A Conversation with General George Washington

I first met General George Washington (a.k.a. Carl Closs, "Living Biographer") while visiting Valley Forge in 1998, the General standing in full uniform with a heavy, dark blue wool officer's coat keeping him warm as he greeted guests at the Park. With his cockaded three-cormered hat and 18th century sword, he is an impressive figure, his 6 foot 2 1/2 inch frame towering above the women and children coming to meet him. It was almost ten years later that we'd talk at length about our country, the Revolution and what America meant to him during an event at the historic Hale-Byrnes House near Newark, Delaware. This was the start of a great and very interesting friendship.

Carl explained to me, as we sat at a picnic table at the Hale-Byrnes House (where Washington, Lafayette and his other top Generals planned the looming Battle of the Brandywine in September 1777), that our country was not planned as a democracy- but as a republic. Since the times of the ancient Greeks, republics represented systems whereby citizens could voice their opinions and participate in decisions which would guide their own future. Our country was founded on these same principles and Closs (dressed superbly as General Washington)  explained to me the sacred values which were the foundation of this republic that he and his rag-tag Army fought for 235 years ago.

In the last year I've become good friends with this man, who despite his nearly 70 years of age shows the vitality of a 50-year old. I've talked with him about his thoughts on Washington, our system of government and what our country has become since the struggle began back in 1776. His depth of knowledge regarding the people and events which generated our system of government is truly inspiring.

Carl feels that Washington was- by far- our greatest President, not only because he agreed to lead our fragile democracy during its time of dire need and uncertainty, but because he engendered the virtues which we don't often see in today's politicians: honesty, humility, integrity, strong dedication to principle and devotion to a cause which they are willing to die for. Washington believed deeply in Divine Providence- that God guided him and the other Founding Fathers to pursue a sacred cause: liberty. Washington's fervent support for "The Cause" (he rarely used the word "revolution" or "war") was in large part the reason why we succeeded not only against the British, but also in the early desperate years as a fledgling republic. You can feel this devotion as he speaks; as you view his towering frame and graying ponytail, you sense the presence of his hero, our greatest President, George Washington.

Thank you, Carl... and deepest thanks to the General, without whom we wouldn't be having this discussion. God bless you, General Washington... your devotion lives on today in this man... and in the hearts and minds of millions of patriots who now have the ability to call themselves free Americans. To learn more about Carl Closs, go to his website at http://www.gwashington.net/

A Rare Gem in Chadds Ford, Pa.

Many art lovers have heard the name Chadds Ford due to the Wyeth family of artists (N.C, Andrew and Jamie) who lived there for decades and made the place famous, starting with N.C. Wyeth around the turn of the 20th century. Most people don't know the name Christian Sanderson, another local resident who was a friend of the great N. C. Wyeth and a major historian, collector of Americana and a dedicated patriot who was always available to tell the story of our great heritage.

Starting with the Battle of the Brandywine, which occurred on September 11th, 1777 and involved George Washington and the Marquis de Lafayette in the largest land battle on North American soil up until the Civil War, Sanderson shared his thoughts and memorabilia about this and other major turning points in American history with school children and anyone else who would listen. Chris actually lived in the house which was Washington's headquarters during the Battle of the Brandywine until 1922. He passed away in 1966, but his extensive archives of American history, the chronicles of great statesmen and historic events remains a testimony to his dedication to keep our heritage alive. You can visit the Sanderson Museum on Rte. 100 in Chadds Ford, Pa. and take a walk through history (from the Revolutionary War up until the 1960's). It is an "unpoloished gem", waiting to be discovered....and you will enjoy it!!