Horizon

Döhla on Washington

Continuing with my Hessian, here's Döhla's description of George Washington. I'm pretty sure that Washington was actually pretty tall, and have no idea who Döhla may be identifying as his son. Also, Bobby's not going to like part of the description.

As this American field commander plays an important role in the present war, and already so many incorrect descriptions of his person have been made, therefore I will share the following from a believable American description of the person and character of Washington.

This great General Washington is of medium but respectable height, has a martial face, and although already old, namely more than fifty, he is still in good, blooming health. His entire bearing is very reserved and careful, not profuse in words, and more loving of loneliness than great sociability, in order to use the time for thought and speculation. Therefore, he often rides out entirely alone on a favorite white horse. Outside the camp he has no more than a single servant, and when he returns to camp he is accompanied up to his tent by only a few riders of his Light Horse, or Light Cavalry. At New York he often visits his field and camp posts all by himself, and often converses with a sentry a full quarter of an hour. When he as something great and important on his mind, he allows, even then, only a few, but the best and most intelligent officers whom he trusts to come to him, and sends his suggested plan at the same time around to a few others in order to solicit, in this manner, the advice of each individual without having superimposed his judgement.

He is not the least bit proud or arrogant, often speaks kindly and in a friendly manner with a sentry just as with a staff officer. Toward strangers he is reserved, even if they are recommended to him by Congress. He sharply punishes all negligence in duty, but toward recruits he is kind and forgiving until they have mastered the exercises and the Articles of War. Toward spies he has a great abhorrence, although he himself must often employ the same. The Indians and savages, because of their cruel barbarities, are disgusting to him.
He is soft-hearted and seldom attends military punishments, and then only with displeasure, and he either pardons the criminal or takes another way to avoid such unpleasant sights.

The art of war is his primary study. His suggestions are well thought out. He is especially careful in all situations to ensure a retreat. His chief characteristics are decisiveness, stability, patience, and secretiveness. He rewards good conduct on the spot. Toward the prisoners who fall into his hands, he is very humane and attentive to their good treatment.

In eating and drinking, supposedly he is very moderate, and his relaxation and pleasure consists of having a few glasses of punch. Also, he is married and has a beautiful wife, who accompanies him at all times with the army in the field. He also has a son, seventeen years old, who is already a lieutenant colonel in the French service.

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