First I should point out that while this myth does deal with a dishonorable act of George Washington, his rule was, on the whole, a good one. Perhaps because of his position as first (technically) president of the US, many myths and misconceptions have arisen concerning him. One – perhaps the most famous – being that he said “I cannot tell a lie” which was an entirely made up story by the so-called “hagiographer” of Washington, Parson Weems. Here we look at another misconception often taught to young children about Washington.
The myth: Washington was so honorable he gave up a big presidential salary for the good of the nation.
I have no other view than to promote the public good, and am unambitious of honors not founded in the approbation of my Country. — George Washington
This is what elementary schools teach about Washington: “Later, in 1775, at age 43, Washington was appointed military advisor for New York, defending it from British attack. A few weeks later he was appointed Commander-and-Chief of the entire American army. He did not ask for this position, and did not even ask to be paid for it. [...] The most important reason George was asked to be president was that he was very honest, and people both trusted and admired him. He was the most trusted, admired, and respected man in the whole country.”
Unfortunately what they miss entirely is the fact that he turned down a salary of what would have amounted to a little over 1,000 per month, but said: “Sir, I beg leave to assure the Congress that as no pecuniary consideration could have tempted me to have accepted this arduous employment, I do not wish to make any profit from it. I will keep an exact account of my expenses. Those I doubt not they will discharge, and that is all I desire.”
And then the shopping began:
- To cash paid for Sadlery, a Letter Case, Maps, Glasses, &c &c &c. for the use of my Command… $831.45
- To sundry Exp.’s paid by myself at different times and places… on the Retreat of the Army thro’ the Jerseys into Pennsylvania & while there… $3,776
- From September 1775 to March 1776, Washington spent over six thousand dollars on liquor
In eight years, by turning down a salary and taking an expense account, instead of being paid around $12,000, he was paid $449,261.51 in 1780 dollars (around $4,250,000.00 in today’s money).
Washington, being a clever man, tried the same ploy when he was elected President but he was turned down and given a set salary of $25,000 per year.
Interesting Fact: While Washington was the first president of an independent United States of America, he was actually the seventeenth head of the locally governing body of the nation. The Continental Congress was a convention of delegates from the thirteen colonies who, with the President of the congress, governed the United States during the American Revolution.
Related Video
Related Books
 The Real George Washington  |
 Washington: A Life  |
 His Excellency: George Washington  |
 Washington: The Indispensable Man  |
Further Reading
Listverse: 10 Scandalous or Obscure Facts About Historical Figures
Listverse: Top 10 Misconceptions We Want To Believe
Google WDYL: George Washington
Wikipedia: George Washington
Wikipedia: Parson Weems
Library of Congress: Washington’s Expense Accounts
14 Comments
He had an overdue library book. For 220 years. Just imagine the fine he would have to pay
Oops – I have one of those too! I guess I should return it
I don’t see an expense account as being the same as taking a salary. He may have been reimbursed almost $500K, but I assume that was for expenses incurred to run the army, not all person expenses right? I would be curious what portion of the expenses was for personal gain. Even the booze is ambiguous, he may have given it to the troops.
That is possible of course – but I am a little skeptical about the alcohol.
The alcohol could have been used for entertaining dignitaries or given as gifts to generals, soldiers or foreign visitors. Its a good way to pass out bribes.
At least he wasn’t sneaky about it. He kept open records for everyone to see.
I am a librarian. Watch out
Rum was standard issue to the Royal Navy,why not?
I always get so many books that sometimes I forget to return one. Anyways this will be a cool site, just like listverse and cogitz. In elementary school the always leave out the stuff that makes historical figures look bad.
thank you for the new site jamie…..I truly appreciate all of your work.
Well, it’s fine having an expense account if he was honest about it. But if he had awarded contracts to his cronies, marked up the total amount of the bill to the government and get paid a commission from his cronies at the same time then I would consider him no different to any living politician today.
Six thousand dollars worth of liquor (at that time) is a lot. But imagine how much more shocking it’ll be if we found out that it was for the purchase of 6 bottles of wine?
Love the new site, Jamie!
Thanks!
I remember writing about this for a research paper in college. It really was amazing the extravagance to which GW felt he was entitled. Especially during times of hardship for his troops.
His military incompetence nearly rivaled his sense of entitlement.
GW was my first “wow, the stuff I learned in school is pretty slanted” revelation.
Indeed. What we want to believe, or are told to believe, often falls short of the truth.
I have spent a lot of time studying Washington, and disagree with the thrust of this article. While he did file a large expense account, it was so large because he paid many of the expenses of the army for years out of his own pocket. As to his expenses of food and drink, it wasn’t all for him. That went to feed a large staff, along with many local and foreign visitors.