Plus ça change

The soldiers had returned home from a desperate and even existential struggle. Their officers were subjected to a vitriolic smear campaign by members of Congress and allies in the press. Their material needs went uncared for, the soldiers were sent home “without a victory parade or even a statement of thanks for their years of sacrifices and sufferings.” A scandal plagued former military officer had been elected to Congress, from which position he did all he could to denigrate the commanding general in the field.

The year was 1783 and the Republic trembled in the balance. Fortunately, General George Washington was much more the ancient Roman than a roundhead:

The general and his aides took designated seats in the assembly chamber. The president of Congress, Thomas Mifflin of Pennsylvania, began the proceedings: “Sir, the United States in Congress assembled are prepared to receive your communications.”

Mifflin had been one of the generals who attempted to humiliate Washington into resigning during the grim winter at Valley Forge. He had smeared Washington as a puffed-up egotist, denigrated his military ability, and used his wealth to persuade not a few congressmen to agree with him. A few months later, Mifflin was forced to quit the army after being accused of stealing millions as quartermaster general.

Addressing this scandal-tarred enemy, Washington drew a speech from his coat pocket and unfolded it with trembling hands. “Mr. President,” he began in a low, strained voice. “The great events on which my resignation depended having at length taken place; I now have the honor of offering my sincere congratulations to Congress and of presenting myself before them to surrender into their hands the trust committed to me, and to claim the indulgence of retiring from the service of my country.”

Read the whole thing. Marvel at how much that we now take for granted depended upon the actions of a very few noble men.