George Washington – Father of our Country
No nobler figure ever stood in the forefront of a nation’s life. – John Richard Green
By Henry Cabot Lodge and Theodore Roosevelt in 1895
In the vast tapestry of American history, certain figures emerge with a brilliance that transcends time. Among these luminaries stands George Washington, a name synonymous with the birth of a nation and the embodiment of unwavering leadership. Any chronicle of American heroism, no matter how brief, must inevitably begin with this iconic figure. However, to simply recount the events of his life – his battles, his political acts as president – would fall short of capturing the true essence of George Washington. It is imperative to delve deeper, to understand the man himself, his values, and the profound impact he had on shaping the destiny of the United States and, indeed, the world. He remains a subject worthy of study and remembrance for all, and for Americans, he stands as both a glorious testament to their past and an unwavering beacon of hope for their future.
To truly comprehend the character of George Washington, it is essential to first dispel the myths and fabricated anecdotes that have accumulated around his name over the years. The cherry-tree story and other such embellishments, concocted decades after his death, serve only to obscure the reality of the man. Instead, we must endeavor to view him as he truly was, with all his complexities and strengths, without resorting to romanticized illusions. For no historical figure can withstand such scrutiny more admirably than George Washington.
Born into a prominent family during the era when aristocracy still held sway in the American colonies, Washington inherited a legacy of privilege and social standing. However, beyond this advantage of birth, his early life was marked by hardship. His family was of modest means, and the early death of his father left his mother a widow, forcing him to venture into the world at a young age with limited formal education to carve his own path. Endowed with the adventurous spirit of his lineage, he pursued a career as a surveyor, immersing himself in the vast wilderness. It was in this untamed environment that he honed his skills as a hunter and backwoodsman, developing a profound connection with the land that would later define his military strategies. Even in his youth, the gravity of his character, coupled with his remarkable mental and physical prowess, earned him the respect of those around him. Consequently, he was entrusted with responsibilities and military commands at an age when most young men were still pursuing their academic studies.
As tensions escalated on the frontier, Washington was entrusted with a perilous mission to negotiate with the Native American tribes. Despite facing numerous trials and tribulations, he successfully navigated the treacherous terrain and fulfilled his objective. When conflict erupted with France, it was the soldiers under his command who fired the opening shots in the war that would determine the fate of the North American continent. During his initial military campaign, he suffered a defeat at the hands of the enemy. Later, he served alongside General Edward Braddock, valiantly attempting to rally the demoralized British forces on the battlefield near Fort Duquesne. On that fateful day of surprise and carnage, he displayed remarkable composure and unwavering courage, traits that would become hallmarks of his leadership. He fearlessly exposed himself to enemy fire, with bullets piercing his coat and hat, leading the Native American and French combatants to believe he possessed a charmed life. Throughout the French and Indian War, he served with distinction, earning widespread admiration upon his return to his inherited estate after the cessation of hostilities.
Following his military service, Washington entered into marriage and embraced the life of a Virginia planter. He prospered in his private affairs while also serving the public with quiet effectiveness as a member of the House of Burgesses. As relations with the British Crown deteriorated, he initially hesitated to adopt radical positions. However, he remained steadfast in his conviction that any attempts to oppress the colonies should be met with resistance. Once he committed to a course of action, he never wavered. He was selected as one of Virginia’s delegates to the First Continental Congress, and despite his reserved demeanor, his fellow representatives recognized him as a figure of strength and resolve. Even at this early stage, his presence commanded respect and inspired confidence in all who interacted with him.
It was from the distant colonies of New England that the call arose for his appointment as commander-in-chief of the American Army. Without hesitation, he accepted the momentous duty, departing from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to assume command of the fledgling army in Cambridge.
The subsequent events are etched in the annals of history. From the moment he drew his sword beneath the iconic elm tree, Washington became the embodiment of the American Revolution. Without his leadership, the revolution would have likely faltered in its infancy. His ability to guide the revolution to victory amidst defeat, hardship, and seemingly insurmountable obstacles is a testament to his exceptional character.
As the war drew to a close, Washington faced a new and daunting challenge. He was revered as a national hero by both the populace and his soldiers. The army, however, remained unpaid, and the battle-hardened troops, with weapons still in hand, were eager for him to seize control of the fledgling nation, much like Cromwell had done in England a century earlier. With the army’s backing and the support of those who prioritized order above all else, Washington could have easily established himself as the ruler of the new nation.
However, such an action was antithetical to his sense of duty. He refused to participate in any such movement and, through his commanding personal influence, suppressed any similar intentions within the army. On December 23, 1783, he appeared before Congress in Annapolis, Maryland, and relinquished his commission. His address on that occasion stands as one of the most memorable speeches ever delivered in the United States, renowned for its profound meaning and spirit.
In his address, Washington stated: "Mr. President: – The great events on which my resignation depended having at length taken place, I have now the honor of offering my sincere congratulations to Congress and of presenting myself before them, to surrender into their hands the trust committed to me and to claim the indulgence of retiring from the service of my country. Happy in the confirmation of our independence and sovereignty and pleased with the opportunity afforded the United States of becoming a respectable nation, I resign with satisfaction the appointment I accepted with diffidence; a diffidence in my abilities to accomplish so arduous a task, which, however, was superseded by a confidence in the rectitude of our cause, the support of the supreme power of the Union, and the patronage of Heaven… Having now finished the work assigned me, I retire from the great theatre of action, and, bidding an affectionate farewell to this august body, under whose orders I have so long acted, I here offer my commission and take my leave of all the employments of public life.”
The renowned English novelist, Charles Dickens, reflecting on this momentous event in Annapolis, posed the question: "Which was the most splendid spectacle ever witnessed – the opening feast of Prince George in London or the resignation of Washington? Which is the noble character for after ages to admire – yon fribble dancing in lace and spangles, or yonder hero who sheathes his sword after a life of spotless honor, a purity unreproached, a courage indomitable and a consummate victory?"
Washington’s refusal to seize dictatorial power stemmed not from a fear of responsibility but from his unwavering belief in upholding his principles. He was devoid of personal ambition and had no desire for personal power. After resigning his commission, he returned to Mount Vernon but remained keenly interested in public affairs. He observed the weakening Confederation and recognized its inherent flaws. While most American statesmen remained entrenched in colonial sentiments, Washington possessed a national vision. He envisioned a unified nation emerging from the fragmented colonies, a nation destined to expand westward, control the Mississippi River, and claim the vast, unexplored territories. To achieve this, he spearheaded the national movement, attracting those who sought a stronger union and a resolution to the prevailing chaos. He consulted with Alexander Hamilton and James Madison in the preliminary stages of forming a new system of government.
His immense personal influence proved instrumental in the movement’s success. He presided over the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, and his commanding presence was essential in navigating the difficult and conflicting interests that threatened to derail the process. Once the Constitution was ratified, all eyes turned to Washington to lead the new government. Just as he had shouldered the burden of the Revolution, he now undertook the task of establishing a functioning government under the Constitution.
For eight years, he served as president. He inherited a paper constitution and a bankrupt confederation. Upon leaving office, he bequeathed to the nation an effective and vigorous government. During his presidency, the United States transitioned from a collection of loosely bound states to a unified and prosperous nation. The American identity was in its beginning.
By the time he retired from the presidency, the United States boasted an organized government, a stable revenue stream, a funded debt, a strong credit rating, an efficient banking system, a robust judiciary, and a well-equipped army. The nation had also established a clear foreign policy, regained control of western outposts, and demonstrated its ability to maintain domestic order, suppress rebellions, collect taxes, and enforce laws. Washington’s leadership demonstrated the rare combination of a revolutionary leader capable of dismantling an old order and a statesman capable of building a lasting foundation for a new nation. Following his presidential service, he returned to Mount Vernon, where he lived a quiet life until his death at the end of the century.
George Washington stands as one of the most remarkable figures in human history. His achievements, character, and impact on the world place him among the greatest of all time. Few individuals can claim such a record of accomplishment, and even fewer can boast a life so free of reproach. While eulogies are unnecessary, it is crucial to remember the man he was. He was physically imposing, tall and powerfully built, with a strong, handsome face. He was exceptionally muscular and athletic. As a youth, he excelled in outdoor sports. He was unparalleled in strength and horsemanship. As a young man, he became a skilled woodsman and hunter, capable of traversing the wilderness for days with his gun and surveyor’s tools, sleeping under the stars. He was immune to hardship and fatigue, surpassing even the most seasoned backwoodsmen in winter tracking and icy river crossings. He maintained this vigorous lifestyle throughout his life, dedicating much of his time at Mount Vernon to fox hunting, navigating challenging terrain on horseback. His physical strength and endurance played a crucial role in his success as a military commander and as president.
He was educated but not scholarly. He was a voracious reader with an excellent memory, but his life was dedicated to action, and his primary education came from the world of men. He was not a military genius in the mold of Hannibal, Caesar, or Napoleon, but he was a great soldier in the tradition of Marlborough, Cromwell, Wellington, Grant, and Lee. He demonstrated patience in defeat, strategic vision, unwavering resolve, and the ability to win both individual battles and protracted wars. Moreover, he possessed the rare quality of being a great constitutional statesman, guiding his people toward freedom without resorting to authoritarianism.
He was a man of few words. We have fewer personal anecdotes from him than from any other figure of comparable importance in history. He readily discussed his public duties but rarely spoke of himself. However, it would be a mistake to assume that Washington was cold or unfeeling.
He possessed strong desires and passions. Occasionally, he would succumb to outbursts of anger, even during his presidency. He was fearless in the face of danger and possessed a fierce fighting spirit.
However, his fiery impulses were generally controlled by an iron will, preventing them from clouding his judgment or compromising his sense of justice.
He was compassionate and empathetic, extending his sympathy to the poor, the oppressed, and the unfortunate. He treated those around him with kindness and gentleness.
These qualities are revealed through careful examination of his life, as the world saw only a silent, reserved man, who commanded awe and reverence.
Perhaps his most defining characteristic was his intellectual integrity. He was honest and honorable, but more importantly, he was self-aware. He faced reality squarely, without illusions or delusions, treating others as he wished to be treated, ultimately achieving victory in both war and peace.
He brought dignity and victory to his country. He was, indeed, a "character for after ages to admire."
Henry Cabot Lodge and Theodore Roosevelt in 1895. Compiled and edited by Kathy Alexander/Legends of America, updated January 2023.
About the Author: This article was written by Henry Cabot Lodge and Theodore Roosevelt and included in the book Hero Tales From American History, first published in 1895 by The Century Co, New York. Henry Cabot Lodge graduated from Harvard University and Harvard Law School and became a politician, lecturer, author, and friend to Theodore Roosevelt, our 26th President. Lodge died in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on November 9, 1924. The text as it appears here, however, is not verbatim, as it has been edited for clarity and ease for the modern reader.
Brief Biography:
George Washington (1732-1799) – Born on February 22, 1732, George was the first child of Augustine Washington and his second wife, Mary Ball Washington, on their Pope’s Creek Estate near present-day Colonial Beach in Westmoreland County, Virginia. His father had four children by his first wife, Jane Butler, who died young, making George the third son. When George was just six-years-old, the family moved to Ferry Farm in Stafford County, Virginia, where he was educated at home by his father and eldest brother. As a teen, Washington worked as a surveyor. After his eldest brother married into the powerful Fairfax family, George was commissioned as the first Surveyor of the newly created Culpeper County, Virginia, when he was just 17 years old. He also embarked on a career as a planter and soon joined the Virginia Militia. He was commissioned as a lieutenant colonel during the French and Indian War. He got his start in politics in 1758 when he was elected to the House of Burgesses, the local governing body of Virginia. The following year, he married Martha Dandridge Custis, a wealthy widow, on January 6, 1759. Martha had two children from her previous marriage, John Parke and Martha Parke Custis, who George helped to raise. The couple never had any children, probably due to a bout with smallpox that George had earlier suffered. The couple then moved to Mount Vernon, near Alexandria. The marriage significantly increased his property holdings and social standing, and by expanding his holdings, the Washingtons lived an aristocratic lifestyle.
Washington was appointed Commander in Chief of the Continental Army when the American Revolution broke out in 1775. The following year, the Colonists declared independence from Britain, and General Washington led patriots in the ensuing battles. The British were defeated in 1781, and the fledgling country struggled to establish itself. In 1787, Washington presided over the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, during which the U.S. Constitution was written. The Constitution was ratified the following year and went into effect in 1789. Washington was unanimously elected the first President of the United States of America by electors that same year and began establishing a new government. During his presidency, the Bill of Rights was adopted in 1791.
After his two terms in 1797, Washington returned to Mt. Vernon, where he returned to farming but continued to play a role in government when he was commissioned as a senior officer of the United States Army on July 13, 1798.
Washington died of pneumonia on December 14, 1799, at his home, Mt. Vernon. He was interred in a tomb on the estate.
© Kathy Alexander/Legends of America, updated January 2023.
Also See:
American Revolution
The Whiskey Rebellion of 1794
Declaration of Independence
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