An Uptight Leader Who Surprised His Men With a Turn to Humor
Washington Crossing the Delaware portrays George Washington standing at a boat’s prow, staring determinedly at the enemy shore, while flanked by other Patriot-laden boats. The painting’s portrayal of Washington is true to the essence of what is known of the man. He was known for his aura of detached dignity, and the wall of formality that separated him from subordinates. The depiction was not true, however, to Washington’s actual conduct at the event: it was one of the rare occasions when the general let down the formality, and cracked jokes.
Washington’s cold, hungry, and demoralized troops clambered into boats on an exceptionally frigid winter night, made even more miserable by driving sleet. When it was Washington’s turn to get into a boat, he looked at Henry Knox, his overweight artillery chief, and said: “Shift your fat ass, Harry! But don’t swamp the damn boat!” All things considered, it was not exactly a comedic gem. But any levity from George Washington in public, especially on such a serious occasion, was highly unusual.