George Washington

Following his brief inaugural address to the Congress, President George Washington and his party walked over to St. Paul's Church read more

Following his brief inaugural address to the Congress, President George Washington and his party walked over to St. Paul's Church for divine services. His prayer that afternoon was: 'Almighty God, we make our earnest prayer that Thou wilt incline the hearts of the citizens to cultivate a spirit of subordination and obedience to government; to entertain a brotherly affection and love for one another and for their fellow-citizens of the United States at large.'

Be courteous to all, but intimate with few; and let those few be well tried before you give them your read more

Be courteous to all, but intimate with few; and let those few be well tried before you give them your confidence.

Do not conceive that fine clothes make fine men, any more than fine feathers make fine birds. A plain, genteel read more

Do not conceive that fine clothes make fine men, any more than fine feathers make fine birds. A plain, genteel dress is more admired, obtains more credit in the eyes of the judicious and sensible.

Precedents are dangerous things; let the rein of government then be braced and held with a steady hand

Precedents are dangerous things; let the rein of government then be braced and held with a steady hand

One of his officers, Henry Lee, summed up contemporary public opinion of Washington: First in war, first in peace, and read more

One of his officers, Henry Lee, summed up contemporary public opinion of Washington: First in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen.