Washington was retired, but he was still getting news of how the newborn country was fairing.
With only a weak Congress loosely linking the 13 states, Washington knew that the country could not afford to establish a strong standing army.
During Shay’s Rebellion, Henry Lee sent word to Washington that, “In one word, my dear General, we are all in dire apprehension that a beginning of anarchy, with all its calamities, has approached.”
After the rebellion was squelched, it became evident that a new Constitution had to be written. Washington was chosen to be one of Virginia’s seven representatives to establish this Constitution. Washington flatly refused.
John Jay, hoping to interest Washington in the proceedings, described his vision for a strong federal government. “Let Congress legislate. Let others execute. Let others judge.”
Many objected to strengthening the central government, and Washington, seeing that the country he loved was like a “house on fire,” once again picked up the mantel of public service and agreed to serve Virginia at the Constitutional Congress. He was promptly made president of the Congress, and humbly presided over the writing of the Constitution.
History Schmistory 