Washington, part I

Here is my biography on George Washington; blogger has messed with the format a bit. I'll try and fix it, but I'm having troubles getting it to work with me. I hope ya enjoy!

The Father of our Country, George Washington, was a remarkable leader. He lead the Continental Army, a ragtag band of rebels, against the disciplined British Army, and won the war. He guided our young nation through the stormy seas of its infancy. He was a brilliant tactician, a fearless soldier, a daring general, a steady handed President, but more importantly, he was a devout Christian. What made him great was his unconditional faith in God.

George Washington was born February 11, 1732, in Westmoreland, Virginia. At the time nobody thought that he would shake the world; he was a Virginian colonist, not a European aristocrat. During that period, Europeans dominated the political theatre and the colonists, living in "exile" in the New World, never played a role on stage.

Washington was brought up well. His older two brothers were sent to school in England, but he was never sent. If he had, who knows how he would have developed. Washington never received much formal schooling. "He acquired none of that classical lore that was driven into boyish heads at Eaton, Oxford, Cambridge, Harvard." [1] That's not to mean that he was a barbarian; Washington was a very civil young man, "he perseveringly tried to improve himself by study, reading and practice." [2]

His father died when he was eleven years old and he inherited Ferry Farm, his father's property along the Potomac River. His mother was very dutiful in raising him, "One of the first lessons which young Washington received from his faithful parents, was; the importance of always speaking the truth." [3] And the fruits of her careful teaching was seen throughout his life. Washington was very respected at school; his word on a subject was always considered to be truthful and would end all arguments.

He applied for a commission in the Royal British Navy when he was fifteen, but out of respect for his mother, who was terrified of the idea, he withdrew his application. "He gave up his own inclinations, to promote her comfort….his filial tenderness was an example to them of compliance with the direction which is given to children in the word of God, 'Let them learn first piety at home, and to requisite their parents'….The act of filial regard which 'requited' the anxious cares of his mother, may be traced his usefulness to his country and the glory of his character." [4] He loved his mother very dearly, and she him; she was also very proud of her son, "I am not surprised at what George has done, for he was always a very good boy." [5] She trusted God to take care of him during his many dangerous adventures.

Washington didn't remain idle, however; so he occupied himself with the surveying of unsettled lands and joined the Virginia militia. A good attitude about life attracts success, as is seen with Washington.
[1] George Washington (John Alden) p4
[2] Life of Washington (Anna C. Reed) p266
[3] Life of Washington (Anna C. Reed) p20
[4] Life of Washington (Anna C. Reed) p24
[5] Life of Washington (Anna C. Reed) p210, Mary, the mother of George