His Excellency: George Washington

Military uniforms—indeed clothes in general—play an important role for Washington. As commander of the Virginia regiment, he designs original blue-and-scarlet uniforms for his soldiers, aiming to make them look as distinctive and professional as their British counterparts. In the lead-up to the Revolution, Washington attends the Continental Congress wearing his uniform as a signal that he is ready for war and perhaps as “a conspicuous statement of his candidacy” (70) for commander.

The blue-and-buff uniform that Washington wears as commander of the Continental Army becomes a recognizable emblem, seen in many of his portraits. Later, when war with France seems a possibility, Washington attempts to revamp the Continental Army and orders an exact replica of his old uniform, but the tailor is unable to find the exact materials. Ellis sees this as symbolic of the fact that Washington cannot recreate his past glories (254).

For his inauguration ceremony as president, Washington seeks to counter his royal-like image by ordering a suit to be made of simple broadcloth (184). In each of these instances, Washington’s uniform means something beyond mere clothes: It symbolizes dignity, office, character, and style of living. 

The concept of “Fabian war” (or “War of Posts”) is one of two important allusions in the narrative to classical Roman history. Fabius Cunctator was a Roman general whose policy of withdrawing whenever his army’s fate was at risk allowed him to defeat the Carthaginians. The Fabian war is an inherently defensive way to fight, and Washington at first scorns it as the “preferred approach of the weak” (101). However, Washington comes to realize that his troops simply cannot match the British in manpower and skill. Therefore, he resolves to become an “American Fabius” and outlines a new strategy in which his army concentrates on preserving themselves while harassing the enemy through small skirmishes. Washington’s embrace of a Fabian strategy marks a crucial moment, in which he accepts the reality of his situation and puts the safety of his troops over personal pride.