After George Washington retired from being President, he became
Commander-in-Chief of the Army for a second time.
It was 1798, the year before he died, that he received an urgent plea
from President John Adams.
France, in the midst of revolution, was demanding extortion payments
not to harass American ships.
The cry went out “Millions for defense, but not a cent for tribute.”
George Washington replied to President John Adams, JULY 13, 1798:
“Satisfied…that you have…exhausted, to the last drop, the cup of
reconciliation, we can, with pure hearts, appeal to Heaven for the
justice of our cause; and may confidently trust the final result to
that kind Providence who has, heretofore, and so often, signally
favored the people of these United States.”
George Washington continued:
“Feeling how incumbent it is upon every person…to contribute at all
times to his country’s welfare, and especially in a moment like the
present, when everything we hold dear and sacred is so seriously
threatened, I have finally determined to accept the commission of
Commander in Chief of the Armies of the United States.”
Then, on March 6, 1799, President John Adams declared a National Day
of Humiliation, Fasting and Prayer to “the Most High God.”
(American Minute with Bill Federer)
