George Washington

We know George Washington as a leader and hero of the revolutionary forces, and as a founding father and first President of the new nation, but in his time he was perhaps most revered as what we today call a role model.

Early during his terms of office from 1791 to 1797 he set a democratic tone, and a standard of personal behavior that embodied the ideals of the young country. He was offered the title of King, and other impressive appellations, but insisted on "Mr. President". Modern history has too often witnessed revolutions against tyrants and dictators, only to see them succeed in ushering in a new era of tyranny, a fresh dictator. Washington and the other founding fathers were adamant in their efforts to prevent this cycle to be set in motion in their new nation, "conceived in liberty".

He was conscious of the necessity of accepting no more power or exercising no more personal influence than necessary; rejecting favoritism of any kind, and making appointments based solely on ability and a sense of civic responsibility.

Upon his death in 1799 he was eulogized more for his virtues than his deeds. Henry "Light Horse Harry " Lee, a war comrade and father of Robert E. Lee called Washington: "Pious, just, humane, temperate, and sincere; uniform, dignified, and commanding." It's said that a little power corrupts a little, and absolute power corrupts absolutely, but Washington spent his life disproving that dictum.

Quoting Thomas Jefferson: "The moderation and virtue of a single character probably prevented this Revolution from being closed, as most others have been, by a subversion of that liberty it was intended to establish". Today, it is often little more than a "factoid" that Washington was the first President of the United States; but, in fact, we should be eternally mindful and thankful that it was he who set the precedents and tone for those who would follow him as Commander and Chief.

Bright White, Museum Quality "A" type, second issue. A quallity example with rich violet seal and reverse. Near gem margining.

$70.00

Very Collectible Original Print ticket, with no major distractions!

$55.00

Pleasing note, with slightly wider margining on the right front, which means an opportunity for you!

$50.00