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Drunk History Vol. 3: Oney Judge
In the third installment of one of the funniest series online, Jen Kirkman tells us about George Washington’s favorite slave, Oney. If only this was how I was taught history in high school, maybe I would have stayed in that AP class after all. In the third installment of one of the funniest series online, Jen Kirkman tells us about George Washington’s favorite slave, Oney. If... more
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How did archaeologists find half a million artifacts at George Washington's boyhoo...
Archaeologists announced on Wednesday that they had unearthed George Washington's boyhood home at a site not far from Fredericksburg, Va. Over the course of a seven-year excavation, the researchers found more than 500,000 artifacts. How can there be half a million artifacts at one site? Archaeologists announced on Wednesday that they had unearthed George Washington's boyhood home at a site not far from Fredericksburg, ... more
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George Washington's boyhood home was found
Happy 4th of July! George Washington's boyhood was....
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George Washington on the danger of political parties
From George Washington's Farewell Address to the American people in 1796.
I have already intimated to you the danger of parties in the state, with particular reference to the founding of them on geographical discriminations. Let me now take a more comprehensive view, and warn you in the most solemn manner against the baneful effects of the spirit of party, generally.
This spirit, unfortunately, is inseparable from our nature, having its root in the strongest passions of the human mind. It exists under different shapes in all governments, more or less stifled, controlled, or repressed; but, in those of the popular form, it is seen in its greatest rankness, and is truly their worst enemy.
The alternate domination of one faction over another, sharpened by the spirit of revenge, natural to party dissension, which in different ages and countries has perpetrated the most horrid enormities, is itself a frightful despotism. But this leads at length to a more formal and permanent despotism. The disorders and miseries, which result, gradually incline the minds of men to seek security and repose in the absolute power of an individual; and sooner or later the chief of some prevailing faction, more able or more fortunate than his competitors, turns this disposition to the purposes of his own elevation, on the ruins of Public Liberty.
Without looking forward to an extremity of this kind, (which nevertheless ought not to be entirely out of sight,) the common and continual mischiefs of the spirit of party are sufficient to make it the interest and duty of a wise people to discourage and restrain it.
It serves always to distract the Public Councils, and enfeeble the Public Administration. It agitates the Community with ill-founded jealousies and false alarms; kindles the animosity of one part against another, foments occasionally riot and insurrection. It opens the door to foreign influence and corruption, which find a facilitated access to the government itself through the channels of party passions. Thus the policy and the will of one country are subjected to the policy and will of another.
There is an opinion, that parties in free countries are useful checks upon the administration of the Government, and serve to keep alive the spirit of Liberty. This within certain limits is probably true; and in Governments of a Monarchical cast, Patriotism may look with indulgence, if not with favor, upon the spirit of party. But in those of the popular character, in Governments purely elective, it is a spirit not to be encouraged. From their natural tendency, it is certain there will always be enough of that spirit for every salutary purpose. And, there being constant danger of excess, the effort ought to be, by force of public opinion, to mitigate and assuage it. A fire not to be quenched, it demands a uniform vigilance to prevent its bursting into a flame, lest, instead of warming, it should consume.
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Wise words as we have seen what he talked about here coming to fruition. Personally, I think the two party system in this country has run its course. It's time for true Democracy to come back again to America. It is time to give the people a real choice instead of the moneyed choices we get year after year which place standing and connections over reason. Factions do nothing but wear away the Democratic process, and as we have seen right now in America to the point where it is unrecognizable. We cannot even impeach a criminal regime because of political party partisanship standing in the way. The only way to bring real "change" is to then change the process instead of only changing the players. Real choice is real change. Even our founding fathers knew that.
From George Washington's Farewell Address to the American people in 1796. ... more -
Historian pleads guilty to stealing Lincoln letter
A U.S. historian pleaded guilty on Tuesday to a federal charge stemming from stealing letters penned by former U.S. Presidents George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.
Edward Renehan, 51, admitted stealing a March 1, 1840, letter written by Lincoln and two by Washington, one written on August 9, 1791 and one written and signed on December 29, 1778.
Renehan later sold them to a New York gallery for $97,000, according the U.S. Attorney's Office in Manhattan.
Renehan, who has written six books including one on the Kennedys, stole the letters from the Theodore Roosevelt Association, a New York-based historical and cultural association where he had been a director.
He pleaded guilty to one count of interstate transportation of stolen property and faces a maximum of 10 years in prison.
Renehan had suffered from bipolar disorder that was undiagnosed during 2005 and 2006 at the time of the thefts, his lawyer Peter Brill said. A U.S. historian pleaded guilty on Tuesday to a federal charge stemming from stealing letters penned by former U.S. Presidents George ... more -
The State of the Democratic Primary
A friend of mine brought some tantalizing issues to light to me this evening. Friends, after you read this article you will realize the Truth of the matter regarding the Democratic Primary race. Consider this:
Let's start with some facts. Americans should know that the final votes of the delegates have not been cast. The votes are always cast on one day – the day of the Democratic Convention. Senators Clinton and Obama are within 1% of each other in the popular vote count. Given numbers of this nature, which are unprecedented in a primary, the delegates must ignore any of the 3-ring natured antics that have been carousing along the media's communication lines recently. The delegates owe it to their party and, most importantly to America, to do what is best for the democratic-party and choose the candidate with the greatest chance of beating the Republican nominee.
Let's take a look at some further facts. Senator Clinton has the largest base of constituents to work with – the popular vote tells this story. Since March 4th, Senator Clinton has received roughly 100,000 more votes than Senator Obama. Think about this. Since the coverage of the candidates has been on an even playing field, Senator Clinton has more votes than does Senator Obama. I'm not making this up, the tides changed when the media woke up. This morning can be marked in time by the SNL skit that parodied the media's babying of Senator Obama. The night was February 23rd, 2008. That would make the morning that of the 24th, but I digress. SNL knew they affected the Presidential race, and we all know it as well. This is why they evened the score recently against Senator Clinton. However, popular culture scores don't change the facts that we are discussing at the moment. Senator Clinton has the majority of votes since February 23rd, 2008. Moreover, since that day 777 delegates have been pledged. I'm not discussing super-delegates, they are at the whim of the political tides that are both created by the media and irrelevant at this time. Of those 777 delegates, Senator Clinton has won 400 – a clear majority.
Some further facts. It is a fact that Senator Clinton's policies are better for America than are Senator Obama's. Isn't it interesting that Senator Obama's supporters don't claim to have better policies – not even the media claims that. No, the claim is that the election is over and Senator Obama is the presumptive nominee. It is true that Senator Clinton and Senator Obama's policies are not all that different. But, it is also true that where they differ, Senator Clinton's policies are not only superior, but they are more detailed and more realistic. Take a look at their healthcare policies for example. Senator Obama's plan will not accomplish what it intends to. His policy has a large doughnut hole in it and will not cover many middle-class Americans. Perhaps this is why Senator Obama is having such difficulties garnering votes from that enormous segment of our society. Some of Senator Obama's policy positions read like the first draft of a scholarship application – chock full of hope, yet incomplete and inconsistent. Senator Clinton's policies are better for America, not to mention the fact that Senator Clinton has more exposure, seasoning, and experience in running the most powerful Nation in the World.
The point is that this primary is far from over. We won't know who is going to face the Republican nominee until the day of the Democratic Convention. It is the will of the voters – that is democracy.
God Bless
Peace and Love,
Nathan Wales Belding A friend of mine brought some tantalizing issues to light to me this evening. Friends, after you read this article you will realize t... more -
William F. Buckley Jr.'s Tragic Misconception
"Idealism is fine, but as it approaches reality, the costs become prohibitive."
William F. Buckley Jr.
This statement is tragically flawed in two very important senses - the link above is to an article that explains how. "Idealism is fine, but as it approaches reality, the costs become prohibitive." William F. Buckley Jr. ... more -
Division into political parties and George Washington's farewell address
The framers considered political parties to be self-serving factions that cultivated dissent and were ultimately detrimental to good government. Though the framers had not written provisions into the Constitution dealing with political parties, by the end of George Washington's second term, the issues of national government had divided the nation into two distinct and hostile factions: the Federalists and the Republicans.
The Federalists, led by Alexander Hamilton, advocated strong central government. Concentrated in the northeast, they preferred a system under which the population would choose their government officials based on merit and reputation rather than politics, and in which elected officials would rule without the direct influence of the people. Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and others who found Federalist thought offensive, developed a markedly different view of good government under the Washington administration. With their stronghold in the South, Republicans claimed that liberty could only be protected if political power were rested firmly in the hands of the people and those government officials closest and most responsive to the people
snip
In the midst of building hostilities, Washington decided to resign from office after his second term. On September 19, 1796, the American Daily Advertiser published Washington's Farewell Address to the nation. The basic premise of the address was a condemnation of political parties. Washington warned that the development of parties would destroy the government, and worried that special interest groups and foreign nations would easily dominate the factions. On this note, he implored future generations to avoid embroilment in the affairs of other nations, and concentrate on the development of "efficient government" at home, free from foreign influence. Washington left office in March 1797, leaving the nation still very much divided.
Commentary
As of the early 1790s, most Americans remained convinced that political parties were a detriment to good government. The framers had neither desired nor planned for the rise of political divisions. In fact, in Federalist No. 10 of the Federalist Papers, James Madison, one of the leaders of the Republican party, had argued that one of the strong points of the Constitution was that it would prevent the formation of political factions. It was commonly assumed that should factions rise to a position of political power, they would act to achieve selfish goals at the expense of the public good. However, this concept of political parties began to crumble as opposition arose to Hamilton's initiatives as Secretary of Treasury. Many political leaders began to view an opposition party as necessary to check the power of the ideological majority in the national government, and as a means to provide a more fully encompassing examination of the issues presented to the national government. Thus, gradually, political parties took their place as an integral part of American government.
snip
Washington's Farewell Address was a direct response to the fractioning of the American people. From a clearly Federalist point of view he extolled the virtues of neutrality. He pleaded for American political neutrality, that citizens not be forced to choose between political alternatives, but rather choose their leaders on the basis of merit and reputation. He further pleaded for international neutrality, exhorting Americans to avoid "political connection" with Europe, hoping such avoidance would remove the divisiveness of foreign policy from the American political dialogue and allow US leaders to concentrate on domestic goals. While he could not stop the rise of political parties, which had already become a fact of American political life, his plea for neutrality and vision of an isolated America would inform American foreign relations into the twentieth century. The framers considered political parties to be self-serving factions that cultivated dissent and were ultimately detrimental to good g... more -
Coexistence
Dear Friends,
As you all know, a nuclear reactor was recently discovered in Syria. This reactor strongly resembles those that we know to exist in North Korea. We should see this as an opportunity to bring Syria to the table as a partner in our quest for World peace. North Korea may wish to use Syria as a pawn in this World, but I think Syria has higher aspirations.
Syria is a pillar in the Middle East. Syria can help turn the tide. Syria can add mass to the momentum of peace that is building in this World, right now. Syria doesn't have to miss a beat.
We all live on this Earth together. We are all children of God. Christianity, Islam, and Judaism are all bound by the thread of equanimity. The synonym for equanimity is Love. Yet, equanimity rests on a recognized framework of logic. Equanimity is about integrity and balance. We must not suppress our worries and fears; for if we do, they will surely explode. At the same time we must not obsess over our worries and fears; for if we do, we will surely implode.
It is time for us to come to the table together and focus on our common ground. Our common ground is Love. The Love we all feel for our Mothers, our Fathers, our Sisters, our Brothers, our Children, and our Families as a whole. The Love we all feel for our Friends, our Neighbors, our Teachers, and our Communities as a whole. This Love is experienced the same by all of us. This Love binds us.
Let us come together for our Mothers, our Fathers, our Sisters, our Brothers, our Children, and our Families as a whole. Let us come together for our Friends, our Neighbors, our Teachers and our Communities as a whole. Let us come together for Love.
God Bless
Peace and Love,
Nathan Wales Belding Dear Friends, ... more -
Let Us Come Together
Dear Friends,
As you all know, a nuclear reactor was recently discovered in Syria. This reactor strongly resembles those that we know to exist in North Korea. We should see this as an opportunity to bring Syria to the table as a partner in our quest for World peace. North Korea may wish to use Syria as a pawn in this World, but I think Syria has higher aspirations.
Syria is a pillar in the Middle East. Syria can help turn the tide. Syria can add mass to the momentum of peace that is building in this World, right now. Syria doesn't have to miss a beat.
We all live on this Earth together. We are all children of God. Christianity, Islam, and Judaism are all bound by the thread of equanimity. The synonym for equanimity is Love. Yet, equanimity rests on a recognized framework of logic. Equanimity is about integrity and balance. We must not suppress our worries and fears; for if we do, they will surely explode. At the same time we must not obsess over our worries and fears; for if we do, we will surely implode.
It is time for us to come to the table together and focus on our common ground. Our common ground is Love. The Love we all feel for our Mothers, our Fathers, our Sisters, our Brothers, our Children, and our Families as a whole. The Love we all feel for our Friends, our Neighbors, our Teachers, and our Communities as a whole. This Love is experienced the same by all of us. This Love binds us.
Let us come together for our Mothers, our Fathers, our Sisters, our Brothers, our Children, and our Families as a whole. Let us come together for our Friends, our Neighbors, our Teachers and our Communities as a whole. Let us come together for Love.
God Bless
Peace and Love,
Nathan Wales Belding Dear Friends, ... more -
A Perfect Union
Dear Friends,
Why did I suggest Senator Clinton become Senator Obama's Vice Presidential candidate, you ask? It's very simple. It is the best way to unite the Democratic party, at this point in time and space. Is the Democratic party at risk?
Yes, it is at risk because there are those in the media (not all, but some), and the Republican party (not some, but all), who wish to use this historic primary battle as a point of leverage. They wish to fracture the Democratic party by applying pressure on said point of leverage. If we are not careful, it will work. And they won't stop there. Should Senator Obama win the nomination, the point of leverage will not have gone away. In fact, the point of leverage would then rest on the Nation as a whole, and not simply the Democratic party.
If we galvanize the ENTIRE Democratic party, we stand a chance at galvanizing the ENTIRE Country. My suggestion for reconciliation was, in my opinion, the best way to galvanize the ENTIRE Democratic party.
Should either Senator wish to ignore my suggestion, I will continue my support of Senator Clinton, because I believe her plans for America are better than the other two Presidential candidates'. That being said, Senators Clinton and Obama could form a perfect union, in order to continue forming a more perfect union.
God Bless
Peace and Love,
Nathan Wales Belding Dear Friends, ... more -
A Time To Reconcile - A Time To Become Perfect
Dear Friends,
After World War II, the females in America graciously gave up their
positions in industries throughout this great Country to their male
counterparts, upon their male counterparts' return from War. This
move was a selfless act by all women in this Country. Selfless
because those women were performing just as successfully as the males
had, and selfless because they still took care of their families,
without missing a beat.
This great contribution to America was dishonored. Dishonored because as prices rose in America and women were forced to return to work in order to feed their families, they were not given the same treatment as their male counterparts. This is what spawned the original feminist movement. Women were sick and
tired of being sick and tired. They were doing twice the work of the male and were not receiving a fair shake. This is the Truth.
We have come a long way since WWII, but we haven't realized the dreams
of so many and so many yet to come. I am here to tell you that there is a way.
There is a way to unite America and her neighbors, and the World. Senators Clinton and Obama have run campaigns of great integrity and restraint. Both Senators have competed like champions while not stooping to levels that destroy careers. This behavior cannot be expected from the Republicans, nor should it.
The bottom line is that Senator Obama's ability to inspire is greater than any American in recent memory. Arguably greater than any American since Abraham Lincoln. Yet, Senator Clinton is the greatest American to grace these vast plains and mountains in a generation.
The Democratic party has had a hard time choosing between the two, and
it is no surprise. How do we resolve this?
I propose something that is both selfless and poetic. I propose that
Senator Clinton become Senator Obama's Vice Presidential candidate.
This act is as or more selfless than the act of every American woman
after WWII. This act is the denial, for at least a little while, of
something that she deserves. She deserves to be President. Yet, so
does Senator Obama. Senator Obama is a great American, and he can
lead us to the Promise-Land. He can lead all of us. But, he cannot
lead all of us unless he garners Senator Clinton and her constituents'
support come Fall.
I believe this move will ensure Democratic Victory in the Fall. And
we must all vow not to dishonor Senator Clinton's sacrifice.
Moreover, Senator Clinton's behavior would become a model for every man, woman and child on this Earth. Self sacrifice, for the greater good. Imagine if everyone on Earth behaved in this manner. The World would be Perfect.
God Bless
Peace and Love,
Nathan Wales Belding Dear Friends, After World War II, the females in America graciously gave up their ... more -
Maya Angelou touts Hillary's strength in NC
Clinton says '08 campaign has broken barriers
By NEDRA PICKLER – 2 days ago
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (AP) — Hillary Rodham Clinton put aside her differences with her Democratic presidential rival Friday night, saying both she and Barack Obama have been inspirations for every American child to believe he or she can be president.
Appearing at Wake Forest University with poet Maya Angelou, Clinton said the 2008 presidential campaign is helping the country in "letting go of not only the heavy burden of ignorance, but of prejudice and discrimination, sexism as well as racism."
"What is exciting — and for me humbling — is that this contest that I'm engaged in with Senator Obama exemplifies that," she said. "And because of what we are doing, I honestly believe we have broken one of those invisible barriers that never again will any little boy or girl in America not believe that he or she — black, white, brown, whatever — cannot grow up to be president. Because that is now over. We have created that possibility in this moment of time."
Angelou has known Clinton since she was first lady of Arkansas and delivered a poem at Bill Clinton's first inauguration. She is backing Clinton, but also spoke warmly of Obama, and Clinton dropped any criticisms of her opponent for the evening at the university's Wait Chapel.
"Certainly Barack and I are instruments of this historical happening, but it is much deeper and broader than both of us," she said.
Clinton's campaign billed the event as a "conversation," and Angelou told the audience just to consider it like two friends talking. One woman sitting in the front row took it as an opportunity to get particularly intimate.
"Hillary, I love you, I always have and I always will, and I felt so sorry for you when, you know, Bill had his affair," said the woman, drawing a chorus of gasps.
"And I know nobody wants to talk about it, but I felt very sorry," she said over the din. "But I think now the best way to overcome it is to become president."
There was scattered applause and a few cheers as Angelou interjected: "Thank you. That's a statement, that's not a question."
The woman concluded by asking Clinton whom she would chose as her running mate.
"My goodness," Clinton said. She responded that she couldn't say who would be her running mate since she hasn't won the nomination. She did not address the infidelity remark.
On the Net:
http://www.hillaryclinton.com
Clinton says '08 campaign has broken barriers By NEDRA PICKLER – 2 days ago ... more -
Who Is Using The Republican Playbook?
Barack Obama recently told CNN, 'we've been very measured in terms of how we talk about Senator Clinton.' It's an interesting quote considering the months of relentless character attacks against Hillary from Sen. Obama and his campaign.
Take the Pop-Quiz to see who's using the Republican attack playbook:
http://www.hillaryclinton.com/quiz
Barack Obama recently told CNN, 'we've been very measured in terms of how we talk about Senator Clinton.' It's an interesting quote co... more -
It's Time To Face Reality
Barack Obama can no longer hide behind his Golden-veil of innocence. Click on the link above.
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Time For A Revolution? Ask The Founding Fathers
From the fantastic HBO series, 'John Adams.' Inspiring yet sad to see this spirit is now lost in our Congress. It will be up to us to bring it back. We cannot fail these men and women who gave all they had to birth this country. From the fantastic HBO series, 'John Adams.' Inspiring yet sad to see this spirit is now lost in our Congress. It will be up to us to ... more
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HBO: John Adams
The life of John Adams and the struggle for American independence are the themes of this magnificent depiction that premiered on HBO last night. I was riveted by it. It is the most authentic production I have ever seen of the time period and the men and women who shaped our country. I highly recommend it to everyone and to have their children watch it with them. It is a seven part miniseries, the first two parts being presented last night to be continued next Sunday.
It was so emotional to watch as well. To see Americans who truly put laws above men and who truly appreciated what it meant to fight for freedom brought me to tears thinking of where our country has gone since then. Where are the Jefferson's, Franklin's, and Adams's, of today?
This program also explores the relationship betrween John and Abigail Adams, which to me was the love story of the Revolutionary period, and also showed that women of that time were just as passionate and involved in this fight as the men.
It was surely fortunate for all of us today that these men and women lived at that particular time. Had they not, it is hard to tell where we would be today.The most wonderful part of this is that you see them not as Gods, but as humans with faults. Humans who through this grand experiment were just as scared as we are today.
While I weep for the future of this country today, after watching this I still have some hope that the spirit that lived in them lives in us just a little bit today. However, I shudder to think what these men would say if they came back and saw what Washington DC has become. I do not believe there is one man or woman in our Congress today who has the spirit and courage of conviction they had.
Question: If there were a new Continental Congress held, would you go as a delegate knowing what you would be sacrificing? I would. The life of John Adams and the struggle for American independence are the themes of this magnificent depiction that premiered on HBO l... more -
America's Greatest Challenge
George Washington had a vision on his deathbed. He saw great powers from all across the globe descending upon America, swooping like a hawk, to steal the blessed Golden Baby from her Blessed Mother. Take a look around you. Have you lost more than you have won recently? Do you find yourself wanting for material things more than you used to? Have you, dare I say, begun to lose Hope?
As America's Greatest Generation approaches it's Golden Years, America's younger generations face the greatest challenge this World has ever seen. The manner in which America tackles this challenge will define her for ages to come. Imagine you are Ronnie Lott, one of the greatest defensive NFL players of all-time. You are in the Super Bowl and Walter Payton is running at you with the pigskin to score the winning touchdown. Payton's mission? Destroy you, in effect. Your mission?
Your mission is to dig deep Brothers and Sisters. Dig deep into the vast riches of knowledge and spiritual purity that your Forefathers have bestowed upon you. Because whether we like it or not, it is going to take everything that America has to make this tackle.
If the running-back slips by us, we lose the game. The season is over, and Friends, there is no next year this time.
Well, I want you to know that I believe in you America. I believe in your Spirit, your Beauty, and your Strength. Some have defined America's blossoming young leaders as Generation Me. We are known as the most Confident, Assertive, Entitled, and Miserable generation in the history of the World - since the Roman's fell anyway. This is no joke. Read "Generation Me" by Jean M. Twenge, Ph.D. Twenge does a huge, decidely un-GenX amount of research and replaces hunches with actual data. The book is lucid, entertaining, bold, and refreshing. (Chris Colin, author of "What Really happened to the Class of '93).
Now, imagine a Confident, Assertive, Entitled, and Miserable person trying to tackle Walter Payton.
Who would you bet on?
The World is watching, America. The bets are being placed.
Our mission is to make this tackle, America. Not as a Nation that is as Confident, Assertive, Entitled, and Miserable as the worst generations the Romans ever saw. No. We will make this tackle as a Nation of Souls that Stands on Mountains of Principles. Principles that should and WILL once again burn bright in this World.
So, I ask you America. Will you remind the World what the torch on our Great Mother of Liberty stands for?
Will you join me?
We are the sequel to the Greatest Generation. Let's not be the "Dirty Dancing 2" type of sequel - 20 years later and straight to DVD. No.
Lets be GODFATHER II
I know you are tired, as am I. But we must remember that the flesh is weak. Now, I know you have a headache, and your minds seem frazzled. You are having trouble controlling your tired bodies with your frazzled minds.
But I Bring News America. There is more to the equation. You see, just as the mind controls the body, so does the spirit control the mind.
Your Spirit is strong America. It burns bright. It will show the World, once and for all, that America is the Worlds shining light.
So join me America. Join me in helping Senators Clinton, McCain and Obama. All honorable Souls that have devoted their LIVES to saving you America.
Join us in Saving America.
Let us band together. Let us realize Dr. Martin Luther King's Dream. The time has come. The time is now.
Sincerely,
Nathan Wales Belding George Washington had a vision on his deathbed. He saw great powers from all across the globe descending upon America, swooping like ... more -
George Washington Dead at 77 - 208 years ago
At 10:00 P.M. on December 14, 1799, George Washington died at his Mt. Vernon home after five decades of service to his country. His last words reportedly were: "I feel myself going. I thank you for your attentions; but I pray you to take no more trouble about me. Let me go off quietly. I cannot last long." Washington was sixty-seven years old. At 10:00 P.M. on December 14, 1799, George Washington died at his Mt. Vernon home after five decades of service to his country. His la... more
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George Washington
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George Washington
