George Washington

After the British surrendered at Yorktown in 1781, the Continental troops under Washington’s command stayed on their guard, partly because many British troops remained in the colonies but mostly because Congress was having difficulty raising money to pay the army. The Articles of Confederation, which allowed Congress to create an army, did not require it to levy taxes to pay for it; that was the job of the states. One solution, proposed by officers who believed this situation highlighted the weakness of a republic, was a constitutional monarchy modeled after England’s. They asked Washington—who could do no wrong in their eyes—to take the title of king. Here is Washington’s reply.

Sir:

With a mixture of great surprise and astonishment I have read with attention the Sentiments you have submitted to my perusal. Be assured Sir, no occurrence in the course of the War, has given me more painful sensations than your information of there being such ideas existing in the Army as you have expressed, and I must view with abhorrence, and reprehend with severity. For the present, the communication of them will rest in my own bosom, unless some further agitation of the matter shall make a disclosure necessary.

I am much at a loss to conceive what part of my conduct could have given encouragement to an address which to me seems big with the greatest mischief that can befall my Country. If I am not deceived in the knowledge of myself, you could not have found a person to whom your schemes are more disagreeable; at the same time in justice to my own feelings I must add, that no Man possesses a more sincere wish to see ample justice done to the Army than I do, and as far as my powers and influence, in a constitutional way extend, they shall be employed to the utmost of my abilities to effect it, should there be any occasion. Let me conjure you then, if you have any regard for your Country, concern for yourself or posterity, or respect for me, to banish these thoughts from your Mind, and never communicate, as from yourself, or any one else, a sentiment of the like Nature. With esteem I am.

George Washington

(1782)