If the freedom of speech is taken away then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the read more

If the freedom of speech is taken away then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter.

In his address of 19 September 1796, given as he prepared to leave office, President George Washington spoke about the read more

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?

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.

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.'

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 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.

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.

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.

The new constitution established a president with powers unheard of in the republican United States. Some even wanted him to read more

The new constitution established a president with powers unheard of in the republican United States. Some even wanted him to be king, a thought that GW found ludicrous: What astonishing changes a few years are capable of producing! I am told that even respectable characters speak of a monarchical form of government without horror. From thinking proceeds speaking, thence to acting is often but a single step. But how irrevocable and tremendous! What a triumph for the advocates of despotism to find that we are incapable of governing ourselves, and that systems founded on the basis of equal liberty are merely ideal & fallacious!