Erin ’s Reviews > American Patriarch: The Life of George Washington > Status Update

In autumn of 1789, Washington proclaimed a day of national thanksgiving. He recommended and assigned Thursday the 26th day of November as that day.

Smallpox was understood to be spread by contact. In England smallpox was endemic. Washington ordered isolation of the infected and later on full vaccinations of all soldiers.

Benjamin Franklin had retired from daily participation in the printing business in 1748 to pursue his scientific interests.

No one was more qualified for the job. In the last 22 years of his 43 years on earth no American had gained more experience in war and military command.

These mobs called themselves the Sons of Liberty.

George II was German by birth and English was his 3rd language.

Marthhusbands a husband. Or rather husbands made life easier. A husband could manage her property and let her care for her children.

Sales of tobacco and other crops were Washington's principle source of revenue.

In a pre industrial society when numbers were essential to society's chances of survival and most children died before reaching adulthood. Women were expected to have babies, the more the better.

John Adams was a lawyer from Boston where until now he had moved in the shadow of his cousin Samuel Adams.