1. Tell something of Washington's ancestors.
He was descended from an ancient family in Cheshire, of which a branch had been established in Virginia. His English ancestors were allied to those of the highest rank. His mother belonged to the most ancient Saxon family of Fairfax, of Towcester in Northumberland.
2. Where was Washington born?
Near the banks of the beautiful Potomac, in Westmoreland County, Va. It was a very small place called Bridge's Creek.
3. How old was he when his father died?
Ten years old.
4. How did he always treat his mother?
With the greatest respect and attention : and as you follow him through life you will find him "Speaking what is just and true. Doing what is right to do Unto one and all."
5. "Hail, patriot, chief, all hail! Historic fame
In purest gold hath traced thy glorious name!
Earth has Niagara, the sky its sun.
And proud mankind its only Washington."
6. Why do they call him ''Historic Fame?"
" I thought he was the ''Father of his Country." Because he never spared himself in any way and was
always first in "battle. The bullets often razed his hair and riddled his cloak, but he would tell his soldiers, "Stand fast and receive the enemy."
7. When did the Revolutionary War begin?
April 19, 1775.
8. What cry was repeated everywhere?
War has begun! To arms! To arms! Liberty or death!
9. What was needed at once?
A commander-in-chief.
10. Who was appointed to fill this place?
George Washington.
11. How did he influence the soldiers?
He inspired them with reverence and enthusiasm. His height was six feet two, and he seemed born to
command.
12. When did the British finally leave Boston?
March 17, 1776, in seventy-eight ships and transports.
13. After the surrender of Lord Cornwallis, what did Washington do?
He went to see his mother at Fredericksburg, for he had not seen her in six years.
14. Who went with him?
Lafayette. And they found her at work in her garden. Lafayette began to tell her of the world-wide love bestowed upon her son, but she interrupted him by saying, ''I am not surprised at what George has done, for he was always a good boy."
15. Tell us something about Washington after he resigned command of the army.
He went to Mount Vernon to live, and, as he had spent so much of his own money during the war, he was obliged to practice very close economy; but he would accept nothing from Congress, for he had served his country from love alone.
16. What was his especial delight?
He took especial delight in beautifying the grounds about his house. Dinner at Mount Vernon was at half-past two, and if there was no company he would write until dark. He loved his wife's children as well as if they were his own, and always found time for his family; but the quiet of his house was soon to be disturbed.
17. In what way?
The unanimous choice of the nation was that he should fill the presidential chair, and he was forced to
accept.
18. When and where did the inauguration take place?
April 30, 1789, in New York City.
19. What did the people do in 1789 when he took the oath of office?
All the bells in the city were rung, the people cheered and there was a thundering of artillery. Then
they went to St. Paul's Church on foot, where services were held. Brilliant illuminations and fireworks con- cluded the day.
20. Why did Washington accept a second term of office if he was so anxious for a quiet home life?
The people would have no one else, and he was obliged to accept to keep peace in the country he loved so well; but it was with a heartfelt sense of relief that he left the seat of government in 1797 and entered once more upon the quiet home life at Mount Vernon.
21. How did he spend the remaining years of his life?
In repairing houses that were fast going to ruin, making and selling a little flour each year, and amusing himself in agricultural and rural pursuits. He died in December, 1799, and his last words were, " 'Tis well, 'tis well." - From "How to Celebrate Washington's birthday," published by E. L. Kellogg & Co.
'Twas not in vain the deluge came,
And systems crumbled in the gloom,
And not in vain have sword and flame
Robbed home and heart of life and bloom;
The mourner's cross, the martyr's blood.
Shall crown the world with holier rights.
And slavery's storm, and slavery's flood
Leave Freedom's ark on loftier heights.
- James Q. Clark
