Introductory Information for the Songs
"War and Washington" and "The Surrender of Cornwallis"

One way of understanding how the everyday person in the 1700s viewed Washington is by taking a look at the popular songs of the time. These two songs, "War and Washington" and "The Surrender of Cornwallis," were set to a tune that nearly everyone at the time knew, "The British Grenadiers." But where "The British Grenadiers" celebrated the fighting forces of Great Britain, these songs celebrated the rival colonists. Songs like these were "of the people" - they were meant to be sung at public gatherings and gain wider support for independence.

In addition, these songs were topical; that is, they explained current events in words everyone could understand. Topical songs broadcast important events of the day; it was one way people got their news. Washington's heroism on the battlefield is celebrated in "The Surrender of Cornwallis," which recounts the decisive battle of Yorktown in song. Even more significant is "War and Washington." The fourth verse depicts the general as "god-like," with all the power and righteousness most gods had in ancient myth. In the songs of the people, Washington emerges not only as a hero to patriotic Americans but also a larger-than-life symbol of American values.

"War and Washington"
"The Surrender of Cornwallis"

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