Grand Daddy Washington

I remember Grand Daddy Washington. After all we used to play chess just about every afternoon since he retired from the presidency. And he would win most of time, he would give that smile when he caught me. And he would say that I would get him one day. And he used to tell me stories as we set up the chess game. He would tell how he fought the Indians. And how he thought he was doing good until something happen. He was shot in the shoulder by an Indian. And how he barely recovered and that he begin to question his campaign or the Crown's campaign against the Indians. He did not understand the point. He did not really think it was worth it. And how he refused an order to continue fighting the Indians and complained that the men were discouraged by the campaign. Then he would tell how Benedict Arnold almost became the Commander-in-Chief. However he said that he did not have the charm, godliness or respect of his men. And that's why he think he betrayed the colonists. And he ran away to England. He said that he would of gave him a good position within the military if only he would have respected his authority and respected the cause. Jefferson was his adoptive son and I was his adoptive grandson James Monroe. Washington was all of our hero. He was gracious. He was respected. And he was loved. My wife and I cherished the companionship of the Washingtons. And he called me his grandson. Many children were named after Washington including his nephew and his wife Martha's children named children after him. Washington was loved by many. Washington even kissed babies and he blessed children named after him. He would travel the country as much as he liked Summer he liked Winter. He also went on about story of his brother Lawrence. Lawrence and him used to go fishing in New York. Washington regretted that Lawrence lived a short life and he promised his brother to take care of his wife. He told me of all his perils. Washington was not afraid to humble himself and spoke much about his faith. He used his faith to guide him. And he would not let anything hinder him from doing what he felt was necessary. Washington also told me about how he treated his troops letting them see plays such as Cato about a Roman Senator who helped Julius Caesar become emperor who then Caesar kills because he threatens to tell the Senate that he helped him. Historically it is based on a true story even though in history it was ruled that Cato committed suicide. Cato ran against Caesar in every emperor election. Then Grand Daddy Washington talked about his cousin John Adams who lived in Massachusetts and how he loved visiting him for the holidays. Washington loved traveling across the country because he loved surveying the land. He loved this country and was born in this land. He could not dream of a better place than America. He would give up his honor which he did. He said that he gave land to Virginia that he got from the King of England to Virginia for the hand of Martha Dandridge his wife. He said that they were childhood friends that grew apart and came back. Washington was just about to marry another woman named Sally but Martha Martha was like his mother, she was good and godly and pretty. Washington would let no one dance with her at his party. All his friends and officers would tell no one to dance with Washington's Martha. I adore Washington my Grand Daddy and his friendship and his mentorship and his love will last forever in my heart and all those who knew him.