Page 144 - Beers With Our Founding Fathers

Beers with our Founding Fathers

new country – a central government with Washington retired back

to Mount Vernon until 1789; in that year Washington was
unanimously elected by the electoral college as our Country's first

president. He would be the only president to historically hold such
an honor; and without running for office. At that time, the capital

was New York City, where he was sworn in at Federal Hall.
Washington was well aware, and cautious, about the

significance of the office to which he was the first elected, and re-
elected. He declined the title of 'king', and avoided any semblance

of royalty. He also declined a significant salary of $25,000 annually.
Congress convinced him to accept the salary so that it was not to be

perceived that only wealthy men could, or should, hold office.
During his term as president, Washington faced many challenges, set

authorities, lead negotiations and sought the counsel of other
learned and experienced men to his cabinet – Alexander Hamilton

as Secretary of Treasury and Thomas Jefferson as Secretary of State.
Washington's biography is fascinating – as a landed southern

gentleman, military leader and first elected leader of our Country
(unanimously for two terms). He was not only challenged by the

events of his life, but met each challenge exceptionally. Although he
likely faced an unchallenged third term for president, he declined,

ever mindful of the office and precedents he was setting, including a
smooth transition of the office. In March 1797 he turned over the

duties and office of the president to his friend, and successor, John

Adams. He again retired to Mount Vernon, finally able to tend to his
plantation and pleasures for only two years, until his death in 1799,

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