How was George Washingtons late life?

Answer 1

Georges Washington decided to return to Mount Vernon after his second term of Presidency (in 1797). In his Farewell Address, he urged his countrymen to "foreswear excessive party spirit and geographical distinctions." In foreign affairs, he warned against long-term alliances.

Washington looked forward to his return to Mount Vernon. There he could enjoy agriculture (his favorite occupation). He could also spend time helping his wife Martha raise their two grandchildren (Eleanor Parke Custis (Nelly) and George Washington Parke) . Although he and Martha never had children of their own, he had always thought of Martha's children, by her first husband, as his own.

Washington enjoyed less than three years of retirement at Mount Vernon. In December 1799, after spending a day riding on his farms in foul weather, Washington's throat became inflamed. At 2 a.m. on December 14, he woke his wife and told her he was having trouble breathing. At sunrise, Martha Washington sent for Dr. James Craig, who arrived at nine that morning. The doctor diagnosed Washington's illness as "inflammatory quinsy."

At midnight, Washington said to his secretary, Tobias Lear: "I am just going. Have me decently buried, and do not let my body be put into the vault in less than three days after I am dead. Do you understand me?" "Yes," Lear replied. Washington's last words were, "Tis well."

The first President of the United States died of a throat infection on December 14, 1799.