George Washington

When it was reported to General Washington that the army was frequently indulging in swearing, he immediately sent out the read more

When it was reported to General Washington that the army was frequently indulging in swearing, he immediately sent out the following order: The general is sorry to be informed that the foolish and wicked practice of profane cursing and swearing — a vice little known heretofore in the American army — is growing into fashion. Let the men and officers reflect 'that we can not hope for the blessing of heaven on our army if we insult it by our impiety and folly.'

Few men have virtue to withstand the highest bidder.

Few men have virtue to withstand the highest bidder.

As to pay, Sir, I beg leave to assure the Congress that as no
pecuniary consideration could have tempted read more

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.
- George Washington,

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.

Men's minds are as variant as their faces. Where the motives of
their actions are pure, the operation of read more

Men's minds are as variant as their faces. Where the motives of
their actions are pure, the operation of the former is no more to
be imputed to them as a crime, than the appearance of the latter;
for both, being the work of nature, are alike unavoidable.