Did George Washington use profanity?
If you watched the Arts & Entertainment Network's portrayal of him in
"The Crossing" earlier this month, you might be persuaded he did. And
that's exactly why this supposedly historical look at Washington's
crossing of the Delaware River and his surprise attack on Hessian forces
during the Revolutionary War should be scrapped to the dustbins of
Hollywood history.
While there is no historical record of the precise conversations
between Washington and his troops before and during the crossing of the
Delaware, even a cursory review of what we do know about our first
president's character contradicts the fictionalized dialogue found in
"The Crossing." The fact of the matter is that Washington was an
outspoken critic of profanity. He had an aversion to it. It disgusted
him. On this the historical record is clear.
In 1756, during the French and Indian War, for instance, Col.
Washington told his commanding officer, Lt. Gov. Robert Dinwiddie: "This
I am certain of, and can call my conscience and what, I suppose, will
still be a more demonstrable proof in the eyes of the world, my orders,
to witness how much I have -- both by threats and persuasive means --
endeavored to discountenance gaming, drinking, swearing, and
irregularities of every other kind; while I have, on the other hand,
practiced every artifice to inspire a laudable emulation in the officers
for the service of their country and to encourage the soldiers in the
unerring exercise of their duty."
That was 20 years before the crossing of the Delaware. But his
opposition to profanity never changed. Subsequently he issued orders to
his troops to avoid such behavior: "The General most earnestly requires
and expects a due observance of these articles of war established for
the government of the army which forbid profane cursing, swearing and
drunkenness; and in like manner requires and expects of all officers and
soldiers not engaged on actual duty, a punctual attendance on Divine
Service to implore the blessings of Heaven upon the means used for our
safety and defense."
Those orders were issued in Massachusetts, July 4, 1775. Similar
commands were issued in New York on Aug. 3, 1776, on May 31, 1777 and
again Oct. 21, 1778.
George Washington's character remained the same throughout the war
and after. He did not tolerate swearing even among his troops, let alone
profane the name of God himself.
In fact, in his 40-year military career, there is only one time the
historical record even remotely suggests Washington may have cursed.
During the Battle of Monmouth in 1778, he dressed down General Charles
Lee for gross cowardice in the field and for refusing to carry out his
orders to attack. Some say that during this heated exchange on the
battle field, Washington swore.
But even critical historians found no basis for Washington using
profanity -- cursing the name of God or using His name in vain. Those
who have studied the record of Lee's court-martial have found no
evidence to suggest it.
Here's some of what was written about Washington by his
contemporaries:
General Henry Lee: "To his equals he was condescending, to his
inferiors kind ... Vice shuddered in his presence, and virtue always
felt his fostering hand. The purity of his private character gave
effulgence to his public virtues."
David Ramsay, military surgeon: "His private character, as well as
his public one, will bear the strictest scrutiny. He ... carried the
spirit of piety with him, both in his private life and public
administration."
General Alexander Hamilton: "If virtues can secure happiness in
another world, he is happy."
"Well, Farah," you say, "if that's the only historical mistake in
'The Crossing,' what's the big deal?"
I'll tell you what the big deal is. This is deliberate. This is
subtle deconstruction of a faithful American hero. It's a lie. And
there's purpose behind it.
Think about it. Hollywood wants you and your children to believe that
the offensive language it employs in movies and television shows is real
-- reflective of the way people actually talk, now and in the past.
Furthermore, the entertainment industry, so supportive of characterless
politicians like Bill Clinton, will do just about anything to destroy
the historical memory of truly virtuous men like Washington.
And, most importantly, Hollywood wants you to believe that taking the
Lord's name in vain is no big deal. It is. Washington understood that.
And by deliberately distorting the historical record on his basic
character, Hollywood has done a great disservice to a great man's
memory.