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.
You May Also Like / View all maxioms
I go to the chair of government with feelings not unlike those of a culprit who is going to the read more
I go to the chair of government with feelings not unlike those of a culprit who is going to the place of his execution.
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.
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 be prepared for war is one of the most effectual means of preserving the peace.
To be prepared for war is one of the most effectual means of preserving the peace.
True friendship is a plant of slow grow, and must undergo and withstand the shocks of adversity before it is read more
True friendship is a plant of slow grow, and must undergo and withstand the shocks of adversity before it is entitled to the appellation.
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.
The Nation's first chief executive took his oath of office in April in New York City on the balcony of read more
The Nation's first chief executive took his oath of office in April in New York City on the balcony of the Senate Chamber at Federal Hall on Wall Street. General Washington had been unanimously elected President by the first electoral college, and John Ad
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.
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.'
