The only explanation is to repeat that we were still colonists in all but name and allegiance, and it was Washington's task not only to establish a dignified and independent policy of his own abroad, but to beat down colonial politics at home.
Lodge discusses the challenges faced by Washington in establishing an independent American policy.
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High words will not terrify us, loud declamation will not deter us from the discharge of that duty.
He flung aside the suggestion of supreme power, not simply as dishonorable and unpatriotic, but because such a result would have defeated the one great and noble object at which he aimed.
The other idea which had grown in his mind during the weary siege was that the Tories were thoroughly dangerous and deserved scant mercy.
They had listened to a speech which was not equaled in meaning and spirit in American history until, eighty years later, Abraham Lincoln stood upon the slopes of Gettysburg and uttered his immortal words upon those who died that the…