George Washington died in his home, Mount Vernon. Congress holds memorial service for George Washington, Dec. 26, 1799

On this day in 1799, the House convened in its chamber in Philadelphia’s Congress Hall before proceeding to the German Lutheran Church to attend a joint session to memorialize George Washington who had died of a throat infection on Dec. 14 at his Mount Vernon, Virginia, home, at the age of 67.

Rep. Henry Lee III of Virginia, a former major general in the Continental Army, delivered the eulogy before some 4,000 mourners, who included President John Adams and his wife, Abigail. Lee wrote his 3,500-word eulogy while staying at Franklin Court, the former home of Benjamin Franklin, which had been converted into a boarding house. (Lee’s son, Robert E. Lee, commanded the Confederate forces during the Civil War.)


“Where shall I begin in opening to your view a character throughout sublime?” Lee, a protege of Washington’s who was known as “Light-Horse Harry,” said, “Shall I speak of his warlike achievements, all springing in obedience to his country’s will — all directed to his country’s good?”

Lee then traced Washington’s military accomplishments as a young officer in the French and Indian War; his victorious role as commander of the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War, and finally, his service to his nation out of uniform — culminating, after the adoption of the U.S. Constitution in 1789, in his eight years as the nation’s first president.

“First in war, first in peace and first in the hearts of his countrymen,” Lee intoned, “he was second to none in the humble and endearing scenes of private life. Pious, just, humane, temperate and sincere — uniform, dignified and commanding —his example was as edifying to all around him as were the effects of that example lasting. ... Correct throughout, vice shuddered in his presence and virtue always felt his fostering hand. The purity of his private character gave effulgence to his public virtues. ... Such was the man for whom our nation mourns.”

After the service, members of Congress returned to their respective chambers, where they adjourned for the rest of the day.

Lee’s eulogy soon appeared in pamphlet form. His phrase — “first in war, first in peace and first in the hearts of his countrymen,” — was widely reprinted.

Following Washington’s death, Congress authorized a memorial for him in the new nation’s capital, to be named in his honor. That decision, however, was reversed in 1801 when the Democratic-Republicans under President Thomas Jefferson took control of the executive branch and Congress. The reversal occurred because in the two years after his death, Washington had become adopted as the deceased figurehead of the rival Federalist Party.

Construction of the 554-foot Washington Memorial, which remains the tallest structure in Washington, began in 1848. It was completed in 1885. Over the years, Washington’s image has appeared on many U.S. postage issues, more than all other presidents combined. It is also featured on one-dollar bills and 25-cent coins.

SOURCE: WWW.HISTORY.HOUSE.GOV

