This book goes back to the summer of 2004, when I was invited to speak at Fort Necessity, Pennsylvania, as part of a weekend of events to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the young George Washington’s defeat there. By that time I had already had the pleasure of meeting Robert and Mary Matzen of Paladin Communications, who asked me to participate, as an on-screen commentator, in what would become a trilogy of award-winning dramatized documentaries examining Washington’s career before the Revolutionary War. Interviews conducted for the third of their films, Pursuit of Honor: the Rise of George Washington, prompted me to begin exploring themes that ultimately became central to George Washington: Gentleman Warrior. These were shot in 2005 during the 17th Annual French and Indian War History Seminar, organized by the Braddock Road Preservation Association at Jumonville, Pennsylvania, just a short hike from the rocky glen where Washington helped to trigger a war that changed the course of North America’s history.
Since then, the opportunity to speak at other conferences in both Great Britain and the United States has proved extremely helpful in shaping my ideas. While actually writing my book I was fortunate to have the chance to talk about the wars that made Washington’s reputation, and his relationship with the British Army, at Fort Loudoun, Vonore, Tennessee, in August 2010 and at the University of Leeds, Yorkshire, in July 2011. Both of these very lively and stimulating gatherings provided me with useful and timely feedback as I finalized my arguments. Thanks also go to Kurt A. Bodling, of the library at George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens, for his courteous response to my inquiries. It is likewise a pleasure to acknowledge the help I’ve received from Tony Morris and John Houlding.
Through my research interests in Colonial and Revolutionary America I have been lucky enough to strike up some enduring transatlantic friendships. For their continuing fellowship and hospitality I’m especially grateful to Walt and Sue Powell, Martin and Penny West, Jeff and Diane Wells, Nick Westbrook, Tom Hatley, David Miller, Ian McCulloch, John-Eric Nelson, Anthony Hatch, and Tom Fink. Two other American friends, R. Scott Stephenson and Will Tatum, generously helped to confirm sources for me. On several trips to western Pennsylvania I also enjoyed meeting the late David Dixon, a fine scholar and a good companion who is greatly missed.
In Amsterdam, where the extensive American history collection in the University humanities library was an invaluable resource, I have much appreciated the company of Ray Barlow and Alex Thirlwall. Neither of them is a historian, but both have listened to my ramblings in the city’s hostelries without complaint and maintained a keen interest in the project’s progress. Another friend and drinking companion, Andy Robb, kindly read one of my draft chapters while recovering in hospital following surgery. I’m also obliged to Dick Visser, whose expertise saved the day when my aged computer crashed at a critical moment.
From the outset, all at my London publisher, Quercus, have shown professionalism, enthusiasm, and consideration. Crucially, nonfiction publishing director Richard Milner allowed me scope to refocus the book along new lines. I also owe special thanks to my editor, Joshua Ireland, for all his patience, encouragement, and close attention to the manuscript. His thoughtful comments have resulted in a much-improved book. In addition, I wish to thank picture researcher Elaine Willis for her indefatigable efforts in tracking down the precise images that I wanted, Bill Donohoe for transforming my rough sketches into clear and attractive maps, and David Watson for his thorough copy editing of the original British text. The North American edition has benefited enormously from the diligence of Nathaniel Marunas and his colleagues at the Quercus Publishing offices in New York, especially copy editor Mary Anne Stewart and managing editor Theresa Deal.
Finally, I have always valued the interest shown in my work by all of my family, and especially the unstinting support and understanding of my wife, Laura, and our children, Milly and Ivan. This book is dedicated to them with affection and gratitude.