George Washington: “I have finally determined to accept the commission of Commander in Chief of the armies of the United States.”

A good government must be founded on the principle of justice and liberty for all its citizens.

It is with peculiar satisfaction I can say, that prompted by a high sense of duty in my attendance on public worship, I have been gratified by the liberal and interesting discourses delivered in your Churches.

Do not let anyone claim tribute of American patriotism if they even attempt to remove religion from politics.

I must not conceal from you my earnest wish that the choice had fallen upon a man less declined in years and better qualified to encounter the usual vicissitudes of war.