Since the office of the U.S. presidency was established in 1789, 45 men have served in 46 presidencies. On Inauguration Day 2025, the 47th presidency will commence. At Raab, we’re taking the opportunity this coming year to celebrate the historical presidency with a series of stories on the qualities that led these men to the highest echelons of power and leadership, illustrated by letters and documents from our collection. We begin at the beginning: George Washington.
George Washington: A Precedent for Leadership and Integrity
Washington had many attributes that made him a great leader, including:
- Leadership by example: Washington set a high standard for himself and his team, and was always willing to put in extra effort.
- Decisive: Washington wasn’t afraid to make tough choices and was capable of both caution and surprise.
- Strength of character: Washington exhibited bravery numerous times during the American Revolution and kept ethics at the forefront and long-term goals in mind.
- Resourceful: Washington was able to furnish military equipment and provide supplies for his men.
- Foresight: Washington was always looking one step ahead, wisely sizing up situations and people.
- Saw value in the American West: He believed in the West and personally invested in land there, thereby encouraging its settlement.
The success of the American Revolution was a long shot, as an unorganized group of farmers took on the greatest military power of the day. Its leader Washington had been a minor officer in the British Army over a decade earlier, yet he was the best the Americans had, and though a very wealthy landowner with everything to lose, he agreed to lead. Victories were few and far between for the Americans, and at times the army under his command was reduced to a few thousand dedicated but ill-armed, ill-fed and ill-housed men. There were a number of moments during the Revolutionary War when it actually seemed over, except for British mopping up operations. It can confidently be said that it was only the determination of Washington that held the American cause and army together. He fought on, refusing to consider the possibility of defeat, even when it seemed inevitable if not imminent. The success of the Revolution was an astonishing achievement for Washington.
George Washington Signed Letters
Washington’s best traits can often be found in his letters. For example, this letter of Washington from the Revolution showing Washington ordering the implementation of a prisoner exchange with the British, showing empathy for the foe, giving orders for their transportation, and mentioning his counterpart British General Henry Clinton by name.
After the Revolution, Washington had every opportunity to become a king or dictator, but he refused, considering that to do so would be to betray the revolution he had struggled so hard to win. It’s not every person who can walk away from power this way, and it shows the sterling character of the man.
He did not want to be chief executive and took the job reluctantly. However, once he had accepted the presidency, he gave it everything he had. His first momentous determination was to use the principal officials he would select as a Cabinet, and to choose men with stature and character, not just supporters with experience or sycophants. The two best choices were Thomas Jefferson as Secretary of State and Alexander Hamilton as Treasury Secretary. He also respected the role of Congress and decided to use the veto power sparingly if at all.
Perhaps Washington’s greatest accomplishment was the setting of important positive precedents in the office. He was acutely aware of this aspect of his responsibility from the start, and made it his goal, saying, “As the first of everything, in our situation, will serve to establish a precedent, it is devoutly wished on my part that these precedents be fixed on true principles.” He established that the executive under the brand new Constitution was not a passive position, as many assumed, but one of active leadership.
Washington promoted the fledgling concepts of American nationalism and unity, originated a tradition of U. S. neutrality in European quarrels, and made treaties to avoid entanglements. He saw that abuse of power was a risk which might entrap his successors, so he limited the powers he exercised, and refused to serve more than two terms in office. Seeing his example, future presidents knew that one day they would go home and resume life as private citizens.
After his presidency, Washington retired to Mount Vernon. He remained actively involved in military affairs, effectively running the army and sizing up its officers, many of whom he knew. His political and personal advice was also frequently sought, as one who had his breadth of experience. During this time after his term in office, a letter associating Washington with then President John Adams, and advising on military appointments, one of which was Adams’ own son-in-law, who had served Washington bravely in the Revolution. He instructed the recipient, Secretary of War James McHenry, to show the letter to President Adams: “Communicate this letter to the President.”
“It is my wish to give him every proof of frankness, respect and esteem.”
Both before the war and then again in retirement, George Washington expressed great interest in the American West. He had been involved in western real estate and development after the French and Indian War, and then after the Revolution he purchased extensive holdings there. He would have 60,000 acres overall. Washington also helped establish the Potomac Company, working to develop the Potomac River. It was the company’s goal to develop links between the Potomac, James, and Ohio Rivers via networks of roads, canals, and locks in order to expedite the transportation of produce and people between the East and the West. This facet of Washington’s life comes to life in a twice-signed document in which he and his brother secure a claim to land in the West (pictured above). This land was a reward for Washington’s services in the French and Indian War. His interest in land in the American West would continue throughout his life.
To learn more about collecting George Washington, read Raab’s “Illustrated Guide to Buying Washington Autographs & Documents” and visit our dedicated Washington page.
