Duty's Call: What Truly Exhausted Washington After His Service?
George Washington repeatedly deferred his retirement for the sake of the young republic. Even when managing his estate, a seemingly minor illness proved to be the final chapter. Discover the confluence of duty, climate, and exhaustion that marked his decline.
George Washington initially desired a quiet life as a gentleman farmer in Virginia following the Revolutionary War. However, the demands of the new nation repeatedly called him back into public service. When he assumed the role of the United States' first president in 1789, he famously stated that only a strong sense of duty could compel him to abandon his desire for retirement, a feeling he maintained even after his term ended and he was re-elected for another four years. By 1798, as war approached, he accepted a command of American forces, though his role was more advisory than hands-on due to his advanced age.
After his presidency, Washington and Martha focused on restoring Mount Vernon's finances. The General remained actively involved in the plantation's operations, supervising the workforce, which included about 318 enslaved people, and inspecting his property. This hands-on management continued into December 1799. On December 12, 1799, he spent several hours riding horseback through conditions described as a miserable mix of snow, sleet, and rain.
The following day, he reported a sore throat but still rode out during heavy snowfall to mark trees for cutting. Despite being hoarse upon his return, he dismissed the need for medicine, stating he never treated a cold. By the early morning of December 14, 1799, his illness became serious. His breathing was severely compromised, making speech difficult. Notably, he prevented his wife from seeking medical attention, fearing that the night air might trigger a recurrence of her own sickness.
The passages detail a pattern of commitment to duty, from national service to managing his estate, culminating in a final bout of illness exacerbated by harsh weather and physical exertion. The narrative emphasizes his reluctance to seek medical help, suggesting a profound sense of self-reliance that persisted even when his health was failing.
Source: What the Hell Killed George Washington?
