In his address of 19 September 1796, given as he prepared to leave office, President George Washington spoke about the importance of morality to the country's well-being: Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, Religion and Morality are indispensable supports.... And let us with caution indulge the supposition that morality can be maintained without religion.... Can it be that Providence has not connected the permanent felicity of a Nation with its virtue?
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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.
Our country's honor calls upon us for a vigorous and manly exertion; and if we now shamefully fail, we shall read more
Our country's honor calls upon us for a vigorous and manly exertion; and if we now shamefully fail, we shall become infamous to the whole world.
I know [patriotism] exists, and I know it has done much in the present contest. But a great and lasting read more
I know [patriotism] exists, and I know it has done much in the present contest. But a great and lasting war can never be supported on this principle alone. It must be aided by a prospect of interest, or some reward.
To err is natural; to rectify error is glory.
To err is natural; to rectify error is glory.
The preservation of the sacred fire of liberty and the destiny of the republican model of government are justly considered read more
The preservation of the sacred fire of liberty and the destiny of the republican model of government are justly considered ... deeply, ... finally, staked on the experiment entrusted to the hands of the American people.
I die hard but am not afraid to go.
I die hard but am not afraid to go.
On April 30, 1789, George Washington, standing on the balcony of Federal Hall on Wall Street in New York, took read more
On April 30, 1789, George Washington, standing on the balcony of Federal Hall on Wall Street in New York, took his oath of office as the first President of the United States. Of this he wrote to James Madison: As the first of every thing, in our situation will serve to establish a Precedent, it is devoutly wished on my part, that these precedents may be fixed on true principles.
We ought to be persuaded that the propitious smiles of heaven can never be expected on a nation that disregards read more
We ought to be 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.
Over grown military establishments are under any form of government inauspicious to liberty, and are to be regarded as particularly read more
Over grown military establishments are under any form of government inauspicious to liberty, and are to be regarded as particularly hostile to republican liberty.
