Analyze Craft and Structure-from the Newburgh Address,
George Washington
The following passage is an excerpt from a speech given by George
Washington to the troops of the American Revolution on March 15,
1783, when he was still a general. At the time of the speech, called the
Newburgh Address, the young United States Congress had failed to
pay the soldiers for some time and had not funded their pensions. An
anonymous letter was circulated among the troops calling for mutiny,
or rebellion, should Congress fail to pay. In response, General
Washington gave the Newburgh Address. The speech ultimately won
his officers and his troops back to the side of the new nation. Read the
passage. Then, answer the question(s).
(1) If my conduct heretofore, has not evinced¹ to you, that I
have been a faithful friend to the Army, my declaration of it at
this moment would be equally unavailing and improper. But as
I was among the first who embarked in the cause of our
common Country. As I have never left your side one moment,
but when called from you on public duty. As I have been the
constant companion and witness of your Distresses, and not
among the last to feel, and acknowledge your Merits. As I
have ever considered my own Military reputation as
inseparably connected with that of the Army. As my Heart has
ever expanded with joy, when I have heard its praises, and my
indignation has arisen, when the mouth of detraction has been
opened against it, it can scarcely be supposed, at this late
stage of the War, that I am indifferent to its interests.
Jain have
The following question has two parts. Answer Part A first, and then
Part B.
Part A
Which answer best restates the alternatives posed by the anonymous
letter writer, according to Washington?
O A. If the war continues, the troops should fight a civil war with
Congress. If peace comes, they should flee into the
countryside.
OB.
If the war continues, the troops should fight a civil war with
Congress. If peace comes, they should fight the British.
OC. If the war continues, the troops should flee into the
countryside. If peace comes, they should fight a civil war
with Congress.
OD. If the war continues, the troops should flee into the
countryside. If peace comes, they should fight the British.
Part B
Which answer choice best expresses Washington's interpretation of
the alternatives identified in Part A? Choose two options.
A. Fighting a civil war is both objectionable and impossible to
carry out.
B. Fleeing into the countryside is both objectionable and
impossible to carry out.
C. Fleeing into the countryside is not objectionable, but it
would be impossible to carry out.