The Last Will and Testament of George Washington and Schedule of His Property: To Which Is Appended the Last Will and Testament of Martha Washington

by George Washington

Washington, George, Washington, Martha

80 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1976

About the author

George Washington was an American military leader, statesman, and Founding Father who served as the first President of the United States. He is often referred to as the "Father of His Country" for the central role he played in the founding and early development of the nation.
Born into a family of Virginia planters, Washington grew up on the family's estates and received limited formal education. As a young man, he became a land surveyor, which provided him valuable knowledge of the American frontier. He began his military career in the Virginia militia during the French and Indian War, gaining experience that would later serve him during the American Revolution.
In 1775, with tensions between the American colonies and Great Britain reaching a breaking point, Washington was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army by the Second Continental Congress. Leading a force that was often underfunded, poorly equipped, and inexperienced, Washington faced a series of challenges. Despite suffering early defeats, he demonstrated resilience and strategic skill, securing important victories at Trenton and Princeton. His leadership at the Siege of Yorktown led to the surrender of British forces and ultimately secured American independence.
Following the Revolutionary War, Washington voluntarily resigned his commission and returned to private life at Mount Vernon, a move that reinforced the principle of civilian control of the military. However, the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation soon became evident, and Washington returned to public service as the presiding officer at the Constitutional Convention of 1787. His steady leadership helped facilitate the drafting and ratification of the United States Constitution.
Unanimously elected as the first President, Washington took office in 1789 and served two terms. During his presidency, he set many important precedents that would shape the role of the executive branch, including the creation of a Cabinet and the peaceful transfer of power. His leadership style emphasized unity and national identity at a time when political divisions threatened the stability of the new republic.
Washington's foreign policy was characterized by neutrality, particularly during the conflicts arising from the French Revolution. He promoted peaceful relations with foreign powers, most notably through the Jay Treaty with Great Britain. Domestically, he dealt with challenges such as the Whiskey Rebellion, asserting the authority of the federal government to maintain order.
Although a wealthy plantation owner who held enslaved people throughout his life, Washington's views on slavery evolved over time. In his will, he made arrangements to free the individuals he directly owned, setting a precedent among the Founding Fathers and reflecting his personal conflict over the institution.
After completing two terms, Washington declined to seek a third, emphasizing the importance of term limits and setting a lasting example. In his Farewell Address, he warned against the dangers of political factions and entanglements in foreign affairs, advice that influenced American political thought for generations.
George Washington's legacy endures in American culture, politics, and national identity. His name and image have been commemorated in countless ways, from the capital city of Washington, D.C., to monuments, currency, and public institutions. Admired for his leadership, character, and devotion to republican ideals, Washington remains one of the most respected figures in United States history.

Reviews

[William Bahr · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Wonderful Will

I purchased this book while I was visiting Mount Vernon. It contains the following: The Last Will and Testament of George Washington and his property, to which is appended the Last Will and Testament of Martha Washington. The contents of the book include: Foreward, Introduction (by former Supreme Court Justice Lewis Powell, Jr), the Last Will and Testament of George Washington (in print form), Notes to the Will of George Washington, Schedule of Property, Notes to the Schedule of Property, the Last Will and Testament of Martha Washington, Notes to the Will of Martha Washington, Family Trees, Genealogy, Persons Mentioned in the Wills, and Index.

Here is how Mount Vernon describes it: " This booklet provides both Americans and people from other countries with a unique opportunity to glimpse the character of the man our nation reveres above every other. In addition to George Washington's actual will, Martha Washington's will, a family genealogy, family trees and a complete index of beneficiaries are provided."

I found the book fascinating, especially the notes spread throughout the book. For example, the cover shows a painting by Charles Wilson Peale, who had invited members of his talented family to join him in the one presidential sitting and thus paint five different interpretations of Washington. Competing artist Gilbert Stuart punned that Washington was "Pealed all around." Also nice was the introduction by Justice Powell, which was full of insights about a number of things I mentioned in my own book about Washington (and the "Liberty" or Bastille key Lafayette gave to him). The genealogies and family trees are also very interesting: they help one better understand both the wills as well as the relations of the many people important to George and Martha, and thus often mentioned in historical accounts.

For me, perhaps the most intriguing item that comes out of the book's material is the existence of a snuff box, made from the forest oak tree that sheltered William Wallace ("Braveheart" movie) after he escaped his defeat by English King Edward I (Longshanks) at the 1298 Battle of Falkirk. (Despite an initially advantageous position, Wallace could not overcome the English longbowmen and his own cavalry deserting him by fleeing in the face of Edward's larger cavalry contingent.) The box was given to Washington (" the Wallace of America") by English Lord Buchan, and the will instructs it be returned to Buchan after Washington's death. I subsequently found an article about the box last seen in 1923 (by the D.A.R.). Apparently, its current whereabouts is unknown. Needless to say, as a fellow author, I am curious!!!