Thread by @baseballcrank

1. George Washington was the greatest of America's many great generals. No other did so much for so long with so little, against such steep odds & at such hazards, to such lasting effect.

Happy birthday to the Father of our Country.

2. As Commander, Washington held together a polyglot volunteer army through routs, retreats, & mutinies, with poor support from a dysfunctional political system, while managing difficult allies & incorporating foreign volunteers to his command structure.

3. Nearly anything a general must do, Washington did: bold surprise attacks, escapes when cornered, Fabian retreats, sieges, combined offensives, amphibious movements, coordination with cavalry, navies, & partisans. He did it all with an army he had to create & train on the fly.

4. Washington's personality held that army together, by force of will & example. A more thorough appreciation: baseballcrank.com/archives2/2013…