“These are the times that try men’s souls: The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of his country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman,.” (Thomas Paine, “The American Crisis,”, Dec 19, 1776.)
George Washington, whose birthday we celebrate this week, knew too well that the American Revolution was a time that truly tried men’s souls. Always presenting a brave, courageous public front, Washington had his own nighttime terrors.
Washington confessed, “The reflection upon my situation and that of this army produces many an uneasy hour when all around me are wrapped in sleep.” Washington had made a choice to risk his fortune, health to the point of possible death and his own reputation should the revolution fail. Even when criticized, he stood bravely among the troops without showing any sign of hesitation.
December 1776 was particularly bleak. Many of the troops had no shoes, so they had to use rags to wrap around their feet. Without nearly enough blankets, men huddled together with only one another’s body warmth to keep from freezing.
Facing the fact that enlistments expired at the year’s end, Washington had Paine’s newest publication, “The American Crisis,” read to his men. The missive challenged the soldiers to push through the trying time. The sight of Washington standing bravely before them instills courage.
Two nights later, 2,400 men with a few cannons crossed the Delaware in a howling storm. Washington’s aid recorded, “a terrible night for those who have no shoes, but I have not heard a man complain.”
Washington’s wife, Martha Dandridge Custis Washington, took breaks from running their estate and joined him in the field. A wealthy woman in her own right should have enjoyed a luxurious life staying home away from danger.
Mrs. Washington chose to travel hundreds of miles in winter weather over challenging roads to be with her husband at the winter encampment. Her presence was a huge boost to morale for the troops with many lacking the most basic of necessities in the excruciating cold.
Every day that the weather allowed, she went among the neediest with her basket. Helped by only a single assistant, she administered the comforts she could. Mrs. Washington personally knitted items for the soldiers and led fundraisers to provide shirts and supplies.
After the revolution, George and Martha craved for peaceful days and the opportunity to renew his Mount Vernon estate. He personally opposed tobacco smoking, so he worked on changing his crops from tobacco to grain to help feed the young nation.
Washington was called “the best horseman of his day.” He bred thoroughbreds and could have enjoyed dedicating more time to that interest.
The tranquility of gentry life was not in the cards for the Washingtons. A mutual sense of duty trumped personal desires. He answered the call to serve as the country’s first president. After serving two terms, he became commander-in-chief of the army until his death.
Since 1948, the week of Washington’s birthday has been celebrated as National FFA Week. The National Future Farmers of America recognize Washington’s legacy as a leader and a farmer. FFA members concentrate this week on their leadership skills where they will focus on personal growth, career success and service activities.
Paine encouraged the revolutionaries for the sake of posterity. He concluded the first issue of “The American Crisis” with, “If there must be trouble let it be in my day, that my child may have peace.”
The fight for freedom has allowed the children of our nation to inherit countless opportunities. Education helps them grow in ways that benefit themselves and others.
(Janet Miller is a freelance writer specializing in family faith. She offers “Family Prayers and Activities: Weekly Guides” on compact disc for families to explore the Bible jmiller@dospalos.org.)
