Washington's Lieutenants: Major versus Brigadier Generals in the Revolutionary War

As commander-in-chief of the Continental Army, George Washington developed the strategy that won the Revolutionary War, but while Washington directed some battles, his strategy for the most part was carried out—and most battles were won or lost—by his subordinates, major and brigadier generals of varying background, experience, and ability. In the spirit of the best military history and biography, Washington’s Lieutenants tells the story of the generals who served under Washington from 1775 to 1781.

Based on extensive research in a variety of sources, the book finds the brigadier generals a laudable group of commanders. Hugh Mercer, for instance, played a pivotal role in the surprise crossing of the Delaware in December 1776 and was bayoneted during the Battle of Princeton a week later. Clergyman-turned-soldier Peter Muhlenberg led a Virginia Line brigade at Brandywine, Germantown, Monmouth, and Yorktown. A quarter of all brigadiers died in the service of the new nation.

Although some stood out for their military skill, battlefield bravery, and loyalty to Washington, the major generals as a whole were disappointing, marked by the pursuit of their own military and political ambitions and by a penchant for infighting and bickering. Only three served for the war’s duration, including the great Nathanael Greene and Henry Knox. Ten resigned. Benedict Arnold turned coat. At least three were involved in the so-called Conway Cabal of 1777–78 to oust General Washington. In the southern theater, Robert Howe womanized, argued with local leaders to the point of dueling, and ultimately botched the defense of Savannah. The controversial Horatio Gates, self-proclaimed victor of Saratoga, was accused of cowardice at the Battle of Camden, South Carolina.

At once entertaining reading about some of the Revolutionary War’s most colorful military commanders and an insightful analysis of how the young nation fought for its independence, Washington’s Lieutenants will be essential reading during the war’s 250th anniversary and beyond.