George Washington (1732–1799)

“Illustrious man! deriving honor less from the splendor of his situation than from the dignity of his mind; before whom all borrowed greatness sinks into insignificance.” — Charles James Fox, British Parliament.

Selected Writings

To George William Fairfax, in England
May 31, 1775

The once happy and peaceful plains of America are either to be drenched with blood or inhabited by slaves. Sad alternative! But can a virtuous man hesitate in his choice?

To the President of Congress, upon his Appointment as Commander-in-Chief
June 16, 1775

Mr. President: Though I am truly sensible of the high honor done me in this appointment, yet I feel great distress from a consciousness that my abilities and military experience may not be equal to the extensive and important trust. However, as the Congress desire it, I will enter upon the momentous duty and exert every power I possess in their service for the support of the glorious cause. … As to pay, Sir, I beg leave to assure the Congress that, as no pecuniary consideration could have tempted me to accept this arduous employment at the expense of my domestic ease and happiness, I do not wish to make any profit from it. I will keep an exact account of my expenses. Those I doubt not they will discharge, and that is all I desire.

First Order to the Continental Army
July 4, 1775

It is hoped that all distinctions of Colonies will be laid aside; so that one and the same spirit may animate the whole, and the only contest be who shall render, on this great and trying occasion, the most essential service to the great and common cause in which we are all engaged.

Army Order: Prohibition of Gaming (1776)

At this time of public distress, men may have enough to do in the service of God and their country, without abandoning themselves to vice and immorality. It is a noble cause in which we are engaged: it is the cause of virtue and mankind; every advantage and comfort to us and our posterity depend upon the vigor of our exertions. In short, Freedom or Slavery must be the result of our conduct.

To the Congress (1777)

I find they have done me the honor to intrust me with powers in my military capacity of the highest nature and almost unlimited in extent. … The sword was the last resort for the preservation of our liberties, so it ought to be the first thing laid aside when those liberties are firmly established.

Letter during the Winter of Valley Forge
December 23, 1777

I can assure those gentlemen that it is a much easier and less distressing thing to draw remonstrances in a comfortable room by a good fireside, than to occupy a cold, bleak hill and sleep under frost and snow without clothes or blankets. … Though they seem to have little feeling for the naked and distressed soldiers, I feel superabundantly for them, and from my soul I pity those miseries which it is neither in my power to relieve nor prevent.

To Lund Washington
April 30, 1781

It would have been a less painful circumstance to me to have heard that in consequence of your non-compliance with their request, they had burned my house and laid the plantation in ruins. You ought to have considered yourself as my representative, and should have reflected on the bad example of communicating with the enemy, and making a voluntary offer of refreshments to them with a view to prevent conflagration.

Reply to Col. Lewis Nicola, Proposing a Monarchy
May 22, 1782

No occurrence in the course of the war has given me more painful sensations than your information of there being such ideas existing in the army. … Let me conjure you, then, if you have any regard for your country, concern for yourself or posterity, or respect for me, to banish these thoughts from your mind.

To the Governors of All the States
June 8, 1783

The citizens of America, placed in the most enviable condition as the sole lords and proprietors of a vast tract of continent, abounding with all the necessaries and conveniences of life, are now, by the late satisfactory pacification, acknowledged to be possessed of absolute freedom and independency.
There are four things essential to the well-being, I may even venture to say to the existence, of the United States, as an independent power:

1. An indissoluble union of the States under one federal head.
2. A sacred regard to public justice.
3. The adoption of a proper peace establishment.
4. The prevalence of that pacific and friendly disposition among the people of the United States which will induce them to forget their local prejudices and make those mutual concessions requisite to the general prosperity.

First Inaugural Address
April 30, 1789

No people can be bound to acknowledge and adore the invisible hand which conducts the affairs of men more than the people of the United States. … The preservation of the sacred fire of liberty, and the destiny of the republican model of government, are justly considered as deeply, perhaps as finally staked, on the experiment intrusted to the hands of the American people.

First Annual Address to Congress
January 8, 1790

Among the many interesting objects which will engage your attention, that of providing for the common defence will merit particular regard. To be prepared for war is one of the most effectual means of preserving peace. A free people ought not only to be armed, but disciplined.

Farewell Address to the People of the United States
September 19, 1796

It is of infinite moment that you should properly estimate the immense value of your national Union … cherish a cordial, habitual, and immovable attachment to it.
The name of American must always exalt the just pride of patriotism more than any appellation derived from local discriminations.
The basis of our political systems is the right of the people to make and to alter their constitutions of government. … All obstructions to the execution of the laws, all combinations and associations with the real design to direct or awe the regular action of the constituted authorities, are destructive of this fundamental principle.
Let me warn you in the most solemn manner against the baneful effects of the spirit of party. … It serves always to distract the public councils and enfeeble the administration.
Observe good faith and justice toward all nations; cultivate peace and harmony with all.