Biography

[b]George Washington – The King[/b][br /]
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There was a time when the world was made up of seven continents and various nations as it is now but centuries ago things were different; there was only one ruler apart from ‘Thee’ – British. Columbus who had sailed to search India, reached America, an unknown piece of land lying in Northern Atlantic Soon British Monarchy established there in form of colonies. The rule continued and started covering the vast continent until the leadership of George Washington when the colonies rebelled.[br /]
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George Washington, the man with just few years of informal education succeeded in the seemingly impossible task of uniting various fragments of the vast country and establish the constitution of the biggest democracy of the world was unanimously elected as the first President of the United States of America.[br /]
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It is because of George Washington that no monarchy prevails in America. His refusal to carry on as a President even after his term was up, drew out a limit on the power of a national leader. Today’s America is the product of the wisdom whose actions speak even after two centuries.[br /]
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[b]The Washingtons[/b][br /]
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Somewhere around mid-17th century the vast land of America was swaying with lush green forest amidst Niagara’s sound. There landed few Britishers in search of a better life and began farming, raising cattle, that earned their next generation a luxurious life. Plantation expanded and planters flourished. Washington belongs to one such family, which had sailed to America and developed good plantation in Virginia.[br /]
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[b]George Washington’s Birth [/b][br /]
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George was born on February 22, 1732 to Augustine Washington and his second wife, Mary. He was the first child of the six born to Mary. From his first wife, Augustine had three children, two boys and a girl. Lawrence and Augustine of 13 and 12 years respectively were studying in England and the girl, Jane, stayed at Virginia.[br /]
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[b]Childhood[/b][br /]
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George’s early childhood was spent moving from one place to another and learning both, covertly and overtly, trying to decipher various letters at school while at home busy understanding his father’s discussion.[br /]
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In 1738 the eldest Lawrence finished his schooling in England and returned to Virginia at 20. Lawrence, the young gentleman, had grace and manners that captivated George. Augustine now had someone to shoulder the responsibilities of huge plantations. He gave the management of Epsewasson to Lawrence. George went on and off to the farm with Lawrence; he enjoyed and learnt a lot from him.[br /]
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Excitement did not last long as Lawrence joined the Royal army in expedition against Spain. Life after Lawrence for George dropped back to its boring norms. Through letters George kept in touch with Lawrence and the Lawrence's description of war made him a hero in George’s eye. In the winter of 1742, George went to visit some of his cousins in the Chotank district.[br /]
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[b]Loss of Father [/b][br /]
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George was having a great time with his cousin when suddenly a call came to return home at once, he was informed that his father was sick.[br /]
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George started for home as soon as possible, but when he reached home on April 12, 1743, his father had died.[br /]
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As per the tradition, Augustine’s will left most of his properties to his eldest son Lawrence.[br /]
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He had left properties for Mary and their children, which were to be kept in Mary’s care until the children mature. After his father’s demise, circumstances started shaping George’s future.[br /]
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[b]With Lawrence[/b][br /]
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Plans were made to send 11-year-old George would to England for further education,but they met a premature death. Lawrence then married Anne Fairfax, daughter of William Fairfax, who was one of the most influential person in Northern Neck. He also, in turn, consoled George about his future. Increasingly, after Lawrence’s marriage, George visited Hunting Creek (the richest piece of Augustine’s property) given to Lawrence. He also visited Belvoir, a huge house where Colonel William Fairfax resided.[br /]
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Colonel Fairfax liked Lawrence and was also impressed by the mathematical skills of little George who helped the senior Washington whenever needed. Staying with him, George excelled in political skills of which he was a master. By 16, George had a good triangle of social, political and mathematical skills. George met Lord Fairfax, who discerned all three traits and invited the 16-year-old to join a team of men surveying Fairfax lands in Shenandoah Valley region of the Virginia colony. Colonel was his mentor, teaching George to to hold his nerves and giving him books to read, Fairfax gave a new direction to his energy.[br /]
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Lawrence wanted George to join the Royal Navy, which was then considered to be one of the best career, but Mary wished otherwise. She disliked the idea of sailing. Hence, the final decision for George’s future rested with Lawrence.[br /]
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[b]Lawrence – In Bad Shape[/b][br /]
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Meanwhile, Lawrence had become a Burgess and a member of the important committee on propositions and grievances. His seniority and influence were rising. But in December 1748, he asked for leave because of ill health.[br /]
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He returned to Mount Vernon, and George stayed with him that winter. His health, however, did not improve and he suffered from a stubborn cough. The Washingtons were distressed with the eldest son’s illness and the grief deepened with loss of his children. By 1749, Nancy, Lawrence’s wife, had buried her three babies. As doctors could not diagnose his disease, he booked a passage with a friend to London to visit the doctor there and have a proper treatment. But the treatment did not show any improvement and he returned to work. So did George.[br /]
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During the next three years, Washington made more and more surveys into the Shenandoah Valley. Whenever he saw a good piece of land he bought it. By 1752, he owned 2,300 acres of land.[br /]
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[b]Barbados Island[/b][br /]
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Lawrence’s health started failing and soon he was bedridden. The climate of Virginia worsened his health. Barbados Islands was the best place for cure and soon without loosing time Lawrence and George left for Barbados on September 28, 1751. They were happy to learn that Lawrence’s disease was curable and he would recover soon. George was overwhelmed by the beauty of the island and enjoyed the tropical landscape.[br /]
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Things went well, but in November George had small pox. Almost after a month’s pain he recovered, but few spots remained. By February 1752, George returned from Barbados and got busy with surveying job.[br /]
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[b]Lawrence’s Death[/b][br /]
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George had not recovered from setback, which the denial from a charming lady had caused, and he never knew, a bigger setback was waiting to give him a hard blow.[br /]
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The climate of barbados had not brought the expected change in Lawrence's health. He opted for more promising climate of Bermuda. George returned to America, while Lawrance moved to Bermuda as planned. His letter from Bermuda read no health improvement. One of his letter read : "The unhappy state of health, which I labor under, makes me uncertain as to my return. If I grow worse I shall hurry home to my grave…." Before another letter arrived Lawrence himself returned. Before his death he made his will. The estate would go to George if his daughter died with no children of her own. He also left George an equal share in his land in the Shenandoah Valley with his other three brothers.[br /]
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[b]George – The Surveyor[/b][br /]
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"George, I've got some work for you and I know you can do that", said Fairfax on one morning of 1748 to young George. Fairfax asked him to ssurvey and map his land, which was beyond the mountain ridge. The natives still inhabited that part of the country, which was one of the challanging factors of the assignment. He thought he could apply his skills here. He was systematic and developed the ability to write swiftly and clearly. He excelled in mathematics and left, among adults, an excellent impression of vitality, courtesy and integrity. He promptly accepted the challange.[br /]
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The young and stout George got a good opportunity to earn money from surveying. He learnt the trade and traveled a lot. He grew tougher with various experiences on the field. He camped out, cooked at times over the flames and also slept in the open by the fire.[br /]
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George was greatly influenced by Lawrence and his mother till the age of 16. Now to his credit was his own experience.He familiarized himself in the trade and a year later started his own surveying business. George, now 17, procured from William Fairfax, the proprietor’s agent, a warrant for the survey of about 400 acres of land in Augusta country, Virginia. Young George had various encounters during the surveying with George William (son of William Fairfax). Journey through wilderness was boredom at times and once enroute 30 Indians emerged from the thick bushes out of the blues ! It could have been a scary experience for most others, but as the wise man say, "fascination is an antidot to fear", George had a great time to follow. The red skin fascinated him so much that he spent an entire day with them offering liquor and enjoying the drumbeats they played.
His Infatuation[br /]
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While surveying, George came across a ship owner’s 16-year-old daughter Betsy. George was completely charmed by her. He gathered courage and proposed to Betsy. But Betsy denied. George was disappointed and made an entry in his journal that she had given him a ‘cruel sentence’. Her name never found a mention again.[br /]
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[b]A Changed Persona[/b][br /]
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The perfect blend of tough time and hard work had brought about a mutation in his personality and character. Back home, the young boy turned into a wise man. The start as a surveyor and assistance to his brother boosted his confidence. He relished life and started developing new hobbies.[br /]
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Besides reading Spectator, he frequented billiards tables and also played for stakes if he found them worth winning. Now, his appearance and clothes mattered to him a lot. Once when he was to visit Fairfax, on the list of articles to carry along, razor was on top. Nine shirts, six linen waistcoats, a cloth waistcoat, six bands, four neck-clothes and seven caps he would need while absent from home. Meanwhile, he also went to attend a school to learn dance.[br /]
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[b]Adjutant – George[/b][br /]
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Lawrence’s death required transfer of many of his duties he held as a trustee of Alexandria, as a stockholder in the Ohio Company and as the Adjutant of the colony. This post was vacant after Lawrence’s death. George tried his luck there. Despite having no training as a soldier or any contacts with troops except listening and observing Lawrence in this regard, he became the Adjutant, officially Major Washington. Soon he started training the personnel. George prepared himself for these new duties by reading books on military drills and tactics.[br /]
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[b]Plantation and Politics[/b][br /]
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Change of duties shifted his interest from land and plantation to politics. During that period both the British and the French were vying for control over the Ohio River Valley. France was penetrating the boundaries through Canada and with the help of natives they were gaining control over the territory. Robert Dinwiddie, the acting governor of Virginia, wanted to warn the French to withdraw their troops. Washington volunteered to carry the message to Ohio River Valley.[br /]
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But the French turned a deaf ear to this. On his return, Washington proposed Dinwiddie to built a fort on the Ohio River to stop further French expansion.[br /]
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[b]First Assault[/b][br /]
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This did not help the purpose, consequently it was decided that they would fight the French power. Washington decided to lead the force and in spring of 1754, accompanied by poorly trained and equipped force of 150 men, he went on the mission.[br /]
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On the way, Washington killed an ambassador. It was a violation of the international protocol. The French with association of the natives attacked Fort Necessity, built by Washington and his men. The joint efforts of the French and the natives forced Washington and his men to desert the place. Washington lost the battle but his courage and chivalry won him appreciation plus a promotion to the rank of Colonel.[br /]
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[b]Punitive Policies[/b][br /]
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By this time, the breach of military protocol news reached the Westminster Palace. Just after two weeks, Dinwiddie informed Washington that his rank of Colonel would be taken back as per the orders from London.[br /]
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Washington quit and returned to Ferry Farm – the property he had inherited from his father. Ferry Farm didn’t interest him a lot. He went to Mount Vernon, he decided to take it on lease paying a rent of £15,000 a year.[br /]
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To end the Ohio River Valley controversy, England under the command of Gen. Edward Braddock, planned to send an army there. The General wanted a person who was familiar with the conflict. Washington was the best choice and they offered him the post. George wanted it, and accepted to work free of charge. He took it as an opportunity to learn from an experienced General. In July of 1755, the British force marched towards the prime stronghold of Fort Duquensce. George warned them about the ways French and Indian troops fought the battle, but his warnings were ignored.[br /]
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Few days later, the large French Indian forces attacked the British. Braddock was killed and George barely escaped death.[br /]
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England did not value the sacrifice of many a lives in this battle and blamed the colonials for the ‘fiasco’. Colonies not receiving any consolation were determined not be the scapegoat of England anymore. Washington was elected unanimously as their hero and he shouldered the responsibility of defending the Virginia colony.[br /]
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The 22-year-old Washington who was denied the honor of a Colonel was ranked at the top. Destiny was playing its cards, the responsibility to protect the Virginia boundary was the school that mentored the first to be ‘President’. In this school, he learnt how to rise, train and lead an army in the battle. A major constraint to young Washington was finance and recruits. Appeal to English military did little good. This made Washington very annoyed and after capturing Fort Duquensce in 1758 he resigned. The military man was back on the farms at Mount Vernon.
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[b]Marriage[/b][br /]
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Farming turned to a full time profession for Washington. He married Martha Custis, the widow of Daniel Parke Custis, on January 6, 1759. He loved the two kids John and Martha, his wife had from her first husband. The two had no children of their own.[br /]
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[b]Innovative Farmer[br /]
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Washington concentrated on tobacco cultivation, but with time, while trading with British traders, he felt being beguiled and his debts mounted up. The trade with England had bondages, which benefited the British most. Washington decided to set himself free of this trade. Gradually, he reduced tobacco production and diverted to other products, which had markets other than England.[br /]
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The two arenas Washington explored were fishery and weaving-garments which had bright prospects. These products went to West Indies and had a local market too. As a farmer he was a reformist who incorporated various reforms on the field to increase the yield and quality of the product. But the basic purpose was not to earn huge profits by minimizing labor expenses. He never sold any of his slaves or transferred them. With the approaching middle age his qualms on slavery practice increased.[/b][br /]
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[b]Changing Scenario[/b][br /]
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Washington, who always liked things without bonds, had something to rebel for in mid-1760. London imposed taxes upon the colonies to refill the coffers emptied by the war with French. The punitive laws imposed against them disdained the colonies. The prices of tea and other tariffs shot up. Washington served for the first time as a legislator. He was elected to the honor of Burgesses while still on the front in 1758.[br /]
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For the next 15 years he was elected several times to the legislature. He learnt the process of representative government, how difficult it is to pass a law. These experiences helped him to develop the required patience to lay the pillars of the largest democracy. In 1761, he had to return to Mount Vernon, as daughter of his half brother Lawrence died. [br /]
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Washington became the owner of Mount Vernon after his niece’s death, who died without a child. At Mount Vernon he had great social life. He enjoyed his days visiting various plantation, dining and playing cards with several planters of his class.[br /]
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[b]Prepared To Bell the Cat[/b][br /]
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Washington was one of the leading citizens to raise his voice against English tyranny during the early 1770s. Relations with the British worsened with the passing years.[br /]
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In 1774, the Virginia legislature drafted the blue print of their revolt. George Washington was elected to the First Continental Congress, which was formed to resist the British rule. Through this, he met various leaders of different colonies. Out of all the Congressmen, he stood out with his judgment and military knowledge. In 1775, during the Second Continental Congress, there was a talk that he might be named Commander of all colonial forces. The 43-year-old was still considered the hero of his French and Indian War. The leadership and charisma of the tall, quiet, stately personality surpassed all and was elected unanimously as army’s Commander. He happened to be the last person to know about his election.[br /]
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He refused any salary for the purpose and told the Congress : "I beg it may be remembered that I, this day, declare with utmost sincerity, I do not think myself equal to command I am honored with." He indirectly declared a rebel against King George III. If the rebel failed he would be a traitor with a rope around his neck.[br /]
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The challenge Washington had accepted with the post was challenging the best-equipped superpower. The matchless Royal Navy could ‘strangle’ any nation. On the other hand colonial army was more like a gang – recruits were at their freewill, even the officers had little or no experience. And the biggest problem of the colonies was that the rebels were not firm on their stand.[br /]
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[b]Tolerance Gives Way[/b][br /]
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With things going to the extremes like the closure of Boston Harbor, fresh taxes, shooting of five colonials in an alteration with Royal troops, an idea that America should get liberty was gaining strength in Washington’s mind. [br /]
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[b]The Rebel[/b][br /]
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Washington began with the training of the army. During the spring of 1775 the action started. British were planning to takeover New York. British landed a huge force on Staten Island, and the troops of Washington ran away. It happened again when in September British landed on Manhattan. "Are these the men with whom I am to defend?" Shouted Washington outrageously.[br /]
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He recharged his gang. A few engagements after that in their favor boosted their morals, but it did not last and by November Washington was forced to withdraw from New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Two major losses brought great jolts to Washington and his men. The British thought no more encounters would be dared and the crisis ended.[br /]
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The losses made the conlonials to draw out all the strategies from the scratch. Washington now thought of switching over to new tricks or rather adopting the tricks against which they had lost. The states of the natives were adopted and its spell was seen with New Jersey being won again.[br /]
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[b]1777–’78[/b][br /]
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The British had changed their minds and now they knew that they were in a real and bitter struggle.[br /]
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The third year of revolution in 1777 was the turning point. Major General Horatio Gates, another Continental force commander won at Saratoga, New York. France, which stayed out of the war for a while, thought that America had a chance to win and joined hands with the rebel. Washington welcomed the proposal as they were in need of some strong support to withstand the Royal Army. Though official agreement was still a year ahead to come.[br /]
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No wins came Washington’s way that year. The 1777 graph showed two major defeats. Philadelphia was ceded to British and the government of new nation was forced to go under ground. That winter his army camped in the worst conditions –freezing in the wretched huts at Valley Forge.[br /]
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[b]York Town[/b][br /]
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Meanwhile, the army sharpened their weapons, drilled hard and marched out of Valley Forge – an improved fighting force.[br /]
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In 1778, the French alliance agreed to send troops, munitions and money. The British had also got apt time to handle the situation, their changed strategy was obvious with their invasion towards south. They captured Savannah, Georgia in 1778 and in 1779 it was Charleston, South Carolina. These ventures did not benefit the British as they were fighting against the guerrilla tactics, which made them loose their manpower heavily. Losing the manpower for British meant importing new soldiers all the way from England. It took weeks.[br /]
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Washington knew that the endless foreign war would continue if they didn’t have any major victory. He patiently waited year after year for the right circumstances.[br /]
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The summer of 1781 brought the news he had been waiting for. The southern force of the British under the command of Lord Cornwallis had camped near the shore of Chesapeake Bay in Virginia. Washington hurried towards south. The entire plan was to encircle the Royal army, catching them unawares to fight back.[br /]
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The French fleet formed a line off Yorktown, a port city on a peninsula, cutting off any British escape by the sea. On the way towards south, Washington visited Mount Vernon. This was his first visit home during the six years of indulgence in war. The British unaware of the trap were sealed by September 5, 1781.[br /]
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[b]‘The World Turned Upside Down…’[/b][br /]
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American and French troops were moving closer, squeezing the British towards the sea. Lord Cornwallis and his troops in an inexorable position could not sustain the guerilla style attack with a constant hail of cannon fire. After a sanguinary month Cornwallis finally ceded. With tears in their eyes, the British band played The World Turned Upside Down.[br /]
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Heavy pecuniary and manpower loss had made the war deeply unpopular in England. The defeat of Yorktown dragged the issue in the House, where support was withdrawn for the war in America. In 1783, a new nation came into existence. The colonies were set free.[br /]
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[b]Uniting USA[/b][br /]
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Thirteen different colonies had participated in the revolution. Monarchy prevailed all around the world. Democratic state did not exist in their heads.[br /]
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It was uncertain whether all the colonies would merge into a nation or remain autonomous. Considerable claims came for the power. Army officers in Washington’s favor approached him.[br /]
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Washington was not interested in power, but was sorry to see his countrymen in the race of power. The officers called a meeting to decide who will be given the authority, but Washington preempted a meeting of all leaders. After listening to the opinions, most of which professed military dictatorship, Washington said : "Gentlemen, I have grown grey in your service, and now I am going blind."[br /]
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Tears rolled down many eyes at this. They joined hands to forge a nation. On April 19, 1783 Washington announced England’s recessation of hostilities with United States. Seeing the formation of a nation and returning of the English troops Washington thought that his public life was over. The next three years were at Mount Vernon where the fortunes had drastically declined during his indulgence in war.[br /]
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[b]The Post-War America[br /]
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America, immediately after the war, was governed as per the Articles of confederation. This led to instability and poor economic conditions, conflicts between the classes – rich and poor. The bubble of conflict busted with a rise of the rebel in the state of Massachusetts. A need arose to call a national convention to strengthen the American government. In this regard a meeting was arranged in Philadelphia in May 1787. America needed a leader now. Despite George Washington’s reluctance, the public unanimously elected him. He did not want the office, but he accepted it to rectify the system. This was the making of the first president.[/b][br /]
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[b]The First President – George Washington[/b][br /]
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Washington met the ratification target by the end of June 1788, felt contended seeing the country getting its independence and forming its own government. Thinking that his role was over, he planned his retirement for a peaceful life at Mount Vernon. But the Americans wanted him, compelled him and convinced him to hold the place.[br /]
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The first formal election for the post of President of the biggest democracy was held. Public did not vote for it. It was the only election when – the to be ‘President’ did not campaign. Rather, citizens made efforts to convince Washington to accept the office. Letters poured into Mount Vernon – from citizens great and small, from former comrades-in-arms. All these efforts were to convince him that his country needed him more than ever. Washington had no choices left. In February 1789, members of first Electoral College met for the election.[br /]
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1788 Presidential Election Result (11 States in the Union)[br /]
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[b]Candidate[/b] George Washington [b]Total Electoral Votes[/b] 69[br /]
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[b]Candidate[/b] John Adams [b]Total Electoral Votes[/b] 34[br /]
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[b]Candidate[/b] Minor Candidates [b]Total Electoral Votes[/b] 35[br /]
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George Washington was the ‘king’ and his parade from Mount Vernon to New York was time to rejoice for all the cities. On April 30, 1789 Washington entered the Senate Chamber and took the presidential oath. Thirteen cannons were fired in the honor of the new president.[br /]
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[b]Re-election[/b][br /]
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Washington badly wanted to retire after his first term. But Henry Knox, the Secretary of War, Edmund Randolph, the Attorney General, Jefferson and Hamilton insisted him to continue. One of the strongest argument, which Washington could not resent came from Jefferson : "You being at the helm will be more than an answer to every argument, which can be used to alarm and lead the people in any quarter into violence or secession. North and South will hang together if they have you to hang on." [br /]
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Washington, aware of this situation, gave in. In the elections of 1792, a Union of 15 States voted and once again Washington was unanimously elected.[br /]
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1792 Election Result (15 States in Union)[br /]
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[b]Candidate[/b] George Washington [b]Total Electoral Votes[/b] 132[br /]
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[b]Candidate[/b] John Adams [b]Total Electoral Votes[/b] 77[br /]
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[b]The President[/b][br /]
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"I walk on untrodden ground," Washington said while shouldering the new responsibilities. "There is scarcely any part that may not be here after being drawn into precedent." The first American government in 1789 was like a finished house without electricity or water. It was a castle built in the air, and George Washington placed a strong pillar to help the castle root firmly on the ground. He built muscles of America not to bully but to hold the light of liberty.[br /]
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The base and constitution he laid in the 18th century were farsighted. Today the country once in debts, lends as well as heads the most important international houses like IMF, World Bank Organization, United Nations Organizations etc.[br /]
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[b]Second Administration[/b][br /]
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Washington’s second term was not a cakewalk. By 1792, many internal and external problems cropped up. Jefferson and Hamilton, the balancers, were on the seesaw disagreeing more and more which never allowed stagnancy. Two parties were formed. The supporters of Hamilton called themselves Federalists and the supporters of Jefferson called themselves Anti-Federalists or Democratic Republicans. George tried his best to patch up things between them, but in vain.[br /]
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[b]The Farewell[/b][br /]
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In 1796, George Washington, the First President of America, completed his second term. Longing for a peaceful private life he decided to retire from public life. For the second President, two candidates John Adam – the Federalist and Thomas Jefferson – the Democratic Republican filed in. George Washington did not campaign but supported the Federalist – John Adams. With a thin lead of 3 votes John Adams became the President and Thomas Jefferson the Vice President.[br /]
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[b]Carving A Sculpture[/b][br /]
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Washington’s crystalline view is visible in the formation of the government branches. He planted a structure possessing the unique quality of centralized decentralization. Every department had the space to breathe and at the same time this autonomous structure matched the main architectural concept. Initially, he appointed the men he knew and trusted. His cabinet was made up of Thomas Jefferson, who had served with Washington at Virginia’s legislature and Alexander Hamilton, who had been one of the Washington’s military aides.[br /]
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These two legends from opposing ideological camps were the most apt appointment for balancing the cabinet. Literally, the ‘Father of the Nation’, Washington almost single handedly created a new government – shaping its institutions, office and political practices.[br /]
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[b]Neutrality – Stand[/b][br /]
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The differences between Jefferson and Hamilton increased when the word came in April 1793 that a general war had begun in Europe. America itself was placed in a critical position as England, Spain, Austria and Prussia were all fighting against the new French republic. Without George Washington the war would have wretched the new nation. Washington maintained strict neutrality supported by Hamilton. But Jefferson thought it as America’s duty to support the French who had helped them during the revolution.[br /]
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After storming arguments on both the counters Washington asked General Randolph to write a statement. On April 22, the President signed a neutrality proclamation, which called for ‘conduct friendly and impartial’ to all warring nations.[br /]
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[b]Relations with France[/b][br /]
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The neutrality statement had a dual effect. The English were happy while the French were annoyed. Consequently, a minister of French republic Edmond Genet came down to America for dialogue.[br /]
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This was a sensitive issue in the international law. Washington kept calm, cool and formal in receiving Genet. Genet was visiting with a strong mind to drag America on its side. Genet, seeing Washington’s stand, tried the other way out. He secretly communicated with Democratic Republicans. This upset Washington. Washington’s tolerance gave way when Genet tried to send warships in American ports and to sea against the British.[br /]
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An urgent cabinet meeting was called. Washington asked France to call Genet back because he had endangered American neutrality. All the powers of Genet were taken away but he was allowed to stay in the United States. George’s second term as a President grew harder with passing years. The scenario with France was just settling when relations with Britain worsened.[br /]
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[b]The Jay Treaty[/b][br /]
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The British warships stopped American cargo ships carrying food supplies to France and seized the cargo. The British also refused to give up the Western Frontier fort, to be ceded as per 1783 treaty. Washington sent John Jay, Chief Justice, to London in 1794. A treaty was signed in this respect in March 1795. As per the treaty, Britain would surrender the frontier forts in 1796 and trade regulations between the two countries were also drafted. But nowhere was it mentioned that British ships would stop waylaying American ships.[br /]
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Jay Treaty, as it was known, was not accepted by the Anti Federalists. Though it passed in the Senate as Federalists controlled the House, riots began in many cities against it. During one such agitation a mob broke windows at the British Embassy.[br /]
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[b]A Scandal[/b][br /]
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Mid–95 saw Washington entangled on the home grounds. Edmund Randolph was alleged of selling secrets to France. Randolph gave his resignation. Besides, Jay Treaty was still a hot issue.[br /]
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Newspapers on the Democratic Republicans’ side played their roles and gave air to the already burning issue. Washington was directly blamed for signing the Jay Treaty. It was even suggested that he should be impeached because he had overdrawn his $25,000 salary. Amidst all this a wave of goodwill came for Washington from people. Negotiation of Jay Treaty with Spain which opened Mississippi River to trade, also included releasing of American prisoners and ships.[br /]
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[b]Retirement – At Mount Vernon[/b][br /]
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At 65, Washington returned to Mount Vernon. At Mount Vernon he did not lose his public touch. His diary on July 31, 1797 read : "Useless someone pops in unexpectedly, Mrs. Washington and myself will do what has not been done within the last 20 years by us that is to set down to dinner by ourselves."[br /]
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At Vernon, he began his day with the first ray of sun. Several farms, which made up the more than 3,075 hectares, consumed major part of his day. He made frequent visits to the Federal City, to watch the construction of this new city.[br /]
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Within a year, a call for assistance came. Federalist John Adams, heading the cabinet consisting majority of Democratic Republican, could not maintain balanced relations at the international level. Relations between United States and France turned bitter. A need was seen to raise an army for defense. President Adams called Washington for help and commissioned him the "Lieutenant General and Commander-in-Chief of the armies raised or to be raised."[br /]
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[b]The Last Year[/b][br /]
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Washington’s last year passed in preparing the infrastructure of the US army. He wrote many letters to various men he chose as Generals for the new army.[br /]
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In December 1799, work of military was on the verge of completion. On December 12, Washington wrote his last letter to Alexander Hamilton. After finishing the letter he went for his daily round on his farms around Mount Vernon. The day was cold and it was raining. After five hours he returned home and sat down to dinner without changing. Next day though he felt sick, he went for a walk. On returning, his diary noted the last thing the weather of December 13 : "Morning snowing and about three inches deep…Mer. 28 at night." Early between 2 and 3 am on December 14, he awakened Martha. He felt sick and could not talk at all. He threw up almost a cup full of blood. The doctor diagnosed it as "inflammatory quinsy".[br /]
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About 10 pm at night, Washington whispered his last wish : "I am just going. Have me decently buried, and do not let my body be put in the vault in less than two days after I am dead. Do you understand me ?" Washington further said: "Tis well." He felt for his own pulse and then was no more.[br /]
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The first President of America was buried with full military respect at the family tomb at Mount Vernon on December 18. The news of his death spread gloom all over the globe.[br /]
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[b]Washington DC[/b][br /]
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No American President has been honored as George Washington. The new Federal City was named after him as Washington DC. The giant Washington Monument stands there in his honor. Many cities, towns, streets, bridges, lakes, counties and schools are named after Washington.[br /]
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Washington’s portraits appear on postage stamps, on the $1 bill and on the quarter.[br /]
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At the time of his death Washington held the title of a Lieutenant General, the highest US military rank then.[br /]
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