General Howe's Dog: George Washington, the Battle for Germantown and the Dog Who Crossed Enemy Lines

by Caroline Tiger

Recounts an incident in which Washington returns a dog belonging to General Howe after it had accidentally crossed to the American side, depicting this as a reflection of a code of honor practiced by the two armies.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

176 pages, Hardcover

First published June 28, 2005

Reviews

[John Mccullough · Rating 4 out of 5]

This brief book describes an incident in the Revolutionary War that demonstrates how respectful people deal with each other, even enemies. The story is quite short; author Caroline Tiger treats the incident like a master’s thesis but makes it very readable.

The book begins with brief biographies in the lives, especially early lives, of eventual protagonists Washington and Howe putting their actions in perspectives of their family and personal histories. Then on to contemporary views and uses of dogs in England and the colonies – dogs were held in high esteem, especially by the nobility and gentry. A chapter is devoted to Washington’s private joy – breeding animals, especially hunting dogs, resulting in the Treeing Walker, a fine foxing hound. How Washington got his job as Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army while walking his favorite pooch – Sweet Lips. Several pages are devoted to the English and Colonial Code of the Gentleman as an introduction to behavior of both commanders. Then on to a summary of the Battle of Germantown complete with battle maps.

Finally, the Saga of Howe’s Pet Dog. How it followed the Continental troops after the battle and how it was returned to a grateful General William “Billie” Howe. The last chapter summarizes what happened to the commanders and how Washington continued to breed dogs especially for hunting.

Some takeaways from the book.

The Howe family were Whigs, essentially liberals, and sympathized a bit with the colonists.
General Howe failed to pursue defeated colonists time after time, “letting them off the hook.”
It is well-known that dogs were used to attack slaves, but also Native Americans.
Washington loved foxing, cards, horse races, gambling, and the elegant lifestyle.
Washington also loved his rural life, with his wife and adopted family and animals.

An appendix includes the text of one of the great influences in Washington’s boyhood; “Rules of Civility & Decent Behaviour in Company and Conversation,” 110 rules compiled by 16th Century French Jesuits to instruct noble children, but also known in Britain. While written in a quaint antique version of English, the rules are completely useable today, whether sitting at a dinner table or conversing in company. The rules are useable for both sexes, although a few are obviously meant for churlish boys. It is thought these made a great impression on the young Virginian and wisely governed his life. If the book has no other use it would serve to remind us that adherence to these rules would go a long way to make America great again, just by individual action by us all.

[Mira · Rating 2 out of 5]

I only picked this up because I needed something really short to read in order to complete my goal of reading one non-fiction a month, since it became increasingly obvious that I wasn't going to finish the 530-page Russian history book in time. It's a cute little history of an interaction between George Washington and General Howe in the Revolutionary War concerning Howe's little dog. The most interesting thing I learned was that Napoleon got bit by his wife's dog in bed while they were trying to do it.

[Susan Morris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick read, focusing on Washington, William Howe, and their mutual love of dogs. But where was the editor for this book?! At least 2 major errors: on the same page, Washington’s great-grandfather is referred to as John & Joseph. Battle of Long Island is discussed as in 1776, & then 3-4 pages later it’s suddenly 1777. Even if I wasn’t a former editor, these major errors make me crazy! (Owned; selling)

[William Sariego · Rating 3 out of 5]

Chatty and rambling, this little book searches for a target audience. I found it more interesting as a dog lover than I did as a military history aficionado.

[Kathleen Hale · Rating 1 out of 5]

There is more information in here than about the dog and the Battle of Germantown. Some of the information needs some more fact checking. There are some funny, quirky stories about other dogs. I gave it a low rating because I wanted to learn about why this dog was so important that a person would want to write a book about it.

[Kathy Hale · Rating 1 out of 5]

A big disappointment. it sounded really interesting but talked about everything but the title. it had about two pages about the dog and how Washington returned the dog to General Howe.

[Darlene Ivy · Rating 4 out of 5]

a fun anecdote

[Ellen Church · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very short, not very deep, but an interesting read.

[Eric Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love this small little book about George Washington and the effects of the gentlemanly codes of the 18th century on political and military action. The information about dogs in that culture is fascinating. Recommended.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice story about General Howe's dog and Washington's behaviour during the revolutionary war-A gentlemen at all times!