On This Day - July 4, 1797

 

In 1792, President George Washington finished his first term in office and was looking forward to retiring to Mount Vernon to spend time with his wife and to manage his businesses.  However, his retirement plans were put on hold for four more years because he was nominated for a second term by both the Federalist and the Democratic Republican Parties. 

With his second term complete, Washington passed the baton to income President John Adams on March 4, 1797, and Washington finally got his wish to retire to Mount Vernon. However, he soon realized that his businesses weren't providing enough cash flow. Like many planters, Washington was land rich and cash poor.  He became restless and started looking for ways to use his expertise. In February 1798, Washington made an offer to President Adams to organize the army and militia.

President Adams gladly accepted George Washington's offer. To reward him, he nominated Washington to be promoted to the highest military rank of Lieutenant General and Commander-in-chief of the Armies.   This would ensure that Washington would never be outranked.

A little known fact:  After his promotion to Lieutenant General, George Washington did not take a command on the battlefield. He was primarily active behind the scenes in strategic planning. 

Even though Washington was given the credit in our history books of keeping the nation safe from going to war with France, the man with his boots on the ground who provided the day-to-day leadership was actually Washington's aide de camp -  Major General Alexander Hamilton.

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