 |
|
|
VALLEY FORGE, 1777-1778—General Washington struggles to keep his troops alive and well in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, this winter. Inadequate shipments of food, clothing, and supplies have left the regiments in shambles. Poor hygiene and serious disease threaten the lives of all the soldiers camped there. General Washington has asked for more supplies, but has not been successful. While General Washington struggles alongside his men, his political enemies threaten to remove his power. Some critics feel that others are better suited to lead the Continental army.
YORKTOWN, 1781—After losing two children in infancy and her daughter Patsy to epilepsy, Martha Washington lost her last child to camp fever. John Parke Custis, known as Jacky to family and friends, passed away on November 5 at Yorktown. This happened just seventeen days after the surrender of Britain's General Cornwallis. Jacky leaves behind a wife and four children. General and Mrs. Washington will raise the younger two children, Eleanor "Nelly" Custis and George Washington Parke Custis, at Mount Vernon, their home in Virginia.
|
|
NEW YORK, 1789 (AP)—After months of debate to establish our new American government, the first official election was held on February 4, 1789. George Washington received all 69 electoral votes! Washington, who will be inaugurated on April 30 of this year, accepted the presidency, even though he wished to return to his estate at Mount Vernon and retire. "I was summoned by my country," said Washington. He and his wife Martha will soon move to the country's capital, New York City.
PHILADELPHIA, 1793 (AP)—President George Washington has won his second
election to the presidency of the United States! The inauguration will take place
on March 4 in Philadelphia, the new capital of the United States. However, Washington
is doubtful about being the President again. He wrote to his friend Henry Lee
that he accepted the presidency only “after a long and painful conflict
in my own breast.” He really wanted to return to Mount Vernon and retire.
The next four years could be difficult. There are arguments over the interpretation
of the Constitution. Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton and Secretary
of State Thomas Jefferson strongly disagree. President Washington fears this will
divide the country.
PHILADELPHIA, 1794—Western Pennsylvanians have started a violent opposition
to government taxes. They are launching the first major civil disturbance of President
Washington’s term in office. Last week, U.S. Marshal David Lenox was trying
to collect taxes on locally distilled liquor in Westmoreland County. Military
action will be taken, much to the regret of the President: The army is being organized
from other northern states and they will advance into Pennsylvania shortly.
|
