George Washington painted by John Trumbull
“The very atmosphere of firearms anywhere and everywhere restrains evil interference - they deserve a place of honor with all that’s good.”
“A free people ought not only to be armed and disciplined, but they should have sufficient arms and ammunition to maintain a status of independence from any who might attempt to abuse them, which would include their own government.”
“When firearms go, all goes. We need them every hour.”
“Firearms stand next in importance to the Constitution itself. They are the American peoples’ liberty teeth and keystone under independence… From the hour the pilgrims landed, to the present day, events, occurrences, and tendencies prove that to ensure peace, security, and happiness, the rifle and pistol are equally indispensable…The very atmosphere of firearms everywhere restrains evil interference – they deserve a place of honor with all that is good.”
Preface to the electronic edition of John C. Fitzpatrick’s Writing’s of Washington (hosted by the University of Virginia library)
Think about it.
Texas; why did you choose this picture? The artist is a perv…..or I am. That said, I’m going to shamelessly steal the quotes.
I chose this painting because it showed Washington later in life, possibly reflective upon his journey, but before he was too “old” to remember everything.
I do not think that Turnbull liked him, or perhaps he loved him. I can detail what I see, if you’d like. No matter. He is not the one who is remembered, right?
That would not be “on subject matter” for Washington, or his thoughts on liberty.
I figured the painting showed Washington successful, well fed, a little fattened up, at peace with the direction of a new nation after the war of independence and adoption of a new LImIted Powers/ restrained federal government.
Woops. Trumbull. Do you see the other image of them beneath?