Was there a time when George Washington discovered some of his soldiers absolutely refused to swear loyalty and obedience to the Continental Congress?
Upvote:2
I can't provide a good answer, but I think this is an amalgamation of several events; I'm not aware of anyone refusing to swear to the Continental Congress on this basis, but I am aware of units refusing orders that violated their charters.
First, the Oaths Clause, which touches in turn on State's Rights as discussed in the Federalist period.
Second the ongoing challenge that Washington had in retaining recruits, most of whom were obligated to state militia and had no obligation or desire to serve in "national" conflicts. ( I regret that I cannot find a more terse summary)
The first American armies were formed of men from the original colonial militias. These citizen soldiers performed valiantly in many battles, but their commitment to the overall war effort was often dictated by the extent of British aggression in their home colony and the duties of farm and family life. Regular military commanders, including George Washington, could not rely solely on the militia to fight the war for independence. History.Org
You are correct and perceptive to bound the question to after Washington was confirmed as Commander In Chief, (again, I regret the longwinded quote)
Washington was never enamored of the militia, once writing that "to place any dependence upon militia is assuredly resting upon a broken staff." Toward the end of summer in 1775, he noticed that farmers serving in the militia vacated the field of battle as harvest time approached. Militia units dissolved when hostilities moved away from their home locales. Discipline was all but nonexistent in many units because most elected their officers and command authority was thus compromised. Of the New England militia, Washington wrote, "Their officers generally speaking are the most indifferent kind of people I ever saw." Militia privates ignored commands issued by officers of the Regular Army, which disturbed Washington. History.Org
I think the third element of this mix is the militia's refusal to serve away from home,
The fervor of the early days in the reorganized militias wore off in the long grind of an eight-year war. Now the right to elect their own officers was used to demand that the men not serve away from their state. Wikipedia:Militia
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