Volume 14 of the Revolutionary War Series opens on 1 March 1778
with Washington praising his troops for their "uncomplaining
Patience during the scarcity of provisions in Camp" and exhorting
them to persevere in the face of any "occasional" shortages that
might yet occur. Indeed, the documents generated during these two
months of the army's stay at Valley Forge demonstrate that although
the crisis had passed, shortages, especially of clothing, continued
to concern Washington. The problem was magnified as the commander
in chief turned his attention to gathering men and supplies for the
upcoming summer campaign. The questionable readiness of the army
was a constant theme of his correspondence. The campaign
preparations also included training, which was hampered by a
serious shortage of officers despite Washington's efforts to
discourage resignations and absenteeism. To alleviate that problem,
Washington continued to urge Congress to make the reforms that he
had recommended to improve the status and organization of the
officer corps. Meanwhile, systematic drills commenced under the
inspection of Steuben and increased army discipline.
Washington and British general William Howe took advantage of
the relative inaction of their armies to conduct prisoner exchange
negotiations that ultimately broke down over questions about the
generals' status and authority, but the months were not without
military action. British and American foraging led to significant
skirmishes in New Jersey and lesser activity in Pennsylvania. There
Washington also wrestled with questions about how to treat those
inhabitants who carried goods to sell to the enemy and those, such
as the Quakers, who were considered unfriendly to the American
cause. The problem of disunity among Americans also leaped to
Washington's attention in mid-April when news of a peace initiative
in the British Parliament reached Pennsylvania. He urged immediate
efforts to counter the "insidious proceeding."
By late April, Washington was ready to consult his generals
about plans for the ensuing campaign, asking whether it would be
best to attempt to drive the British from Philadelphia by assault
or siege, to shift the campaign with a strike against New York
City, or to remain in camp drilling the army until the British took
the field. The generals' replies were instructive, but the
"glorious news" of the treaty of alliance with France, which
reached Washington as this volume closes, ensured that a subsequent
conference, called for early May, would have new factors to
consider.
General
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