Rodney had never met George Washington, yet suggested that the former army officer might be susceptible to purchase. In this reading, the remark primarily expresses Rodney's service prejudice, shaped by repeated encounters with inactive or purchase-commissioned British army officers. Rodney distinguished rare energetic and patriotic soldiers from men who remained idle aboard his ships during joint operations. Institutional experience and interservice resentment can distort an officer's judgment of an opponent.
Notable Point · 1:09:50-1:11:02
Rodney's view of Washington and army officers
One interpretation links Rodney's suggestion that Washington could be bought to his poor opinion of army officers, despite having no personal knowledge of the American commander.