George Washington

Washington (1732-1799), born in Westmoreland County, Virginia, was commander in Chief of American forces during five harsh years of the Revolutionary War, and at times held his troops togethr with little more than his own willpower. After the war he played a vital roll in presiding over the Constitutional Convention of 1787, and was was elected the first US president in 1789.

1. Associate yourself with men of good quality if you esteem your own reputation, for 'tis better to be alone than in bad company.

2. Few men have virtue to withstand the highest bidder.

3. True friendship is a plant of slow growth, and must undergo and withstand the shocks of adversity before it is entitled to the appellation.

4. To be prepared for war is one of the most effective means of preserving peace.

5. Over grown military establishments are under any form of government inauspicious to liberty, and are to be regarded as particularly hostile to republican liberty.

6. Let your heart feel for the afflictions and distress of everyone, and let your hand give in proportion to your purse.