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.

I attribute my success in life to the moral, intellectual and physical education which I received from my mother.

I attribute my success in life to the moral, intellectual and physical education which I received from my mother.

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.'

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.

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.'

Discipline is the soul of an army. It makes small numbers formidable, procures success to the weak, and esteem to read more

Discipline is the soul of an army. It makes small numbers formidable, procures success to the weak, and esteem to all.

We ought not to look back unless it is to derive useful lessons from past errors, and for the purpose read more

We ought not to look back unless it is to derive useful lessons from past errors, and for the purpose of profiting by dear-bought experience.

To err is natural; to rectify error is glory.

To err is natural; to rectify error is glory.