Thanks Denise. When writing a biography of Douglas Haig, I found records of how well he ate during the Great War and how he would send army supplies of food to his wife at home so she wouldn't have to suffer the shortages. But I also found, as with Washington, that people expected him to enjoy the privileges of his position.
As an FYI, not directly related… My current little home is on the old Philadelphia-Carlisle Road. Washington rode it to put down the Whiskey Rebellion in Carlisle. On his way back to Philadelphia, he had his horse shod at a farm 1/4 mile from my house. That house only recently left the ownership of that 18th century family.
Aaaand, Brigadier General George Custer was billeted on a home even closer to my house. Our village is where he nearly died when his horse was shot out from under him during the Gettysburg Campaign.
Refreshing to have a different view of auld George, more the gold-digging suitor than the toga-wrapped general. I recall reading long ago of the the records that have been preserved of the family's Muddy Hole Farm. Washington had written in his own hand that he separated the male and female plants in his hemp crop, presumably for some commercial advantage. But it has been speculated also that this action would have boosted THC production in the female plants, making their leaves more potent when smoked. Perhaps George's mood was lightened during Martha's visits due to her replenishing the Father of the Country's stash of weed?
For ten years, I lived very near Valley Forge (primarily Phoenixville, which is about three miles away). I walked its loop regularly. It was both great exercise and inspiring.
Washington’s headquarters were indeed much grander in relation to the log huts where his soldiers wintered. But that’s relatively speaking. My current home in Gettysburg, a farmhouse, is larger than his HQ, the home of Isaac Potts. And Potts’ home housed not only Washington, but also his aides-de-camp (plural, including Alexander Hamilton) and servants.
Several homes, now in Valley Forge National Park, then simply in the valley, were also used by officers. Again with many people sharing the same space.
One thing I like about your post is portrayal of Washington as a human being. We should get away from romanticizing founding fathers (and mothers) and other heroic characters.
Thanks Denise. When writing a biography of Douglas Haig, I found records of how well he ate during the Great War and how he would send army supplies of food to his wife at home so she wouldn't have to suffer the shortages. But I also found, as with Washington, that people expected him to enjoy the privileges of his position.
As an FYI, not directly related… My current little home is on the old Philadelphia-Carlisle Road. Washington rode it to put down the Whiskey Rebellion in Carlisle. On his way back to Philadelphia, he had his horse shod at a farm 1/4 mile from my house. That house only recently left the ownership of that 18th century family.
Aaaand, Brigadier General George Custer was billeted on a home even closer to my house. Our village is where he nearly died when his horse was shot out from under him during the Gettysburg Campaign.
I love living where history is still so real.
Refreshing to have a different view of auld George, more the gold-digging suitor than the toga-wrapped general. I recall reading long ago of the the records that have been preserved of the family's Muddy Hole Farm. Washington had written in his own hand that he separated the male and female plants in his hemp crop, presumably for some commercial advantage. But it has been speculated also that this action would have boosted THC production in the female plants, making their leaves more potent when smoked. Perhaps George's mood was lightened during Martha's visits due to her replenishing the Father of the Country's stash of weed?
Thanks John. I so want that to be true.
I’m loving these little vignettes on famous men’s other halves. Fascinating !
Thanks. More to come. I'm off on holiday today but I've got some stuff stacked up and ready to go.
For ten years, I lived very near Valley Forge (primarily Phoenixville, which is about three miles away). I walked its loop regularly. It was both great exercise and inspiring.
Washington’s headquarters were indeed much grander in relation to the log huts where his soldiers wintered. But that’s relatively speaking. My current home in Gettysburg, a farmhouse, is larger than his HQ, the home of Isaac Potts. And Potts’ home housed not only Washington, but also his aides-de-camp (plural, including Alexander Hamilton) and servants.
Several homes, now in Valley Forge National Park, then simply in the valley, were also used by officers. Again with many people sharing the same space.
One thing I like about your post is portrayal of Washington as a human being. We should get away from romanticizing founding fathers (and mothers) and other heroic characters.
https://www.nps.gov/places/washingtons-headquarters.htm
Thanks Denise. Sorry, my fuller reply went below and I can't move it!
Very fun to read, thank you!