Washington did not believe that the militia would help during the war. In the early stages of the war, Washington was correct. The militia performed poorly at Brandywine Creek in 1777 and then again at Germantown on October 4, 1777 (174). The failure at these battles was due not only to the militia retreating, but also to bad luck and confusion. Washington’s plan at Germantown was sound, but complicated for an army containing so many militias. During the battle at Camden, SC, later in the war, members of the militia threw away their arms and ran. As the war raged on, Washington did not comprehend how important the militia would be to the success of the American
Washington did not believe that the militia would help during the war. In the early stages of the war, Washington was correct. The militia performed poorly at Brandywine Creek in 1777 and then again at Germantown on October 4, 1777 (174). The failure at these battles was due not only to the militia retreating, but also to bad luck and confusion. Washington’s plan at Germantown was sound, but complicated for an army containing so many militias. During the battle at Camden, SC, later in the war, members of the militia threw away their arms and ran. As the war raged on, Washington did not comprehend how important the militia would be to the success of the American