george washington facts

This President's Day I have found an interesting post on George Washington.

From mountvernon.org here is post about 10 facts about George Washington. I am spotlighting some highlights from this post. 

Prior to Yorktown, the American military effort was facing destruction. In January 1781 Washington was very concerned. Money was short and the French had seen setbacks. In May of that year Washington's situation began to improve. France had given a gift to the American treasury and the French fleet drove off the relief expedition to aid Cornwallis at Yorktown. Good news indeed. With aid from the French at Yorktown, Washington laid siege on September 28, 1781.  

A consistent supply chain hindered Washington and he had issues with the Continental Congress on this particular matter.  Washington was focused on management and organization. He maintained the army throughout good times and bad. 

Supply problems were rife at Valley Forge. Bad roads hindered the supply chain. 

Washington was appointed as Commander of the Continental Army on June 14, 1775. This position lasted more than six years. Washington had not commanded a large army in the field before. However, Washington brought his organizational skills to the command. British Army formations were having difficulty going through much of the terrain. Washington used this to his advantage.

Washington developed risky plans to divert attention away from the British. Not all of his plans worked but he was able to allude destruction by the British. 

Studying Washington is fun and I've enjoyed digging in to learn more.

first state of the union

On January 8, 1790 President George Washington gave the First Annual Message to a Joint Session of Congress.

It is known more today as the State of the Union Address.

It was held in the Senate Chamber of Federal Hall in New York City.

Washington's speech was a milestone for the Constitution. He was displaying the separations of the three branches of government. 

Washington’s address was a precisely calibrated political statement. The president was positive and encouraging, even as he subtly sought to direct the actions of Congress.

Federal Hall - New York City

Washington did make the call for a standing army. He also touched on establishing a currency and the need for standardized weights and measures. Oh yes, and there was immigration. He too mentioned a need for a postal system and education improvement.

Washington new the challenges that lay ahead for the new nation. He addressed them with determination. He proved he was a leader. He proved he was sincere.

The source for this post: First Annual Address

 

the death of george washington

George Washington died December 14, 1799

Washington wasn't feeling well on the morning of December 13th. Throughout the day his condition worsened. He had had two wills. He read them over and threw one into the fire. His funeral was on December 18th.

Washington had left in his will to emancipate all of the enslaved people he had owned after Martha Washington's death. She signed a deed of manumission and they were freed on January 1st, 1801.

Martha Washington

George and Martha Washington are buried in the New Tomb at Mount Vernon.

Here's 8 Facts About Washington's Death from mountvernon.org

igniting the american revolution

Igniting the American Revolution brings to life the people of Boston and Massachusetts in the lead up to armed conflict.  There’s a balanced picture of American patriots, British loyalists and royal representatives.  Samuel Adams, Paul Revere, Dr. Joseph Warren, Dr. Benjamin Church and General Thomas Gage are not shown as caricatures, but as complete human beings.

Igniting the American Revolution combines people, politics and military insight to create an educational, entertaining and inspirational page turning rendition of history.

Derek Beck thoroughly documents the events in this book, but does not interrupt the narrative with the documentation.

Derek Beck

This book is the first in Derek Beck’s ten year project about the American Revolution.

 Book Review: Igniting the American Revolution, 1773-1775

abigail writes her husband

England rejected The Olive Branch Petition. Abigail Adams, wife of John Adams, wrote her husband on November 12, 1775 after hearing the news.

“Let us separate, they are unworthy to be our Brethren. Let us renounce them and instead of supplications as formerly for their prosperity and happiness, Let us beseech the almighty to blast their councils and bring to Nought all their devices.”

 

The Olive Branch Petition was authored by John Dickinson the previous July. It appealed directly to King George III and expressed hope for reconciliation between the colonies and Great Britain. The feeling was that most colonists were disgusted with Parliament. 

There was a belief that the king cared for his subjects welfare. When he refused to accept The Olive Branch Petition, the shift from Parliament to the king had already begun. The rejection of the petition solidified that notion. 

Abigail Adams

The blame for the depletion of rights was placed squarely on the shoulders of King George III.

Sources for this post:

Abigail Adams leads on history.com

Abigail Adams on wikipedia