Final answer:
Washington said he could dispatch 1,000 troops during the Revolutionary War for strategic purposes, and later, 12,000 during the Whiskey Rebellion to enforce federal law, showcasing his leadership capabilities as both military general and president.
Step-by-step explanation:
George Washington stated he could dispatch 1,000 troops during two notable instances in history. The first refers to the American Revolutionary War, where he managed a strategic retreat of his forces in face of British General Howe's advancing army. To maintain the illusion of a full army, he had Pennsylvanian reinforcements act as his entire force. The second, known as the Whiskey Rebellion, saw Washington prepare to quash a tax protest, whereby he ultimately mustered a considerably larger force of 12,000 troops from various states to enforce federal law and dispel the insurrection.
The context for Washington's ability to deploy troops stems from his leadership roles first as Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War and later as the President of the United States. In both positions, he held the authority to organize and command military forces to protect the interests and enforce the laws of the nation. His decisive actions in these instances demonstrated his commitment to maintaining order and sovereignty, characteristics that solidified his legacy as a founding father and leader.