This Day in American History: George Washington Elected First US President

226 years ago today, February 4th, George Washington was elected the first President of the United States.

From History.com:

As the former leader of the Continental Army and chairman of the Continental Congress, Washington possessed the necessary credentials for the presidency, if not the enthusiasm. After months of appearing to sidestep, and even outright rejecting the idea of assuming the presidency, Washington reluctantly accepted…

Washington’s humility meshed well with the new nation’s democratic sensibilities. Fearing any comparison to the monarchal government from which American had just been liberated, an aging Washington took care to avoid any physical or symbolic references to European monarchs from the beginning of his term, including ordering his tailor to make his inauguration suit out of simple broadcloth. (Later on, as he settled in to the presidency, Washington took to wearing slightly more presidential black velvet.) When the Senate proposed that he be called by the official title His Highness the President of the United States of America and the Protector of Their Liberties, an embarrassed Washington opted for the more modest address of Mr. President.

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To commemorate the occasion, recall what has become known as the “Newburgh Conspiracy.”

By 1783, hostilities between the United States and the kingdom of Great Britain were at an end. Peace had not yet been formally established, but the Revolutionary War was all but over.

General George Washington’s Continental Army waited anxiously for the opportunity to return home to their farms, fields, and families. The heroic and tired men hoped to start a new life in a new nation they had helped to forge.

Many of them hoped to start this new life with the help of promised funds from Congress as payment for their military service.

Although Congress had repeatedly promised payment, very little had actually made its way into the pockets of the war-weary Continental Army.

As peace negotiations continued in Paris, and with no fighting to do, the American army grew more and more restless with Congress.

Many men, including some high-ranking officers, even began talk of marching the army to Philadelphia, the nation’s capital at the time and the seat of Congress. They intended to overthrown Congress and install George Washington as king.

Washington got word of these whispers and called a meeting of the army at Newburgh, New York.

Washington was extremely sympathetic to the concerns of his men who had fought and bled under his leadership. He had petitioned Congress repeatedly for funds on their behalf, and believed his men deserved the payment they were promised.

Washington arrived at the head of the Newburgh meeting unannounced. He made a few fitting introductory remarks, and explained that he had just received a letter from Congress regarding the promised funds, although all knew no immediate relief was forthcoming.

He reached into his left breast pocket and produced the letter, with the intention of reading its contents aloud. Opening it, he stared and squinted at the small lettering, unable to make the words out.

As he put them on, Washington said to his men:

“Gentlemen, you must excuse me. For I have not only grown gray, but also blind, in service to my country.”

Reflecting on this, the victorious army was instantly humbled before Washington’s magnanimity and grace. Many openly wept. There was not a dry eye in the small, cramped space as Washington read aloud the letter that made more promises, but no resolutions, regarding the issue of payment.

But the matter was forgotten. Before the great Washington, the Father of his country, all plots and conspiracies were abandoned.

It wasn’t the first time, nor the last, that George Washington had saved his nation from utter ruin.

God Bless President Washington.