File:George Washington letter to Anthony Wayne, May 27, 1777 - DPLA - 43793e394c0ce3600f19d7e2a24a8cd1 (page 1).jpg

This letter states to General Wayne the need to retain troops and underscores the coming of one of the most important decisions George Washington made during the Revolutionary War. In an announcement to the Continental Congress Washington explained that his army would be fighting using the "Fabian Strategy," named for the Roman general Fabius Cunctator -- who defeated the Carthaginians by withdrawing whenever his army was at risk. The continental army at this time was waiting for the British general Howe to move north. In the face of this new strategy to preserve his army, Washington had to alert congress that he would not fight to hold Philadelphia, the capitol. The year 1777 would not get any easier for George Washington. This letter comes just seven months before "Mad" Anthony Wayne would join his Pennsylvania troops with Washington's for the bitter winter at Valley Forge.