I’m sure you’ve heard some of those strange stories that claim that my hero, George Washington got himself appointed Commander in Chief so that he could amass more wealth! Not at all true.
Instead of increasing his wealth, he actually lost much of it. As you will recall from your high school history class, he asked only that his actual out of pocket expenses be reimbursed. He wanted not pay, no salary.
It has been estimated that “Washington’s cumulative financial losses from the war—from neglect of his lands, noncollection from delinquent debtors and tenants, stoppage of exportation, and rapid depreciation of paper money—rose to some $120,000.00.” That’s more than $1 million in today’s money. Think about that.
Back when the Eastern coast of America was only an unofficial assemblage of British colonies, there were some major disturbances in Boston. Because of communication between some of the leaders, some individuals decided to do something.
James Callender was the publisher of the Richmond Examiner and a friend who helped Jefferson get elected to the Presidency. But Callender wanted a job in Jefferson’s administration. Tom, however, knew his background, that he’d been run out of Great Britain for sedition and libel, and had been charged in America under the notorious Alien and Sedition Act, and that he was not a particularly honest person.
I’ll have to report on the Jefferson story later. But his caught my eye.
inventions, diplomatic missions, writings, and printing. We could list a page full. Easily.