Why Washington Matters : How General George Washington Saved the American Revolution
drill and build more huts , build roads and clear forests . Despite the work , the growing discontent in the army was evident . Chaplain Evans suggested that a “ Temple of Virtue ” be built to serve as a gathering place for Sunday services . During the week , it could also be where the administration of the army took place . The soldiers accordingly built the Temple in the middle of the New Windsor encampment .
Washington remained deeply concerned about the murmurings of great discontent in the army , as rumors of peace were still circulating with no mention of the soldiers being paid . Pressed now , fearing that peace was coming , the nationalists in Congress decided to make their move . Gouverneur Morris wrote to his good friend , General Henry Knox , the bookseller from Boston who now commanded at West Point . Knox had been with Washington since the early days of the war and he was Washington ’ s closest friend in the field . Morris suggested that if Knox agreed , he could lead the army to put pressure on the states . Morris continued , “ the army may now influence the legislatures and if you will permit me a metaphor from your own profession after you have carried the post the public creditors will garrison it for you .” 10
As Morris wrote to Knox , Alexander Hamilton was asked to write to General Washington . Hamilton and Washington had a tumultuous relationship . Alexander Hamilton came to the United States just before the Revolution and attended Kings College , now Columbia College and the oldest undergraduate college of Columbia University . He became a lawyer just as the Revolutionary War started . After joining the Continental Army and distinguishing himself as a captain , he caught the attention of General Washington . The General invited Hamilton to serve as his secretary . This was a fine arrangement until Hamilton once kept Washington waiting to see him longer than the general liked . Washington turned on Hamilton and scolded him in front of the other officers , leading him to resign as Washington ’ s secretary . Hamilton returned to the army and served honorably at the Battle of Yorktown , which earned him new respect from General Washington . Hamilton later left the army and served as a congressman from New York .
As Hamilton addressed General Washington , the nationalists never thought Washington would take part in any plot , but they believed he needed to be tested . Hamilton informed Washington that the army was on the verge of mutiny and advised that he might wish to “ direct the torrent .” 11 He went on with something the general found hurtful and insulting .
Washington was told that there were rumors in the Congress and the army that the soldiers were disappointed with his leadership . The rumors also suggested that the commander-in-chief did not do enough for them in passing their grievances about not being paid to Congress .
Hamilton concluded the letter by suggesting that Washington speak with General Knox , as their headquarters
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