19.1 To WILLIAM HEATH Mount Vernon, May 20, 1797. It gives me great pleasure to hear from yourself, that you are writing Memoirs first published in Boston in 1798...That you may enjoy health to complete the work to your entire satisfaction, I devoutly pray, and that you may live afterwards to hear it applauded (as I doubt not it will be) I as sincerely wish.
19.2 To REVEREND BRYAN, LORD FAIRFAX Mount Vernon, January 20, 1799. For the details contained in these several letters, I pray you to accept my thanks; and congratulations on your safe arrival in England, although the Passage, on the whole, was not altogether as expeditious and agreeable as you expected. To this prayer, let me add my best wishes for the perfect restoration of your health, and the accomplishment of such other objects as might have induced you to undertake the Voyage. After which it would give your friends in this Country much pleasure to hail your return.
19.3 To MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE Mount Vernon, December 8, 1784. My fervent prayers are offered for your safe and pleasant passage, happy meeting with Madame la Fayette and family, and the completion of every wish of your heart, in all which Mrs. Washington joins me, as she does in compliments to Capt. Grandchean and the Chevalier [Caraman] of whom little Washington often speaks.
19.4 To BENJAMIN FRANKLIN New York, September 23, 1789. Dear Sir: The affectionate congratulations on the recovery of my health, and the warm expressions of personal friendship which were contained in your favor of the 16th instant, claim my gratitude. And the consideration that it was written when you were afflicted with a painful malady, greatly increases my obligation for it. Would to God, my dear Sir, that I could congratulate you upon the removal of that excruciating pain under which you labour! and that your existence might close with as much ease to yourself, as its continuance has been beneficial to our Country and useful to mankind! Or, if the United wishes of a free people, joined with the earnest prayers of every friend to Science and humanity could relieve the body from pains or Infirmities, you could claim an exemption on this score. ...so long as I retain my memory, you will be thought on with respect, veneration and Affection by Your sincere friend etc.
19.5 To THOMAS JEFFERSON Philadelphia, January 1, 1794. Let a conviction of my most earnest prayers for your happiness accompany you in your retirement; and while I accept with the warmest thanks your solicitude for my welfare, I beg you to believe that I always am &c.
19.6 To THE MARQUISE DE LAFAYETTE Philadelphia, June 13, 1793. While I acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 13 of March,...I enclose you duplicates of two letters which I had the honor of writing to you on the 31st. of January and 16. of March. To these I can only add my most ardent prayers, that you may be again united to M. de la Fayette, under circumstances that may be joyful to you both; and that the evening of that life, whose morning has been devoted to the cause of liberty and humanity, may be crowned with the best of heaven’s blessings.
19.7 To MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE Philadelphia, June 10, 1792. Hamilton Knox Jay and Jefferson are well and remember you with affection. Mrs. Washington desires to be presented to you in terms of friendship and warm regard, to which I add my most affectionate wishes and sincere prayers for your health and happiness, and request you to make the same acceptable to Madm. le Fayette and your children.
19.8 To JULIAN URSYN NIEMCEWICZ Mount Vernon, June 18, 1798. That your country is not as happy as your struggle to make it so, was Patriotic and Noble, is a matter which all lovers of national Liberty and the Rights of Man, have sorely lamented: and if my Vows, during the arduous contest could have availed, you would now, have been as happy in the enjoyment of these desirable blessings under your own Vine and Fig Tree, as the People of these United States may be under theirs. The flattering expressions of your letter, excites all my Sensibility, and in making a tender of the best wishes of Mrs. Washington and Miss Custis for your polite remembrance of them, I do not forget to pray, although I am persuaded, nothing can eradicate from a mind susceptible as yours is, the recollection of those misfortunes which have befallen your Country, that you may experience in this, such attentions, as may have a tendency to alleviate the poignancy of them.
19.9 To MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE Mount Vernon, December 25, 1798. Convinced as you must be of the fact, it wd. be a mere waste of time to assure you of the sincere and heartfelt pleasure I derived from finding by the above letters, that you had not only regained your liberty; but were in the enjoyment of better health than could have been expected from your long and rigorous confinement; and that madame La Fayette and the young ladies were able to Survive it attall. On these desirable events I can add with truth, that amongst your numerous friends none can offer his congratulations with more warmth, or who prays more sincerely for the perfect restoration of your ladies health, than I do.
19.10 To DANIEL MORGAN Mount Vernon, April 10, 1799. I assure you my dear sir it gave me not a little pleasure, to find the account of your death in the news papers was not founded in fact and I sincerely pray that many years may elapse before that event takes place, and that in the mean time you may be restored to the full enjoyment of your health and to your usefulness in Society being With very great regard etc.
20 Thanks for Prayers
20.1 To THE RECTOR, CHURCH WARDENS, AND VESTRYMEN OF THE UNITED EPISCOPAL CHURCHES OF CHRIST CHURCH AND ST. PETER’S [in Philadelphia, Pa.] [March 2, 1797.] Gentlemen: To this public testimony of your approbation of my conduct and affection for my person I am not insensible, and your prayers for my present and future happiness merit my warmest acknowledgments. It is with peculiar satisfaction I can say, that, prompted by a high sense of duty in my attendance on public worship, I have been gratified, during my residence among you, by the liberal and interesting discourses which have been delivered in your Churches. Believing that that Government alone can be approved by Heaven, which promotes peace and secures protection to its Citizens in every thing that is dear and interesting to them, it has been the great object of my administration to insure those invaluable ends; and when, to a consciousness of the purity of intentions, is added the approbation of my fellow Citizens, I shall experience in my retirement that heartfelt satisfaction which can only be exceeded by the hope of future happiness.
20.2 To THE GRAND LODGE OF ANCIENT, FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS Mount Vernon, April 24, 1797. Brothers: In that retirement which declining years induced me to seek, and which repose, to a mind long employed in public concerns, rendered necessary, my wishes that bounteous Providence will continue to bless and preserve our country in Peace, and in the prosperity it has enjoyed, will be warm and sincere; And my attachment to the Society of which we are members will dispose me, always, to contribute my best endeavours to promote the honor and interest of the Craft. For the Prayer you offer in my behalf I entreat you to accept the thanks of a grateful heart; with the assurance of fraternal regard and best wishes for the honor, happiness and prosperity of all the Members of the Grand-lodge of Massachusetts.
20.3 To JOSEPH REED Fredericksburg in the State of N. York, November 27, 1778. It is eleven O’clock at Night and I am to set out early in the Morning, for which reason I shall only add my thanks for the favourable Sentiments you are pleased to entertain for, and have expressed of me but in a more especial manner for your good wishes and prayers. With sincere esteem and affection, and with Compts. to Mrs. Reed.
20.4 To THE REVEREND UZAL OGDEN “A sermon on practical religion. Inscribed to Christians of every denomination. No. I. (Chatham: Printed by Shepard Kollock).” Revd. Sir: I have received, and with pleasure read, the Sermon you were so obliging as to send me. I thank you for this proof of your attention. I thank you also for the favourable sentiments you have been pleased to express of me. But in a more especial mannr. I thank you for the good wishes and prayers you offer in my behalf. These have a just claim to the gratitude of, Revd. Sir, Your most obedient, obliged, humble servant, G. Washington.
20.5 To ROBERT CARTER NICHOLAS Camp at Cambridge, October 5, 1775. My Respectful compliments to Mrs. Nicholas and the rest of your Fireside, and to any inquiring friends, conclude me, with grateful thanks for the Prayers and good wishes you have been pleased to offer on my account, Dear Sir, etc.
20.6 To REVEREND WILLIAM GORDON New York, May 13, 1776. The fortunate discovery, of the Intentions of Ministry, in Lord George Germain’s Letter to Govr. Eden is to be Ranked among many other signal Interpositions of Providence, and must serve to inspire every reflecting Mind with Confidence. No Man has a more perfect Reliance on the all wise and powerful dispensations of the Supreme Being than I have nor thinks his aid more necessary. The favourable Sentiments you say the Gentlemen of Providence are pleased to entertain of me are exceedingly flattering, and when by an attentive observance, and discharge of my duty I can acquire the good wishes and prayers of our American Friends I shall think myself double happy; happy in their good opinion, happy; in a conscious Integrity...
21 Reciprocal Prayers
21.1 From THE ARTILLERY COMPANY OF THE TOWN OF NEWPORT, RHODE ISLAND Feb. 27, 1794. Humbly beseeching the Supreme Giver of all good gifts to continue your life and public usefulness, and that they with their fellow citizens, may still gratefully reciprocate the satisfaction resulting from a faithful discharge of important duties.
21.2 To THE ARTILLERY COMPANY OF THE TOWN OF NEWPORT, RHODE ISLAND [February, 1794.] Gentlemen: For your kind congratulations on the anniversary of my birthday, and the other obliging expressions of your Address I pray you to accept my grateful thanks. To cherish those principles which effected the revolution, and laid the foundation of our free and happy Government, does honor to your patriotism; as do the sentiments of commiseration for the sufferings of the unfortunate, and the good wishes for the happiness of the great family of mankind, to your philanthropy. Your prayer for me, is reciprocated by the best vows I can offer for your welfare.
21.3 From THE OFFICERS OF THE TENTH AND NINETY-FIRST REGIMENTS OF THE VIRGINIA MILITIA October 6, 1798. To this permit us to add our fervent supplications to Heaven, that you may long live to enjoy these blessings which you have been so instrumental in procuring to your country, and in that repose which you have always sacrificed in obedience to the will of the nation.
21.4 To THE OFFICERS OF THE TENTH AND NINETY-FIRST REGIMENTS OF THE VIRGINIA MILITIA Mount Vernon, October 24, 1798. Your prayers, and kind wishes in my behalf, I reciprocate with great Cordiality.
21.5 To REVEREND WILLIAM GORDON Philadelphia, July 19, 1791. I ...shall only add my thanks for the prayers and good wishes which you offer for my happiness, and assure you that I reciprocate them with very great sincerity.
21.6 To GEORGE MARTIN Head Quarters, August 10, 1783. I cannot but join with you in my most earnest prayers, that these States may be blessed with Wisdom equal to the arduous Task of rightly forming the Establishment of their New Empire. And while I thus express my Wishes in favor of my Native Country, I would felicitate the Kingdom of Ireland on their Emancipation from British Control, and extend my pious Entreaties, that Heaven may establish them in a happy and perpetuated Tranquility, enjoying a freedom of Legislation, and an unconfined Extension of Trade, that connecting Link, which binds together the remotest Countries.
21.7 To REVEREND WILLIAM GORDON Philadelphia, February 25, 1791. I presume, therefore, it will hardly be necessary to offer an apology to you for the want of punctuality in acknowledging the receipt of your letters. I should, however, be deficient in civility and gratitude was I not to return my best thanks for the elegantly bound volumes of your history, which you have been so polite as to send to me, and for the ardent prayers for my health and happiness which are expressed in your letters. I beg you to be assured that my good wishes attend you, and that I shall always be glad to hear of your prosperity.
21.8 THE HUMBLE ADDRESS OF THE MINISTERS, ELDERS AND DEACONS OF THE REFORMED PROTESTANT DUTCH CHURCH IN KINGSTON November 15, 1782. To the Excellency George Washington Esquire General and Commander in Chief of the American Army etc: Amidst the general joy which instantly pervaded all ranks of people here on hearing of your Excellency’s intended visit to this place, We the Ministers, Elders and Deacons of the Protestant Reformed Dutch Church in Kingston; participated in it; And now beg leave with the greatest respect and esteem to hail your arrival. The experience of a number of years past has convinced us that your wisdom, integrity and fortitude have been adequate to the arduous task your country has imposed upon you. Never have we in the most perilous of times known your Excellency to despond, nor in the most prosperous to slacken in activity: But with the utmost resolution persevere until by the aid of the Almighty you have brought us thus near to independence, freedom and peace Permit us to add: that as the loss of our religious rights was partly involved in that of our civil, and your being instrumental in restoring the one, affords us a happy presage that the Divine Being will prosper your endeavors to promote the other. When the sword shall be sheathed and peace reestablished, whensoever it is the will of Heaven that your Excellency has lived long enough for the purposes of nature, then may you enter triumphantly thro’ the Blood of the Lamb, into the Regions of Bliss there to take possession of that Crown of Glory, the Reward of the Virtuous and which fadeth not away. By Order of the Consistory Kingston, November 15, 1782. George J: L: Doll. V. D. M.
21.9 To THE MINISTER, ELDERS, AND DEACONS OF THE REFORMED PROTESTANT DUTCH CHURCH IN KINGSTON Kingston, November 16, 1782. Gentlemen: I am happy in receiving this public mark of the esteem of the Minister, Elders and Deacons of the Reformed Protestant Dutch Church in Kingston. Convinced that our Religious Liberties were as essential as our Civil, my endeavours have never been wanting to encourage and promote the one, while I have been contending for the other; and I am highly flattered by finding that my efforts have met the approbation of so respectable a body. In return for your kind concern for my temporal and eternal happiness, permit me to assure you that my wishes are reciprocal; and that you may be enabled to hand down your Religion pure and undefiled to a Posterity worthy of their Ancestors. I am Gentlemen, Etc., GW.
21.10 To REVEREND WILLIAM LINN Mount Vernon, June 4, 1798. Revd. Sir: I received with thankfulness your favour of the 30th. Ulto., enclosing the discourse delivered by you on the day recommended by the President of the United States to be observed as a general Fast. I have read them both with pleasure; and feel grateful for the favourable sentiments you have been pleased to express in my behalf; but more especially for those good wishes which you offer for my temporal and eternal happiness; which I reciprocate with great cordiality, being with esteem and respect, Revd. Sir Your etc. [What makes Washington’s statements here so powerful is that the sermon is a direct attack against Deism and the views of Thomas Paine. Moreover, the reciprocal prayers for eternal happiness that Washington affirms here are explicitly made in the context of the saving work of the Redeemer—Jesus Christ and the concomitant hope of a “crown of glory in heaven”. If Washington did not really mean these words in this context, it was not only intentionally deceptive, it was anything but an expression of “cordiality,” “esteem” and “respect.” ]
Washington’s Synonyms for Prayer
Washington’s prayer vocabulary went beyond the simple use of the word prayer. Washington’s synonyms for prayer include the phrases vows, wishes and prayers, supplications, imploring, oaths, , entreaties, benediction, invoke, etc.
22. An example of “wishes and prayers”
22.1 To HANNAH FAIRFAX WASHINGTON Mount Vernon, May 20, 1792. Dear Madam: Mrs. Washington received with much pleasure your kind remembrance and affectionate regards, and would, were she here, where I am come for a few days only, return the same with much sincerity to which permit me to add the best wishes and ardent prayers for your happiness. I am etc.
23. An example of “wishes and vows”
23.1 To THE INHABITANTS OF SHEPHERDS TOWN AND ITS VICINITY United States, October 12, 1796. Gentlemen: That Beneficent Providence, which, hitherto, has preserved us in Peace, and increased our prosperity, will not, I trust, withdraw its protecting hand; while we, on our part, endeavour to merit a continuance of its favors. For the favorable sentiments you have expressed for me, and for your kind wishes, I sincerely thank you, and reciprocate with great cordiality my vows for your welfare.
24. Washington frequently uses the word “vow” as a synonym for prayer. Consider these many examples:
24.1 IN WASHINGTON’S FIRST DRAFT OF HIS FAREWELL ADDRESS, [dated May 15, 1796, he outlines his vows or prayers that he promises to carry with him from government to the day he would die. Writing to his “Friends and Fellow Citizens” he declares:] ...the curtain is to drop forever on the public scenes of my life ... All the returns I have now to make will be in those vows which I shall carry with me to my retirement and to my grave, that Heaven may continue to favor the people of the United States with the choicest tokens of its beneficence; that their union and brotherly affection may be perpetual; that the free Constitution which is the work of their own hands, may be sacredly maintained; that its administration in every department, may be stamped with wisdom and with virtue; and that this character may be ensured to it, by that watchfulness over public servants and public measures, which on the one hand will be necessary, to prevent or correct a degeneracy; and that forbearance, on the other, from unfounded or indiscriminate jealousies which would deprive the public of the best services, by depriving a conscious integrity of one of the noblest incitements to perform them; that in fine the happiness of the people of America, under the auspices of liberty, may be made complete, by so careful a preservation, and so prudent a use of this blessing, as will acquire them the glorious satisfaction of recommending it to the affection; the praise; and the adoption of every Nation which is yet a stranger to it. That as the allwise dispensor of human blessings has favored no Nation of the Earth with more abundant, and substantial means of happiness than United America, that we may not be so ungrateful to our Creator; so wanting to ourselves; and so regardless of Posterity, as to dash the cup of beneficence which is thus bountifully offered to our acceptance....I retire from the Chair of government...I leave you with undefiled hands, an uncorrupted heart, and with ardent vows to heaven for the welfare and happiness of that country in which I and my forefathers to the third or fourth progenitor drew our first breath.
24.2 FAREWELL ADDRESS In looking forward to the moment, which is intended to terminate the career of my public life....your support was the essential prop....I shall carry it with me to my grave, as a strong incitement to unceasing vows that Heaven may continue to you the choicest tokens of its beneficence; that your Union and brotherly affection may be perpetual; that the free constitution, which is the work of your hands, may be sacredly maintained.
24.3 To MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE Mount Vernon, October 8, 1797. M. Frestal has been a true Mentor to George....Both your son and him carry with them the vows, and regrets of this family, and of all who know them. ...With what concerns myself, personally, I shall not take up your time; further than to add, that I have once more retreated to the shades of my own Vine and Fig tree, where I shall remain with best vows for the prosperity of that country for whose happiness I have toiled many years, to establish its Independence, Constitution, and Laws, and for the good of mankind in general, until the days of my sojournment, whh. cannot be many, are accomplished.
24.4 To COMTE DE GRASSE Head Quarters Before York, October 19, 1781. I entreat Yr. Excellcy. to accept the sincere and ardent vows which I make for your recovery, and the preservation of a Health so dear to our two Nations.
24.5 To COMTE DE GRASSE October 28, 1781. I am much afflicted at hearing the continuance of Yr indisposition; my ardent vows are repeated for your speedy reestablishment.
24.6 To COMTE DE GRASSE November 5, 1781. I entreat your Excellency to accept my ardent vows for the speedy and perfect reestablishment of your health, and the sentiments of sincere friendship with which I shall ever remain.
24.7 24.8 24.9 24.10 To MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE Mount Vernon in Virginia, November 15, 1781. If I should be deprived of the pleasure of a personal interview with you before your departure, permit me my dear Marquis to adopt this method of making you a tender of my ardent Vows for a propitious voyage, a gracious reception from your Prince, an honorable reward for your Services, a happy meeting with your lady and friends, and a safe return in the Spring.
24.8 To WATSON & CASSOUL State of New York, August 10, 1782. For your affectionate Vows, permit me to be grateful; and offer mine for true Brothers in all parts of the World; and to assure you of the sincerity with which I am etc.
24.9 To MARCHIONESS DE LAFAYETTE Mount Vernon, April 4, 1784. The charms of your person, and the beauties of your mind, have a more powerful operation. These Madam, have endeared you to me, and every thing which partakes of your nature will have a claim to my affections. George and Virginia (the offspring of your love), whose names do honor to my Country, and to myself, have a double claim and will be the objects of my vows.
24.10 To MARCHIONESS DE LAFAYETTE Mount Vernon, November 25, 1784. The Marquis returns to you with all the warmth and ardour of a newly inspired lover. We restore him to you in good health, crowned with wreaths of love and respect from every part of the Union. That his meeting with you, his family and friends, may be propitious, and as happy as your wishes can make it: that you may long live together revered and beloved, and that you may transmit to a numerous progeny the virtue which you both possess, is consonate with the vow and fervent wish of your devoted and most respectful Humble Servant.
24.11 To CHEVALIER DE LA LUZERNE Mount Vernon, December 5, 1784. If any thing could overcome the present difficulties which impede my desires to pay my respectful homage at your Court, it would be the wish ...but I fear my vows and earnest wishes are the only tribute of respect I shall ever have it in my power to offer them in return.
24.12 To MARCHIONESSE DE LAFAYETTE Mount Vernon, May 10, 1786. My Mother will receive the compliments you honor her with, as a flattering mark of your attention; and I shall have great pleasure in delivering them myself. My best wishes and vows are offered for you, and for the fruits of your love, and with every sentiment of respect and attachment. I have the honor, etc.
24.13 To MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE Mount Vernon, March 25, 1787. I have lately lost a Brother (Colo. John Augt. Washington which I mention to account for the black Seal of this letter) the rest of my friends, and every individual in the Family are tolerably well and join most cordially in every vow that can contribute to the health and happiness of Madam La Fayette yourself and family.
24.14 To THE INHABITANTS OF SHEPHERDS TOWN AND ITS VICINITY United States, October 12, 1796. Gentlemen: That Beneficent Providence, which, hitherto, has preserved us in Peace, and increased our prosperity, will not, I trust, withdraw its protecting hand; while we, on our part, endeavour to merit a continuance of its favors. For the favorable sentiments you have expressed for me, and for your kind wishes, I sincerely thank you, and reciprocate with great cordiality my vows for your welfare.
24.15 To THE CITIZENS OF ALEXANDRIA AND ITS NEIGHBORHOOD [March 23, 1797.] For the prosperity of the Town and neighbourhood, and for your individual happiness, I offer my best vows.
