George Washington: A Collection

George Washington speaks for himself on behalf of liberty and the emerging American republic. Drawing extensively on his correspondence, this volume includes all of his presidential addresses, various public proclamations, his last will and testament, and the most comprehensive recompilation of the “discarded first inaugural” ever printed.

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Citation

George Washington: A Collection, compiled and edited by W.B. Allen (Indianapolis: Liberty Fund, 1988).

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Thomas Jefferson (Author)

Thomas Jefferson served as Secretary of State under George Washington from 1790 to 1793. While they worked together in the early government, they often disagreed on political issues—especially Jefferson’s support for limited government and France, versus Washington’s alignment with Alexander Hamilton's stronger federalist vision. These tensions led Jefferson to resign from the cabinet in 1793.
Alexander Hamilton (Author)

Alexander Hamilton was George Washington’s top military aide during the Revolutionary War and later became his most trusted advisor as the first Secretary of the Treasury. He helped shape U.S. financial policy and drafted key documents like Washington’s Farewell Address. Washington consistently supported Hamilton’s Federalist ideas, and the two shared a deep bond of trust and collaboration in both war and government.
John Adams (Author)

John Adams was closely connected as Washington's Vice President and fellow Founding Father. They worked together during the early years of the United States. Though they had different personalities and weren’t especially close, they shared a mutual respect.
Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de La Fayette (Author)

Marquis de Lafayette was a trusted general and close friend of George Washington during the Revolutionary War. They shared a father–son-like bond, and Lafayette played a vital role in key battles and securing French support for the American cause. Their lifelong friendship continued after the war through letters and visits, making Lafayette one of Washington’s most important allies.

Key Quotes

Presidents, Kings, Tyrants, & Despots

It is important, likewise, that the habits of thinking in a free Country should inspire caution in those entrusted with its administration, to confine themselves within their respective Constitutional spheres; avoiding in the exercise of the Powers of one department to encroach upon another. The…

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Presidents, Kings, Tyrants, & Despots

What astonishing changes a few years are capable of producing! I am told that even respectable characters speak of a monarchical form of government without horror. From thinking proceeds speaking, thence to acting is often but a single step. But how irrevocable and tremendous! What a triumph for…

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Politics & Liberty

The Great rule of conduct for us, in regard to foreign Nations is in extending our commercial relations to have with them as little political connection as possible.

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Critical Responses

Correspondence

Letter to George Washington, 30 July 1796

Thomas Paine

Thomas Paine delivers a fierce denunciation of the former president in this letter. Writing after his imprisonment in France and feeling abandoned by Washington, Paine accuses him of betrayal and ingratitude. He charges Washington with political corruption, cowardice, and excessive deference to…

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Book

New Nation: A History of the United States During the Confederation, 1781-1789

Merrill Jensen

Merrill Jensen contends that Washington’s presidency, though claiming neutrality, closely aligned with Federalist goals. By backing Hamilton’s financial system and suppressing dissent like the Whiskey Rebellion, Washington favored centralized authority and elite control over grassroots democracy,…

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Connected Readings

Book

The Writings of George Washington, 14 vols.

Worthington Chauncey Ford

The Writings of George Washington is the original, exhaustive source of Washington’s documents, while George Washington: A Collection is a modern, thematic selection derived from it. The two books are deeply connected, with Allen’s collection relying on Ford’s editorial foundation to present…

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Video

A Design for Liberty: The American Constitution

George Washington: A Collection presents Washington’s personal writings, offering direct insight into his values, leadership, and vision for the nation. In contrast, the video “A Design for Liberty: The American Constitution” explores the broader constitutional framework that shaped, and was shaped…

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Book

George Washington: Selected Writings: A Library of America

Ron Chernow

George Washington: Selected Writings and George Washington: A Collection are companionable in purpose but distinct in approach. While both draw from Washington’s vast correspondence and state papers, Selected Writings emphasizes narrative and historical breadth, and A Collection emphasizes…

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