His Peers

Washington’s fame would transcend his own era and serve to inspire generations of statesmen at home and around the world.  The following is a series of excerpts from prominent statesmen and individuals about Washington and his monumental legacy.

Founding-Era Statesmen on Washington

“[Washington,] who, by a long course of great actions, regulated by prudence, justice, temperance, and fortitude… has merited the gratitude of his fellow-citizens, commanded the highest praises of foreign nations, and secured immortal glory with posterity.”  See more of Adams’ views on Washington

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“Perhaps he excels all the great men that ever lived, in the steadiness of his adherence to his maxims of life, and in the uniformity of all his conduct to the same maxims.. his character must be studied as a model, a precious one to a free republic.”

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“My fine crab-tree walking stick, with a gold head curiously wrought in the form of the cap of liberty, I give to my friend, and the friend of mankind, General Washington. If it were a Sceptre, he has merited it, and would become it.” .

“I have been much indebted to the kindness of the General, and he was an Aegis very essential to me… If virtue can secure happiness in another world he is happy. In this the Seal is now put upon his Glory. It is no longer in jeopardy from the fickleness of fortune.” See more of Hamilton’s views on Washington .

 

“His integrity was most pure, his justice the most inflexible I have ever known, no motives of interest or consanguinity, of friendship or hatred, being able to bias his decision. He was, indeed, in every sense of the words, a wise, a good, and a great man.” See more of Jefferson’s views on Washington .

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“First in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen, he was second to none in the humble and endearing scenes of private life. Pious, just, humane, temperate, and sincere; uniform, dignified, and commanding, his example was as edifying to all around him as were the effects of that example lasting.” See all of Lee’s famous eulogy on Washington .

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“The strength of his character lay in his integrity, his love of justice, his fortitude, the soundness of his judgment, and his remarkable prudence to which he joined an elevated sense of patriotic duty.” See more of Madison’s views on Washington . .

“More than any other individual, and as much as to one individual was possible, he has contributed to found this, our wide spreading empire, and to give to the Western World independence and freedom.”

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Subsequent American Statesmen on Washington

“Eternity alone can reveal to the human race its debt of gratitude to the peerless and immortal name of Washington.” . ..

 

 

“The lessons contained in this invaluable legacy of Washington to his countrymen should be cherished in the heart of every citizen to the latest generation.”

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“Washington’s is the mightiest name of earth — long since mightiest in the cause of civil liberty; still mightiest in moral reformation. On that name no eulogy is expected. It cannot be. To add brightness to the sun, or glory to the name of Washington, is alike impossible. Let none attempt it. In solemn awe pronounce the name, and in its naked deathless splendor leave it shining on.”.

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“The historian and the biographer may fail to do him justice, but the instinct of mankind will not fail. The real hero needs not books to give him worshipers. George Washington will always hold the love and reverence of men because they see embodied in him the noblest possibilities of humanity.”.

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“Washington, alike statesman, soldier, and patriot, stands alone.  He was not only the greatest American; he was also one of the greatest men the world has ever known.. I regard him as the greatest man in our history.”.

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“American has furnished to the world the character of Washington. And if our American institutions had done nothing else, that alone would have entitled them to the respect of mankind.”

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“The Revolution found him a leader and veteran in affairs at forty-four; every turn of fortune confirmed him in his executive habit of foresight and mastery; death spared him, stalwart and commanding, until, his rising career rounded and complete, no man doubted him the first character of his age.” .

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International Statesmen on Washington

“[Washington was] the Great Citizen, the First-Born Son of the New World.”.

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“Posterity will talk of Washington as the founder of a great empire, when my name shall be lost in the vortex of revolution.”.

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“[Washington was a] hero of an unprecedented kind.”.

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“George Washington holds one of the proudest titles that history can bestow. He was the Father of his Nation. Almost alone his staunchness in the War of Independence held the American colonies to their united purpose… His firmness and example while first President restrained the violence of faction and postponed a national schism for sixty years. His character and influence steadied the dangerous leanings of Americans to take sides against Britain or France. He filled his office with dignity and inspired his administration with much of his own wisdom.”

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“The achievements of Washington and his little band of compatriots between the 25th of December and the 4th of January, a space of 10 days, were the most brilliant of any recorded in the annals of military achievements.”.

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“He is the purest figure in history.”.

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“Let him who looks for a monument to Washington look around the United States. Your freedom, your independence, your national power, your prosperity, and your prodigious growth are a monument to him.”

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“The name of Washington is inseparably linked with a memorable epoch.  He adorned this epoch by his talents and the nobility of his character…  History offers few examples of such renown…  the prosperity of a people destined for grand achievements is the best evidence of a fame ever to increase.”.

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.“[Washington was] the purest of statesman, and the most perfect of patriots. May it please Heaven that his example shall continue to serve as a beacon to our Republics in their darkest moments of doubt and adversity.”.

 

“You have in American history one of the great captains of all times. It might be said of him, as it was of William the Silent, that he seldom won a battle but he never lost a campaign.” .

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Other figures on Washington

“Simple truth is his best, his greatest eulogy.”.

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“His true greatness was evidenced in the fact that he never sought greatness, but rather service.”.

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“I often say of George Washington that he was one of the few in the whole history of the world who was not carried away by power.”.

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“No nobler figure ever stood in the forefront of a nation’s life.”.

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“Which was the most splendid spectacle ever witnessed–the opening feast of Prince George in London, or the resignation of Washington?  Which is the noble character for after-ages to admire–yon fribble dancing in lace and spangles, or yon hero who sheathes his sword after a life of spotless honor, a purity unreproached, a courage indomitable, and a consummate victory?”.

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Inscription on the stone placed by China in the Washington Monument

“In devising plans, Washington was more decided than Ching Shing or Woo Kwang; in winning a country he was braver than Tsau Tsau or Ling Pi. Wielding his four-footed falchion, he extended the frontiers and refused to accept the Royal Dignity. The sentiments of the Three Dynasties have reappeared in him. Can any man of ancient or modern times fail to pronounce Washington peerless?