Do You Know About the Newburg Conspiracy of the Revolutionary War?

 

by Barbara Latta

When thinking about George Washington and the Revolutionary War we think of winning battles, crossing the Delaware on Christmas Eve and the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

But do you know what the Newburg Conspiracy is?

This event is not one of the popular topics of discussion in our historical recollection of our country. Yet had it succeeded the war would have ended a different way.

At this time, the Continental Army was housed at Newburgh, New York in 1783.

The Articles of Confederation did not allow for taxation. Congress did not have a way to finance the war and relied on the states to make voluntary payments known as requisitions. Since the financial distribution was voluntary, lack of supplies and no pay for the soldiers created unrest among the ranks.

A document was circulated among the troops with the purpose of sowing discord and stimulate mutinous actions. Speculation as to the author of the document range from the British infiltrating the army to one of Washington’s rivals, General Horatio Gates. No matter where it originated, the matter had to be dealt with.

A meeting of officers was held on March 10, 1783 and an address written by Major John Armstrong, aide-de-camp to General Gates, was also circulated with the purpose of inflaming the troops. 

He advised them to desert General Washington and to rally together to march on Congress and demand their back pay or else they would abandon their posts.

The next day, Washington called for a meeting of the troops to take place four days later. By waiting a few days, he hoped to cool their anger and implied in the message he sent that he would not be present at the meeting.

On March 15, General Gates approached the front of the room to address the men. 

The regal George Washington entered the room unexpectedly and denounced the author of the inciting document by stating, “What can this writer have in view by recommending such measures? Can he be a friend of the army? Can he be a friend of his country? Rather is he not an insidious foe?”

In concluding his statements, General Washington told his men he wanted to read a letter to them from Joseph Jones, a Congressman from Virginia. The letter sought to encourage Washington that help was on the way.

After struggling with the first paragraph, Washington hesitated, reached into his pocket for a pair of spectacles, and remarked to the faces before him, “Gentlemen, you must pardon me for I have not only grown gray but almost blind in the service to my country.”

The vulnerability of the strong man who had lead them through battle so touched the men some of them openly wept. They vowed to show their affectionate expressions and support to the one that had come to respect and honor.

George Washington again showed his great wisdom and leadership by turning the tide of the Newburg Conspiracy’s possible mutiny.

Had this happened, all those who signed the Declaration of Independence, and those who fought in the war would have been executed for crimes against the crown. When they decided to fight, they knew what was at stake.

We have lost the realization of what went into our liberation from British rule. As we follow the guidelines of the Titus 2 woman, we have the responsibility of educating our children with the knowledge that the freedoms they enjoy came about at a high price paid for by millions.

It is because of mercy, grace, and providential direction that we live in a country with a godly heritage.

Please take a few moments this Independence Day and thank the Lord Almighty that His hand was on the foundation of America.

May you have a happy and blessed celebration.

Join the conversation and share your thoughts.

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As we follow the guidelines of the Titus 2 woman, we havethe responsibility of educating our children with the knowledge that the freedoms they enjoy cameabout at a high price paid for by millions. (click to tweet)

The Newburg Conspiracy almost produced a mutiny in the RevolutionaryWar (click to tweet)