George Washington
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George Washington (1732 – 1799) was the commander of the Continental Army in the American Revolutionary War from 1775 to 1783, and served as the first President of the United States from 30 April 1789 to 4 March 1797.
Born in the colony of Virginia in the British colonies of America, Washington joined the Virginia militia during his youth and participated in the French and Indian War with the British Army, fighting against the French and various indigenous tribes. Due to the lack of progress of his military career in the British Army, Washington instead turned to politics.
When the American Revolutionary War broke out, Washington supported the Patriots. Following the creation of the Continental Army, the Continental Congress of 1775 appointed Washington as its Commander-in-Chief. Though the Continental Army suffered many losses under Washington's command, the aid of individuals such as his ally Ratonhnhaké:ton, a member of the Assassin Order, managed to gain the army small victories.
After Washington obtained an Apple of Eden around 1781, the Continental Army emerged victorious against the British Army, and the colonies joined together to form the United States in 1783. Washington was offered the privilege of becoming its first President, a position he held until 1797.
Biography
Early life
- "Since the death of my father four years ago, our lives have become difficult, and I must help my family."
- ―George Washington journal entry - March 20, 1748
George Washington was born on February 22, 1732. He lived in Virgina where his family owned a tobacco plantation. His father died in 1743 and although he enjoyed school, he had to leave before he turned sixteen due to the death of his father and the need to help his family.[1]
French and Indian War
- "We're far from home with our forces divided. Worse, I fear Braddock's bloodlust makes him careless. It puts the men at risk. I'd rather not be delivering grim news to mothers and widows because the Bulldog wanted to prove a point."
- ―George Washington talking to John Fraser regarding Edward Braddock.[src]
In 1754, George Washington pursued a military career by joining the Virginia militia as a soldier and surveyor and became involved in the French and Indian War. During an expedition to Fort Duquesne, Washington and his men attacked a French patrol while crossing the Ohio River. Washington prepared for a retaliatory strike by erecting a fort from alpine wood, in order to defend themselves and protect their supplies. This would later be known as the Battle at Fort Necessity, however Washington was overwhelmed and forced to surrender to the French, but was not long after released.
Washington volunteered to join British Army General Edward Braddock, who enlisted Washington as a guide in his expedition to take Fort Duquesne. In the winter of 1754, Washington was stationed in Fort St-Mathieu where he formulated the route for expedition while Braddock rallied his troops and supplies.
On July 9, 1755, in what would later become known as the Battle of the Monongahela, George Washington rode with Edward Braddock along a road amidst a wooded area. Suddenly, their forces were attacked by Indians and Haytham Kenway, the Templar Grand Master, who was disguised as a British soldier. Haytham attempted to assassinate Braddock, but was interrupted by Washington, who shot his horse from under him. As Washington readied to fire a shot into Haytham, he was attacked and pinned down by Kaniehtí:io, which consequently lead to Haytham pursuing and killing Braddock.
Washington managed to rally a retreat of the disseminated forces, during which he found Braddock's body. Washington was able to carry the body with him, eventually burying it under a road in the Great Meadows to prevent the body from being found and desecrated by the French and Native Americans.[2]
Washington returned to his service in the Virginia militia and was promoted to the rank of Colonel. He focused on revamping his forces hoping to gain recognition and acceptance in the British Armed forces. In 1760, in an attempt to prevent attacks from Native American tribes, Washington ordered his forces to burn the village of Kanatahséton, killing many natives.[2]
Becoming Commander-in-Chief
- "For the support of the glorious cause I beg they will accept my most cordial thanks for this distinguished testimony of their approbation. But, lest some unlucky event should happen, unfavorable to my reputation, I beg it may be remembered, by every Gentleman in the room, that I, this day, declare with utmost sincerity, I do not think myself equal to the Command I am honored with."
- ―George Washington upon his appointment as Commander-in-Chief at the Continental Congress.[src]
Washington changed to focus on political pursuits and by 1758 became a representative of Virginia in House of Burgesses. In 1765, he became a strong supporter of the Patriots and advocate against the British Parliament's Stamp Act. The taxation imposed by the British eventually led to armed conflict with the colonists. Washington became part of the Continental Congress and due to his military service was considered to lead the Continental Army along with Charles Lee. Washington was favored because of his modesty and insistence for little pay and promise to be financially responsible.
On June 16, 1775, George Washington was appointed Commander-in-chief of the Continental Army in Philadelphia. Present at the time of his acceptance was the Assassin Ratonhnhaké:ton, now known as Connor. Washington delivered a speech declaring his humble gratitude for the position. After his speech, he was introduced to Connor by Samuel Adams. Washington had taken note of the disappointment of Charles Lee, who had wished to be appointed Commander-in-chief himself. Washington then bid farewell to Adams and Connor and then went to calm Lee from his frustrations.[2]
On June 17, 1775, the Continental Army achieved victory at Boston, led by General Israel Putnam. During the Battle of Bunker Hill, Connor discovered a plot to assassinate Washington from a letter he retrieved from the body of John Pitcairn, masterminded by Charles Lee and Haytham Kenway.
New York City
- "That man is our Jupiter Conservator, destined to lead us not just to freedom, but greatness."
- ―Mason Locke Weems.
In 1776, Washington seized and moved his forces to New York City. Connor also traveled to New York to stop Washington's would-be-murderer, Thomas Hickey, who was also enlisted in Washington's private guard. However, Connor was falsely arrested for counterfeiting and while in prison, was framed for the attempted murder of Washington and sentenced to death.
The next day, Washington was in attendance of Connor's execution, with Charles Lee presiding over as executioner. However, with the help of his Assassin allies, Connor managed to escape. In the resulting confusion, Hickey made a desperate attempt to kill Washington, however Connor quickly caught up and killed Hickey, proving his innocence. Washington left and began his journey back to Philadelphia, before leaving once again to hold New York. Washington was eventually defeated by the British Army and was forced to retreat from New York. [2]
Encamping at Valley Forge
- "If I can't take a stand against some snow, then there really is no hope for us."
- ―Washington to Connor.
Washington moved to the encampment at Valley Forge, he was also able to enlist French aid, with the vessel La Belladonna providing equipment and supplies and commissioned Marquis de Lafayette as a field secretary. Washington also hired Polish horsemen to form the Patriot Cavalry.
Washington eventually met with Connor once again in the winter 1777 at the encampment. Washington informed Connor of a traitor, Benjamin Church, and informed him of missing supply caravans. Connor volunteered to find Church and retrieve the supplies. Before leaving, Connor approached Washington, who began to experience doubt and feared that defeat was inevitable. However Connor encouraged him to continue leading his troops in their cause for freedom, renewing Washington's conviction and determination.
During his mission, Connor came upon his father, Haytham, and the two temporarily allied together. They pursued Church, eventually killing him and allowing Connor to return the stolen supplies to Washington and the Continental Army.[2]
Battle of Monmouth
- "Enjoy your victory, Commander. It will be the last I deliver you."
- ―Connor to Washington.
By 1778, Washington became concerned over the involvement of the Native Americans as several Iroquois clans allied with British to secure their independence. In response, Washington organized the Sullivan expedition, ordering them to exterminate all Native American villages to prevent their attacks against the Continental Army, even those not involved.
Connor and Haytham approached Washington, informing him of the British Army's intent to march from Philadelphia to New York. While Connor and Washington conversed, Haytham found a letter of Washington's correspondence with the Sullivan expedition, reading it aloud and shocking Connor with the truth of Washington's orders to destroy Kanatahséton, Connor's village.
Haytham also revealed that it was Washington who was responsible for the burning of his village many years ago. Washington and Haytham argued, to which Connor angrily yelled at them, stopping the argument. With his trust in Washington broken, Connor left before warning both Haytham and Washington not to stop him or he would kill them both. Connor proceeded to kill Washington's messengers, preventing the attack on his village.[2]
Washington assembled his forces in Monmouth to stop the British Army's march to New York. However, Lafayette's contingency forces outnumbered and attack by the advancing British Army. Connor arrived and joined the battle, holding off the Redcoats while Lafayette led a retreat, saving many Patriot troops.
Connor and Lafayette approached Washington, revealing that General Charles Lee betrayed him intending to force Washington to suffer defeat, to which Lafayette vouched for. Connor explained that Lee was plotting to have him killed or dishonored in order to replace him as commander. In response, Washington promised to investigate and deal with Lee, to which Connor warned him not to spare Lee. Connor left, bitterly telling Washington that their alliance was over.[2]
Washington subsequent investigation led to Lee's court martial and was charged for insubordinate behavior and poor command decisions. However, Lee was spared execution and instead was suspended from duty.
Benedict Arnold's betrayal
- "Whom can we trust now, if Patriot heroes are betraying us...?"
- ―Washington.
In 1780, Washington requested Connor's help again, revealing that West Point had been infiltrated and he had received information of a potential plot to assassinate Benedict Arnold. Connor agreed to investigate and stop the plot, but warned Washington to never call upon him, again.[2]
Connor eventually uncovered that Arnold was a traitor, collaborating with John André to give West Point to the British. Though Connor eventually exposed the plot, leading to André's arrest, Arnold escaped on board a British ship, as Connor was forced to defend the fort from Redcoats. Washington met with Connor, revealing that André will later be executed. As Washington lamented over Arnold's betrayal, Connor unsympathetically left replying "You reap what you sow."[2]
Around 1781, Washington got into contact with an Apple of Eden.[3]
Later life
- "My death has not yet quite arrived, but it is near and inevitable as night follows day."
- ―George Washington journal entry - December 14, 1799[src]
The American Revolution eventually ended, with the Patriots as the victors. In 1783, the British evacuated from the colonies, during which Connor met with Washington in New York. Connor congratulated Washington for his victory, to which Washington decided to retire and settling into a quiet life. However Connor scolded at the idea, telling Washington that he does not deserve the luxury of relinquishing his responsibility as a leader.
In 1789, Washington was elected the first President of the United States. He served until 1797, where he then retired to his home, Mount Vernon. He died in his home, Mount Vernon, on December 14, 1799, but not before writing a last entry in his journal remembering the events of his life and even remembering and naming Connor's importance in the American Revolution, and the filling in one last page on the day of his death.[1]
Legacy
Throughout his life, Washington was a landowner, a planter, soldier, politician and military hero. Despite some flaws as a leader and his poor military choices, Washington's actions were significant as an experienced officer and leader. As Commander-in-Chief, Washington was notably efficient in organizing the Continental Army by coordinating logistics, training and drilling his troops. More importantly, he maintained an elevated command presence and was a heroic icon for the Patriots, ensuring their unity, morale and dedication to the Revolution.
Inadvertently, Washington was also an obstacle to the Templars, Charles Lee in particular, and their plans to control the colonies. As a result, he was unwittingly tangled in the secret war between the Templars and Assassins, and forged a highly beneficial alliance with Connor that would greatly impact the course of the Revolution. However, the revealed truth of Washington's acts against the Native American tribes eventually alienated himself from Connor.
Washington remains an important and iconic historical figure in American history, as a founding father of the United States and its first President.
Trivia
- Despite advertisements marketing the relationship between Connor and Washington as being friends, the real interaction between the two is limited, and Connor even breaks off ties with Washington with much anger. After the war, they seemed to at least mend some civility though Connor still holds some contempt towards Washington even saying that after every thing he [Washington] has done he should not be given the luxury of peace.
- The game of bocce with Washington is only playable after the player finishes all of the Liberation missions. He is marked with a "W".
- In the memory "Execution Is Everything", it was possible for Haytham to kill George Washington, though this would cause a desynchronization.
- Washington had reddish brown hair in his youth, which he powdered in later life. However, the game depicts him with grey hair in 1755.
References