Johhny Teague - The Lost Diary of George Washington: The Revolutionary War Years

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Library of Congress Control Number: 2023930004

ISBN 978-1-59211-200-5 (hardcover)

ISBN 978-1-59211-262-3 (eBook)

Copyright 2023 by Johnny Teague

DEDICATION

To the God of all creation,

the Founder of this nation,

and the men and women who worked

and sacrificed in His Name

to make this an exceptional nation.

And, to my wife Lori

and our two daughters Brittany and Kate.

To find in my study of George Washington that he had kept a diary throughout his life except during the war years was a surprise. When he resumed his diary in May of 1781, his first entry expressed his regret that he had not kept a diary during those crucial years in the fight for the nations independence. To this end, I have researched General Washingtons writings, letters, and orders, as well as the recollection of others. I have visited the battlefields and campsites to gain a clearer perspective. What you will read in the following pages is the reconstructed diary of the Father of Our Nation. This writing is a paraphrase of the sentiments that he personally wrote. The entries come primarily from his own hand staying true to the events, the challenges, the struggles, the heartbreaks, the victories, and the emotions of Americas first Commander-in-Chief. For those who do not want to just learn history, but rather desire to touch and feel it, this lost diary is for you.

Mr. Henry made an efficacious appeal to each citizen to decide between the two choices liberty or death. His rousing speech convicted all in attendance, Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? The events up to that time had warranted such a question. It was a few days after this, that I put on my uniform of war past viz the French and Indian War. I made it obvious that my decision was the same as Mr. Henrys liberty or death. Many thought I wore my uniform because I was looking to command the army. This was never my intent. My intent was to serve in whatever capacity as called to ensure freedom for Mrs. Washington, the family, and our colonies.

My greatest concern at this moment, even more then the challenge itself, is the well-being of Mrs. Washington. I have been so long away that an assurance expressed was necessary so she would know my preferred and happy station is always with her. After I went to Christ Church yesterday, I dispatched a letter to Mrs. Washington on the subject to let her know that this was not my choice, but my destiny. The responsibility is one I cannot imagine bearing. The whole of the American cause must rest on someones shoulders. My peers feel it is best rested upon me. I am inadequate for such a duty, but my character and duty demand I accept it, relying on that Providence who has kept me safe thus far. I have asked Mrs. Washington to accept the duties that now fall upon her consequently with faith in that same Providence. My earnest desires are that she will not be lonely and that she will not hold me up to a complaint as to some better alternative which I should have charted for my course. I am confident that I will be seen safely through this whole ordeal and wish my wife to have the same confidence. Sadly, in contradiction to that hope, it was beholden upon me to send to her my Will, which can provide for her should the unexpected occur. I also am sending to her my friends and family to encourage her in the days ahead. I lay this as my brother Johns chief responsibility. This will give me peace of mind.

I write these things knowing that life will not be the same for me in the foreseeable future. I have sought to be faithful in the few things. Now it seems I have been appointed to the greater. How I desire that the task be not so ominous. Even the contemplation of the onerous business at-hand causes me to question my ability to succeed. I must command all the forces now formed, raise up more, and provide the instruments of war, as well as the strategy and execution of the plan. I can find comfort in knowing that if I give my best and fail, the fault will not lie with me, but with those who appointed me. I am encouraged that at the onset, Congress has given assurance to supply my needs with two million dollars and a pledge of fifteen thousand fighting men, which they will increase as the war necessitates. My hope and consolation are that they, as honorable men, will do as they say. I am encouraged by the men with whom they have appointed to serve under me General Ward, General Lee, General Schuyler, General Putnam, and Adjutant-General Gates.

Dined at the City Tavern and spent the evening making plans.

Dined with Mr. Robert Morris and discussed financing matters of war.

Met with Mr. John Adams and his cousin Mr. Samuel Adams to discuss the formation of the army from the various sectors of the colonies. Congress has already begun the recruitment for the provincial army in earnest, raising ten companies from Philadelphia, Maryland, and Virginia, which add to the numbers already formed and fighting in Boston. I found great encouragement as we visited about the recent events in Massachusetts. They relayed how the Minute Men were comprised of liberty-loving men from every corner of society farmers, merchants, tradesmen, teachers, ministers who all dropped what they were doing in their respective vocations. They traded their stations in life to pick up arms for the cause of freedom. The casualties exacted so far by these mere common men against a well-trained British army have been beyond human explanation. Something about the heart beats in this land. This something is what brought many here. This something is a vision that causes men and women all around to take hold of the plow both in the field and on the battleground.

Dined at Dr. Cadwaladers, along with Generals Lee and Schuyler, to make final travel preparations for tomorrow mornings ride.

Tomorrow I leave Philadelphia to assume command of our troops. I find comfort in the two who will ride by my side. General Lee, a seasoned warrior, fought by my side under General Braddock in the previous war. He was a former British officer who has come to the aid of our cause just in time. General Schuyler is a man of great respect, being a successful landowner from New York. He has served with me in the Continental Congress and before that, in the French and Indian War.