Washingtons views on union and constitutional reform
The letter reflects George Washington pressing for liberal permanent Union principles and a revised constitution. He laments Congress weakness and war costs, notes army distress, and urges a continental scope for national power while warning local politics may hinder broader reform. He also discusses officers and pay concerns and plans to influence Lafayette and governorship behavior.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Hamilton
Congress
New York
Washington
United States
Lafayette
Washington Death and Congressional Memorial Steps
The narrative recalls Washington’s final days and stoic death, detailing his illness and the army’s response. Congress adjourned in mourning, with House and Senate proposing condolences, black attire, and joint committees to honor his memory and erect a marble monument.
Faith and Resilience in a Time of Woe
A reflective meditation by Ella Wheeler Wilcox from the Woman's Home Companion urges asserting faith in God or self to counter persistent sorrow. It rebukes dwelling on illness and disquiet, advising speaking well of health to make it true and find solace amid gloom.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Ella Wheeler Wilcox
H'm
Hanna
Sven
Dryfish and the Schoolmaster in a Norwegian Tale
A Norwegian tale set in a farming parish follows a young schoolmaster with coal black hair who befriends Hanna, a clever rich girl. After a punishment of a noisy student and a growing bond, Hanna confesses affection. the master, once wary of marriage, becomes inspired. A diphtheria outbreak isolates them, then Hanna seeks guidance, and the two marry after a hopeful courtship centered on music and mutual respect.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Farmers’ Review
Peter Olsen
Hanna
Afi
Sven
Dryfish
Fru
Rascal
Cotter
Gratitude of Congress Shown to Washington at Princeton
After returning to Newburgh at war’s end Washington received a letter from the president of Congress requesting his attendance at the Princeton assembly to discuss peace and public concerns. Congress unanimously voted to honor him with an equestrian statue to be placed at the seat of Congress, crafted by Europe’s finest artist under the U.S. minister at Versailles.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Washington
Newburg
Congress
Princeton
General Washington
Europe
United States
Versailles
Incident Typical of Washingtons Life
A Washington frontier warfare vignette shows Col. Washington resisting pay cuts that sparked officer murmurs and resignations. He demanded equal allowances with the king's troops and steadied troops with firm, honorable appeals to duty and unity.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Washington
Col. Washington
Washington Chosen Commander-in-Chief
At the outbreak of the war of the revolution, delegates from New England urged Col. Washington for chief command. John Adams moved to make the army a Continental force and hinted at a Virginia candidate, but Washington was unanimously elected by ballot. The House adjourned as his appointment was announced.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
New England
Col. Washington
Massachusetts
America
Congress
John Adams
Boston
Virginia
Thomas Johnson
Maryland
House
Title of Monarch Sternly Put Aside When the Revolution Ended
Discontent among officers and soldiers rose over unpaid arrears as peace was declared. The prospect of army disbandment fueled tensions and delayed final settlement of pay.
Washington’s Birthday Ride and Sudden Illness in 1799
After retirement, President Washington remained vigorous yet aged. On December 12, 1799, he rode to his farms and directed his managers, returning chilled by rain and sleet. A heavy snow the next day kept him indoors while a sore throat signaled a cold, though he did not fear danger and spent the evening with family.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Washington
Rare Washington Library Copy of Shakespeare Life
A book once owned by George Washington’s secretary Hay includes Oliver Goldsmith's Life of Shakespeare. The early edition bears Washington family bookplate and arms inside the cover and Washington’s signature on the title page, suggesting a direct link to the first president.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Hay
Oliver Goldsmith
Shakespeare
George Washington
Washington
Beaver Dam Built Inside Room by Young Beaver
A Yellowstone National Park tale describes a young beaver kept in a room that, when alone, displayed its industrious nature by building a dam across a corner using chairs, books, a boot, and an empty pistol hat left within reach.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Yellowstone National Park
Also Mentioned on This Page
Ohio
Gre
Craik
Alexandria
Brown
Mount Verdon
Mount Vernon
Philadelphia
House of Representatives
Marshall
Grand Council
Henry Lee
Senate
Teache
This is just the beginning! Our collection holds over 300 years of history, including rare newspapers, obituaries, marriage records, birth records, and so much more—most of which you won’t find anywhere else!