REMEMBERING NON-REVISED HISTORY: MAY 11, 2013

George Washington

First President of the United States (1789-1797)

Father of the United States of America,
General of the Revolutionary Army, President of the Constitutional Convention

Biography
George Washington (February 22, 1732 – December 14, 1799) was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, serving as the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. He also presided over the convention that drafted the Constitution, which replaced the Articles of Confederation. The Constitution established the position of President of the United States, which Washington was the first to hold. » Full Bio

» See All 'Quotable Quotes'

---

This Day In History 237 Years Ago

May 11, 1776

Washington Recommends Using
German-American Troops To Congress

On this day in 1776, in a letter addressed to the president of Congress, American General George Washington recommends raising companies of German-Americans to use against the German mercenaries anticipated to fight for Britain. Washington hoped this would engender a spirit of disaffection and desertion among Britain's paid soldiers.

Washington surmised that If a few trusty, sensible fellows could get with them, I should think they would have great weight and influence with the common Soldiery, who certainly have no enmity towards us, having received no Injury, nor cause of Quartell [sic] from us." Though Washington was correct in realizing that many so-called English colonists were actually German immigrants, he was apparently unaware that most Germans living in the American colonies spoke southern German dialects, and they might well be derided by the British mercenaries—Hessians from the central German territory of Hesse—if they could understand one another at all. » Full Article

Significant Events This Day In History

                     » History