[T]he hour is fast approaching, on which the Honor and Success of this army, and the safety of our bleeding Country depend. Remember officers and Soldiers, that you are Freemen, fighting for the blessings of Liberty - that slavery will be your portion, and that of your posterity, if you do not acquit yourselves like men.
George WashingtonIt appears to me, then, little short of a miracle, that the Delegates from so many different States . . . should unite in forming a system of national Government, so little liable to well founded objections.
George WashingtonThe name of American, which belongs to you, in your national capacity, must always exalt the just pride of Patriotism . . .
George WashingtonI am again called upon by the voice of my country to execute the functions of its Chief Magistrate.
George WashingtonAlmighty God, we make our earnest prayer that thou wilt keep the United States in thy holy protection.
George WashingtonA small knowledge of human nature will convince us, that, with far the greatest part of mankind, interest is the governing principle... Few men are capable of making a continual sacrifice of all views of private interest, or advantage, to the common good. It is vain to exclaim against the depravity of human nature on this account; the fact is so, the experience of every age and nation has proved it and we must in a great measure, change the constitution of man, before we can make it otherwise. No institution, not built on the presumptive truth of these maxims can succeed.
George Washington