It was a difficult thing for men who had been born colonists to rise to a sense of national opportunities, but Washington passed at a single step from being a Virginian to being an American, and in so doing he stood alone.
Lodge highlights Washington's transition from a colonial mindset to a national identity.
Share
More from Henry Cabot Lodge
All that can be said is, that without the influence and the labors of Washington the convention of 1787, in all probability, would have failed of success.
To put aside a crown for love of country is noble, but to look down upon such an opportunity indicates a much greater loftiness and strength of mind.
We know what the compromises finally were, and how they were brought about, but we can never do exact justice to the iron will which held men together when all compromises seemed impossible, and which even in the darkest hour would not…
I can answer those gentlemen, that it is a much easier and less distressing thing to draw remonstrances in a comfortable room, by a good fireside, than to occupy a cold, bleak hill, and sleep under frost and snow, without clothes or…