George Washington’s words in the letter he sent to rally congress and the states represent an impassioned request for aid during one of the darkest moments in the American Revolution. This written message portrays Valley Forge as an image of American perseverance and determination in a time where there were immense odds against them. By threatening the disunion of the states, describing the appalling aspects of the plight of his troops, and instilling fear of Britain’s willingness to conquer American troops, George Washington’s letter reveals the importance of congressional support of the military following the winter at Valley Forge.
George Washington knew that congress feared disunion among the states and civilians of America. In his letter, he writes, “…The idea of such an event will have a very powerful effect upon the country, and, if not combatted with the greatest address, will serve, at least, to produce supineness and dis-union” (108). This statement shows that if the troops of Valley Forge do not get the supplies and training they desperately need, they will suffer and the battle against the British will end in defeat. This will follow in a loss of morale from not only the troops, but also the people of America.
With the idea that the military could have gotten the congressional support that they needed, the American people will lose trust and create divisions of support for the government if the needs are not met. America is endeavoring to gain independence from Britain and if the troops do not succeed, many Americans will not believe that America will ever become a fully independent country. If America’s own government does not support its own military, then patriotism becomes nonexistent.
127 our experts are availableright now
By recounting the details of the predicament of his troops, George Washington creates empathy for the soldiers that are fighting in this war. He writes, “To see Men without Cloathes to cover their nakedness, without Blankets to lay on, without Shoes, by which their Marches might be traced by the Blood from their feet, and almost as often without Provisions as with; Marching through frost and Snow, and at Christmas taking up their Winter Quarters within a day’s March of the enemy” (109). This passage shows how deplorable the conditions that these men were facing.
By capitalizing the words “cloathes”, “blankets”, and “shoes”, it makes a point to direct the eye to the items that are needed and wanted from the troops. The capitalization of the words “blood” and “marches” give insight to what these servicemen are doing daily to protect their country. The word “without” is also repeated throughout this passage to put emphasis on the things that the troops do not have, but critically need. The intentional repetition and capitalization in this section of Washington’s letter brings a sense of shock, yet compassion towards the soldiers facing the brutal winter at Valley Forge.
It is stated throughout Washington’s written message that the American troops must be well prepared, as the intention of Britain may be more macabre than expected. Washington writes, “The enemy are beginning to play a Game more dangerous than their efforts by Arms, tho’ these will not be remitted in the smallest degree, and which threatens a fatal blow to American Independence, and to her liberties of course” (108). Washington asserts the fact that Britain is willing to conquer and kill in order to win this war. By expressing the possibility of losing American independence to Britain, it instills fear and worry into the states and congress that America will not gain autonomy from Britain. In order to ensure triumph over Britain, the American soldiers are going to need more funding.
George Washington’s letter was an exceptional strategy that guided congress and the states to support the military through funding and professional training. Washington wrote with technique to place emphasis among the words he used to create a threat that would influence the viewpoints of those who were reading his letter. At a time where there were more odds against the American troops, Washington’s letter from Valley Forge reveals truly what American perseverance and determination is.
