The Franklin Mint History Of The United States, 1776-1973
Manufacturer
The Franklin Mint
DateNo Date
MediumSilver
DimensionsOverall: 1 3/4 in. (45 mm.)
ClassificationsDecorative arts
Credit LineGift of Dr. Eugene F. Poutasse
Object number76.81.24
On View
Not on viewThe 1799 medal: Death of George Washington
George Washington had retired to Mount Vernon to spend his remaining years as a gentleman farmer. On December 10, 1799 he completed an elaborate draft for the management of his lands, including the rotation of crops for years in advance. On the 12th he rode out to his farms in the morning, not returning until three in the afternoon. While gone, the weather turned very bad, alternating between rain, hail and snow, with a cold wind. A sore throat and cold developed from this exposure, and snow the next day prevented his riding as usual but, in the afternoon, he went out near the house to mark some trees to be cut down. That evening he sat up late reading his newspapers.
Between two and three o'clock on Saturday morning, December 14, he awoke Mrs. Washington to tell her that he was very ill. He could barely speak and breathed with difficulty. Tobias Lear, his secretary was called and a mixture of molasses, vinegar and butter was prepared to ease his throat, but he could not swallow it. Three doctors were summoned, but before they arrived, Washington had one of the overseers bleed him, the universal remedy in those days. The docotrs tried other remedies and bled him a couple more times. Washington had acute laryngitis but it is now generally believed that his death was caused by excessive blood-letting.
During the day and evening either his secretary or Dr. Craik was almost continuously with Washington. An indication of his character is shown in that, to the end, he was more considerate of others than himself. His man-servant, Christopher, had been standing in the rooms most of the day; Washington told him he should sit down.
Indicating he was about to die, he composed himself and between 10 and 11 o'clock that evening he passed away. His last words, "'Tis well," were given when he asked he secretay whether he understood his desires for burial.
"The father of his country" was mourned for months in the United States and his birthday observed. In France, recently warring with the United States, Napoleon ordered black crepe suspended from all flags for ten days.
