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George Washington Invisible hand angle
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Commander-in-chief George Washington and “Out of my power…”

On this day in 1775, the second Continental Congress unanimously selects George Washington as first Commander-in-chief of the Continental Army. Thankfully for all Americans then, and ever since, he accepted the appointment.

What follows is an excerpt of a letter he wrote to his wife, Martha, shortly thereafter; he wrote:
“[I]t was utterly out of my power to refuse this appointment without exposing my Character to such censures as would have reflected dishonour upon myself, and given pain to my friends – this, I am sure could not, and ought not be pleasing to you, & must have lessened me considerably in my own esteem. I shall rely therefore, confidently, on that Providence which has heretofore preservd, & been bountiful to me, not doubting but that I shall return safe to you in the fall…” (emphasis added)

Another acknowledgement

Of course, Washington eventually became the first president of the United States.

Finally, a sentiment similar to the letter above, from his first inaugural address, inspired Our “George Washington Invisible Hand” t-shirt design:
“No people can be bound to acknowledge and adore the invisible hand which conducts the affairs of men more than the People of the United States.”

Though invisible, clearly he saw its guiding influence in his own life and in the birth of America.

Find your shirt, HERE.

George Washington t-shirt

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George and Martha Washington tomb
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Martha Washington, due weight and divine Providence

On this day in 1802, the first first lady, Martha Washington, that is, Martha Dandridge Custis Washington dies. Martha was twice widowed and outlived all four of her children.

Her son John Parke Custis, aka Jacky, wrote this comforting consolation to his mother after his little sister, also named Martha, died:
“I am confident she enjoys that Bliss prepar’d only for the Good & virtuous, let these considerations, My dear Mother have their due weight with you…”

Look for consolation

Nevertheless, Martha herself wrote this just one month after the death of her husband George:

“When the mind is deeply afflicted by those irreparable losses which are incident to humanity, the good Christian will submit without repining to the dispensations of divine Providence, and look for consolation to that Being who alone can pour balm into the bleeding heart, and who has promised to be the widow’s God.”

Also, the inscription pictured immediately below is in the tomb of George and Martha Washington:

Washington tomb

 

This is photograph of Martha Washington’s Bible, in which she wrote her name several times:

Martha Washington Bible

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Ulysses S. Grant
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Ulysses S. Grant : The Army and the Anchor

On this day in 1822, the first ever General of the U.S. Army and the 18th President of the United States Ulysses S. Grant is born in Point Pleasant, Ohio.

President Abraham Lincoln promoted Grant to the second Lieutenant General in American history. The first was George Washington.

“The influence of this book”

Later in life, just nine years before he died of cancer in 1885, Grant wrote this in regard to education:

“Hold fast to the Bible as the sheet anchor of your liberties; write its precepts on your hearts and practice them in your lives. To the influence of this book we are indebted for all the progress made in true civilization, and to this we must look as our guide in the future.”

Ulysses S. Grant

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George Washington first State of the Union address
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The first State of the Union address: “patriotism, firmness, and wisdom”

On this day in 1790, President George Washington delivers the first State of the Union address. Washington delivered the speech to Congress at Federal Hall on Wall Street in New York City.

As was fitting for the new nation, Washington’s brief address stands as the shortest State of the Union address ever. What follows are a few excerpts from  to his “Fellow-Citizens of the Senate and House of Representatives.”

Within our reach

“Still further to realize [your constituents’] expectations and to secure the blessings which a gracious Providence has placed within our reach will in the course of the present important session call for the cool and deliberate exertion of your patriotism, firmness, and wisdom.

Among the many interesting objects which will engage your attention that of providing for the common defense will merit particular regard. To be prepared for war is one of the most effectual means of preserving peace.

A free people ought not only to be armed, but disciplined;”

Sure and secure

“Knowledge is in every country the surest basis of public happiness. …To the security of a free constitution it contributes in various ways… by teaching the people themselves to know and to value their own rights;… to discriminate the spirit of liberty from that of licentiousness – cherishing the first, avoiding the last… .

Whether this desirable object will be best promoted by affording aids to seminaries of learning already established, by the institution of a national university, or by any other expedients will be well worthy of a place in the deliberations of the legislature.”

Today, as during our founding, may we again seek the blessings of Providence through “exertion of [our] patriotism, firmness, and wisdom.”

George Washington first State of the Union address

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George Washington Invisible Hand t-shirt
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George Washington: First and Fervent

On this day in 1789, George Washington wins America’s first presidential election and would be sworn in on April 30.

Of course, Our first president is known as the Father of Our Country. Furthermore, he is remembered as “first in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen.”

First Official Act

In his April 30 Inaugural Address, Washington acknowledged his “anxieties” and “conflict of emotions.”
Then, he made his “first official Act” as President of the United States:

“Such being the impressions under which I have, in obedience to the public summons, repaired to the present station; it would be peculiarly improper to omit in this first official Act, my fervent supplications to that Almighty Being who rules over the Universe, who presides in the Councils of Nations, and whose providential aids can supply every human defect, that his benediction may consecrate to the liberties and happiness of the People of the United States, a Government instituted by themselves…”

A few sentences later came the quote that inspired Our George Washington “Invisible Hand” t-shirt:

“No people can be bound to acknowledge and adore the invisible hand which conducts the affairs of men more than the People of the United States.”

George Washington “Invisible Hand”

George Washington Invisible Hand t-shirt First Fervent Act

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The Resignation of General George Washington December 23 1783
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George Washington Resigns: Diffidence and Providence

On this day in 1783, George Washington “claims the indulgence of retiring”  by resigning as Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army.

He delivered his Resignation Speech at the Maryland State House in Annapolis. Here are a few excerpts:

“Happy in the confirmation of our independence and sovereignty, and pleased with the opportunity afforded the United States, of becoming a respectable Nation, I resign with satisfaction the appointment I accepted with diffidence — a diffidence in my abilities to accomplish so arduous a task, which however was superseded by a confidence in the rectitude of our Cause, the support of the supreme Power of the Union, and the patronage of Heaven.

The successful termination of the War has verified the most sanguine expectations- and my gratitude for the interposition of Providence, and the assistance I have received from my Countrymen, increases with every review of the momentous Contest.

Last act?

“I consider it an indispensable duty to close this last solemn act of my Official life, by commending the Interests of our dearest Country to the protection of Almighty God, and those who have the superintendance of them, to his holy keeping.”

The next morning, George Washington departed for Mount Vernon, his Virginia home. He became a private citizen on Christmas Eve.

Of course, his retirement “from the great theatre of action” lasted just a few years. In 1788, the people unanimously elect the Father of Our Country to be first President of the United States.

The Resignation of General George Washington December 23 1783

 

 

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George Washington dying
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George Washington Firsts and Farewells

On this day in 1799, George Washington, the first president and “father of our country” dies at Mount Vernon. He was sixty-seven years old.

Famously, Henry Lee eulogized Washington:

“To the memory of the Man, first in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen.”

He had just retired two years earlier, after forty-five years of service to his country.

Some of his last words were were: “Doctor, I die hard; but I am not afraid to go[.]”

Tokens

He said this in his heartfelt Farewell Address in 1796:

“[T]he deep acknowledgment of that debt of gratitude which I owe to my beloved country for the many honors it has conferred upon me… I shall carry it with me to my grave, as a strong incitement to unceasing vows that heaven may continue to you the choicest tokens of its beneficence; that your union and brotherly affection may be perpetual; that the free Constitution, which is the work of your hands, may be sacredly maintained; that its administration in every department may be stamped with wisdom and virtue; that, in fine, the happiness of the people of these States, under the auspices of liberty, may be made complete by so careful a preservation and so prudent a use of this blessing as will acquire to them the glory of recommending it to the applause, the affection, and adoption of every nation which is yet a stranger to it.

The following quote from his Inaugural Address in 1789 George Washington inspired Our George Washington “Invisible Hand” shirt:

“No people can be bound to acknowledge and adore the invisible hand which conducts the affairs of men more than the People of the United States.”

He went on, “Every step, by which they have advanced to the character of an independent nation, seems to have been distinguished by some token of providential agency.”

George Washington dying

 

George Washington “Invisible Hand”

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Washington Monument Aluminum Apex Laus Deo
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George Washington Monument Apex

On this day in 1884, the 3,300-pound marble capstone and nine-inch pyramid of cast aluminum is placed atop the Washington Monument. This completed construction of the world’s tallest stone structure and the world’s tallest obelisk, at 555′ 5 1/8″.

Similarly, the aluminum pyramid was the largest piece of aluminum in the world at the time it was cast. Surprisingly, aluminum was a rare metal as valuable as silver. All four faces of the aluminum apex bear inscriptions in the Snell Roundhand font.

Laus Deo

Unfortunately, a gold-plated copper band that held eight lightning rods covered most of these inscriptions from 1885 until its removal in 2013. The inscriptions it covered were damaged to the point of illegibility. Although the inscriptions are no longer covered, they were not repaired during restoration in 2013.

Among those inscriptions is Laus Deo, which is Latin for Praise be to God. Symbolically, perhaps,  although that the inscription is no longer visible due to the elements, its intention and truth cannot be eroded.

This condition captures the essence and purpose of Our Lost Founding.

Washington Monument Aluminum Apex Laus Deo

A similar sentiment from Washington’s Inaugural Address on April 30, 1789 inspired our “Invisible Hand” t-shirt:

“No people can be bound to acknowledge and adore the invisible hand which conducts the affairs of men more than the People of the United States.”

If you look closely, you’ll also find “Laus Deo” in Our design.

George Washington “Invisible Hand”

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USS Constitution aka Old Ironsides
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USS Constitution and the U.S. Constitution

On this day in 1797, the USS Constitution, aka “Old Ironsides,” is launched from a Boston shipyard.

First, of course, it was President George Washington who signed the Naval Act of 1794 which authorized construction of the ship. Obviously, he named it after our founding document. Paul Revere provided its copper.

Naturally, President John Adams was on hand for the aforementioned launch ceremony in Boston.

The old frigate earned the nickname “Old Ironsides” during the War of 1812 for its amazing ability to avoid damage despite having defeated five British warships.

Then, its final engagement was the capture of a slave ship in 1853.

Providential Protection

In an interesting, perhaps providential parallel, the USS Constitution is the oldest commissioned warship afloat in the world, while the U.S. constitution is the oldest single governing document in the world.

Certainly, George Washington and John Adams acknowledged the role divine providence plays in our nation:

At his Inaugural Address on April 30, 1789 George Washington said:
“No people can be bound to acknowledge and adore the invisible hand which conducts the affairs of men more than the People of the United States.”

We made a shirt from that quote, get yours in the Shop.

Also, at his inaugural address in Philadelphia in March the year the USS Constitution was launched, John Adams said:
“And may that Being who is supreme over all, the Patron of Order, the Fountain of Justice, and the Protector in all ages of the world of virtuous liberty, continue His blessing upon this nation and its Government and give it all possible success and duration consistent with the ends of His providence.”

Clearly, Divine protection will be necessary to keep both Constitutions afloat.

Finally, here is the final stanza of the aptly-titled poem “Old Ironsides” by Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr. from 1830, which helped the ship stay commissioned:

Oh, better that her shattered hulk
Should sink beneath the wave;
Her thunders shook the mighty deep,
And there should be her grave;
Nail to the mast her holy flag,
Set every threadbare sail,
And give her to the god of storms,
The lightning and the gale!

USS Constitution

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US Navy Flag An Appeal to God Esek Hopkins
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An Appeal to God: United States Navy Birthday

On this day in 1775, the Continental Congress resolves to create the Continental Navy, the precursor to the United States Navy.

George Washington wrote, “It follows then as certain as that night succeeds the day, that without a decisive naval force we can do nothing definitive, and with it, everything honorable and glorious.”

So, while waiting for Congress to authorize a navy, Washington commissioned several schooners to cruise and interdict British supply lines.

This first fleet of the Continental Navy flew the “Liberty Tree Flag” with the motto “An Appeal to God.” This is seen in the image below over the left hand of Esek Hopkins, the first commander-in-chief of the Continental Navy. George Washington called him “Admiral Hopkins.”

Divine Service

Here is Article 2 of the Articles for the Government of the United States Navy:

“The commanders of vessels and naval stations to which chaplains are attached shall cause divine service to be performed on Sunday whenever the weather and other circumstances allow it to be done; and it is earnestly recommended to all officers, seamen, and others in the naval service diligently to attend at every performance of the worship of Almighty God.”

Each Sunday at the Naval Academy, the Divine Services conclude with the singing of the first verse of “Eternal Father, Strong to Save,” the Navy Hymn:

“Eternal Father, Strong to save,
Whose arm hath bound the restless wave,
Who bid’st the mighty Ocean deep
Its own appointed limits keep;
O hear us when we cry to thee,
for those in peril on the sea.”

Finally, here is verse 3 of the official song of the U.S. Navy, “Anchors Aweigh”:

“Blue of the mighty deep:
Gold of God’s great sun.
Let these our colors be
Till all of time be done, done, done, done.
On seven seas we learn
Navy’s stern call:
Faith, courage, service true,
With honor, over honor, over all.”

 

US Navy Flag An Appeal to God

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Battle of Yorktown surrender

Revolutionary War: The Battle of Yorktown Begins

On this day in 1781, General George Washington leads the final siege in the American colonies, known as the Battle of Yorktown.

It was perhaps the most important battle of the American Revolutionary War. In fact, it proved to be the final land battle, ending fighting in the colonies and in North America.

On October 17, following three weeks of non-stop, day-and-night bombardment, Lord Charles Cornwallis surrendered to General Washington.

Battle of Yorktown surrender

As a result of the defeat, the British government began to negotiate an end to the war. Then, the Treaty of Paris was signed on September 3, 1783.

Finally, after eight long years of war, the United States was a free and independent nation.

“The Invisible Hand”

Sure, it’s plain to see that General Washington led a sizable combined force of Continental and French troops. Yes, he had the aid of key figures such as Alexander Hamilton, Rochambeau, de Grasse, Lafayette, and others.

Still, President Washington made his view perfectly clear in his Inaugural Address in 1789 that:
“No people can be bound to acknowledge and adore the invisible hand which conducts the affairs of men more than the People of the United States.”

He went on: “Every step, by which they have advanced to the character of an independent nation, seems to have been distinguished by some token of providential agency.”

Battle of Yorktown

Get your shirt, here:

George Washington “Invisible Hand”

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