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

“He had hoped that by remaining in office he could help calm the partisan passions indulged by his lieutenants. Nothing of the sort occurred. Indeed, the passions raged higher than ever. And Jefferson and Hamilton having left office, he had less influence over them than ever.”

“As much as Jefferson decried the direction of the country under Washington’s presidency, he thought things would get worse if Washington weren’t president. Jefferson judged Washington a check on the more egregious aspects of Hamilton’s federalism, and he did his best to get the president to serve a second term.”

“When the last embrace had been given, Washington left the tavern to catch a ferry to New Jersey and the road to home. . . . . . As soon as he was seated, the barge put off into the river, and when out in the stream, our great and beloved General waved his hat and bid us a silent adieu.”

“The lesson Washington took from Long Island was that he could lose ground but mustn’t lose the army. The British could never occupy all of America. He could retreat and retreat, so long as he had an army to retreat with.”

“. . . Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!” — PATRICK HENRY