First in War, first in Peace

George Washington... he's my FAVORITE! What a fella. I will try not to wax too eloquent (as in length, not eloquence - that is simply unstoppable)

His father died when he was thirteen. He knew there was not enough money for him to travel abroad and finish his education, so he dreamt of the Navy. That dream came crashing down at the age of 17 when his mama (a none-too-kind lady) told him to forget it, it was out of the question, and never mention it again.

He obeyed. A neighbor, Mr. Fairfax approached Mrs. Washington some time later, and asked her if George may accompany his son out into the back country to learn the skill of surveying. To this she agreed, and Geroge learned how to be a surveyor.

Thank GOD (literally) as when he was called upon to be an aide to General Braddock in the French and Indian War (we fought the Fench and the Indians, we were on the side of the British). Geroge KNEW the territory. Not only did he know the territory, he knew how the Indians fought, how they lived and how they thought. When General Braddock was killed in his bright Red COAT a top his horse, George literally saved the day and the battle. Because he was obedient to his mother, even though she was grouchy, and did what was set before him. This also came in very handy when he was asked to pick the actual location for the Federal City (D.C.) He chose where the Potomac and Anacostia rivers coincided, because they flowed into the Chesapeake which flowed into the Atlantic. Good for trade. (and it's ok to start a sentence with "because" ocassionally - look it up)

There's more, but this is where I will stop.

Except for one more thing: it was because of the HUGE expense of the French and Indian War that the British started taxing us so heavily. They had to re-fill the coffers - hence the outrageous taxes which led to the petitions, remonstrances and finally, the "rebellion" - the tea, the "massacre" and the shots at Lexington and Concord. Did you know the Declaration came 15 months after the first shots were fired?

ok - we will talk about the whole "slave deal" later - so don't get all uptight - there were many and varied and good thoughts going on, but as a nation we were too fragile to handle the issue - it was important that we actually make it as a tiny fledgling nation...

ALSO - have you ever heard of the bullet-proof George? it happened in the battle where General Braddock died and I'll tell you later.

(these are the stories I tell to my school children on tour)