Rodney entertained the idea that George Washington might be bought off with titles or honours. One proposed explanation links this judgment to his low opinion of army officers after years of frustrating joint operations. Robert Monckton was one of the few land commanders he respected, while Washington is compared with that rarer, effective type. On this reading, Rodney generalized from disappointing partners and misread an opponent whose character did not fit the pattern. This remains an interpretive explanation of what caused Rodney's belief.
Notable Point · 1:57:54-1:59:14
Rodney misreads George Washington through service prejudice
One explanation for Rodney's belief that Washington could be bought links it to his poor opinion of most army officers and rare respect for Monckton.