54 Presidents and American Symbols: Supplemental Guide 3A | A Clever General
Show image 3A-3: Boston and Ticonderoga
Colonel Knox thought for a few moments. Then he asked, “Sir, would
fifty cannons help?”Washington looked surprised. “Where could we get... ?”Immediately Washington realized he knew the answer. “Fort
Ticonderoga [ty-KAHN-dur-O-gah]!” he exclaimed.The American army had captured—or had taken control of—Fort
Ticonderoga from the British army. They also captured the cannons
that were there, too.“Brilliant idea, Colonel!” Washington praised Knox.“In the morning, you and a team of soldiers will leave to bring those
cannons here. Travel as quickly as you can!” ordered General
Washington.[Point to Boston and then to Ticonderoga. Explain that Knox and his men
were to travel from Boston to Ticonderoga to get the cannons. Ask: “How do
you think they will get there? How long do you think it will take them to bring
the cannons back?” Remind students that long ago there were no airplanes
or cars. The soldiers traveled on horse or by foot. You may wish to record
student predictions about how long it might take the soldiers to bring back the
cannons.]
Show image 3A-4: Washington’s ruse
“Meanwhile, my job here will be to convince the British general,
General Howe, that we are too strong for him to attack.”General Washington came up with a clever idea. He called his
soldiers together and said, “Build high mounds—or huge piles—of
dirt in front of our camp. General Howe must not be able to see
past the dirt. Then, taking turns, you all will march up and down the
mounds. You must not stop marching up and down the mounds so
that General Howe and the British army will think that we have more
soldiers than we really do.”[Explain what is happening in the image. Point out the American army and the
British army. Point out the mound and explain that a mound is a pile of dirt.
Explain that the British army could not see what was behind the mounds.]