George Washington’s – Successful Planter, Surveyor and Commander
If I was given the opportunity to meet someone famous from the past, it would definitely be George Washington. As one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, George Washington will never be forgotten. He possessed perseverance and courage, qualities of an ideal leader. I would be honored if I had the chance to meet him because he motivates me to inspire others, just as he inspires me.
He was well-known for becoming the first president of the United States and leading the Continental Army to victory during the American Revolution. Washington was also president of the Constitutional Convention and worked to ensure the Constitution was ratified. As president, Washington established the tradition of a cabinet of advisers, appointed the first members to the Supreme Court, and set the precedent of a two-term limit for American presidents. He became so well-known that the capital of the United States was named in his honor. George Washington died on December 14, 1799, but his influence on our nation’s founding lives on forever. His numerous contributions to our country make him the most significant person throughout American history.
I would want to meet George Washington because it would be an unforgettable experience to ask him questions about our fight for freedom.
These are a few questions I would ask. Which battle contributed the most to the Patriots’ victory? Would Washington choose the Battle of Trenton or perhaps the Battle of Saratoga? I would also ask, Did you ever consider surrendering to the British? If so, at what point in the war did you feel this way? Finally, I would ask, Do you think the Patriots could have still won the war without the support of France? If I had the chance to meet George Washington, his responses to these questions would be enlightening.
Another reason I would want to meet George Washington is to learn more about his presidency. For instance, I would like to know why he chose Thomas Jefferson as Secretary of State and Alexander Hamilton as Secretary of Treasury. Was Washington satisfied with how they carried out their responsibilities? Would he choose Jefferson and Hamilton again? In addition, I would like to know the most difficult challenge Washington faced as president and how he handled it. Learning firsthand about Washington’s presidency would be a very interesting and beneficial experience.
As Henry Lee stated in Washington’s eulogy, he was first in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen. George Washington was the epitome of this statement. He followed through with his promises, learned from his mistakes, and was humble during times of triumph. Washington always believed in his men and treated them with an enormous amount of respect. Although Washington faced many obstacles during his lifetime, they did not prevent him from achieving success. George Washington was an exceptional individual. I admire him greatly because of his impeccable character. This is why I would most certainly choose to meet George Washington.
