Thus closes the first and formative period of Washington's life--the
period with which the present brief sketch is chiefly concerned. As we
read of those years of adventure and hardship from an early age, we
realize that here was being hammered into shape upon the anvil of
circumstance a very special weapon for some great need. Washington was
not an accident. He was a fine example of what special training can do
for the boy who does his bit with all his might. And because he was
better fitted for the task than any other man in America, we find him,
a few years later, chosen to lead the colonist forces against mighty
England. A pen picture of him at the time, from the diary of James
Thacher, a surgeon in the Revolution, deserves repeating:
"The personal appearance of our commander-in-chief is that of a perfect
gentleman and accomplished warrior. He is remarkably tall--full six
feet--erect and well-proportioned. The strength and proportion of his
joints and muscles appear to be commensurate with the pre-eminent
powers of his mind. The serenity of his countenance, and majestic
gracefulness of his deportment impart a strong impression of that
dignity and grandeur which are peculiar characteristics; and no one can
stand in his presence without feeling the ascendancy of his mind, and
associating with his countenance the idea of wisdom, philanthropy,
magnanimity, and patriotism.
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