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George Washington #4
George Washington (Vol 4): Leader of the Revolution
Scribners; First Edition edition (1951)
633 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1951
About the author
Douglas Southall Freeman
102 books100 followersThe son of a Confederate veteran, Douglas Southall Freeman was long interested in the Civil War. A man of intense work ethic, he earned his PhD at 22, then balanced a journalist's demanding schedule with a historian's, as he churned out Lee's Dispatches (1915), the Pulitzer-Prize-winning four-volume R. E. Lee: A Biography (1934-35), Lee's Lieutenants: A Study in Command (1942-44), and finally, the multi-volume George Washington (1948-54). A respected historian, renown for his research, he garnered fame in his native Virginia and the friendship of major military figures.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
April 3, 2020
At last, talks melt into salvoes, pitched voices become pitched swords, and a Virginia gentleman assumes the position of Commander-in-Chief in Southall Freeman's fourth volume in his Life of George Washington. As expected, Freeman's narrative of the campaigns from the termination of the siege of Boston at the beginning of 1776 through the trials and tribulations of Valley Forge in 1777-1778 is at once exhaustive and endlessly fascinating. In following the footsteps, letters, and thoughts of General Washington, Freeman presents a man beset by countless perils, any one of which could spell the end of the American experiment in self-government: few reliable troops; short-term enlistments; a thin officer corps; shortcomings of men and materiel; and a might foe that controls the waters and packs a punch on land.
Washington's true genius may not be tactics, as evidenced by the disposition of forces during the Battle of Long Island and the Battle of the Brandywine. However, Washington shines immensely as two things: (i) an organizer of victory and (ii) a republican commander-in-chief. It is wrong to say that Washington led the army; in fact, he led several iterations, as enlistments terminated and men turned back home rather than endure hardships. In addition, Washington faced the constant worry of what to do about the militiamen, who proved, in some instances, more a hindrance than an asset as bullets whizzed by.
Washington also possesses a well of patience that surely must be deeper than most historical figures. In correspondence with Congress, Washington not only keeps the legislators informed of his every move, but almost always defers to their judgment on critical matters, such as the selection of American generals and strategic recommendations. If Charles Lee or Horatio Gates were to have occupied that position, surely the American Revolution would have had far different results than the nascent subordination of the military to the state that was Washington's lodestar throughout the war.
Battles are clearly narrated, and the movements are told in a sweeping epic that, because of the span of seven volumes, allows Freeman (and the reader) ample time to appreciate Washington not as a "demigod," but as a human that faced incredibly trying circumstances, and, as far as 1778, has held the American army, and the cause of independence, together.
Washington's true genius may not be tactics, as evidenced by the disposition of forces during the Battle of Long Island and the Battle of the Brandywine. However, Washington shines immensely as two things: (i) an organizer of victory and (ii) a republican commander-in-chief. It is wrong to say that Washington led the army; in fact, he led several iterations, as enlistments terminated and men turned back home rather than endure hardships. In addition, Washington faced the constant worry of what to do about the militiamen, who proved, in some instances, more a hindrance than an asset as bullets whizzed by.
Washington also possesses a well of patience that surely must be deeper than most historical figures. In correspondence with Congress, Washington not only keeps the legislators informed of his every move, but almost always defers to their judgment on critical matters, such as the selection of American generals and strategic recommendations. If Charles Lee or Horatio Gates were to have occupied that position, surely the American Revolution would have had far different results than the nascent subordination of the military to the state that was Washington's lodestar throughout the war.
Battles are clearly narrated, and the movements are told in a sweeping epic that, because of the span of seven volumes, allows Freeman (and the reader) ample time to appreciate Washington not as a "demigod," but as a human that faced incredibly trying circumstances, and, as far as 1778, has held the American army, and the cause of independence, together.
November 27, 2019
The fourth in Freeman's seven volume biography of George Washington, this spans from the siege of Boston in Jan 1776 to Valley Forge in the spring of 1778, covering both the highs (the Declaration of Independence, Trenton) and the lows (Brooklyn Heights, Valley Forge). It's amazing to read about how perilous the situation was, and how close the new Army came to falling apart. The book ends on a high note, however, with Washington receiving word that the French were now our allies.
3 stars since this is Goodreads.com, with the caveat that I prefer history over biography, but 4 or 5 stars if this was GreatBiographies.com.
3 stars since this is Goodreads.com, with the caveat that I prefer history over biography, but 4 or 5 stars if this was GreatBiographies.com.
November 9, 2020
Freeman is a military historian and it really shows in this volume. His attention to detail is truly unparalleled. I may never all 7 volumes again, but I will definitely pick up this volume again in the future.
Even more impressive than Washington's military strategy was his ability to hold the Union army together through the first year of the war.
"Washington, as always, was rallied by disaster to firmer resolution."
Even more impressive than Washington's military strategy was his ability to hold the Union army together through the first year of the war.
"Washington, as always, was rallied by disaster to firmer resolution."
May 29, 2026
I enjoyed working my way through this volume, which roughly covers 1776-1777. Freeman continues to do an able job recounting Washington's life. He largely just tackles issues one by one as Washington faced them, or lived them, though at points he does take a step back to analyze his command decisions, which I appreciate.
It's a bit crazy to say about one of the longest biographies ever written, but I felt like he was too rushed in some sections. Reading 1776 at the same time, I noticed how closely Freeman sticks to Washington's experience. A little more color from Freeman would have been good, such as in recounting the battles, even at the expense of shortening other sections.
It's a bit crazy to say about one of the longest biographies ever written, but I felt like he was too rushed in some sections. Reading 1776 at the same time, I noticed how closely Freeman sticks to Washington's experience. A little more color from Freeman would have been good, such as in recounting the battles, even at the expense of shortening other sections.
January 10, 2012
The first three years of the American Revolution. This volume ends with France's recognition of the colonies' independence.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews