Dec 25

Dec 25 Washington Goes Home For Christmas

George Washington spend 8 years at war.

Then, he went home for Christmas.

Here is a brief review of the circumstances surrounding his return and its meaning to the young nation.

War’s End

By November of 1783, the Continental Army was two years removed from its Victory at Yorktown.

During that time, negotiations had gone back and forth across the Atlantic and the Treaty of Paris completed, though it was waiting for the final approval.

Additionally, George Washington had stopped the Newburgh Conspiracy, which threatened to have the Continental Congress bullied by the leaders of the Army.

Now with the British gone from American shores and the Continental Army dissolved, Washington had one last piece of businesses to complete.

Annapolis

General Washington travelled to Annapolis, Maryland.

This was where the Confederation Congress was holding session. As there was no permanent Capital under the Articles of Confederation, the United States Government had a tendency to move around a lot.

Annapolis just happened to be where Washington tracked them down.

Resignation

What was this Commander-in-Chief without an army doing with Congress?

This, the most powerful man in America, was resigning.

George handed his commission to President Thomas Mifflin and bid his farewell to politics.

Homeward Bound

Washington hit the road...destination: Mount Vernon.

Along the way he scooped up “a locket, three small pocket books, three thimbles, three sashes, a dress cap, a hat, a whirligig, fiddle, gun, and quadrille boxes.”

These weren’t just some knickknacks he wanted for home.

These were gifts.

For the first time in eight years, George Washington would be home for Christmas.

I’ve written more about George Washington than any other Founder.

Check out these Washington articles here:

Washington’s First Inaugural Address

George Washington - The Early Years

George Washington and the Rules of Civility

Washington is one of the Founders whose quote I have used on some products for sale in my Shop.

‘You will permit me to wear my spectacles’ is just one great line from the First Citizen, but it is my favorite.

See the designs I created through the link to my Shop below.