There is an interesting intrigue which took place in America during the Years of 76 and it involved General Washington writing to President Laurens of Congress to put a stop to an invasion of Canada, which was to be undertaken by LaFayette.
In the letter, Washington explains his foresight in something no one had even considered.
"This was the introduction of French troops into Canada to take possession of the capital, in the midst of a people of their own race and religion, and but recently severed from them. He pointed out the enormous advantages which would accrue to France from the possession of Canada, such as independent posts, control of the Indians, and the Newfoundland trade. "France, ... possessed of New Orleans on our right, Canada on our left, and seconded by the numerous tribes of Indians in our rear, ... would, it is much to be apprehended, have it in her power to give law to these States." He went on to show that France might easily find an excuse for such conduct, in seeking a surety for her advances of money, and that she had but little to fear from the contingency of our being driven to reunite with England.
Men are very apt to run into extremes. Hatred to England may carry some into an excess of confidence in France, especially when motives of gratitude are thrown into the scale."
Henry Cabot Lodge. George Washington
Think of the brilliance of George Washington not trusting ally France any more than what he could contain her. It was the reality of a few short years later during the French Revolution that America almost went to war with France during the John Adams administration.
What disaster would have befell America. No Louisiana Purchase by Thomas Jefferson. America hemmed in at the Ohio, and never any western expanison, as Napoleon would have his emperors in Quebec, the Mississippi, New Orleans and Mexico.
America owes so very much to this George Washington, the first American President. He was the most honorable, brilliant, tactical, political and militarist leader, perhaps on any world stage.
This requires remembering and noting as he saw the picture past, present and future in the small brush strokes and the broad.
agtG
