The following quotations from Washington are arranged in outline form. They represent the many facets of his life, and illustrate the principles by which he lived his life, and the wisdom by which he reached his unwavering decisions. Also, note that an important quotation is found at the head of each chapter throughout this book.
I. Character and Education
II. Virtue and Vice, Personality and Emotions
III. Family
IV. Government and Leadership
V. Military and Patriotism
VI. Business and Finances
VII. Politics and Media
VIII. Slavery
Unless otherwise noted all the quotations are from the Writings of George Washington edited by John C. Fitzpatrick and found online at http://etext.lib.virginia.edu/washington/fitzpatrick/
I. CHARACTER AND EDUCATION
A. Character
1. Character
a) To THE SECRETARY OF STATE, Philadelphia, March 3, 1797.
“I have thought it expedient to notice the publication of certain forged letters which first appeared in the year 1777,…Another crisis in the affairs of America having occurred, the same weapon has been resorted to, to wound my character and deceive the people.”
b) To REVEREND ISRAEL EVANS, Head Qrs. Valley-forge, March 13, 1778.
“It is more especially incumbent upon me to thank you for the honorable, but partial mention you have made of my character; and to assure you, that it will ever be the first wish of my heart to aid your pious endeavours to inculcate a due sense of the dependance we ought to place in that all wise and powerful Being on whom alone our success depends.”
c) To GOVERNOR JONATHAN TRUMBULL, September 21, 1775.
“It gives me real concern to observe yours of the 15th Inst. that you should think it Necessary to distinguish between my Personal and Public Character and confine your Esteem to the former.”
d) To BROWN & FRANCIS, Philadelphia, January 7, 1792.
“In my public capacity you will readily see that such a thing could not be done; and abroad, it would be almost impossible to separate my private from my official character, in a case of this kind.”
2. Deeds
a) To MAJOR GENERAL JOHN SULLIVAN, December 15, 1779.
“A slender acquaintance with the world must convince every man, that actions, not words, are the true criterion of the attachment of his friends, and that the most liberal professions of good will are very far from being the surest marks of it.”
b) To PATRICK HENRY, January 15, 1799.
“The views of men can only be known, or guessed at, by their words or actions.”
B. Education
1. Education
a) To GOVERNOR ROBERT BROOKE, Philadelphia, March 16, 1795.
“It is with indescribable regret, that I have seen the youth of the United States migrating to foreign countries, in order to acquire the higher branches of erudition, and to obtain a knowledge of the Sciences. Altho’ it would be injustice to many to pronounce the certainty of their imbibing maxims, not congenial with republicanism; it must nevertheless be admitted, that a serious danger is encountered, by sending abroad among other political systems those, who have not well learned the value of their own. The time is therefore come, when a plan of Universal education ought to be adopted in the United States.”
b) To DAVID HUMPHREYS, July 25, 1785.
“If I had the talents for it, I have not leisure to turn my thoughts to Commentaries [on the Revolutionary War]. A consciousness of a defective education, and a certainty of the want of time, unfit me for such an undertaking.”
c) To NICHOLAS PIKE, June 20, 1786.
“In my opinion, every effort of genius, and all attempts towards improving useful knowledge ought to meet with encouragement in this country.”
d) To ALEXANDER HAMILTON, September 1, 1796
“Education generally [is] one of the surest means of enlightening and giving just ways of thinking to our citizens.”
2. Ignorance
a) To JOHN JAY, May 18, 1786. “Ignorance and design are difficult to combat. Out of these proceed illiberal sentiments, improper jealousies, and a train of evils which oftentimes in republican governments must be sorely felt before they can be renewed.”
3. Knowledge
a) CIRCULAR TO THE STATES Head Quarters, Newburgh, June 8, 1783.
“The foundation of our Empire was not laid in the gloomy age of Ignorance and Superstition, but at an Epocha when the rights of mankind were better understood and more clearly defined, than at any former period, the researches of the human mind, after social happiness, have been carried to a great extent, the Treasures of knowledge, acquired by the labours of Philosophers, Sages and Legislatures, through a long succession of years, are laid open for our use, and their collected wisdom may be happily applied in the Establishment of our forms of Government; the free cultivation of Letters, the unbounded extension of Commerce, the progressive refinement of Manners, the growing liberality of sentiment, and above all, the pure and benign light of Revelation, have had ameliorating influence on mankind and increased the blessings of Society. At this auspicious period, the United States came into existence as a Nation, and if their Citizens should not be completely free and happy, the fault will be entirely their own.”
4. Reading
a) To JAMES MCHENRY, May 29, 1797.
“… in this detail no mention is made of any portion of time allotted for reading; the remark would be just, for I have not looked into a book since I came home, nor shall I be able to do it until I have discharged my Workmen; probably not before the nights grow longer; when possibly, I may be looking in doomsday book.”
b) To REVEREND BOUCHER, July 9, 1771.
“I conceive a knowledge of books is the basis upon which other knowledge is to be built.”
c) To GEORGE WASHINGTON PARKE CUSTIS, November 13, 1796.
“Light reading (by this, I mean books of little importance) may amuse for the moment, but leaves nothing solid behind.”
5. Students
a) To TOBIAS LEAR, Mount Vernon, November 7, 1790.
“I lay it down as a maxim, that if the number of the pupils is too great for the tutors, justice cannot be done, be the abilities of the latter what they will. What the due proportion, beyond which it ought not to go, is in some measure matter of opinion, but an extreme must be obvious to all.”
6. Scholarships
a) To WILLIAM MINOR, Mount Vernon, June 16, 1785.
“Moral obligations, or the obligations of humanity therefore induced me to bestow a years schooling on Lawce. Posey, and to effect it I was willing to incur the expence of a years board also;”
II. VIRTUE AND VICE, PERSONALITY AND EMOTIONS
A. Virtues & Vices
1. Compassion
a) To BUSHROD WASHINGTON, Newburgh, January 15, 1783.
“Let your heart feel for the affliction, and distresses of every one, and let your hand give in proportion to your purse; remembering always, the estimation of the Widows mite. But, that it is not every one who asketh, that deserveth charity; all however are worthy of the enquiry, or the deserving may suffer.”
b) To the PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS, January 26, 1777.
“I hope your new appointment . . . will make the necessary reform in the hospital and that I shall not, the next campaign, have my ears and eyes too, shocked with the complaints and looks of poor creatures perishing for want of proper care.”
c) To JAMES MCHENRY, July 4, 1798.
“Humanity and feeling for the sick and wounded of an army call loudly for skill, attention, and economy in the director of the hospitals.”
d) To JAMES ANDERSON, July 25, 1798.
“I, believing that man was not designed by the all-wise Creator to live for himself alone, prepare for the worst that can happen.”
e) To GEORGE WASHINGTON PARKE CUSTIS, November 13, 1796.
“Never let an indigent person ask, without receiving something, if you have the means.” (emphasis in the original)
f) To LUND WASHINGTON, November 26, 1775.
“Let the hospitality of the house [Mount Vernon], with respect to the poor, be kept up. Let no one go hungry away. If any of this kind of people should be in want of corn, supply their necessities, provided it does not encourage them in idleness; and I have no objection to your giving my money in charity, to the amount of forty or fifty pounds a year, when you thing it well bestowed. What I mean by having no objection is, that it is my desire that it should be done. You are to consider, that neither myself nor wife is now in the way to do these good offices. In all other respect, I recommend it to you, and have no doubt of your observing the greatest economy and frugality; as I suppose you know, that I do not get a farthing for my services here, more than my expenses. It becomes necessary, therefore, for me to be saving at home.”
2. Drunkenness
a) To THOMAS GREEN, Mount Vernon, March 31, 1789.
“… refrain from drink which is the source of all evil, and the ruin of half the workmen in this Country; and next to avoid bad Company which is the bane of good morals, economy and industry. You have every inducement to do this. Reputation the care and support of a growing family and society which this family affords within your own doors which may not be the case with some of the idle (to say nothing worse of them) characters who may lead you into temptation. Were you to look back, and had the means, either from recollection, or accounts, to ascertain the cost of the liquor you have expended it would astonish you. In the manner this expence is generally incurred that is by getting a little now, a little then, the impropriety of it is not seen, in as much as it passes away without much thought. But view it in the aggregate you will be convinced at once, whether any man who depends upon the labour of his hands not only for his own support, but that of an encreasing family can afford such a proportion of his wages to that article. But the expence is not the worst consequence that attends it for it naturally leads a man into the company of those who encourage dissipation and idleness by which he is led by degrees to the perpetration of acts which may terminate in his Ruin; but supposing this not to happen a disordered frame, and a body debilitated, renders him unfit (even if his mind was disposed to discharge the duties of his station with honor to himself or fidelity to his employer) from the execution of it. An aching head and trembling limbs which are the inevitable effects of drinking disincline the hands from work; hence begins sloth and that Listlessness which end in idleness; but which are no reasons for withholding that labour for which money is paid.”
3. Excuses
a) To HARRIOT WASHINGTON, his niece, October 30, 1791.
“It is better to offer no excuse than a bad one.”
4. Friendship
a) To GEORGE WASHINGTON PARKE CUSTIS, Philadelphia, November 28, 1796.
“‘Tis well to be on good terms with all your fellow-students, and I am pleased to hear you are so, but while a courteous behavior is due to all, select the most deserving only for your friendships, and before this becomes intimate, weigh their dispositions and character well. True friendship is a plant of slow growth; to be sincere, there must be a congeniality of temper and pursuits. Virtue and vice can not be allied; nor can idleness and industry; of course, if you resolve to adhere to the two former of these extremes, an intimacy with those who incline to the latter of them, would be extremely embarrassing to you; it would be a stumbling block in your way; and act like a millstone hung to your neck, for it is the nature of idleness and vice to obtain as many votaries as they can.
“I would guard you, too, against imbibing hasty and unfavorable impressions of any one. Let your judgment always balance well before you decide; and even then, where there is no occasion for expressing an opinion, it is best to be silent, for there is nothing more certain than that it is at all times more easy to make enemies than friends. And besides, to speak evil of any one, unless there is unequivocal proofs of their deserving it, is an injury for which there is no adequate reparation. For, as Shakespeare says “He that robs me of my good name enriches not himself, but renders me poor indeed,” or words to that effect. Keep in mind that scarcely any change would be agreeable to you at first from the sudden transition, and from never having been accustomed to shift or rough it. And, moreover, that if you meet with collegiate fare, it will be unmanly to complain. My paper reminds me it is time to conclude. Affectionately, &c.”
b) To BUSHROD WASHINGTON, Newburgh, January 15, 1783. “That the Company in which you will improve most, will be least expensive to you; and yet I am not such a Stoic as to suppose you will, or to think it right that you ought, always to be in Company with Senators and Philosophers; but, of the young and juvenile kind let me advise you to be choice. It is easy to make acquaintances, but very difficult to shake them off, however irksome and unprofitable they are found after we have once committed ourselves to them; the indiscretions, and scrapes which very often they involuntarily lead one into, proves equally distressing and disgraceful.
“Be courteous to all, but intimate with few, and let those few be well tried before you give them your confidence; true friendship is a plant of slow growth, and must undergo and withstand the shocks of adversity before it is entitled to the appellation.”
c) To LAFAYETTE, November, 1784.
“In the moment of our separation upon the road as I travelled, and every hour since, I felt all that love, respect and attachment for you, with which length of years, close connexion and your merits have inspired me. I often asked myself, as our carriages distended, whether that was the last sight, I ever should have of you? And tho’ I wished to say no, my fears answered yes. I called to mind the days of my youth, and found they had long since fled to return no more; that I was now descending the hill, I had been 52 years climbing, and that tho’ I was blessed with a good constitution, I was of a short lived family, and might soon expect to be entombed in the dreary mansions of my father’s. These things darkened the shades and gave a gloom to the picture, consequently to my prospects of seeing you again: but I will not repine, I have had my day...”
d) To LAFAYETTE, West Point, September 30, 1779.
“…your strict and uniform friendship for me, has ripened the first impressions of esteem and attachment, which I imbibed for you into such perfect love and gratitude, that neither time nor absence can impair. Which will warrant my assuring you, that, whether in the character of an officer at the head of a corps of gallant French (if circumstances should require this), whether as a majorgenl. Commanding a division of the American army, or whether, after our Swords and spears have given place to the ploughshare and pruning-Hook, I see you as a private gentleman, a friend and companion, I shall welcome you in all the warmth of friendship to Columbia’s shores; and, in the latter case, to my rural cottage where homely fare and a cordial reception shall be substituted for delicacies of costly living. This, from past experience, I know you can submit to; and if the lovely partner of your happiness will consent to participate with us in such rural entertainment and amusements, I can undertake, in behalf of Mrs. Washington, that she will do every thing in her power to make Virginia agreeable to the Marchioness . . . . I assure you, that I love every body that is dear to you. . . .”
5. Finishing
a) To THOMAS LAW, Mount Vernon, May 7, 1798.
“It has been a maxim with me from early life, never to undertake anything without perceiving a door to the accomplishment, in a reasonable time and with my own resources.”
6. Golden Rule
a) To THE EMPEROR OF GERMANY, Philadelphia, May 15, 1796.
“As it is a maxim with me not to ask what under similar circumstances, I would not grant, your Majesty will do me the justice to believe, that this request appears to me to correspond with those great principles of magnanimity and wisdom, which form the Basis of sound Policy and durable Glory. May the almighty and merciful Sovereign of the universe keep your Majesty under his protection and guidance.”
7. Gratitude
a) To LANDON CARTER, Valley Forge, May 30, 1778.
“Were I not warm in my acknowledgments for your distinguished regard, I should feel that sense of ingratitude, which I hope will never constitute a part of my character, nor find a place in my bosom. My friends therefore may believe me sincere in my professions of attachment to them, whilst Providence has a joint claim to my humble and grateful thanks, for its protection and direction of me, through the many difficult and intricate scenes, which this contest hath produced; and for the constant interposition in our behalf, when the clouds were heaviest and seemed ready to burst upon us.”
b) To COLONEL JAMES WOOD, July 1758.
“If thanks flowing from a heart replete with joy and Gratitude can in any Measure compensate for the fatigue, anxiety and Pain you had at my Election, be assured you have them . . .
“How I shall thank Mrs. Wood for her favorable Wishes, and how acknowledge my sense of obligation to the People in general for their choice of me, I am at a loss to resolve on. But why? Can I do it more effectually than by making their Interest (as it really is) my own, and doing everything that lyes in my little Power for the Honor and welfare of the Country? I think not; and my best endeavors they may always command. . .
“I am extremely thankful to you and my other friends for entertaining the Freeholders in my name. I hope no Exception was taken to any that voted against me, but that all were alike treated, and all had enough. It is what I much desired.”
c) To SELECTMEN OF BOSTON, July 28, 1795.
“While I feel the most lively gratitude for the many instances of the approbation from my country, I can not otherwise deserve it, than by obeying the dictates of my conscience.”
d) To MAJOR GENERAL ISRAEL PUTNAM, June 2, 1783.
“Ingratitude has been experienced in all ages, and republics in particular have ever been famed for the exercise of that unnatural and sordid vice.”
8. Gambling
a) To BUSHROD WASHINGTON, Newburgh, January 15, 1783.
“The last thing I shall mention, is first of importance. and that is, to avoid Gaming. This is a vice which is productive of every possible evil. equally injurious to the morals and health of its votaries. It is the child of Avarice, the brother of inequity, and father of Mischief. It has been the ruin of many worthy familys; the loss of many a man’s honor; and the cause of Suicide. To all those who enter the list, it is equally fascinating; the Successful gamester pushes his good fortune till it is over taken by a reverse; the loosing gamester, in hopes of retrieving past misfortunes, goes on from bad to worse; till grown desperate, he pushes at every thing; and looses his all. In a word, few gain by this abominable practice (the profit, if any, being diffused) while thousands are injured.”
9. Honesty
a) FAREWELL ADDRESS
“I hold the maxim no less applicable to public than to private affairs, that honesty is always the best policy.”
b) FAREWELL ADDRESS [First Draft, May 15, 1796.]
“In public, as in private life, I am persuaded that honesty will forever be found to be the best policy.”
c) To ALEXANDER HAMILTON, Mount Vernon, August 28, 1788.
“Still I hope I shall always possess firmness and virtue enough to maintain (what I consider the most enviable of all titles) the character of an honest man.” (emphasis in the orginal)
d) To EARL OF LOUDOUN, March 1757.
“My nature is open and honest and free from guile.”
e) To EDMUND RANDOLPH, July 31, 1795.
“There is but one straight course, and that is to seek truth and pursue it steadily.”
f) To TIMOTHY PICKERING, February 10, 1799.
“Concealment is a species of misinformation.”
10. Honor
a) To JACOB GERHARD DIRIKS, Mount Vernon, March 15, 1785.
“It is a maxim with me Sir, to take no liberties with exalted characters to whom I am not personally known, or with whom I have had no occasion to correspond by letter.”
b) To COLONEL WILLIAM FITZHUGH, November 15, 1754.
“I herewith enclose Governour Sharpe’s letter, which I beg you will return to him, with my acknowledgements for the favour he intended me. Assure him, Sir . . . of my reluctance to quit the service . . . Also inform him, that it was to obey the call of honour, and the advice of my friends, I declined it, and not to gratify any desire I had to leave the military line. My inclinations are strongly bent to arms.”
c) To WILLIAM BYRD, Mount Vernon, May 25, 1755.
“If I gain any credit, or if I am entitled to the least countenance or esteem, it must be from serving my country without fee or reward; for I can truly say, I have no expectation of either. To merit its esteem, and the good will of my friends, is the sum of my ambition, having no prospect of attaining a commission...”
d) To PATRICK HENRY, March 28, 1778.
“The approbation of my country is what I wish; and, as far as my abilities and opportunities will permit, I hope I shall endeavor to deserve it. It is the highest reward to a feeling mind; and happy are they, who so conduct themselves as to merit it.”
11. Humility
a) REMARKS ON MONROE’S “VIEW OF THE CONDUCT OF THE EXECUTIVE OF THE UNITED STATES”
“Acts of candor when performed, if acknowledged by the party to whom they are said to be rendered, ought not to be boasted of by those who perform them.”
b) SPEECH TO CONGRESS, 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 the service and for support of the glorious cause. I beg they will accept my most cordial thanks for this distinguished testimony of their approbation. But lest some unlucky event should happen unfavourable to my reputation, I beg it may be remembered by every gentleman in the room, that I this day declare with the utmost sincerity I do not think myself equal to the command I am honored with.
“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.”
12. Happiness
a) THE FIRST INAUGURAL ADDRESS [April 30, 1789.]
“The foundations of our National policy will be laid in the pure and immutable principles of private morality; and the pre-eminence of a free Government, be exemplified by all the attributes which can win the affections of its Citizens, and command the respect of the world.… there is no truth more thoroughly established, than that there exists in the oeconomy and course of nature, an indissoluble union between virtue and happiness, between duty and advantage, between the genuine maxims of an honest and magnanimous policy, and the solid rewards of public prosperity and felicity: Since we ought to be no less persuaded that the propitious smiles of Heaven, can never be expected on a nation that disregards the eternal rules of order and right, which Heaven itself has ordained: And since 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 entrusted to the hands of the American people.” (emphasis in the orginal)
b) To ANNIS BOUDINOT STOCKTON, Mount Vernon, August 31, 1788.
“A good general government, without good morals and good habits, will not make us a happy People; and we shall deceive ourselves if we think it will.”
c) GENERAL ORDERS, Saturday, March 22, 1783.
“In justice to the zeal and ability of the Chaplains, as well as to his own feelings, the Commander in chief thinks it a duty to declare the regularity and decorum with which divine service is now performed every sunday, will reflect great credit on the army in general, tend to improve the morals, and at the same time, to increase the happiness of the soldiery, and must afford the most pure and rational entertainment for every serious and well disposed mind.”
d) To THE GENERAL CONVENTION OF BISHOPS, CLERGY, AND LAITY OF THE PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina delivered an address to the President, August 18, 1789. Washington stated that “human happiness and moral duty are inseparably connected” and that “It affords edifying prospects indeed to see Christians of different denominations dwell together in more charity, and conduct themselves in respect to each other with a more christian-like spirit than ever they have done in any former age, or in any other Nation.”
e) To MARQUIS DE CHASTELLUX, Mount Vernon, August 18, 1786.
“Nor does that mild species of philosophy which aims at promoting human happiness, ever belye itself by deviating from the generous and godlike pursuit.”
f) To HENRY LAURENS, March 20, 1779.
“Most of the good and evil things in this life are judged of by comparison.”
g.) To MRS. MARY WASHINGTON, February 15, 1787.
“Happiness depends more upon the internal frame of a person’s own mind, than on the externals in the world.”
h.) To ELEANOR PARKE CUSTIS, January 16, 1795.
“A sensible woman can never be happy with a fool.”
i.) To THOMAS PAINE, May 6, 1792.
“As no one can feel a greater interest in the happiness of mankind than I do, . . . it is the first wish of my heart, that the enlightened policy of the present age may diffuse to all men those blessings, to which they are entitled, and lay the foundation of happiness for future generations.”
j.) To de la LUZERNE, September 10, 1791.
“The United States are making great progress towards national happiness; and, if it is not attained here in as high a degree as human nature will admit . . . , I think we may then conclude, that political happiness in unattainable.”
k.) To JOHN AUGUSTINE WASHINGTON, January 16, 1783.
“Imaginary wants are indefinite; and oftentimes insatiable; because they sometimes are boundless, and always changing.” (emphasis in the orginal)
l.) To DAVID HUMPHREYS, July 20, 1791.
“In this age of free inquiry and enlightened reason, it is to be hoped, that the condition of the people in every country will be bettered, and the happiness of mankind promoted.”
m.) To THOMAS PAINE, May 6, 1792.
“As no one can feel a greater interest in the happiness of mankind than I do, . . . it is the first wish of my heart, that the enlightened policy of the present age may diffuse to all men those blessings, to which they are entitled, and lay the foundation of happiness for future generations.”
13. Habits
a) To FRANCIS HOPKINSON, Mount Vernon, May 16, 1785.
“In for a penny, in for a pound is an old adage. I am so hackneyed to the touches of the Painters pencil, that I am now altogether at their beck, and sit like patience on a Monument whilst they are delineating the lines of my face. It is a proof among many others of what habit and custom can effect. At first I was as impatient at the request, and as restive under the operation, as a Colt is of the Saddle. The next time, I submitted very reluctantly, but with less flouncing. Now, no dray moves more readily to the Thill, than I do to the Painters Chair.”
14. Idleness
a) To WILLIAM MINOR, Mount Vernon, June 16, 1785.
“Moral obligations, or the obligations of humanity therefore induced me to bestow a years schooling on Lawce. Posey, and to effect it I was willing to incur the expence of a years board also; … Was not his Fathers house, if time was to be misspent, the best place for him to waste it in? Can it be supposed I ever had it in contemplation to board him out for the purpose of idleness?”
15. Justice
a) To REVEREND WILLIAM GORDON, Mount Vernon, October 15, 1797. “The spurious letters…. the Agent or tool of those who are endeavouring to destroy the confidence of the people in the officers of Government (chosen by themselves) to dissiminate these counterfeit letters, I conceived it a piece of justice due to my own character, and to Posterity to disavow them in explicit terms; and this I did in a letter directed to the Secretary of State to be filed in his Office the day on which I closed my Administration. This letter has since been published in the Gazettes by the head of that Department.”
b) To ROBERT STEWART, August 10, 1783.
“Justice requires and a grateful government certainly will bestow those places of honor and profit, which necessity must create, upon those who have risked life, fortune and Home to support its cause.”
16. Luxury
a) To CATHERINE MACAULAY GRAHAM, New York, January 9, 1790. “Mrs. Washington is well and desires her compliments may be presented to you. We wish the happiness of your fireside, as we also long to enjoy that of our own at Mount Vernon. Our wishes, you know, were limited; and I think that our plans of living will now be deemed reasonable by the considerate part of our species. Her wishes coincide with my own as to simplicity of dress, and everything which can tend to support propriety of character without partaking of the follies of luxury and ostentation.”
17. Morality
a) To GEORGE STEPTOE WASHINGTON, Philadelphia, December 5, 1790.
“It may be proper to observe that a good moral character is the first essential in a man, and that the habits contracted at your age are generally indelible, and your conduct here may stamp your character through life. It is therefore highly important that you should endeavor not only to be learned but virtuous.”
b) To ANNIS BOUDINOT STOCKTON, Mount Vernon, August 31, 1788.
“A good general government, without good morals and good habits, will not make us a happy People; and we shall deceive ourselves if we think it will.”
c) GENERAL ORDERS, Saturday, March 22, 1783.
“In justice to the zeal and ability of the Chaplains, as well as to his own feelings, the Commander in chief thinks it a duty to declare the regularity and decorum with which divine service is now performed every sunday, will reflect great credit on the army in general, tend to improve the morals, and at the same time, to increase the happiness of the soldiery, and must afford the most pure and rational entertainment for every serious and well disposed mind.”
d) To CYRUS GRIFFIN, New York, August 18, 1789.
The general convention of bishops, clergy, and laity of the Protestant Episcopal Church in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina delivered an address to the President at this approximate time which, together with Washington’s reply, is entered in the “Letter Book” in the Washington Papers. In that reply, Washington stated that “human happiness and moral duty are inseparably connected” and that “It affords edifying prospects indeed to see Christians of different denominations dwell together in more charity, and conduct themselves in respect to each other with a more christian-like spirit than ever they have done in any former age, or in any other Nation.”
e) To HENRY LEE, Mount Vernon, September 22, 1788.
“Though I prize, as I ought, the good opinion of my fellow citizens; yet, if I know myself, I would not seek Or retain popularity at the expense of one social duty or moral virtue.”
f) To THE MINISTERS AND ELDERS REPRESENTING THE MASSACHUSETTS AND NEW HAMPSHIRE CHURCHES which compose the First Presbytery of the Eastward, Newburyport, October 28, 1789.
“I am persuaded, you will permit me to observe that the path of true piety is so plain as to require but little political direction. To this consideration we ought to ascribe the absence of any regulation, respecting religion, from the Magna- Charta of our country. To the guidance of the ministers of the gospel this important object is, perhaps, more properly committed. It will be your care to instruct the ignorant, and to reclaim the devious, and, in the progress of morality and science, to which our government will give every furtherance, we may confidently expect the advancement of true religion, and the completion of our happiness.”
a) To MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE, Mount Vernon, August 15, 1786.
“As a Philanthropist by character, and (if I may be allowed the expression) as a Citizen of the great republic of humanity at large; I cannot help turning my attention sometimes to this subject. I would be understood to mean, I cannot avoid reflecting with pleasure on the probable influence that commerce may hereafter have on human manners and society in general. On these occasions I consider how mankind may be connected like one great family in fraternal ties. I indulge a fond, perhaps an enthusiastic idea, that as the world is evidently much less barbarous than it has been, its melioration must still be progressive; that nations are becoming more humanized in their policy, that the subjects of ambition and causes for hostility are daily diminishing, and, in fine, that the period is not very remote, when the benefits of a liberal and free commerce will, pretty generally, succeed to the devastations and horrors of war.”
b) To MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE Mount Vernon, August 15, 1786.
“Altho’ I pretend to no peculiar information respecting commercial affairs, nor any foresight into the scenes of futurity; yet as the member of an infant empire, as a Philanthropist by character, and (if I may be allowed the expression) as a Citizen of the great republic of humanity at large; I cannot help turning my attention sometimes to this subject. I would be understood to mean, I cannot avoid reflecting with pleasure on the probable influence that commerce may hereafter have on human manners and society in general. On these occasions I consider how mankind may be connected like one great family in fraternal ties. I indulge a fond, perhaps an enthusiastic idea, that as the world is evidently much less barbarous than it has been, its melioration must still be progressive; that nations are becoming more humanized in their policy, that the subjects of ambition and causes for hostility are daily diminishing, and, in fine, that the period is not very remote, when the benefits of a liberal and free commerce will, pretty generally, succeed to the devastations and horrors of war.”
c) To LAFAYETTE, August 15, 1786.
“[I am] a philanthropist by character, and . . . a citizen of the great republic of humanity at large.”
d) To GOUVERNEUR MORRIS, July 28, 1791.
“I believe it is among nations as with individuals, that the party taking advantage of the distresses of another will lose infinitely more in the opinion of mankind, and in subsequent events, than he will gain by the stroke of the moment.”
19. Passion
a) To JOHN BANISTER, April 21, 1778.
“We must take the passions of men as nature has given them, and those principles as a guide, which are generally the rule of action.”
20. Reconciliation
a) To DAVID STUART, March 28, 1790.
“To constitute a dispute there must be two parties. To understand it well, both parties, and all the circumstances, must be fully heard; and, to accommodate differences, temper and mutual forbearance are requisite.”
21. Reputation
a) To BURWELL BASSETT, Philadelphia, June 19, 1775.
“I can answer but for three things, a firm belief of the justice of our Cause, close attention in the prosecution of it, and the strictest Integrity. If these cannot supply the place of Ability and Experience, the cause will suffer, and more than probable my character along with it, as reputation derives its principal support from success; but it will be remembered, I hope, that no desire or insinuation of mine, placed me in this situation. I shall not be deprived therefore of a comfort in the worst event if I retain a consciousness of having acted to the best of my judgment.”
b) To LUND WASHINGTON, Col. Morris’s, on the Heights of Harlem, September 30, 1776.
“To lose all comfort and happiness on the one hand, whilst I am fully persuaded that under such a system of management as has been adopted, I cannot have the least chance for reputation, nor those allowances made which the nature of the case requires; and to be told, on the other, that if I leave the service all will be lost, is, at the same time that I am bereft of every peaceful moment, distressing to a degree. But I will be done with the subject, with the precaution to you that it is not a fit one to be publicly known or discussed. If I fall, it may not be amiss that these circumstances be known, and declaration made in credit to the justice of my character.…I am wearied to death all day with a variety of perplexing circum stances — disturbed at the conduct of the militia, whose behavior and want of discipline has done great injury to the other troops, who never had officers, except in a few instances, worth the bread they eat.”
22. Truth
a) To THE SECRETARY OF STATE, [Philadelphia, March 3, 1797.]
“I have thought it a duty that I owed to Myself, to my Country and to Truth, now to detail the circumstances above recited; and to add my solemn declaration, that the letters herein described are a base forgery, and that I never saw or heard of them until they appeared in print.”
23. Thrift
a) To PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS, April 23, 1776.
“No person wishes more to save money to the public, than I do; and no person has aimed more at it. But there are some cases in which parsimony may be ill-laced.”
24. Virtue
a) THE FIRST INAUGURAL ADDRESS [April 30, 1789.]
“There is no truth more thoroughly established, than that there exists in the oeconomy and course of nature, an indissoluble union between virtue and happiness, between duty and advantage, between the genuine maxims of an honest and magnanimous policy, and the solid rewards of public prosperity and felicity: Since we ought to be no less persuaded that the propitious smiles of Heaven, can never be expected on a nation that disregards the eternal rules of order and right, which Heaven itself has ordained: And since 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 entrusted to the hands of the American people.” (emphasis in the orginal)
b) To HENRY KNOX, Mount Vernon, July 16, 1798.
“But my dear Sir, as you always have found, and trust ever will find, candour a prominent trait of my character.”
c) THE FIRST INAUGURAL ADDRESS [April 30, 1789.]
“The foundations of our National policy will be laid in the pure and immutable principles of private morality; and the pre-eminence of a free Government, be exemplified by all the attributes which can win the affections of its Citizens, and command the respect of the world. … there is no truth more thoroughly established, than that there exists in the oeconomy and course of nature, an indissoluble union between virtue and happiness, between duty and advantage, between the genuine maxims of an honest and magnanimous policy, and the solid rewards of public prosperity and felicity: Since we ought to be no less persuaded that the propitious smiles of Heaven, can never be expected on a nation that disregards the eternal rules of order and right, which Heaven itself has ordained: And since 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 entrusted to the hands of the American people.” (emphasis in the orginal)
25. Wisdom
a) To BUSHROD WASHINGTON, Mount Vernon, November 10, 1787.
“If we cannot learn wisdom from experience, it is hard to say where it is to be found.”
b) To JAMES ANDERSON, July 25, 1798.
“I, believing that man was not designed by the all-wise Creator to live for himself alone, prepare for the worst that can happen.”
26. Vanity
a) To JAMES MADISON, Mount Vernon, May 20, 1792.
“…a previous declaration to retire, not only carries with it the appearance of vanity and self importance, but it may be construed into a maneuver to be invited to remain. And on the other hand, to say nothing, implies consent; or, at any rate, would leave the matter in doubt, and to decline afterwards might be deemed as bad, and uncandid.…I take the liberty at my departure from civil, as I formerly did at my military exit, to invoke a continuation of the blessings of Providence upon it; and upon all those who are the supporters of its interests, and the promoters of harmony, order and good government.”
b) To DR. JAMES CRAIK, March 25, 1784.
“I do not think vanity is a trait of my character.”
B. PERSONALITY & EMOTIONS
1. Busy / Overwhelmed
a) To JOHN WEST, Mount Vernon, January 13, 1775.
“I can solemnly declare to you, that, for a year or two past, there has been scarce a moment, that I could properly call my own. What with my own business, my present ward’s, my mother’s, which is wholly in my hands, Colonel Colvill’s, Mrs. Savage’s, Colonel Fairfax’s, Colonel Mercer’s, and the little assistance I have undertaken to give in the management of my brother Augustine’s concerns (for I have absolutely refused to qualify as an executor), together with the share I take in public affairs, I have been kept constantly engaged in writing letters, settling accounts, and negotiating one piece of business or another; by which means I have really been deprived of every kind of enjoyment, and had almost fully resolved to engage in no fresh matter, till I had entirely wound up the old.”
2. Candor
a) To HENRY KNOX, Mount Vernon, July 16, 1798.
“But my dear Sir, as you always have found, and trust ever will find, candour a prominent trait of my character.”
b) To THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, Mount Vernon, September 25, 1798.
“Let the purity of my intentions; the candour of my declarations; and a due respect for my own character, be received as an apology….But if you had been pleased, previously to the nomination, to have enquired into the train of my thoughts upon the occasion, I would have told you with the frankness and candour which I hope will ever mark my character, on what terms I would have consented to the nomination; you would then have been enabled to decide, whether they were admissible or not.”
c) To MAJOR GENERAL HORATIO GATES, Valley Forge, January 4, 1778. vol. 10.
“Thus Sir, with an openess and candour which I hope will ever characterize and mark my conduct have I complied with your request.”
d) To TIMOTHY PICKERING, August, 29, 1797.
“Candor is not a more conspicuous trait in the character of Governments than it is of individuals.”
e) To JAMES MADISON, November 30, 1785.
“It is an old adage, that honesty is the best policy. This applies to public as well as private life, to States as well as individuals.”
f) To RICHARD WASHINGTON, April 15, 1757.
“What can be so proper as the truth?”
3. Clothing
a) To BUSHROD WASHINGTON, Newburgh, January 15, 1783. “Do not conceive that fine Clothes make fine Men, any more than fine feathers make fine Birds. A plain genteel dress is more admired and obtains more credit than lace and embroidery in the Eyes of the judicious and sensible.”
b) To JAMES MCHENRY, Mount Vernon, January 27, 1799.
“On reconsidering the uniform for the Commander-in-Chief . . . as it respects myself personally, I was against all embroidery.” (emphasis in the orginal)
4. Color
a) To ROBERT CARY, & CO., June 6, 1768.
“Green being a color little apt . . . to fade, and grateful to the eye, I would give it the preference.”
5. Despising
a) To THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS, Valley Forge, January 2, 1778.
“If General Conway means, by cool receptions mentioned in the last paragraph of his Letter of the 31st Ulto., that I did not receive him in the language of a warm and cordial Friend, I readily confess the charge. I did not, nor shall I ever, till I am capable of the arts of dissimulation. These I despise, and my feelings will not permit me to make professions of friendship to the man I deem my Enemy, and whose system of conduct forbids it.”
6. Difficulties
a) To JOHN AUGUSTINE WASHINGTON, White Plains, November 6, 1776. “I am wearied almost to death with the retrograde Motions of things, and I solemnly protest that a pecuniary reward of 20,000£ a year would not induce me to undergo what I do; and after all, perhaps, to loose my Character as it is impossible under such a variety of distressing Circumstances to conduct matters agreeably to public expectation, or even of those who employ me, as they will not make proper allowances for the difficulties their own errors have occasioned.”
7. Emotions
a) THE FIRST INAUGURAL ADDRESS [April 30, 1789.]
“In this conflict of emotions, all I dare aver, is, that it has been my faithful study to collect my duty from a just appreciation of every circumstance, by which it might be affected.…it would be peculiarly improper to omit in this first official Act, my fervent supplications to that Almighty Being who rules over the Universe, who presides in the Councils of Nations, and whose providential aids can supply every human defect, that his benediction may consecrate to the liberties and happiness of the People of the United States, a Government instituted by themselves for these essential purposes: and may enable every instrument employed in its administration to execute with success, the functions allotted to his charge. In tendering this homage to the Great Author of every public and private good, I assure myself that it expresses your sentiments not less than my own; nor those of my fellow-citizens at large, less than either. 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. Every step, by which they have advanced to the character of an independent nation, seems to have been distinguished by some token of providential agency. And in the important revolution just accomplished in the system of their United Government, the tranquil deliberations and voluntary consent of so many distinct communities, from which the event has resulted, cannot be compared with the means by which most Governments have been established, without some return of pious gratitude along with an humble anticipation of the future blessings which the past seem to presage. These reflections, arising out of the present crisis, have forced themselves too strongly on my mind to be suppressed. You will join with me I trust in thinking, that there are none under the influence of which, the proceedings of a new and free Government can more auspiciously commence....
“I dwell on this prospect with every satisfaction which an ardent love for my Country can inspire: since there is no truth more thoroughly established, than that there exists in the oeconomy and course of nature, an indissoluble union between virtue and happiness, between duty and advantage, between the genuine maxims of an honest and magnanimous policy, and the solid rewards of public prosperity and felicity: Since we ought to be no less persuaded that the propitious smiles of Heaven, can never be expected on a nation that disregards the eternal rules of order and right, which Heaven itself has ordained: And since 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 entrusted to the hands of the American people.” (emphasis in the orginal)
8. Enmity
a) To JOHN JAY, Head Quarters, Middle brook, April 14, 1779.
“Conscious that it is the aim of my actions to promote the public good, and that no part of my conduct is influenced by personal enmity to individuals, I cannot be insensible to the artifices employed by some men to prejudice me in the public esteem.”
a) To WILLIAM PEARCE, Philadelphia, March 22, 1795.
“I had rather hear it was delayed than that it should be sown before every thing was in perfect order for it; for it is a fixed principle with me, that whatever is done should be well done. Unless this maxim is attended to, our labor is but in vain, and our expectation of a return, is always deceptious; whilst we are ascribing our disappointments to any thing rather than the true cause, namely not laying (by proper preparations) a good foundation, on which to build our hopes.” (emphasis in the orginal)
10. Mixed Emotions
a) To THE CITIZENS OF NEW BRUNSWICK, New Brunswick, December 6, 1783.
“I cannot bid adieu to the Acquaintances and Connections I have formed while acting in a public character without experiencing a certain pleasing, melancholly sensation, pleasing because I leave my Country in the full possession of Liberty and Independence; Melancholly because I bid my friends a long, perhaps a last farewell.”
11. Moods
a) To REVEREND BOUCHER, May 21, 1772.
“Inclination having yielded to Importunity, I am now contrary to all expectation under the hands of Mr. [Charles Willson] Peale; but in so grave—so sullen a mood—and now and then under the influence of Morpheus, when some critical strokes are making, that I fancy the skill of this Gentleman’s pencil, will be put to it, in describing to the World what manner of man I am.”
12. Mount Vernon
a) To ARCHIBALD CARY, H.W., Newburgh, June 15, 1782.
“I pant for retirement, and am persuaded that an end of our warfare is not to be obtained but by vigorous exertions. . . I can truly say, that the first wish of my Soul is to return speedily into the bosom of that country, which gave me birth, and, in the sweet enjoyment of domestic happiness and the company of a few friends, to end my days in quiet, when I shall be called from this stage.”
b) To LAFAYETTE, February 1, 1784
“At length, my dear marquis, I am become a private citizen on the banks of the Potomac, and under the shadow of my own vine and my own fig-tree, free from the bustle of a camp and the busy scenes of public life, I am solacing myself with those tranquil enjoyments of which the soldier who is ever in pursuit of fame, the statesman whose watchful days and sleepless nights are spent in devising schemes to promote the welfare of his own, perhaps the ruin of other countries, as if the globe was insufficient for us all, and the Courtier who is always watching the countenance of his Prince, in hopes of catching a gracious smile, can have very little conception. I have not only retired from all public employments, but I am retiring within myself, and shall be able to view the solitary walk of private life with heartfelt satisfaction. Envious of none, I am determined to be pleased with all; and this, my dear friend, being the order of my march, I will move gently down the stream of life until I sleep with my fathers.”
13. Pain
a) To GOVERNOR HENRY LEE, Philadelphia, May 6, 1793.
“It gives me inexpressible pain to receive such frequent, and distressing accounts from the Western frontiers of this Union (occasioned by Indian hostilities); more especially as our hands are tied to defensive measures….”
14. Quality
a) To P. MARSTELLER, December 15, 1786.
“It is not the lowest priced goods that are always the cheapest—the quality is, or ought to be as much an object with the purchaser, as the price”
15. Retirement
a) To ARCHIBALD CARY, H.W., Newburgh, June 15, 1782.
“I pant for retirement, and am persuaded that an end of our warfare is not to be obtained but by vigorous exertions. . . I can truly say, that the first wish of my Soul is to return speedily into the bosom of that country, which gave me birth, and, in the sweet enjoyment of domestic happiness and the company of a few friends, to end my days in quiet, when I shall be called from this stage.”
b) To ROBERT STEWART, New York August 10, 1783.
“I only wait (and with anxious impatience) the arrival of the definitive treaty, that I may take leave of my Military Employments and by bidding adieu to Public life, forever enjoy in the shades of retirement that ease and tranquility to which, for more than eight years, I have been an entire stranger, and for which, a mind which has been constantly on the stretch during that period, and perplexed with a thousand embarrassing circumstances, often times without a ray of light to guide it, stands much in need.”
c) To HENRY KNOX, Philadelphia, March 2, 1797.
“To the wearied traveller who sees a resting place, and is bending his body to lean thereon, I now compare myself; but to be suffered to do this in peace, is I perceive too much, to be endured by some. To misrepresent my motives; to reprobate my politics; and to weaken the confidence which has been reposed in my administration, are objects which cannot be relinquished by those who, will be satisfied with nothing short of a change in our political System. The consolation however, which results from conscious rectitude, and the approving voice of my Country, unequivocally expressed by its Representatives, deprives their sting of its poison, and places in the same point of view both the weakness, and malignity of their efforts.
“Although the prospect of retirement is most grateful to my soul, and I have not a wish to mix again in the great world, or to partake in its politics, yet, I am not without my regrets at parting with (perhaps never more to meet) the few intimates whom I love, among these, be assured you are one.” (emphasis in the orginal)
16. Righteousness
a) Martha Washington’s comment to a friend. –“George is always right and God is on the side of the righteous.”1
17. Skeptic
a) To MARQUIS DE CHASTELLUX, Mount Vernon, August 18, 1786.
“…(altho’ no sceptic on ordinary occasions) I may perhaps be allowed to doubt whether your friendship and partiality have not, in this oneinstance, acquired an ascendency over your cooler judgment.”
18. Sorrow
a) To BURWELL BASSETT, Mount Vernon, June 20, 1773.
“Dear Sir: It is an easier matter to conceive, than to describe the distress of this Family; especially that of the unhappy Parent of our Dear Patsy Custis, when I inform you that yesterday removed[ sic ]the Sweet Innocent Girl Entered into a more happy and peaceful abode than any she has met with in the afflicted Path she hitherto has trod.”
III. FAMILY
A. Love
1. To ELEANOR PARKE CUSTIS, Philadelphia, January 16, 1795.
“In the composition of the human frame there is a good deal of inflammable matter, however dormant it may lie for a time, and like an intimate acquaintance of yours, when the torch is put to it, that which is within you may burst into a blaze; for which reason and especially too, as I have entered upon the chapter of advices, I will read you a lecture drawn from this text.
“Love is said to be an involuntary passion, and it is, therefore, contended that it cannot be resisted. This is true in part only, for like all things else, when nourishes and supplied plentifully with ailment, it is rapid in its progress; but let these be withdrawn and it may be stifled in its birth or much stinted in its growth. For example, a woman (the same may be said of the other sex) all beautiful and accomplished, will, while her hand and heart are undisposed of, turn the heads and set the circle in which she moves on fire. Let her marry, and what is the consequence? The madness ceases and all is quiet again. Why? not because there is any diminution in the charms of the lady, but because there is an end of hope. Hence it follows, that love may and therefore ought to be under the guidance of reason, for although we cannot avoid first impressions, we may assuredly place them under guard; and my motives for treating on this subject are to show you, while you remain Eleanor Parke Custis, spinster, and retain the resolution to love with moderation, the propriety of adhering to the latter resolution, at least until you have secured your game, and the way by which it may be accomplished.
“When the fire is beginning to kindle, and your heart growing warm, propound these questions to it. Who is this invader? Have I a competent knowledge of him? Is he a man of good character; a man of sense? For, be assured, a sensible woman can never be happy with a fool. What has been his walk in life? Is he a gambler, a spendthrift, or drunkard? Is his fortune sufficient to maintain me in the manner I have been accustomed to live, and my sisters do live, and is he one to whom my friends can have no reasonable objection? If these interrogatories can be satisfactorily answered, there will remain but one more to be asked, that, however, is an important one. Have I sufficient ground to conclude that his affections are engaged by me? Without this the heart of sensibility will struggle against a passion that is not reciprocated; delicacy, custom, or call it by what epithet you will, having precluded all advances on your part. The declaration, without the most indirect invitation of yours, must proceed from the man, to render it permanent and valuable, and nothing short of good sense and an easy unaffected conduct can draw the line between prudery and coquetry. It would be no great departure from truth to say, that it rarely happens otherwise than that a thorough-paced coquette dies in celibacy, as a punishment for her attempts to mislead others, by encouraging looks, words, or actions, given for no other purpose than to draw men on to make overtures that they may be rejected.” (emphasis in the orginal)
B. Marriage
1. To BURWELL BASSETT, Mount Vernon, May 23, 1785.
“It has ever been a maxim with me thro’ life, neither to promote, nor to prevent a matrimonial connection, unless there should be something indispensably requiring interference in the latter: I have always considered marriage as the most interesting event of one’s life, the foundation of happiness or misery; to be instrumental therefore in bringing two people together who are indifferent to each other, and may soon become objects of hatred; or to prevent a union which is prompted by mutual esteem and affection, is what I never could reconcile to my feelings.”
2. To GEORGE AUGUSTINE WASHINGTON, Mount Vernon, October 25, 1786. “If Mrs. Washington should survive me there is a moral certainty of my dying without issue, and should I be the longest liver, the matter in my opinion is almost as certain; for whilst I retain the reasoning faculties I shall never marry a girl; and it is not probable that I should have children by a woman of an age suitable to my own, should I be disposed to enter into a second marriage.”
3. To BUSHROD WASHINGTON, January, 15, 1783.
“Be courteous to all, but intimate with few; and let those few be well tried before you give them your confidence. True friendship is a plant of slow growth, and must undergo and withstand the shocks of adversity before it is entitled to the appellation.”
4. To LUND WASHINGTON, September 20, 1783.
“I never did, nor do I believe I ever shall, give advice to a woman, who is setting out on a matrimonial voyage; first, because I never could advise one to marry without her own consent; and, secondly, because I know it is to no purpose to advise her to refrain, when she has obtained it. A woman very rarely asks an opinion or requires advice on such an occasion, till her resolution is formed; and then it is with the hope and expectation of obtaining a sanction . . . that she applies.”
5. To MRS. RICHARD STOCKTON, September 2, 1783.
“When once the woman has tempted us, and we have tasted the forbidden fruit, there is no such thing as checking our appetites, whatever the consequences may be.”
6.) To ELEANOR PARKE CUSTIS, January 16, 1795.
“A sensible woman can never be happy with a fool.”
C. Mother
1. To BENJAMIN HARRISON, New Windsor, March 21, 1781.
“I do not delay a moment to thank you for [your letter] . . . and to express surprise at that part which respects a pension for my mother. True it is, I am but little acquainted with her present situation or distresses, if she is under any. …confident I am that she has not a child that would not divide the last sixpence to relive her from real distress. This she has been repeatedly assured of by me; and all of us I am certain would feel much hurt, at having our mother a pensioner, while we had the means of supporting her; but in fact she has an ample income of her own. I lament accordingly that your letter, which conveyed the first hint of this matter, did not come to my hands sooner; but I request, in pointed terms, if the matter is now in agitation in your Assembly, that all proceedings on it may be stopped, or in case of a decision in her favor, that it may be done away and repealed at my request.”
2. To MRS. MARY WASHINGTON, Mount Vernon, February 15, 1787.
“Hond. Madam: In consequence of your communication to George [Augustine]Washington, of your want of money, I take the (first safe) conveyance by Mr. John Dandridge to send you 15 Guineas, which believe me is all I have,…My house is at your service, and [I] would press you most sincerely and most devoutly to accept it, but I am sure, and candor requires me to say, it will never answer your purposes in any shape whatsoever. For in truth it may be compared to a well resorted tavern, as scarcely any strangers who are going from north to south, or from south to north, do not spend a day or two at it.
“… [by] the mode I have pointed out, you may reduce your income to a certainty, be eased of all trouble, and if you are so disposed, may be perfectly happy; for happiness depends more upon the internal frame of a person’s own mind, than on the externals in the world. Of the last, if you will pursue the plan here recommended, I am sure you can want nothing that is essential. The other depends wholly upon yourself, for the riches of the Indies cannot purchase it. “Mrs. Washington, George and Fanny join me in every good wish for you, and I am, honored madame, your most dutiful and aff. son.”
D. Brother
1. To JOHN AUGUSTINE WASHINGTON, Newburgh,
January 16, 1783.
“… how did my brother Samuel contrive to get himself so enormously in debt? Was it by making purchases? By misfortunes? Or sheer indolence and inattention to business? From whatever cause it proceeded, the matter is now the same, and curiosity only prompts me to the enquiry, as it does to know what will be saved, and how it is disposed of. . . . I have lately received a letter from my mother, in which she complains much of the knavery of the overseer at the Little Falls quarter.”
E. Wife
1. To MRS. MARTHA CUSTIS, July 20, 1758.
“We have begun our march for the Ohio. A courier is starting for Williamsburg, and I embrace the opportunity to send a few words to one whose life is now inseparable from mine. Since that happy hour when we made our pledges to each other, my thoughts have been continually going to you as another Self. That an all-powerful Providence may keep us both in safety is the prayer of your ever faithful and affectionate friend.”
2. To RICHARD WASHINGTON, September 20, 1759.
“I am now I believe fixd at this seat [Mount Vernon] with an agreeable Consort for Life. And hope to find more happiness in retirement than I ever experienced amidst a wide and bustling World.”
3. To MARTHA WASHINGTON, Philadelphia, June 23, 1775.
“My Dearest: As I am within a few minutes of leaving this city, I would not think of departing from it with out dropping you a line, especially as I do not know whether it may be in my power to write again till I get to the camp at Boston. I go fully trusting in that providence, which has been more bountiful to me than I deserve and in full confidence of a happy meeting with you some time in the fall. I have no time to add more as I am surrounded with company to take leave of me. I return an unalterable affection for you which neither time or distance can change my best love to Jack and Nelly and regard for the rest of the family; conclude me with the utmost truth and Sincerity, Yr. entire, G. Washington.”
F. Martha Washington on her husband George
1. To JANET LIVINGSTON MONTGOMERY, Mount Vernon,
April 5th 1800.
“…your affliction I have often marked and as often have keenly felt for you but my own experience has taught me that griefs like these can not be removed by the condolence of friends however sincere—If the mingling tears of numerus friends—if the sympathy of a Nation and every testimony of respect of veneration paid to the memory of the partners of our hearts could afford consolation you and myself would experience it in the highest degree but we know that there is but one source from whence comfort can be derived under afflictions life ours To this we must look with pious resignation and with that pure confidence which our holy religion inspires.
“…but as you justly observe it is certainly a consolation and flattering to poor mortality to believe that we shall meet here after in a better place.”2
2. To JONATHAN TRUMBALL, Mount Vernon January 15, 1800.
“…the good Christian will submit without repining to the Dispensations on Divine Providence and look for consolation to that Being who alone can pour balm into the bleeding Heart and who has promised to be the widows god - … your kind letter of condolence of the 30th of December was greatfull to my feeling.
“…the loss is ours the gain is his.
“For myself I have only to bow with humble submission to the will of that God who giveth and who taketh away looking forward with faith and hope to the moment when I shall be again united with the Partner of my life But while I continue on Earth my prayers will be offered up for the welfare and Happiness of my Friends among who you will always be numbered being.”3
IV. GOVERNMENT AND LEADERSHIP
A. Government
1. The Constitution
a) Spoken as he signed it, September 17, 1787.
“Should the States reject this excellent Constitution, the probability is that an opportunity will never again offer to cancel another in peace—the next will be drawn in blood.”
b) To SELECTMEN OF BOSTON, July 28, 1795.
“The constitution is the guide, which I can never abandon.”
c) To ALEXANDER HAMILTON, July 2, 1794.
“The powers of the executive of this country are more definite, and better understood, perhaps, than those of any other country; and my aim has been, and will continue to be, neither to stretch nor relax from them in any instance whatever, unless compelled to it by imperious circumstances.”
d) To EDMUND PENDLETON, September 23, 1793.
“I have no object in view incompatible with the constitution, and the obvious interests of this country. . . . I only wish, whilst I am a servant of the public, to know the will of my masters, that I may govern myself accordingly.”
2. Amendment to the Constitution
a) To BUSHROD WASHINGTON, Mount Vernon, November 10, 1787. “The warmest friends and the best supporters the Constitution has, do not contend that it is free from imperfections; but they found them unavoidable and are sensible, if evil is likely to arise there from, the remedy must come hereafter; for in the present moment, it is not to be obtained; and, as there is a Constitutional door open for it, I think the People (for it is with them to Judge) can as they will have the advantage of experience on their Side, decide with as much propriety on the alterations and amendments which are necessary [as] ourselves. I do not think we are more inspired, have more wisdom, or possess more virtue, than those who will come after us.”
b) To PATRICK HENRY, September 24, 1787.
“I wish the constitution, which is offered, had been made more perfect; but I sincerely believe it is the best that could be obtained at this time. And, as a constitutional door is opened for amendment hereafter, the adoption of it, under the present circumstances of the Union, is in my opinion desirable.”
3. Power of the Constitution
a) To BUSHROD WASHINGTON, Mount Vernon, November 10, 1787. “The power under the Constitution will always be in the People. It is entrusted for certain defined purposes, and for a certain limited period, to representatives of their own chusing; and whenever it is executed contrary to their Interest, or not agreeable to their wishes, their Servants can, and undoubtedly will be, recalled.”
4. Time Required to Create a Constitution
a) To JOHN AUGUSTINE WASHINGTON, May 31, 1776.
“To form a new Government, requires infinite care, and unbounded attention; for if the foundation is badly laid the superstructure must be bad, too much time therefore, cannot be bestowed in weighing and digesting matters well. We have, no doubt, some good parts in our present constitution; many bad ones we know we have, wherefore no time can be misspent that is imployed in seperating the Wheat from the Tares. My fear is, that you will all get tired and homesick, the consequence of which will be, that you will patch up some kind of Constitution as defective as the present; this should be avoided, every Man should consider, that he is lending his aid to frame a Constitution which is to render Million’s happy, or Miserable, and that a matter of such moment cannot be the Work of a day.”
5. A Citizen
a) To GOVERNOR GEORGE CLINTON, Mount Vernon,
December 28, 1783.
“I arrived at my Seat the day before Christmas, having previously divested myself of my official character. I am now a private Citizen on the banks of the Powtowmack, where I should be happy to see you if your public business would ever permit, and where in the meantime I shall fondly cherish the remembrance of all your former friendship.”
b) To GOVERNOR HENRY LEE, Philadelphia, May 6, 1793.
“As a public character, I can say nothing on the subject of it. As a private man, I am unwilling to say much.”
c) To COMTE DE ROCHAMBEAU, Mount Vernon, February 1, 1784. “My Dear Count: Having resigned my public trust, and with it all my public cares into the hands of Congress, I now address you in the character of an American Citizen from the Banks of the Potomac to which I have been retired, fast locked up by frost and snow ever since Christmas.”
6. The French
a) REMARKS ON MONROE’S “VIEW OF THE CONDUCT OF THE EXECUTIVE OF THE UNITED STATES”
“Why not,…allow the American government to adopt some of the all perfect maxims of the French. It will not be denied that, to boast of what they do, and even of what they do not do is one of them.”
7. Impartiality
a) To ROBERT DINWIDDIE, Fort Loudoun, October 5, 1757.
“If an open, disinterested behavior carries offence, I may have offended; because I have all along laid it down as a maxim, to represent facts freely and impartially.”
8. Immigrants
a) To JOHN JAY, Philadelphia, November 1 [-5], 1794.
“I have established it as a maxim, neither to invite, nor to discourage emigrants. My opinion is, that they will come hither as fast as the true interest and policy of the United States will be benefited by foreign population.”
9. Indians
a) To TIMOTHY PICKERING, January 20, 1791.
“Humanity and good policy must make it the wish of every good citizen of the United States, that husbandry, and consequently civilization, should be introduced among the Indians. So strongly am I impressed with the beneficial effects, which our country would receive from such a thing, that I shall always take a singular pleasure in promoting, as far as may be in my power, every measure which may tend to ensure it.”
b) To DAVID HUMPHREYS, July 20, 1791.
“I must confess I cannot see much prospect of living in tranquility with them [Indians], so long as a spirit of land-jobbing prevails, and our frontier settlers entertain the opinion, that there is not the same crime (or indeed no crime at all) in killing an Indian as in killing a white man.”
10. International Relations
a) To JAMES MONROE, August 25, 1796.
“I have always given it as my decided opinion, that no nation had a right to intermeddle in the internal concerns of another; that every one had a right to form and adopt whatever government they liked best to live under themselves.”
b) To PATRICK HENRY, October 9, 1795.
“My ardent desire is, and my aim has been . . . to comply strictly with all our engagements, foreign and domestic; but to keep the United States free from political connexions with every other country, to see them independent of all and under the influence of none. In a word, I want an American character, that the powers of Europe may be convinced we act for ourselves, and not for others. This, in my judgment, is the only way to be respected abroad and happy at home; and not, by becoming the partisans of Great Britain or France, create dissensions, disturb the public tranquility, and destroy perhaps for ever, the cement which binds the union.”
c) To WILLIAM HEATH, May 20, 1797.
“No policy, in my opinion, can be more clearly demonstrated, than that we should do justice to all, and have no political connexion with any of the European powers beyond those, which result from and serve to regulate our commerce with them.”
d) To EARL OF BUCHAN, April, 22, 1793.
“I believe it is the sincere wish of United America to have nothing to do with the political intrigues, or the squabbles, of European nations; but, on the contrary, to exchange commodities and live in peace and amity with all the inhabitants of the earth.”
11. National Debt
a) FAREWELL ADDRESS, September 19, 1796
“As a very important source of strength and security, cherish public credit. One method of preserving it is to use it as sparingly as possible: avoiding occasions of expence by cultivating peace, but remembering also that timely disbursements to prepare for danger frequently prevent much greater disbursements to repel it; avoiding likewise the accumulation of debt, not only by shunning occasions of expence, but by vigorous exertions in time of Peace to discharge the Debts which unavoidable wars may have occasioned, not ungenerously throwing upon posterity the burthen which we ourselves ought to bear. The execution of these maxims belongs to your Representatives, but it is necessary that public opinion should cooperate.”
12. National Interest
a) To HENRY LAURENS, Fredericksburgh, November 14, 1778.
“I am heartily disposed to entertain the most favourable sentiments of our new ally and to cherish them in others to a reasonable degree; but it is a maxim founded on the universal experience of mankind, that 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 our circumstances we ought to be particularly cautious; for we have not yet attained sufficient vigor and maturity to recover from the shock of any false step into which we may unwarily fall.”
b) To PRESIDENT JOSEPH REED, Head Quarters, Bergen County, July 4, 1780. “In general I esteem it a good maxim, that the best way to preserve the confidence of the people durably is to promote their true interest.”
13. Nominations
a) To JAMES McHENRY, Philadelphia, April 8, 1794.
“I have experienced the necessity in a variety of instances, of hardening my heart against indulgences of my warmest inclination and friendship; and from a combination of causes, as well as more fitness of character, to depart from first impressions and first intentions with regard to nominations; which has proved most unequivocally, the propriety of the maxim I had adopted, of never committing myself, until the moment the appointment is to be made; when from the best information I can obtain, and a full view of circumstances, my judgment is formed.”
14. Peace
a) To FIELDING LEWIS, Morris-Town, May 5[-July 6], 1780.
“We shall never have Peace till the enemy are convinced that we are in a condition to carry on the War. It is no new maxim in politics that for a nation to obtain Peace, or insure it, It must be prepared for War.”
b) To THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS, Head Qurs., Orange Town,
August 20, 1780. “Many circumstances will contribute to a negotiation. An Army on foot not only for another Campaign but for several Campaigns, would determine the enemy to pacific measures, and enable us to insist upon favourable terms in forcible language. An Army insignificent in numbers, dissatisfied, crumbling into pieces, would be the strongest temptation they could have to try the experiment a little longer. It is an old maxim, that the surest way to make a good peace is to be well prepared for War.”
c) To JAMES McHENRY, Philadelphia, December 11, 1781.
“You know it is an old and true Maxim that to make a good peace, you ought to be well prepared to carry on the War.”
d) To JONATHAN BOUCHER, August 15, 1798.
“Peace with all the world is my sincere wish.”
e) To GOUVERNEUR MORRIS, June 25, 1794.
“My primary objects, to which I have steadily adhered, have been to preserve the country in peace if I can, and to be prepared for war if I cannot; to effect the first, upon terms consistent with the respect which is due to ourselves, and with honor, justice, and good faith to all the world.”
15. Public Good
a) To JOHN JAY, Head Quarters, Middle brook, April 14, 1779.
“Conscious that it is the aim of my actions to promote the public good, and that no part of my conduct is influenced by personal enmity to individuals, I cannot be insensible to the artifices employed by some men to prejudice me in the public esteem.”
16. Respect
a) To BENEDICT ARNOLD, September 14, 1775.
“As the contempt of the religion of a country by ridiculing any of its ceremonies, or affronting its ministers or votaries, has ever been deeply resented, you are to be particularly careful to restrain every officer and soldier from such imprudence and folly, and to punish every instance of it. On the other hand, as far as lies in your power, you are to protect and support the free exercise of the religion of the country, and the undisturbed enjoyment of the rights of conscience in religious matters, with your utmost influence and authority.”
b) To LAFAYETTE, August 15, 1787.
“Being no bigot myself, I am disposed to indulge the professors of Christianity in the church with that road to Heaven, which to them shall seem most direct, plainest, easiest and least liable to exception.”
c) To the HEBREW CONGREGATION OF NEWPORT, August, 1790.
“It is now no more that toleration is spoken of, as if it was by the indulgence of one class of people that another enjoyed the exercise of their inherent natural rights. For happily the Government of the United States, which gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance, requires only that those who live under its protection should demean themselves as good citizens, in giving it, on all occasions their effectual support. . . .May the Father of Mercies scatter light and not darkness on our paths, and makes us all, in our several vocations useful here, and in his own due time and way everlastingly happy.”
d) To THOMAS JEFFERSON, August 23, 1792.
“Without more charity for the opinions and acts of one another in governmental matters, or some more infallible criterion by which the truth of speculative opinions, before they have undergone the test of experience, are to be fore-judged, . . . I believe it will be difficult, if not impracticable, to manage the reins of government.”
17. Republic
a) To LAFAYETTE, September 1, 1778.
“In a free and republican government, you cannot restrain the voice of the multitude. Every man will speak as he thinks.”
b) To EDMUND PENDLETON, January 22, 1795.
“Republicanism is not the phantom of a deluded imagination. On the contrary, . . . under no form of government, will laws be better supported, liberty and property better secured, or happiness be more effectually dispensed to mankind.”
a) To BENEDICT ARNOLD, September 14, 1775.
“Prisoners . . . you will treat with as much humanity and kindness, as may be consistent with your own safety and the public interest. Be very particular in restraining . . .your . . . troops . . . from all acts of cruelty and insult, which will disgrace the American arms.”
b) To BOARD OF WAR, November 30, 1776.
“You ask my advice as to the propriety of enlisting prisoners of war. I would just observe, that, in my opinion, it is neither consistent with the rules of war, nor politic; nor can I think, that, because our enemies have committed an unjustifiable action, by enticing, and in some instance intimidating, our men into their service, we ought to follow their example.”
c) To JOHN BANISTER, April 21, 1778.
“I will venture to assert, that a great and lasting war can never be supported on this principle [patriotism] alone. It must be aided by a prospect of interest or some reward.”
d) To DAVID HUMPHREYS, July 25, 1785.
“My first wish is to see this plague to mankind banished from off the earth, and the sons and daughters of this world employed in more pleasing and innocent amusements, than in preparing implements and exercising them for the destruction of mankind.”
e) To JOHN BANISTER, April 21, 1778.
“I will venture to assert, that a great and lasting war can never be supported on this principle [patriotism] alone. It must be aided by a prospect of interest or some reward.”
19. Washington D.C.
a) To MRS. SARAH FAIRFAX, May 16, 1798.
“A century hence, if this country keeps united, . . . will produce a city, though not as large as London, yet of a magnitude inferior to few others in Europe, on the banks of the Potomac, where one is now establishing for the permanent seat of the government of the United States, . . . a situation not excelled, for commanding prospect, good water, salubrious air, and safe harbour, by any in the world; and where elegant buildings are erecting and in forwardness for the reception of Congress in the year 1800.”
1. Gifts
a) To DAVID HUMPHREYS, June 26, 1797.
“Presents . . . , to me, are of all things the most painful; but I am so well satisfied of the motives which dictated yours my scruples are removed; and I receive the buckles (which are indeed very elegant) as a token of your regard and attachment.”
b) To MRS. MATTHEW ANDERSON, Philadelphia, July 20, 1794.
“It is to an established maxim of mine, not to accept a Present from any one.”
2. Leadership Principles
a) Principles:
(1) To GOV. JONATHAN TRUMBULL, August 30, 1799. “If principles, instead of men, are not the steady pursuit of the Federalists, their cause will soon be at an end.”
b) Making Decisions:
(1) To HENRY KNOX, September 20, 1795.
“If any power on earth could . . . erect the standard of infallibility in political opinions, there is no being . . . that would resort to it with more eagerness than myself, so long as I remain a servant of the public. But as I have found no better guide hitherto, than upright intentions and close investigation, I shall adhere to those maxims, while I keep the watch; leaving it to those who will come after me, to explore new ways, if they like or think them better.”
c) Precedents:
(1) To HENRY LEE, October 31, 1786.
“Precedents are dangerous things.”
d) Discipline and Reward:
(1) To COL. WILLIAM WOODFORD, November 10, 1775.
“Be strict in your discipline; that is . . . require nothing unreasonable of your officers and men, but see that whatever is required be punctually complied with. Reward and punish every man according to his merit, without partiality or prejudice; hear his complaints; if well founded, redress them; if otherwise, discourage them, in order to prevent frivolous ones. Discourage vice in every shape.”
e) Accountability:
(1) To DUKE DE LIANCOURT, August 8, 1796.
“Men in responsible positions cannot, like those in private life, be governed solely by the dictates of their own inclinations, or by such motives as can only affect themselves. . . . A man in public office . . . is accountable for the consequences of his measures to others, and one in private life . . . has no other check than the rectitude of his own action.”
f) Execution of Plans:
(1) To JAMES MCHENRY, Secretary of War, July 13, 1796.
“Let me in a friendly way impress the following maxims upon the Executive Officers. In all important matters, to deliberate maturely, but to execute promptly and vigorously; and not to put things off until the morrow, which can be done and require to be done today. Without an adherence to these rules, business never will be well done, or done in any easy manner, but will always be in arrear, with one thing treading upon the heels of another.”
g.) Enforcement of Rules:
(1) To JOHN JAY, August 1, 1786.
“Experience has taught us, that men will not adopt and carry into execution measures the best calculated for their own good, without the intervention of a coercive power.”
(2) To JAMES MADISON, March 31, 1787.
“Laws or ordinances unobserved, or partially attended to, had better never have been made; because the first is a mere nihil, and the second is productive of much jealousy and discontent.”
h.) Problem Solving:
(1) To MALMEDY, May 16, 1777.
“We ought not to convert trifling difficulties into insuperable obstacles.”
(2) To THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS, December 20, 1776.
“Desperate diseases require desperate remedies.”
i.) Power of Example
(1) To LORD STIRLING, March 5, 1780.
“Example, whether it be good or bad, has a powerful influence, and the higher in Rank the officer is, who sets it, the more striking it is.”
j.) Communicative Mission and Vision:
(1) To COL. WILLIAM WOODFORD, November 10, 1775.
“Impress upon the mind of every man, from the first to the lowest, the importance of the cause, and what it is they are contending for.”
(1) To JOHN TRUMBULL, June 25, 1799.
“Offensive operations oftentimes are the surest, if not . . . the only means of defense.” (emphasis in the original)
l.) Use of Power:
(1) To JOSEPH REED, July 4, 1780.
“Extensive powers not exercised as far as was necessary have, I believe, scarcely ever failed to ruin the possessor.”
(2) To HENRY LEE, October 31, 1786.
“Influence is no government.”
3. Creating Trust in Leaders:
a) To THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS, Valley Forge, March 7, 1778.
“It may not be a little dangerous, to beget in the minds of our own Countrymen, a Suspicion that we do not pay the strictest Observance to the Maxims of Honor and good Faith. It is prudent to use the greatest Caution, not to shock the Notions of general Justice and Humanity, universal among Mankind, as well in a public as a private View: in a Business, on the side of which the Passions are so much concerned as in the Present, Men would be readily disposed to believe the worst and cherish the most unfavourable Conclusions.”
4. Good Leaders
a) To THE MASSACHUSETTS SENATORS, [February 24, 1797.]
“I entertain the pleasing hope, that the intelligence and superior information of my fellow citizens, enabling them to discern their true interests, will lead them to the successive choice of wise and virtuous men to watch over, protect and promote them, who while they pursue those maxims of moderation, equity and prudence, which will entitle our country to perpetual peace, will cultivate that fortitude and dignity of sentiment which are essential to the maintenance of our Liberty and independence.”
b) To JAMES MCHENRY, July 4, 1798.
“A good choice [of General Staff ] is of . . . immense consequence. . . . [They] ought to be men of the most respectable character, and of first-rate abilities; because, from the nature of their respective offices, and from their being always about the Commander-in-Chief, who is obliged to entrust many things to them confidentially, scarcely any movement can take place without their knowledge. . . . Besides possessing the qualifications just mentioned, they ought to have those of Integrity and prudence in an eminent degree, that entire confidence might be reposed in them. Without these, and their being on good terms with the Commanding General, his measures, if not designedly thwarted, may be so embarrassed as to make them move heavily on.”
c) To JAMES MCHENRY, August 10, 1798.
“It is infinitely better to have a few good men than many indifferent ones.” (emphasis in the original)
5. Public Good
a) To JOHN JAY, Head Quarters, Middle brook, April 14, 1779.
“Conscious that it is the aim of my actions to promote the public good, and that no part of my conduct is influenced by personal enmity to individuals, I cannot be insensible to the artifices employed by some men to prejudice me in the public esteem.”
b) To MAJOR FRANCIS HALKET, August 2, 1758.
“I am uninfluenced by prejudice, having no hopes or fears but for the general good.”
c) To THE SELECTMEN OF BOSTON, July28, 1795.
“In every act of my administration, I have sought the happiness of my fellow citizens. My system for the attainment of this object has uniformly been to overlook all personal, local, and partial considerations; to contemplate the United States as one great whole; to confide that sudden impressions, when erroneous, would yield to candid reflection; and to consult only the substantial and permanent interests of our country.”
6. Good of the Great Whole
a) To JOHN ARMSTRONG, May 18, 1779.
“To please everybody is impossible; were I to undertake it, I should probably please nobody. If I know myself I have no partialities. I have from the beginning, and I hope I shall to the end, pursued to the utmost of my judgment and abilities, one steady line of conduct for the good of the great whole.”
7. Promises
a) To CHARLES CARROLL, OF CARROLLTON, Mount Vernon,
August 2, 1798.
“It is an invariable maxim with me, never, before hand, and until the moment requires it, to pledge myself by promises which I might find embarrassing to comply with.”
a) To RICHARD HENRY LEE, December 14, 1784.
“It is easier to prevent than to remedy an evil.”
b) To JAMES MCHENRY, August 10, 1798.
“It is much easier at all times to prevent an evil than to rectify mistakes.”
9. Supervisors
a) AGREEMENT WITH WILLIAM PEARCE, Mount Vernon, September 23, 1793. “But it may not be amiss to repeat that one of the most effectual steps to accomplish all these ends, is to see that the Overseers of the Farms and the Superintendants of other business, are constantly at their posts; for it may be received as a maxim that if they are away or entertaining company at home, that the concerns entrusted to them will be neglected, and certainly go wrong: and it is not less certain that relaxation on his part will serve only to beget liberties on their’s; therefore strictness with justice is the sure means of having the business well conducted.”
b) To BURGES BALL, Philadelphia, July 27, 1794.
“If you can keep him always with your people he will make you a good Overseer; and without it, neither he or any other man will. With me, it is an established maxim, that an Overseer shall never be absent from his people but at night, and at his meals.” [emphasis in the original]
V. MILITARY AND PATRIOTISM
A. Military
1. The Army’s Need of Food and Clothing
a) To PHILIP LIVINGSTON, ELBRIDGE GERRY AND GEORGE CLYMER, Camp at the Clove, July 19, 1777.
“It is a maxim, which needs no illustration, that nothing can be of more importance in an Army than the Cloathing and feeding it well; on these, the health, comfort, and Spirits of Soldiers essentially depend, and it is a melancholy fact, that the American Army are miserably defective in both these respects; the distress the most of them are in, for want of Cloathing, is painful to humanity, dispiriting to themselves, and discouraging to every Officer. It makes every pretension to the preservation of cleanliness impossible, exposes them to a variety of disorders, and abates, or destroys that Military pride, without which nothing can be expected from any Army.”
a) To THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS, Head Quarters, Camp near German Town, August 10, 1777.
“It is generally a well-founded Maxim, that we ought to endeavour to reduce our defence, as much as possible, to a certainty, by collecting our Strength and making all our preparations at one point, rather than to risk its being weak and ineffectual every where, by dividing our attention and force to different objects.”
3. Military Academy
a) EIGHTH ANNUAL ADDRESS TO CONGRESS,
December 7, 1796.
“The Institution of a Military Academy, is also recommended by cogent reasons. However pacific the general policy of a Nation may be, it ought never to be without an adequate stock of Military knowledge for emergencies. The first would impair the energy of its character, and both would hazard its safety, or expose it to greater evils when War could not be avoided. Besides that War, might often, not depend upon its own choice. In proportion, as the observance of pacific maxims, might exempt a Nation from the necessity of practising the rules of the Military Art, ought to be its care in preserving, and transmitting by proper establishments, the knowledge of that Art. Whatever argument may be drawn from particular examples, superficially viewed, a thorough examination of the subject will evince, that the Art of War, is at once comprehensive and complicated; that it demands much previous study; and that the possession of it, in its most improved and perfect state, is always of great moment to the security of a Nation. This, therefore, ought to be a serious care of every Government: and for this purpose, an Academy, where a regular course of Instruction is given, is an obvious expedient, which different Nations have successfully employed.”
4. Militia
a) To LUND WASHINGTON, Col. Morris’s, on the Heights of Harlem,
September 30, 1776.
“This time last year I pointed out the evil consequences of short enlistments, the expenses of militia, and the little dependence that was to be placed in them. I assured [Congress] that the longer they delayed raising a standing army, the more difficult and chargeable would they find it to get on and that, at the same time that the militia would answer no valuable purpose, the frequent calling them in would be attended with an expense, that they could have no conception of. Whether, as I have said before, the unfortunate hope of reconciliation was the cause, or the fear of a standing army prevailed, I will not undertake to say; but the policy was to engage men for twelve months only. The consequence of which, you have had great bodies of militia in pay that never were in camp; you have had immense quantities of provisions drawn by men that never rendered you one hour’s service (at least usefully), and this in the most profuse and wasteful way.… I am wearied to death all day with a variety of perplexing circumstances—disturbed at the conduct of the militia, whose behavior and want of discipline has done great injury to the other troops, who never had officers, except in a few instances, worth the bread they eat.”
b) To JOHN AUGUSTINE WASHINGTON, February 24, 1777.
“Militia, . . . here today and gone tomorrow—whose way, like the ways of Providence are almost inscrutable.”
5. Bunker Hill
a) To LUND WASHINGTON, Camp at Cambridge, August 20, 1775.
“The People of this government have obtained a Character which they by no means deserved; their officers generally speaking are the most indifferent kind of People I ever saw. I have already broke one Colo. and five Captains for Cowardice and for drawing more Pay and Provisions than they had Men in their Companies; there is two more Colos. now under arrest, and to be tried for the same offences; in short they are by no means such Troops, in any respect, as you are led to believe of them from the accts. which are published, but I need not make myself Enemies among them, by this declaration, although it is consistent with truth. I dare say the Men would fight very well (if properly Officered) although they are an exceeding dirty and nasty people; had they been properly conducted at Bunkers Hill (on the 17th of June) or those that were there properly supported, the Regulars would have met with a shameful defeat, and a much more considerable loss than they did, which is now known to be exactly 1057 killed and wounded; it was for their behaviour on that occasion that the above Officers were broke, for I never spared one that was accused of Cowardice but brot ‘em to immediate Tryal.”
6. Hospital
a) To THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS, January 26, 1777.
“I hope your new appointment . . . will make the necessary reform in the hospital and that I shall not, the next campaign, have my ears and eyes too, shocked with the complaints and looks of poor creatures perishing for want of proper care.”
7. Military Family/Band of Brothers
a) To HENRY KNOX, October 21, 1798.
“My first wish would be, that my military family and the whole army should consider themselves as a band of brothers, willing and ready to die for each other.”
8. Promotions
a) To THE COMMITTEE OF CONGRESS WITH THE ARMY, [Head Quarters, January 29, 1778.]
“Irregular promotions have also been a pregnant source of uneasiness, discord and perplexity in this army.…This, however, shows how indespensably necessary it is, to have some settled rule of promotion, universally known and understood and not to be deviated from, but for obvious and incontestible reasons.”
9. Tensions with General Gates
a) To JOHN JAY, [Head Quarters, Middle brook, April 14, 1779.]
“I discovered very early in the war symptoms of coldness and constraint in General Gates behavior to me. These increased as he rose into greater consequence; but we did not come to a direct breach, ‘till the beginning of last year. This was occasioned, by a correspondence, which I thought rather made free with me between General Gates and Conway, which accidentally came to my knowledge. The particulars of this affair you will find delineated in the packet herewith indorsed “papers respecting General Conway.” Besides the evidence contained in them of the genuineness of the offensive correspondence, I have other proofs still more convincing, which, having been given me in a confidential way, I am not at liberty to impart.
“After this affair subsided, I made a point of treating Genl. Gates with all the attention and cordiality in my power, as well from a sincere desire of harmony, as from an unwillingness to give any cause of triumph to our enemies from an appearance of dissension among ourselves. I can appeal to the world and to the whole Army whether I have not cautiously avoided every word or hint that could tend to disparage General Gates in any way. I am sorry his conduct to me has not been equally generous and that he is continually giving me fresh proofs of malevolence and opposition. It will not be doing him injustice to say, that, besides the little underhand intrigues, which he is frequently practising, there has hardly been any great military question, in which his advice has been asked, that it has not been given in an equivocal and designing manner, apparently calculated to afford him an opportunity of censuring me on the failure of whatever measure might be adopted.
“When I find that this Gentleman does not scruple to take the most unfair advantages of me; I am under a necessity of explaining his conduct to justify my own. This and the perfect confidence I have in you have occasioned me to trouble you with so free a communication of the state of things between us. I shall still be as passive as a regard to my own character will permit. I am however uneasy as General — has endeavoured to impress Congress with an unfavourable idea of me, and as I only know this in a private confidential way, that I cannot take any step to remove the impression, if it should be made.”
10. General Conway’s Secret Enemy
a) To MAJOR GENERAL HORATIO GATES, Valley Forge, January 4, 1778. vol. 10. “…given with a friendly view to forewarn, and consequently forearm me, against a secret enemy; or, in other words, a dangerous incendiary; in which character, sooner or later, this Country will know Genl. Conway.”
B. Patriotism
1. Patriot
a) To THE SECRETARY OF WAR, Mount Vernon, February 25, 1799.
“It is a maxim with me, that in times of imminent danger to a Country, every true Patriot should occupy the Post in which he can render [his services to his country] the most effectually.”
b) To BENEDICT ARNOLD, September 14, 1775.
“Every post is honorable, in which a man can serve his country.”
c) To COL. JOSIAS C. HALL, April 3, 1778.
“From the crisis at which our affairs have arrived, . . . I think every man, who does not merely make profession of patriotism is bound by indissoluble ties to remain in the army.”
d) FIRST INAUGURAL, April 30, 1789.
“. . . my country, whose voice I can never hear but with veneration and love.”
e) To HENRY LEE, July 21, 1793.
“I have no wish superior to that of promoting the happiness and welfare of this country.”
f) To DAVID HUMPHREYS, June 26, 1797.
“I am clearly in sentiment with you that every man who is in the vigor of life, ought to serve his country, in whatever line it requires and he is fit for.”
2. American West
a) To RICHARD HENDERSON, June 19, 1788.
“If I was a young man, just preparing to begin the world, or if advanced in life, and had a family to make a provision for, I know of no country where I should rather fix my habitation than in some part of that region [the West].”
b) To DAVID HUMPHREYS, July 25, 1785.
“Rather than quarrel about territory, let the poor, the needy, and oppressed of the earth, and those who want land, resort to the fertile plains of our western country, the second land of promise, and there dwell in peace, fulfilling the first and great commandment.”
VI. BUSINESS AND FINANCES
A. Business
1. Doing Business Well
a) To THE SECRETARY OF WAR, Mount Vernon, July 13, 1796.
“Let me, in a friendly way, impress the following maxims upon the Executive Officers. In all important matters, to deliberate maturely, but to execute promptly and vigorously. And not to put things off until the Morrow which can be done, and require to be done, to day. Without an adherence to these rules, business never will be well done, or done in an easy manner; but will always be in arrear, with one thing treading upon the heels of another.”
2. System
a) To JAMES ANDERSON, Mount Vernon, December 21, 1797.
“If a person only sees, or directs from day to day what is to be done, business can never go on methodically or well, for in case of sickness, or the absence of the Director, delays must follow. System to all things is the soul of business. To deliberate maturely, and execute promptly is the way to conduct it to advantage. With me, it has always been a maxim, rather to let my designs appear from my works than by my expressions. To talk long before hand, of things to be done, is unpleasant, if those things can as well be done at one time or another; but I do not mean by this to discourage you from proposing any plans to me which you may conceive to be beneficial, after having weighed them well in your own mind; on the contrary, I request you to do it with the utmost freedom, for the more combined, and distant things are seen, the more likely they are to be turned to advantage.”
3. Fair Business Practices
a) To JAMES ANDERSON, Mount Vernon, September 10, 1799.
“For at the same time that I should expect a reasonable compensation for the use of the property it would be equally my wish that you should find your account in the profit, arising there from. Live, and let live, is, in my opinion, a maxim founded in true policy; and is one I am disposed to pursue.”
4. Commerce
a) To MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE, Mount Vernon,
August 15, 1786 (vol. 28).
“As a Philanthropist by character, and (if I may be allowed the expression) as a Citizen of the great republic of humanity at large; I cannot help turning my attention sometimes to this subject. I would be understood to mean, I cannot avoid reflecting with pleasure on the probable influence that commerce may hereafter have on human manners and society in general. On these occasions I consider how mankind may be connected like one great family in fraternal ties. I indulge a fond, perhaps an enthusiastic idea, that as the world is evidently much less barbarous than it has been, its melioration must still be progressive; that nations are becoming more humanized in their policy, that the subjects of ambition and causes for hostility are daily diminishing, and, in fine, that the period is not very remote, when the benefits of a liberal and free commerce will, pretty generally, succeed to the devastations and horrors of war.”
5. Self Interest
a) To ROBERT CARY & COMPANY, Mount Vernon, May 28, 1762.
“As I have ever laid it down as an established Maxim to believe, that every person is, (most certainly ought to be) the best judges of what relates to their own Interest and concerns I very rarely undertake to propose Schemes to others which may be attended with uncertainty and miscarriage.”
b) To DOLPHIN DREW, Mount Vernon, February 25, 1784.
“From the first I laid it down as a maxim, that no person who possessed Lands adjoining, should hold any of mine as a Lease, and for this obvious reason, that the weight of their labour, and burden of the crops, whilst it was in a condition to bear them, would fall upon my Land, and the improvement upon his own, in spite of all the covenants which could be inserted to prevent it.”
c) To JOHN AUGUSTINE WASHINGTON, Mount Vernon,
March 27, 1786.
“I had established it as a maxim to accept no Tenants that did not mean to reside on the Land; or who had land of their own adjoining to it, not expecting, in either case, much improvement on, or much justice to mine under these circumstances.”
d) To JOHN LAURENS, July 10, 1782.
“It is not the public, but the private interest, which influences the generality of mankind, nor can the Americans any longer boast an exception.”
6. Time
a) To DOCTOR JAMES ANDERSON, Philadelphia,
December 24, 1795.
“The truth, is so little time is at my disposal for private gratifications, that it is but rarely I put pen to paper for purposes of my own.”
b) To JAMES MCHENRY, September 14, 1799.
“What to me is more valuable, my time, that I most regard.”
c) To JAMES ANDERSON, December 10, 1799.
“Time is of more importance than is generally imagined.”
7. Time and Money
a) To JAMES ANDERSON, Mount Vernon, December 21, 1797.
“The man who does not estimate time as money will forever miscalculate; for altho’ the latter is not paid for the former, it is nevertheless a sure item in the cost of any undertaking.”
8. Workmen
a) To JAMES ANDERSON, Federal City, May 22, 1798.
“I had no intention then, nor have I any desire now, to part with you as a manager; but having made this declaration I shall add (what I believe I then did) that I have no wish to retain any person in my Service who is discontented with my conduct . . . Strange, and singular indeed would it be, if the Proprietor of an Estate . . . should have nothing to say in, or controul over, his own expenditures; Should not be at liberty to square his oeconomy thereto; Nor should, without hurting the feelings of a Manager, point to such alterations . . .
“Where have I been deficient? or in what have you just cause to complain? If I cannot remark upon my own business, passing every day under my eyes, without hurting your feelings, I must discontinue my rides, or become a cypher on my own Estate. . . If your feelings have been hurt by my remarks on the bad clover Seed that was purchased, I cannot help that; my views and plan have been much more hurt by it . . . it is not my wish to hurt the feelings of any one, where it can be avoided, or to do injustice in any respect whatsover;”
b) To WILLIAM GORDON, October 14, 1797.
“Workmen in most Countries I believe are necessary plagues—in this [country] where entreaties as well as money must be used to obtain their work and keep them to their duty they baffle all calculation in the accomplishment of any plan or repairs they are engaged in;—and require more attention to and looking after than can be well conceived.”
c) To HENRY KNOX, September 24, 1792.
“My observation on every employment in life is, that, wherever and whenever one person is found adequate to the discharge of a duty by close application thereto, it is worse executed by two persons, and scarcely done at all if three or more are employed therein.”
d) To TENCH TILGHMAN, March 24, 1784.
“If they are good workmen, they may be from Asia, Africa or Europe; they may be Mahometans, Jews or Christians of any sect, or they may be Atheists. I would, however, prefer middle aged to young men, and those who have good countenances, and good characters . . . to others who have neither.”
C. Finances
1. Borrowing
a) To SAMUEL WASHINGTON, July 12, 1797.
“You may be assured that there is no practice more dangerous than that of borrowing money . . . . For when money can be had in this way, repayment is seldom thought of in time; the Interest becomes a moth; exertions to raise it by dint of Industry ceases—it comes easy and is spent freely; and many things indulged in that would never be thought of, if to be purchased by the sweat of the brow.—In the meantime the debt is accumulating like a snowball in rolling.”
2. Debt
a) To JOHN AUGUSTINE WASHINGTON, Newburgh,
January 16, 1783.
“…how did my brother Samuel contrive to get himself so enormously in debt? Was it by making purchases? By misfortunes? Or sheer indolence and inattention to business? From whatever cause it proceeded, the matter is now the same, and curiosity only prompts me to the enquiry, as it does to know what will be saved, and how it is disposed of. . . . I have lately received a letter from my mother, in which she complains much of the knavery of the overseer at the Little Falls quarter.”
b) To JAMES WELCH, April 7, 1799.
“To contract new Debts is not the way to pay old ones.”
c) To ROBERT STEWART, April 27, 1763.
“I wish, my dear Stewart, that the circumstances of my affairs would have permitted me to have given you an order . . . for £400 . . . or even twice that sum . . . But, alas! To show my inability in this respect, I enclose you a copy of Mr. Cary’s last account current against me, which upon my honor and the faith of a Christian, is a true one. . .
“This, upon my soul, is a genuine account of my affairs in England.”
d) To LUND WASHINGTON, Newburgh, February 12, 1783.
“I have often told you, and I repeat it with much truth, that the entire confidence which I placed in your integrity made me easy, and I was always happy at thinking that my affairs were in your hands—which I could not have been if they had been under the care of a common manager. . . . I want to know before I come home (as I shall come home with empty pockets, whenever Peace shall take place) how affairs stand with me, and what my dependence is.”
3. Security for Loans
a) To DANIEL McCARTY, Mount Vernon, November 13, 1797.
“It is a maxim with me, to take landed security which from its nature is unchangeable, to personal security which is subject to numberless vissitudes.”
b) To BURGES BALL, New York, January 18, 1790.
“I hope you have got through your difficulties on account of your surety-ship for Major Willis, and without loss. When you engaged in this business you neglected the advice of the Wise man, than which no better I believe is to be found in his whole book, or among all his sayings, ‘Beware of surety-ship.” Offer my love and good wishes to Fanny and the family, accept the same yourself and those of Mrs. Washington. I am etc.”
a) To FIELDING LEWIS, Mount Vernon, February 27, 1784.
“You very much mistake my circumstances when you suppose me in a condition to advance money. I made no money from my Estate during the nine years I was absent from it, and brought none home with me. those who owed me, for the most part, took advantage of the depreciation and paid me off with six pence in the pound. those to whom I was indebted, I have yet to pay, without other means, if they will not wait, than selling part of my Estate; or distressing those who were too honest to take advantage of the tender Laws to quit scores with me.”
b) To CHARLES CARTER, Philadelphia, March 10, 1795.
“My friends entertain a very erroneous idea of my pecuniary resources, when they set me down for a money lender, or one who (now) has a command of it. You may believe me, when I assert that the Bonds which were due to me before the Revolution, were discharged during the progress of it, with a few exceptions in depreciated paper (in some instances as low as a shilling in the pound). That such has been the management of my estate, for many years past, especially since my absence from home, now six years, as scarcely to support itself. That my public allowance (whatever the world may think of it) is inadequate to the expence of living in this city; to such an extravagant height has the necessaries as well as the conveniences of life, arisen. And, moreover, that to keep myself out of debt; I have found it expedient, now and then, to sell lands, or something else to effect this purpose.
“These are facts I have no inclination to publish to the world, nor should I have disclosed them on this occasion, had it not been due to friendship, to give you some explanation of my inability to comply with your request. If, however, by joining with nine others, the sum required can be obtained, notwithstanding my being under these circumstances, and notwithstanding the money will be to be withdrawn from another purpose, I will contribute one hundred pounds towards the accommodation of your sons wants, without any view to the receipt of interest there from.”
c) To SAMUEL WASHINGTON, Mount Vernon, July 12, 1797.
“I perceive by your letter of the 7th Instant that you are under the same mistake that many others are, in supposing that I have money always at Command.
“The case is so much the reverse of it, that I found it expedient before I retired from public life to sell all my Lands (near 5000 Acres) in Pennsylvania in the Counties of Washington and Fayette, and my lands in the Great Dismal Swamp in Virginia, in order to enable me to defray the expences of my station, and to raise money for other purposes.”
5. Rents
a) To ROBERT LEWIS, Mount Vernon, October 15, 1791. “From long experience I have laid it down as an unerring maxim that to exact rents with punctuality is not only the right t of the Landlord, but that it is also for the benefit of the Tenant, that it should be so; unless by uncontroulable events, and providential strokes the latter is rendered unable to pay them; in such cases he should not only meet with indulgence, but, in some instances with a remittal of the rent. But, in the ordinary course of these transactions, the rents ought to be collected with the most rigid exactness.”
VII. POLITICS AND MEDIA
A. Politics
1. Censure/Criticism
a) To THE EARL OF LOUDOUN, [January], 1757.
“Therefore, it is not to be wondered at, if, under such peculiar circumstances, I should be sicken’d in a service, which promises so little of a soldier’s reward. I have long been satisfied of the impossibility of continuing in this service, without loss of honor. Indeed, I was fully convinced of it before I accepted the command the second time, (seeing the cloudy prospect that stood before me;) and did for this reason reject the offer, (until I was ashamed any longer to refuse,) not caring to expose my character to public censure. But the solicitations of the country overcame my objections, and induced me to accept it.”
b) To PRESIDENT JOSEPH REED, West-point, July 29, 1779.
“If I had ever assumed the Character of a Military genius and the Officer of experience. If undr. these false colors I had solicited the command I was honoured with, or if after my appointment, I had presumptuously driven on under the sole guidance of my own judgment and self will, and misfortunes the result of obstinacy and misconduct, not of necessity, had followed, I should have thought myself a proper subject for the lash, not only of his, but the pen of every other writer, and a fit object for public resentment.”
c) To MRS. MARTHA WASHINGTON, Philadelphia, June 18, 1775.
“It was utterly out of my power to refuse this appointment, without exposing my character to such censures, as would have reflected dishonor upon myself, and given pain to my friends.”
d) To JOHN AUGUSTINE WASHINGTON, Cambridge,
March 31, 1776.
“Many of my difficulties and distresses were of so peculiar a cast that in order to conceal them from the Enemy, I was obliged to conceal them from my friends, indeed from my own Army, thereby subjecting my Conduct to interpretations unfavourable to my Character, especially by those at a distance, who could not, in the smallest degree be acquainted with the Springs that govern’d it.”
e) To ROBERT DINWIDDIE, Fort Loudoun, September 17, 1757.
“It is hard to have my character arraigned, and my actions condemned, without a hearing.”
f) To DAVID HUMPHREYS, June 12, 1796.
“I am attacked for a steady opposition to every measure which has a tendency to disturb the peace and tranquility of it. But these attacks, unjust and unpleasant as they are, will occasion no change in my conduct; nor will they work any other effect in my mind, than to increase the anxious desire which has long possessed my breast, to enjoy in the shades of retirement the consolation of having rendered my Country every service my abilities were competent to, uninfluenced by pecuniary or ambitious considerations as they respected myself, and without any attempt to provide for my friends farther than their merits, abstractedly, entitle them to; nor an attempt in any instance to bring a relation of mine into Office. Malignity therefore may dart her shafts; but no earthly power can deprive me of the consolation of knowing that I have not in the course of my administration been guilty of a wilful error, however numerous they may have been from other causes.” (emphasis in the original)
2. Politics
a) To LAFAYETTE, December 25, 1798.
“I wish well to all nations and to all men. My politics are plain and simple. I think every nation has a right to establish that form of government under which it conceives it shall live most happy; provided it infracts no right, or is not dangerous to others; and that no governments ought to interfere with the internal concerns of another, except for the security of what is due to themselves.”
a) To HENRY KNOX, Mount Vernon, September 20, 1795.
“If any power on earth could, or the great power above would, erect the standard of infallibility in political opinions, there is no being that inhabits this terrestrial globe that would resort to it with more eagerness than myself, so long as I remain a servant of the public. But as I have found no better guide hitherto than upright intentions, and dose investigation, I shall adhere to these maxims while I keep the watch; leaving it to those who will come after me to explore new ways, if they like; or think them better.”
b) To JOHN PARKE CUSTIS, February 28, 1781.
“To be disgusted at the decision of questions, because they are not consonant to our own ideas, and to withdraw ourselves from public assemblies, or to neglect our attendance at them . . . is wrong, because these things may originate in a difference of opinion; but, supposing the fact is otherwise . . . .it is the indispensable duty of every patriot to counteract them by the most steady and uniform opposition.”
c) To THOMAS JEFFERSON, August 23, 1792.
“Without more charity for the opinions and acts of one another in governmental matters, or some more infallible criterion by which the truth of speculative opinions, before they have undergone the test of experience, are to be fore-judged. . . I believe it will be difficult, if not impracticable, to manage the reins of government.”
d) To ALEXANDER HAMILTON, August 26, 1792.
“Differences in political opinions are as unavoidable, as, to a certain point, they may perhaps be necessary. But it is exceedingly to be regretted, that subjects cannot be discussed without temper on the one hand, or decisions submitted to without having the motives . . . improperly implicated on the other; and his regret borders on chagrin, when we find that men of abilities, zealous patriots, . . . will not exercise more charity in deciding on the opinions and actions of one another.”
4. Honesty
a) To DOCTOR JAMES ANDERSON, Philadelphia,
December 24, 1795.
“I have no inclination to touch, much less to dilate on politics. For in politics, as in religion my tenets are few and simple: the leading one of which, and indeed that which embraces most others, is to be honest and just ourselves, and to exact it from others; medling as little as possible in their affairs where our own are not involved. If this maxim was generally adopted Wars would cease, and our swords would soon be converted into reap-hooks, and our harvests be more abundant, peaceful, and happy. ‘Tis wonderful it should be otherwise and the earth should be moistened with human gore, instead of the refreshing streams, wch. the shedders of it might become, instruments to lead over its plains, to delight and render profitable our labours. But alas! the millenium will not I fear appear in our days. The restless mind of man can not be at peace; and when there is disorder within, it will appear without, and soon or late will shew itself in acts. So it is with Nations, whose mind is only the aggregate of those of the individuals, where the Government is Representative, and the voice of a Despot, where it is not.”
5. Disputes
a) FAREWELL ADDRESS, [First Draft, May 15, 1796.]
“That party disputes, among all the friends and lovers of their country may subside, or, as the wisdom of Providence has ordained that men, on the same subjects, shall not always think alike, that charity and benevolence when they happen to differ may so far shed their benign influence as to banish those invectives which proceed from illiberal prejudices and jealousy.”
b) To ALEXANDER HAMILTON, October 18, 1787.
“When the situation of this country calls loudly for vigor and unanimity, it is to be lamented that gentlemen of talents and character should disagree in their sentiments for promoting the public weal; but unfortunately this ever has been, and most probably ever will be, the case in the affairs of mankind.”
6. Non-Partnerships
a) To THOMAS JEFFERSON, Mount Vernon, July 6, 1796.
“I was no party man myself, and the first wish of my heart was, if parties did exist, to reconcile them.
“To this I may add, and very truly, that, until within the last year or two ago, I had no conception that Parties would, or even could go, the length I have been witness to; nor did I believe until lately, that it was within the bonds of probability; hardly within those of possibility, that, while I was using my utmost exertions to establish a national character of our own, independent, as far as our obligations, and justice would permit, of every nation of the earth; and wished, by steering a steady course, to preserve this Country from the horrors of a desolating war, that I should be accused of being the enemy of one Nation, and subject to the influence of another; and to prove it, that every act of my administration would be tortured, and the grossest, and most insidious mis-representations of them be made (by giving one side only of a subject, and that too in such exaggerated and indecent terms as could scarcely be applied to a Nero; a notorious defaulter; or even to a common pick-pocket). But enough of this; I have already gone farther in the expression of my feelings, than I intended.”
b) To JOHN ARMSTRONG, May 18, 1779.
“To please everybody is impossible; were I to undertake it, I should probably please nobody. If I know myself I have no partialities. I have from the beginning, and I hope I shall to the end, pursued to the utmost of my judgment and abilities, one steady line of conduct for the good of the great whole.”
7. Public Sentiment
a) To LAFAYETTE, July 25, 1785.
“It is to be regretted I confess, that democratical states must always feel before they can see; it is this that makes their governments slow, but the people will be right at last.” (emphasis in the original)
b) To EDWARD CARRINGTON, May 1, 1796.
“Whatever my own opinion may be on this or any other subject interesting to the community at large, it always has been and will continue to be my earnest desire to learn, and, as far as is consistent, to comply with, the public sentiment; but it is on great occasions only, and after time has been given for cool and deliberate reflection, that the real voice of the people can be known.”
8. Democrat
a) To JAMES MCHENRY, September 30, 1798.
“My opinion is . . . . that you could as soon scrub the blackamore white as to change the principle of a profest Democrat, and that he will leave nothing unattempted to overturn the Government of this country.”
9. Franklin
a) To HENRY HILL New York, June 3, 1790.
Benjamin Franklin, bequeathing to him his gold-headed Crabtree walking stick, said: “If it were a scepter, he has merited it and would become it.”
10. Lust for Power
a) To PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS, December 20, 1776.
“I have no lust for power.”
a) To CHARLES M. THUSTON, August 10, 1794.
“If the laws are to be so trampled upon with impunity, and a minority (a small one too) is to dictate to the majority, there is an end put . . . to republican government; and nothing but anarchy and confusion is to be expected hereafter. Some other man or society may dislike another law, and oppose it with equal propriety, until all laws are prostrate, and every one (the strongest I presume) will carve for himself.”
12. Popularity
a) To HENRY LEE, Mount Vernon, September 22, 1788.
“Though I prize, as I ought, the good opinion of my fellow citizens; yet, if I know myself, I would not seek Or retain popularity at the expense of one social duty or moral virtue.”
b) To THE CITIZENS OF BALTIMORE, [April 17, 1789.]
“I know the delicate nature of the duties incident to the part which I am called to perform; and I feel my incompetence, without the singular assistance of Providence to discharge them in a satisfactory manner. But having undertaken the task, from a sense of duty, no fear of encountering difficulties and no dread of losing popularity, shall ever deter me from pursuing what I conceive to be the true interests of my Country.”
13. Prejudice
a) To CALEB GIBBS, New York, May 26, 1789.
“Whatever may be my private inclinations and feelings, it will then be my endeavour to find out and nominate such men as shall seem to be best calculated and best entitled in every respect to fill those offices, according to the clearest information I can obtain, and the most unbiassed judgment I can exercise on the subject.”
b) To MAJOR FRANCIS HALKET, August 2, 1758
“I am uninfluenced by prejudice, having no hopes or fears but for the general good.”
14. Passions of Men
a) To JOHN BANISTER, April 21, 1778.
“We must take the passions of men as nature has given them, and those principles as a guide, which are generally the rule of action.”
1. Newspapers
a) To JAMES MCHENRY, April 3, 1797.
“We get so many details in the gazettes, and of such different complexions, that it is impossible to know what credence to give to any of them.”
b) To OLIVER WOLCOTT, May 15, 1797.
“There is so little dependence on newspaper publications, which take whatever complexion to the editors please to give them, that persons at a distance, who have no other means of information, are oftentimes at a loss to form an opinion on the most important occurrences.”
c) To EDMUND RANDOLPH, August 26, 1792.
“If the government and the officers of it are to be the constant theme for newspaper abuse, and this too without condescending to investigate the motives or the facts, it will be impossible, I conceive, for any man living to manage the helm or to keep the machine together.”
2. The Influence of the Media
a) To JAMES MADISON, May 20, 1792.
“However necessary it may be to keep a watchful eye over public servants, and public measures, yet there ought to be limits to it; for suspicions unfounded, and jealousies too lively, are irritating to honest feeling; and oftentimes are productive of more evil than good.”
b) To EDMUND PENDLETON, January 22, 1795.
“It is well known, that, when one side only of a story is heard and often repeated, the human mind becomes impressed with it insensibly.”
VIII. SLAVERY
A. Washington’s Early View on Slavery
1. To CAPTAIN JOSIAH THOMPSON, Mount Vernon, July 2, 1766. “With this letter comes a negro (Tom), which I beg the favor of you to sell in any of the Islands you may go to, for whatever he will fetch, and bring me in return from him
One hhd (Hogshead—a cask containing from 63 to 140 gallons)
One ditto of best rum
One barrel of lymes, if good and cheap
One pot of tamarinds, containing about 10 lbs.
Two small ditto of mixed sweetmeats, about 5 lbs each.
“And the residue, much or little, in good old spirits. That this fellow is both a rogue and a runaway (tho’ he was by no means remarkable for the former, and never practiced the latter till of late) I shall not pretend to deny. But that he is exceeding healthy, strong, and good at the hoe, the whole neiborhood can testify, and particularly Mr. Johnson and his son, who have both had him under them as foreman of the gang; which gives me reason to hope he may with your good management sell well, if kept clean and trim’d up a little when offered for sale.
“I shall very cheerfully allow you the customary commissions on this affair, and must beg the favor of you (lest he should attempt his escape) to keep him handcuffed till you get to sea, or in the bay, after which I doubt not but you make him very useful to you.”
B. Washington’s Mature View on Slavery
1. To ROBERT MORRIS, April 12, 1786.
“There is not a man living, who wishes more sincerely than I do, to see a plan adopted, for the abolition of slavery. But there is only one proper way and effectual mode by which it can be accomplished, and this by legislative authority.”
2. To LAFAYETTE, May 10, 1786.
“To set the slaves afloat, at once would I believe be productive of much inconvenience and mischief; but, by degrees, it certainly might and assuredly ought to be effected, and that, too, by legislative authority.”
3. To JOHN FRANCIS MERCER, September 9, 1786.
“I never mean, unless some particular circumstance should compel me to it, to possess another slave by purchase, it being among my first wishes to see some plan adopted by which Slavery, in this country may be abolished by law.”
4. To ALEXANDER SPOTSWOOD, November 23, 1794.
“With respect to the other species of property, concerning which you ask my opinion, I shall frankly declare to you that I do not like even to think, much less talk of it. However, as you have put the question, I shall, in a few words, give you my ideas of it. Were it not then, that I am principled against selling negroes, as you would do cattle at a market, I would not in twelve moths from this date, be possessed of one, as a slave. I shall be happily mistaken, if they are not found to be very troublesome species of property ere many years pass over our heads.”
5. To GEORGE LEWIS, November 13, 1797.
“The running off of my Cook, has been a most inconvenient thing to this family; and what renders it more disagreeable, is, that I had resolved never to become the Master of another Slave by purchase ; but this resolution I fear I must break. I have endeavoured to hire, black or white, but am not yet supplied.”