On this date in 1789, Washington showed up in Manhattan to take the oath of office as president. I was his head speechwriter and can give you a behind-the-scenes look at the event. For one, he was a total Debbie Downer on the trip from Mt Vernon. George likened the journey to a man going to his execution because he figured the whole US of A thing might end up being a complete train wreck. He had, of course, good reason to think this. He went by carriage from Virginia, but his white horse, Prescott, all 16 hands of him, was the vehicle used GW to ride into each town along the way for a triumphant welcome. That guy sure loved a parade. Here’s other stuff about our first president they didn’t tell you in school.
© 2024 John Oliver
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