“By a domestic tutor (which was then generally & is now frequently the mode of education practiced in that part of the Continent) he was betimes instructed in the principles of grammar, the theory of reasoning, on speaking, the science of numbers, the elements of geometry, & the highest branches of mathematics, the art of mensuration, composing together with the rudiments of geography, history & the studies which are not improperly termed “the humanities.” In the graceful accomplishments of dancing, fencing, riding & performing the military exercises he likewise made an early & conspicuous proficiency. In short, he was carefully initiated into whatever might be most useful to him, in making his way to preferment in the British army or navy, for which he was designed.
“Though he was rather unsure & reserved in his appearance; he was frequently animated & fluent in conversation & always descreed in conduct. & In the performance of any business committed to him, he was active, indefatigable, persevering. [He was noted for] His tall stature, for he was clear six feet high without his shoes; his gentiel deportment, for he had something uncommonly noble in his manners; his modest behaviour, which, without being the result of ill-becoming diffidence.
“[He was] remarkably robust & athletic. I several times heard him say, he never met any man who could throw a stone to so great a distance as himself; and, that when standing in the valley beneath the natural bridge in Virginia, he was thrown one up to that stupendous arch.
“[H]unting & Surveying – the first gave him activity & boldness – the second the means of improving the Coup d’oeil in judging of military positions & measuring by the eye the distance between different places. – Patience & perseverance in reconnoitering – how often he spent whole days on horseback, braving the ravages of the most violent heat & cold that ever was experienced in our climate.
“As it was the design of his Father that he should be bred for an Officer in the British navy, his mental acquisitions & exterior accomplishments were calculated to give him distinction in that profession. <GW note: it was rather the wish of my eldest brother (on whom the several concerns of the family devolved) that this should take place & the matter was contemplated by him – My father died with I was only 10 years old.> At 15 years old, he was entered a midshipman on board of the [blank] & his baggage prepared for embarkation: but the plan was abandoned in consequence of the earnest solicitations of his Mother.
46 Custis, Recollections p. 131.
47 Willard Sterne Randall, George Washington A Life (New York: Henry Holt and Company, 1997) p. 256. Sterne writes: “Washington was not a deeply religious man. Once he left his Bible-thumping mother’s household he may never have taken Anglican communion again.” We believe Sterne is wrong on all counts in this unsubstantiated, but characteristically dogmatic remark.
48 Sawyer, Washington, pp. 166-168.
49 WGW, vol. 1, 5-6-1755. To Mary Washington.
50 http://memory.loc.gov/mss/mgw/mgw2/014/0190013.jpg
51 Ibid., vol. 29, 8-15-1787.
52 Sawyer, Washington, Vol 2 p. 157.
53 WGW, vol. 2, 9-30-1757.
54 Ibid., vol. 29, 2-15-1787.
55 Washington was much concerned for the financial welfare of his mother, and made it clear in this letter to Benjamin Harrison that her children would ensure that she was taken care of, even to their own personal detriment: “ ...confident I am that she has not a child that would not divide the last sixpence to relive her from real distress. This she has been repeatedly assured of by me; and all of us I am certain would feel much hurt, at having our mother a pensioner, while we had the means of supporting her; but in fact she has an ample income of her own. I lament accordingly that your letter, which conveyed the first hint of this matter, did not come to my hands sooner; but I request, in pointed terms, if the matter is now in agitation in your Assembly, that all proceedings on it may be stopped, or in case of a decision in her favor, that it may be done away and repealed at my request.” (to Benjamin Harrison, New Windsor, March 21, 1781) Ibid., vol. 21, 3-21-1781. One of the traditions of Mary Washington’s impact on George’s adult life from childhood training is the anecdote entitled, “Let The Pen-Knife take the place of the Hatchet.” This is again unable to be substantiated, but it has been preserved as part of the legends of Washington’s childhood. Reverend Littell writes,
Unquestionably, a truth-loving disposition was imparted this child “virtuously brought to lead a godly and a Christian life,” though we discard the story of the hatchet and the cherry tree. But there is a story of a pen-knife which illustrates at one and the same time his filial affection, his military spirit, and his good Christian hope in the final success of his country’s just cause.
“When Washington was about fifteen year old, his brother obtained for him a midshipman’s warrant in the British navy. The boy’s kit had been carried aboard, and he himself was on the point of following it, when a messenger from his mother overtook him and brought her final word that he was not to go. He went back home- back to school and mathematics which he did not like. In reward for his obedience, his mother presented him with a good pen-knife says, ‘always obey your superiors,’ All his life he carried that gift and from time to time he was accustomed to tell the story to some of his friends. One day at Valley Forge, when the half-naked men had eaten no meat for many days, and when once more Congress had failed to provide or even suggest a way for getting food and clothes, Washington wrote out his resignation as Commander-in-Chief of the Army. Among the generals present was Henry Knox, who spoke out reminding him of the pen-knife. ‘What has that to do with it?’ asked Washington. ‘You were always to obey your superiors,’ answered Knox; ‘You were commanded to lead this army. No one has commanded you to cease leading it.’ Washington paused and then answered: ‘There is something in that. I will think it over.’ Half an hour later, he tore his resignation to pieces.” Reverend John Stockton Littell, D.D. George Washington: Christian Stories of Cross and Flag No 1 (Keene, N. H.: The Hampshire Art Press, 1913).
56 WGW, vol. 21, 3-21-1781. To Benjamin Harrison, “My Dr. Sir: Upon my return to this place last night, I met your private and friendly letter of the 25th. of February. I do not delay a moment to thank you for the interesting matter contained in it, and to express my surprize at that part which respects a pension for my mother. True it is, I am but little acquainted with her present situation, or distresses, if she is under any. As true it is, a year or two before I left Virginia (to make her latter days comfortable, and free from care) I did, at her request but at my own expence, purchase a commodious house, garden and Lotts (of her own choosing) in Fredericksburg, that she might be near my Sister Lewis, her only daughter; and did moreover agree to take her Land and negroes at a certain yearly rent, to be fixed by Colo. Lewis and others (of her own nomination) which has been an annual expence to me ever since, as the Estate never raised one half of the rent I was to pay. Before I left Virginia, I answered all her calls for money; and since that period, have directed my Steward to do the same. Whence her distresses can arise therefore, I know not, never having received any complaint of his inattention or neglect on that head; tho’ his inability to pay my own taxes, is such I know, as to oblige me to sell negroes for this purpose; the taxes being the most unequal (I am told) in the world, some persons paying for things of equal value, four times, nay ten times, the rate that others do. But putting these things aside, which I could not avoid mentioning, in exculpation of a presumptive want of duty on my part; confident I am that she has not a child that would not divide the last sixpence to relieve her from real distress. This she has been repeatedly assured of by me: and all of us, I am certain, would feel much hurt, at having our mother a pensioner, while we had the means of supporting her; but in fact she has an ample income of her own. I lament accordingly that your letter, which conveyed the first hint of this matter, did not come to my hands sooner; but I request, in pointed terms if the matter is now in agitation in your assembly, that all proceedings on it may be stopped, or in case of a decision in her favor, that it may be done away, and repealed at my request.”
57 Ibid., vol. 29, February 15, 1787.
58 Lossing, Mary and Martha, pp. 64 - 65. When Lafayette praised the illustrious character of her son affirming the plaudits that he would receive from future generations, she characteristically responded with “I am not surprised at what George has done, for he was always a good boy.”; Sawyer, Washington vol. 2 p. 155. Ibid., vol. 28, 5-10-1786. To Marchionesse de Lafayette. “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.”
59 Ibid., vol. 29, 6-17-1788. My dear Sir: I received your letter of the 25th. of May, just when I was on the eve of a departure for Fredericksburgh to pay a visit to my mother from whence I returned only last evening.” Ibid., vol. 29, 6-19-1788. To Richard Henderson. “Sir: Your favour of the 5th. instant was lodged at my house, while I was absent on a visit to my Mother.”
60 Fitzpatrick, Diaries of George Washington vol. 1, January 1760, “Abt. Noon it began snowing, the Wind at So. West, but not Cold; was disappointed of seeing my Sister Lewis and getting a few things which I wanted our of the Stores. Returnd in the Evening to Mother’s – all alone with herp. 115. Ibid., vol. 27, 2-18-1784. To Annis Boudinot Stockton. “Dr. Madam: The intemperate weather, and the very great care which the post riders take of themselves, prevented your Letter of the 4th. of last month from reaching my hands ‘till the 10th. of this: I was then in the very act of setting off on a visit to my aged mother, from whence I am just returned. These reasons I beg leave to offer, as an apology for my silence ‘till now.” Ibid., vol. 27, 1-22-1784. To Charles Thomson. “We have been so fast locked in Snow and Ice since Christmas, that all kinds of intercourse have been suspended; and a duty which I owed my Mother, and intended ‘ere this to have performed, has been forced to yield to the intemperance of the Weather: but, as this again must submit to the approaching Sun, I shall soon be enabled, I expect, to discharge that duty on which Nature and inclination have a call; and shall be ready afterwards to welcome my friends to the shadow of this Vine and Fig tree.”
61 Returning from Williamsburg, he stopped at his mother’s home. See also vol. 2, April 11, 1773.
62 See Lossing, Mary and Martha, p. 67. WGW, vol. 29, 5-5-1787. To Robert Morris, “Dear Sir; When your favor of the 23d. Ulto. was sent here from the Post Office, I was at Fredericksburg (to which place I had been called, suddenly, by Express) to bid, as I was prepared to expect, the last adieu to an honoured parent, and an affectionate Sister whose watchful attention to my Mother during her illness had brought to death’s door. The latter I hope is now out of danger, but the former cannot long Survive the disorder which has reduced her to a Skeleton, tho’ she is somewhat amended.” WGW, vol. 30, 3-6-1789. To Richard Conway. “I would have done it this day but being to set off tomorrow for Fredericksburg in order probably to discharge the last Act of personal duty, I may, (from her age) ever have it in my power to pay my Mother, it would be very inconvenient for me.”
63 Ibid., vol. 30, 9-13-1789.
64 Ibid., vol. 29, 2-15-1787. “Further, my sincere and pressing advice to you is, to break up housekeeping, hire out all the rest of your servants except a man and a maid, and live with one of your children. This would relieve you entirely from the cares of this world, and leave your mind at ease to reflect undisturbedly on that which ought to come. On this subject I have been full with my Brother John, and it was determined he should endeavor to get you to live with him. He alas is no more, and three, only of us remain. ...Mrs. Washington, George and Fanny join me in every good wish for you, and I am, honored madame, your most dutiful and aff. son.”
65 Ibid., vol. 29, 2-15-1787.
66 Fitzpatrick, Diaries of George Washington, under June 10, 1788, vol. III, p. 366.
67 Humphreys, Life of George Washington p. 24-25.
The success of this campaign having restored tranquility on the frontiers of the Middle States and the health of Washington having become extremely debilitated by an inveterate pulmonary complaint, in 1759 he resigned his military appointment. The tender regret of the Virginia Line & the affectionate regard of their Commander might be illustrated by authentic documents.
His health was gradually restored; he married Mrs. Custis, a handsome & amiable young widow, possessed of an ample jointure; and settled himself as a planter & farmer on the estate where he now resides in Fairfax County. After some years, he gave up planting tobacco & went altogether into the farming business. Before the war he raised [blank] bushels of wheat, in one year. <GW note: I believe about 7,000 Bushels of Wheat and 10,000 bushels of Indian corn which was more the staple on the farm> Although he has confined his own cultivation to this domestic tract of about 10,000 acres, yet he possesses excellent lands, in large quantities, in several other Counties. His judgment in the quality of soils, his command of money to avail himself of purchases, and his occasional employment in early life as a Surveyor, gave him opportunities of making advantageous locations, many of which are much improved.
In the interval that took place, from the War between Great Britain & the House of Bourbon which ended in 1763, to the civil war between Great Britain & her Colonies which commenced in 1775, he cultivated the arts of peace. He was constantly a Member of the Assembly, a Magistrate of his County, & a Judge of the Court. He was elected Delegate to the first Continental Congress in 1774, as well as to that assembled in the year following.
68 Littell, Washington: Christian “Washington was married by the Reverend David Mossom, who, though born in London, is called on his epitaph the first American ever ordained to the priesthood. Bishop Meade and Washington Irving say that the marriage took place at “White House” the residence of the bride’s family, but Bishop Tucker in 1896 said that the evidence points to St. Peter’s Church, New Kent. In 1903 were published the views of Mrs. Pryor and Woodrow Wilson, both favorable to the Church at New Kent. Dr. Wilson said: “He was married to Martha Custis on the 6th of January, 1759. The sun shone very bright that day, and there was the fine glitter of gold, the brave show of resplendent uniforms, in the little church where the marriage was solemnized. Officers of his Majesty’s service crowded there, in their gold lace and scarlet coats to see their comrade wedded; the new Governor, Francis Fauquier, himself came, clad as befitted his rank; and the bridegroom took the sun not less gallantly than the rest, as he rode, in blue and silver and scarlet beside the coach and six that bore his bride homeward amidst the thronging friends of the country side. The young soldier’s love of a gallant array and a becoming ceremony were satisfied to the full, and he must have rejoiced to be so brave a horseman on such a day.”
69 WGW, vol. 2, 5-1-1759. “Gentln. The Inclos’d is the Ministers Certificate of my Marriage with Mrs. Martha Custis, properly as I am told, Authenticated, You will therefore for the future please to address all your Letters which relate to the Affairs of the late Danl. Parke Custis Esqr. to me, as by Marriage I am entitled to a third part of that Estate, and Invested likewise with the care of the other two thirds by a Decree of our Genl. Court which I obtain’d in order to strengthen the Power I before had in consequence of my Wiles Administration.”
70 Ibid., vol. 2, 9-20-1765.
71 See John Corbin, The Unknown Washington: Biographic Origins of the Republic (New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1930), pp. 51-75. Corbin says, “Every record of Washington’s married life bespeaks affection and happiness, a loyal and unflagging co-operation in the high art of living—but also bespeaks, though in the highest sense of the word, a marriage of convenience.”
72 Ibid., A few examples: vol. 2, 8-18-1769. Ibid., vol. 3, 2-20-1771. Ibid.,, vol. 32, 10-7-1792. Ibid,., vol. 35, 11-28-1796.
73 Ibid., vol. 29, 10-25-1786. p. 170
From John Parke Custis, Mount Airy August 21st 1776
“My dearest Mamma
