Washington was concerned that the soldiers coming to him from Massachusetts were too few and of too low quality. He was disappointed that the majority of the Massachusetts volunteers appeared to be thrill-seeking teenagers, British Army deserters and otherwise unemployed African Americans. Washington doubted that these volunteers would ever be able to stand up to the British. Much to Washington's surprise, the free black men soon proved to be exemplary soldiers.
C.L. Gammon, Guns, Politics and Independence: Correspondence between General Washington and President Hancock - June 16, 1775-July 10, 1776
african-americans, revolution, washington