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Here’s what you’ll learn when you read this story:

When the Continental Army formed 250 years ago at the beginning of the Revolutionary War , George Washington was appointed its commander-in-chief and major general.

During the winter of 1779–1780, British forces plotted to kidnap Washington from his headquarters in Morristown, New Jersey.

The kidnapping plot failed, partially due to one unlikely factor.

In the 250 years since the Continental Army was formed, on June 14, 1775, many episodes that early American fighting force faced have been etched into the collective consciousness. The victories at Saratoga and Yorktown, the brutal conditions of Valley Forge, they’re stories of military resilience every generation of Americans has been brought up to know.

Still, more th

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