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prhmeh@aol.com. GW to Boston Selectmen July 28, 1795 “While I feel the most lively gratitude for the many instances of approbation from my country; I can no otherwise deserve it, than by obeying the dictates of my conscience.”.
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GW to Boston Selectmen July 28, 1795“While I feel the most lively gratitude for the many instances of approbation from my country; I can no otherwise deserve it, than by obeying the dictates of my conscience.”
“The nation which indulges toward another nation an habitual hatred or an habitual fondness is in some degree a slave. It is a slave to its animosity or its affection, either of which is sufficient to lead it astray from its duty and its interest.” - George Washington, “Farewell Address”
Washington’s accomplishments as president were many. The financial crisis had been solved and commerce was thriving. A Bill of Rights had been added to the Constitution [an event which could not have occurred without his support]. Thanks to his diplomacy and the victory by General Mad Anthony Wayne in the Battle of Fallen Timbers, the Ohio Country had been secured. Freedom to use the Mississippi River had been achieved by gaining a favorable treaty from Spain. The nation had avoided a costly and crippling war; and perhaps most significantly, the new government was now a going concern with many important precedents established.
‘Tis not in mortals to command success. But we’ll do more, Sempronius, we’ll deserve it. From Addison’s Cato
“No nation is to be trusted farther than it is bound by its interest, and no prudent statesman or politician will venture to depart from it.”
In order to achieve his overarching goal of a strong union, it was essential that the central government must be given enough power and authority to effectively govern, but other specific goals would have to be achieved as well. The grave problem of the national debt and sufficient funding must be solved. Commerce must be encouraged. The western frontier must be secured from both Native Americans and foreign influence. Peace must be maintained with European powers. Partisanship and sectionalism must be minimized even if they could not be eliminated. It was a tall order indeed.
THE FEDERALIST ERA1789-1800 ALEXANDER HAMILTON BACKGROUND PHILOSOPHY PROGRAM RESTORING AMERICA’S CREDIT THE NATIONAL DEBT “DISCRIMINATION” ASSUMPTION OF STATE DEBTS FUNDING NEW TAXES THE WHISKEY REBELLION
“The establishment of our new Government seemed to be the last great experiment for promoting human happiness by reasonable compact in civil Society. It was to be, in the first instance, in a considerable degree a government of accommodation as well as a government of Laws. Much was to be done by prudence, much by conciliation, much by firmness. Few who are not philosophical spectators can realize the difficult and delicate part which a man in my situation had to act.”
George Washington: Unifier “George Washington, more than any member of the Revolutionary generation, both by word and deed, advanced the concept of an American nation, and pressed for the creation of an institutional umbrella to bind America together.” - Don Higginbotham
GW combined “a dignity that forbids familiarity, mixed with an easy affability that creates love and reverence.” - Abigail Adams
“Your cool steady Temper is indispensably necessary to give a firm and manly tone to the new government… No Constitution is the same on Paper and in life. The Exercise of Authority depends on personal Character; and the Whips and Reins by which an able Character governs unruly steeds will only hurl the unskillful Presumer with more speedy & headlong Violence to the Earth. The Horses once trained may be managed by a Woman or a Child; not so when they first feel the Bit. And indeed among these 13 Horses now about to be coupled together there are some of every Race and Character. They will listen to your Voice, and submit to your control; you therefore must I say Must mount this seat.”
“Throughout his life, the ambition for distinction spun inside George Washington like a dynamo, generating the astounding energy with which he produced his greatest historical achievement, himself.” [Paul longmore, The Invention of George Washington]
George Washington as President1789-1797 Why He Accepted the Call His Strengths His Goals The Challenges and Problems The Financial Crisis Alexander Hamilton’s Program The National Debt Debate over Assumption
GW and The Constitution“The Indispensable Man” Encourages JM’s Virginia Plan Agrees to attend the Convention Presides over the convention Strongly supports ratification Agrees to be President GW’s Early Hesitation to Attend Violate his pledge to retire Connection to Society of Cincinnati Question of Legality Likelihood of failure and damage to his influence and reputation. [Timing]
“The central mystery of Washington’s character is how he learned to control his fiery temper and developed the patience, fortitude and discerning judgment that enable him to lead the American army and later the new nation.”
“If it be a sin to covet honor, he was the most offending soul alive.” - Shakespeare, Henry V
