How Washington felt about the battle of dorchester heights
The confident general we see in the painting was not nearly so as he commanded forces on Massachusetts land in early 1776. Before all this celebration and happiness, there was worry coming from Washington about issues within the army.(12) The British were possessing Boston and Washington wanted to send soldiers over land into Boston but ultimately decided to protect Dorchester Heights instead. With the British camped out in Boston, Washington worried about the possible deaths of the men who would sign up to fight for him.(13) When the Council of War told Washington that he was not to attack, he became discouraged.(14) He would write letters to his friend Joseph Reed, telling him all that was happening, expressing his feelings, and his stress.(15) Washington was also concerned that the army he had would not be strong enough to defeat, or at least defend against the British.(16) He complained of insomnia due to the stress when he wrote to Reed as well.(17) At some points when writing to Joseph, the General would talk about how he regrets becoming a commander because the job was so frustrating and difficult.(18) He was worried that Howe, the leader of the English army, would unexpectedly attack, if he heard that the Boston army was going to claim Dorchester Heights.(19) If Washington was going to protect Boston, he needed to work quickly and wisely. What we see in the painting is the outcome of Washington’s hard work and commitment to the army.
|