Marin Voice: Celebrating George Washington’s character on Presidents Day

As we celebrate the 293rd birthday of the father of our country, I would like to note that George Washington’s strength of character is still portrayed as the standard for the office of the president of the United States of America. His character set the standard for honesty, courage, trustworthiness and respect.

Washington’s commitment to maintaining an admirable character is seen throughout his life.  While in grade school, he wrote his “Rules of Civility and Decent Behaviour” document. In this notebook, he wrote 110 rules to govern his actions. Some of the rules he wrote pertain to his attention to maintaining a respectful character that all could admire.  Here are a few:

Rule 1: “Every action in company ought to be with some sign of respect to those that are present.”

Rule 40: “Strive not with your superiors in argument, but always submit your judgment to others with modesty.”

Rule 56: “Associate yourself with men of good quality if you esteem your own reputation; for it is better to be alone than in bad company.”

Throughout his 67 years, he used these 110 rules to guide his behavior. It seems only appropriate to now share several examples of his actions that portray his honorable character.

Virginia Lt. Gov. Robert Dinwiddie sent 20-year-old Washington on a thousand-mile trek, through the wintry wilderness of western Virginia and Pennsylvania to deliver a note to a French commandant during the French and Indian War. The note demanded that the French leave British territory. The commandant refused to follow the British governor’s demands. On the return trip to Williamsburg someone, at point blank range, shot at Washington and missed. After Washington wrestled the gun away, he released the shooter (who was a native) and continued his return trek to Williamsburg.  Washington, knowing that the French commandant inspired the attack, forgave the Indian and released him without retribution.

As president of the Constitutional Convention, Washington wisely advised the delegates:   “If, to please the people we offer what we ourselves disapprove, how can we afterwards defend our work? Let us raise a standard to which the wise and honest can repair.”

While wintering in Valley Forge in 1777-78, Washington’s leadership was threatened.  Gen. Horatio Gates had won a smashing victory at Saratoga and there was a movement to retire Washington and have Gates lead the army.  Gen. Thomas Conway led the effort to retire Washington. During the Conway Cabal, Washington, having learned that there was a movement to overthrow him as commander in chief, addressed the officers involved. He met with those challenging his leadership and diffused the threatened takeover. Once again, Washington’s steadfast character provided the leadership needed to resolve this crisis.

During the events leading to the Battle of Monmouth Courthouse in the summer of 1778, Washington was confronted with conflicting advice from competing generals, Lafayette and Charles Lee. They disagreed on whether to attack the retreating British. Many of the generals supported Lee’s stance of not attacking the British. Washington accepted Lee’s request to lead the attack on the retreating British, even though Lee was opposed to the action.  Washington respectfully selected Lee because of his seniority.  It was the right decision to make. By supporting Lee, he minimized the potential of a threatened mutiny within his officer corps.

In 1796, Washington delivered his final address to the people. It provides many examples of his concern for character.  One in particular refers to his concern over the threat of political parties.

“However combinations or associations of the above description,” said Washington in reference to political parties, “may now and then answer popular ends, they are likely, in the course of time and things, to become potent engines, by which cunning, ambitious and unprincipled men will be enabled to subvert the power of the people and to usurp for themselves the reins of government, destroying afterwards the very engines which have lifted them to unjust dominion.”

Perpetuating his reputation for having a character of honesty and respect, Washington, in his final presidential speech to the American people, expressed his concern over the potentially destructive power of political parties.

Raymond G. Lorber, of San Rafael, is the author of “George Washington’s Providence.”