When it was reported to General Washington that the army was frequently indulging in swearing, he immediately sent out the following order: The general is sorry to be informed that the foolish and wicked practice of profane cursing and swearing — a vice little known heretofore in the American army — is growing into fashion. Let the men and officers reflect 'that we can not hope for the blessing of heaven on our army if we insult it by our impiety and folly.'
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The Nation's first chief executive took his oath of office in April in New York City on the balcony of read more
The Nation's first chief executive took his oath of office in April in New York City on the balcony of the Senate Chamber at Federal Hall on Wall Street. General Washington had been unanimously elected President by the first electoral college, and John Ad
The new constitution established a president with powers unheard of in the republican United States. Some even wanted him to read more
The new constitution established a president with powers unheard of in the republican United States. Some even wanted him to be king, a thought that GW found ludicrous: What astonishing changes a few years are capable of producing! I am told that even respectable characters speak of a monarchical form of government without horror. From thinking proceeds speaking, thence to acting is often but a single step. But how irrevocable and tremendous! What a triumph for the advocates of despotism to find that we are incapable of governing ourselves, and that systems founded on the basis of equal liberty are merely ideal & fallacious!
One of his officers, Henry Lee, summed up contemporary public opinion of Washington: First in war, first in peace, and read more
One of his officers, Henry Lee, summed up contemporary public opinion of Washington: First in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen.
If we desire to avoid insult, we must be able to repel it; if we desire to secure peace, one read more
If we desire to avoid insult, we must be able to repel it; if we desire to secure peace, one of the most powerful instruments of our rising prosperity, it must be known, that we are at all times ready for War.
I go to the chair of government with feelings not unlike those of a culprit who is going to the read more
I go to the chair of government with feelings not unlike those of a culprit who is going to the place of his execution.
Our country's honor calls upon us for a vigorous and manly exertion; and if we now shamefully fail, we shall read more
Our country's honor calls upon us for a vigorous and manly exertion; and if we now shamefully fail, we shall become infamous to the whole world.
I die hard but am not afraid to go.
I die hard but am not afraid to go.
The preservation of the sacred fire of liberty and the destiny of the republican model of government are justly considered read more
The preservation of the sacred fire of liberty and the destiny of the republican model of government are justly considered ... deeply, ... finally, staked on the experiment entrusted to the hands of the American people.
I know [patriotism] exists, and I know it has done much in the present contest. But a great and lasting read more
I know [patriotism] exists, and I know it has done much in the present contest. But a great and lasting war can never be supported on this principle alone. It must be aided by a prospect of interest, or some reward.
