While on horseback visiting his farms on Thursday, December 12th, it began to snow, hail, and finally rain on Washington. When he arrived back at home, he found he had guests waiting and did not wish for them to wait any longer. He chose to dine with them in his cold, wet clothes.
A sore throat set in, that many now believe was strep throat. The infection quickly spread, a fever took root, and his breathing became labored. While on his deathbed, he chose to burn a previous will, leaving only the will that freed his slaves.
On December 14th, 1799, with Martha by his side, George Washington left this world for eternity.
Martha was too devastated to attend his funeral that was held outside their Mount Vernon home. She followed her husband in death on May 22, 1802, and was interned beside him.
It has been a long journey learning about the life of our first President. He was no saint, but he was the man God chose to be our first President. Washington was a tool in God’s hand, which makes God the hero of this story. God bless America.
History Schmistory 