PASSING OF THE FATHER OF OUR COUNTRY
Mount Vernon, Virginia (JFK+50) On the evening of the 14th of December, 1799, the Father of our country & 1st President of the United States, George Washington*, died here at his Mount Vernon estate. The General was 67 years old.
According to the Mount Vernon Organization, the former president had been supervising farm activities most of the day of the 12th and, not wishing to be late for dinner, did not take time to change into dry clothing.
On the 13th, the General developed a sore throat which caused hoarseness and this became increasingly worse as the day passed. Upon awaking at 2 a.m. on the 14th, he had difficulty breathing.
The family physician, James Craik, arrived at 9 a.m. and diagnosed a serious health condition. The General was 'bled' four times resulting in the loss of 32 ounces of blood. At 5 p.m., he got out of bed to dress, but a half hour later was forced to return to bed.
General Washington, sensing the worst, said to Dr. Craik..."I die hard, but I am not afraid to go. It is well."
*George Washington (1732-1799) was born in Westmoreland County, VA to Augustine and Mary Ball Washington. He began his military career in 1753 as a major in the Virginia Militia. After serving in the French & Indian War, GW became commander of the Continental Army. He was president of the Constitutional Convention & POTUS (1789-1797).
SOURCEwww.mountvernon.org/
George Washington on Deathbed
Harper's New Monthly Magazine
1856
