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

As much as Jefferson decried the direction of the country under Washington's presidency, he thought things would get worse if Washington wasn't president.

Washington requested a law defining a path to citizenship for immigrants.

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

To the Canadians, the British lived far away, while Americans were the pushy neighbors next door.

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.

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.