1776

by

David McCullough

General Charles Lee Character Analysis

General Charles Lee is an old friend and fellow general of George Washington. During the early stages of the Revolutionary War, he’s Washington’s second-in-command. However, Lee is headstrong and arrogant, and as 1776 drags on, he begins to question some of Washington’s military decisions, claiming that he could have done a better job commanding the American troops in New York and New Jersey. Lee even corresponds with Washington’s close friend and secretary, Joseph Reed, claiming that Washington is indecisive and weak. Despite his occasional arrogance and disloyalty, Lee is a talented general and an important asset for the American cause, and when he’s arrested at the end of 1776, it’s a major setback for Washington and his troops.

General Charles Lee Quotes in 1776

The 1776 quotes below are all either spoken by General Charles Lee or refer to General Charles Lee. For each quote, you can also see the other characters and themes related to it (each theme is indicated by its own dot and icon, like this one:
Military Strategy Theme Icon
).
Chapter 7 Quotes

Possibly, Washington was more hurt than angry. Later he would tell Reed, "I was hurt not because I thought my judgment wronged by the expressions contained in it [the letter], but because the same sentiments were not communicated immediately to myself." Possibly the charge of "fatal indecision of mind" also hurt deeply, because Washington knew it to be true.

Related Characters: George Washington (speaker), Joseph Reed, General Charles Lee
Page Number: 255
Explanation and Analysis:
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General Charles Lee Quotes in 1776

The 1776 quotes below are all either spoken by General Charles Lee or refer to General Charles Lee. For each quote, you can also see the other characters and themes related to it (each theme is indicated by its own dot and icon, like this one:
Military Strategy Theme Icon
).
Chapter 7 Quotes

Possibly, Washington was more hurt than angry. Later he would tell Reed, "I was hurt not because I thought my judgment wronged by the expressions contained in it [the letter], but because the same sentiments were not communicated immediately to myself." Possibly the charge of "fatal indecision of mind" also hurt deeply, because Washington knew it to be true.

Related Characters: George Washington (speaker), Joseph Reed, General Charles Lee
Page Number: 255
Explanation and Analysis: