no timeouts for equipping, uniforming, training, etc. Add into this that your coaches have no experience and your players have all had maybe a little bit of football in phys-ed. class back in high school.
Washington was also a true patriot. He is the genesis of a civilian controlled military in our country and his patriotism was not merely that of an aristocrat trying to better himself and his peers. It comes shining through in these letters that Washington’s vision was of an entirely new society, his patriotism was not opportunism it was genuine and deeply heartfelt, almost religious in its depth and fervor. His patriotism and his religious faith were not underpinned by foreboding or a sense of restriction, rather his tone is mostly upbeat and encouraging. He never forgets to remind others and himself of posterity, and the need to challenge people to rise above themselves. He tends to dwell on what he wants instead of what is lacking, in other words he does not wallow in the sins of the present or past but rather looks towards better conditions and actions, points them out and challenges himself and others to achieve this.
Washington’s letters are a snapshot into the thoughts and actions of a man who is still the Father of his country. His shadow still looms large in our lives and the handiwork of his hands is now so commonplace that our appreciation of his labors has been sadly taken for granted.
This editor of this book has largely left the language of Washington intact. Spelling, grammar, cultural and religious references are as they were in Washington’s original letters. Though he was a man of perhaps three or five years of formal education Washington’s prose is not at all difficult to read and understand. This book provides a good introduction into the mind and heart of the man.
August 12, 2021
A large sample of George Washington's letters from the Revolutionary War that highlight his overarching ideas about the war and the new country that would become America.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews