In March of 1783, a fatigued Continental Army contemplated a mutiny against Washington, over unpaid wages. Called the Newburgh Conspiracy, it was the result of Congress deciding not to pay the soldiers post retirement, once they’d won the Revolutionary War. The army was planning to attack the senior officers and Washington and in true 1700’s fashion, probably murdered them.

In true Washington fashion, he got wind of the mutiny, ambushed his senior officers and gave an impassioned speech about sacrifice and the greater good, and the men decided against revolt. Washington then was able to get Congress to compromise and get his men some money.