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George Washington
This depiction of George Washington (1732–1799) as commander
of the Continental army was painted in the 1790s by Charles Peale
Polk, who derived the image from portraits taken from life by his
more famous uncle Charles Willson Peale.
Washington was keenly aware of physical appearance and paid
considerable attention to both proper dress and proper demeanor.
He said, "nothing adds more to the appearance of a man than dress."
Washington concerned himself with the buttons, trimmings, and all
manner of details of his uniform. He even powdered his hair to
enhance the sense of dignity.
Washington was as attentive to his demeanor as to his dress.
Gifted with an extraordinary personality and presence, he knew
how to project those qualities and make the most of them. It was
by the force of that personality that Washington held together
the Continental army in the face of overwhelming odds, limited
enlistments, and shortages of materials.
Somehow Washington could be both formal and warm at the same
time. Abigail Adams said, "he has a dignity that forbids familiarity,
mixed with an easy affability that creates love and reverence." As a
gentleman in Virginia he had learned to treat people of "low
Degree," as he put it, "with affability & Courtesie, without Arrogancy." As a
Virginia colonel, he had learned to combine benevolence with what
he called "the strictest discipline" and "the strictest justice," and so win the
confidence and admiration of his men.
Washington commanded the Continental army from
June 14, 1775, until December 23, 1783. He fought only nine major battles, often losing, but he held the army
together until the French alliance tipped events in his favor.
Image rights owned by the Virginia Historical Society. Do not use without permission. Rights and reproductions
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