George Washington: First in War, First in Peace, and First in the Hearts of His Countrymen

For Lesson Three: Integrity and Firmness is All I Can Promise:
The Washington Presidency

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George Washington Papers, 1741-1799

[Letter from George Washington to David Humphreys, July 20, 1791]

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NOTE: This is an excerpt. The full text version of Letter from George Washington to David Humphreys, July 20, 1791 is in George Washington Papers, 1741-1799.

The Writings of George Washington from the Original Manuscript Sources, 1745-1799. John C. Fitzpatrick, Editor.--vol. 31

Philadelphia, July 20, 1791.

...

I am much pleased that I have taken this journey as it has enabled me to see with my own eyes the situation of the country thro' which we travelled, and to learn more accurately the disposition of the people than I could have done by any information.

The country appears to be in a very improving state, and industry and frugality are becoming much more fashionable than they have hitherto been there. Tranquillity reigns among the people, with that disposition towards the general government which is likely to preserve it. They begin to feel the good effects of equal laws and equal protection. The farmer finds a ready market for his produce, and the merchant calculates with more certainty on his payments. Manufacturers have as yet made but little progress in that part of the country, and it will probably be a long time before they are brought to that state to which they have already arrived in the middle and eastern parts of the Union.

Each days experience of the Government of the United States seems to confirm its establishment, and to render it more popular. A ready acquiescence in the laws made under it shews in a strong light the confidence which the people have in their representatives, and in the upright views of those who administer the government. At the time of passing a law imposing a duty on home made spirits, it was vehemently affirmed by many, that such a law could never be executed in the southern States, particularly in Virginia and North Carolina. As this law came in force only on the first of this month little can be said of its effects from experience; but from the best information I could get on my journey respecting its operation on the minds of the people (and I took some pains to obtain information on this point) there remains no doubt but it will be carried into effect not only without opposition, but with very general approbation in those very parts where it was foretold that it would never be submitted to by any one. It is possible, however, and perhaps not improbable that some Demagogue may start up, and produce and get signed some resolutions declaratory of their disapprobation of the measure.

... {excerpt ends}

Questions:

• How is the American nation guided by divine providence?
• According to Washington, why is the United States unique among nations of the world?
• How does government best serve the interests of the people?
• What are the feelings of Southerners toward the national government? According to Washington, what factors are responsible for these attitudes?
• What concerns does Washington express regarding future adherence to the excise tax on whiskey?

Go to the complete interview from which this excerpt was taken.