Amazingly, Washington did not have the authority to even offer these gifts: although an order en route to him authorized him to do so, Washington had yet to receive the order. The same order conferred upon Washington near-dictatorial powers in leading, providing for, and commanding his army. It is a credit to Washington and the spirit of America that he never considered maintaining this great power past its need. | Amazingly, Washington did not have the authority to even offer these gifts: although an order en route to him authorized him to do so, Washington had yet to receive the order. The same order conferred upon Washington near-dictatorial powers in leading, providing for, and commanding his army. It is a credit to Washington and the spirit of America that he never considered maintaining this great power past its need. |