1776

Washington’s men retreated a mere five miles away in a muddy downpour. The men wore rags, and few had shoes.

Perhaps because of the recent defeats and failed campaigns, Washington now had many enemies, including General Lee. Washington dictated a letter giving Lee orders and dispatched it through Joseph Reed, who wrote another letter to Lee of his own. Reed clearly flattered Lee and told him what he wished to hear—that Lee himself should be commanding the army. He urged Lee to approach the Continental Congress to ask for a change in leadership.

As the new year approached, Washington worried about his war-weary soldiers. Their commissions were about to expire, and the officers feared they would lose the better part of the army. Washington’s fears were not unfounded. By the end of August, he had only 3,500 troops. Given the rampant sickness and general weariness of battle, Washington not could get the 13 colonies to send militias. The governors also wanted their fighters at home to protect themselves, as they were not impressed with the progress of the war. Washington dispatched two of his closest men to Pennsylvania and New Jersey to appeal for militiamen, but they were refused.