What the Short-Term Militia Did
his command, 14,500 of whom were fit for duty. The effective redcoats did not exceed 6,500, yet the Father of His Country, with twice their force, dared not hazard an attack. Why? Because Washington was himself a soldier, and knew better. Although having great advantage in quantity he was over-matched in quality. The British were trained and disciplined and organized—a compact force; the Americans scarcely hung together as a mob. Bear in mind, that one group of men may be the lowest of cutthroats and plunderers—yet be soldiers. Another group, inspired by lofty purposes and highest ideals, may be no more than a mob. It is not patriotism—nor courage, but discipline and training, that marks the distinction which Washington so wisely recognized.
On account of short enlistments and the irresistible homeward tendency of recruits, Revolutionary leaders were repeatedly forced to give battle under adverse circumstances—before the terms of their men expired and left them minus an army. This caused the disas-
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