Washington, George

Recognition of the Value of Deception

Washington's noble nature did not, however, mean that he did not understand the value of utilizing deceit for strategic reasons and advantage against enemies. As commander of the Revolutionary Army, Washington employed a network of spies and informants to assure that the United States remained a step ahead of the British at every turn. Washington's system of deception included planting false information, denying important pieces of information, and causing an overwhelming sense of confusion. While the soldiers spent a terrifying winter in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, Washington was concerned with keeping the British away because he was understaffed and unprepared for prolonged fighting. Washington wrote a series of reports that convinced British General William Howe that Valley Forge was fortified by strong numbers, preventing what would have been a horrible defeat.

Further, in his daily operating plans, Washington was able to mask actual plans and movements by using feints and ploys. When he suggested different potential attack targets, he succeeded in throwing the British off track. Deception played a significant role in the conclusion of the Revolutionary War. Washington made strong assertions that he was diverting all attention toward New York (Staten Island specifically), fully aware that Howe and the British would be listening. Then, he chose to instead head to Yorktown, producing a dramatic victory that started the process of concluding years of battle. To protect his country, even Washington—the most noble and honest of men—was willing to partake in some degree of lying.

Unlike other former presidents, it is difficult to find examples of personal acts of deceit executed by Washington. Many questioned Washington's religious beliefs during his lifetime. Unwilling to speak much about the topic, Washington faced serious questions about whether he believed in God and how his faith (or lack thereof) could impact the development of a largely Christian nation. While the majority of the colonists were members of a Christian denomination (e.g., Puritan, Congregationalist, or Anglican), including Washington's wife and family, the majority of those who rose to elite leadership positions, including the Founding Fathers, were Deists, which did not mix well with Christianity. Even though both religions contain common elements of morality, and they agree for the most part on what constitutes good deeds and proper behavior, the fundamental doctrines concerning which God they worship differs greatly and are incompatible. While scholars today still question Washington's theological beliefs, few have made any progress in proving that he ever concealed his true feelings.

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