LESSON XVI

GEORGE WASHINGTON

It has often been said of George Washington that he was, "First in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen."

These words are very true, as you will see.

Washington was born in Virginia, February 22, 1732. He lived on his father's plantation. He had a good education. As a young man he studied surveying.

The knowledge he gained of the country, and of the Indians, while surveying, was of great value to him later. When George Washington reached the age of manhood, the English and French were at war over their colonies in America.

Washington showed his courage and bravery during this war.

He was chosen to carry a message through the wild country to the French commander. It was in the middle of winter. But Washington made his way for hundreds of miles through forests and over swollen streams.

He delivered the message safely and carried the reply back to the English.

On another occasion he took command of a British expedition when its leader had been shot, saving it from capture.

In 1759 Washington married. He lived at Mount Vernon for several years. He was chosen a member of the Virginia House of Burgesses, and did his best to have only wise and just laws passed.

When Washington was older, the Revolutionary War broke out. Armies were raised to fight the British.

Washington was made their commander-in-chief. His task was a hard one. His work was much more than the usual work of a commander.

Not only did he plan the battles, but he had to help secure troops. He had to raise money to pay his soldiers, and he had to collect supplies.

Washington did all these things faithfully and well.

MOUNT VERNON, THE HOME OF WASHINGTON

He was a wonderful commander, brave in battle, and always with a watchful eye to the movements of the enemy. In the face of defeat he never despaired.

We have read of the sad conditions during the Revolution. But Washington's patriotism, his courage, and his wisdom kept alive the ray of hope in his soldiers' hearts, until he finally led them to victory.

After the war the need for a new government arose. Washington was called upon to help draft the Constitution. The new government called for a chief executive or President. The colonists wanted no one but Washington. He was elected President, and again he served his country, this time for eight years.

The people wanted him to accept another term as President, but Washington refused. No President since that time has served more than two terms, or eight years.

In 1797 Washington retired to his home in Virginia.

He enjoyed this quiet only two years, for he died in 1799.

The whole nation mourned. Of Washington it can be truly said, that he was, "First in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen.'

Questions and Topics for Discussions

Where was George Washington born?

When was he born?

Tell of his early life.

How did he serve his country when the English and French were at war over their colonies in America?

In what year was Washington married? Where did he live?
How did he serve his country during these years?

What was his rank during the Revolutionary War?
What kind of a commander was he?

What did his duties include?

Tell of the various battles in which he led his men to victory.
Did he despair in the face of defeat?

After the war, what did Washington help to do?

How many terms did he serve as President?

Has any President since that time served more than two terms?

When did Washington retire to his home in Virginia?

How long did he enjoy this quiet life? When did he die?
What may be said of Washington?

LESSON XVII

THOMAS JEFFERSON

Thomas Jefferson was one of our greatest statesmen. He was born on a large plantation in Virginia. As a boy he had every advantage, for his father was a rich man. He attended college and became a lawyer.

When trouble arose between England and the colonies, Jefferson was sent as a delegate to the Second Continental Congress.

As we know, the colonies decided to free themselves from English rule.

Jefferson was a great scholar and writer. Because of this, he was chosen to write the Declaration of Independence.

The Declaration of Independence is one of the greatest documents ever written. The name of Jefferson, the man who wrote it, will never be forgotten.

THOMAS JEFFERSON

Besides this wonderful service Jefferson performed many other good acts for his country.

As a member of the Virginia legislature, he secured the passage of many good and just laws. Among them was one which gave religious freedom to the people of Virginia.

President, he chose Jef

Jefferson became Vice-President under John Adams.

In 1801 he became the third President of the United States. He served two terms.

One of the most important events while Jefferson was President, was the purchase of Louisiana from France. This land doubled the size of our country. It was by far the largest piece of land we ever purchased.