George Washington was one of the most influential figures in American history. He led the Continental Army to victory in the Revolutionary War, presided over the Constitutional Convention, and served as the first President of the United States. He is widely revered as the “Father of the Nation” and a symbol of courage, wisdom, and integrity.
But how did this remarkable man die? What were the events and causes that led to his demise? And what can we learn from his final hours?
In this article, we will explore the last day of George Washington, and how he succumbed to a throat infection that proved fatal in a matter of hours.
The Morning Ride
On Thursday, December 12, 1799, George Washington was out on horseback supervising farming activities on his estate at Mount Vernon, Virginia. He was 67 years old, and had retired from public life two years earlier. He enjoyed spending time on his plantation, overseeing the work of his slaves and managing his crops and livestock.
The weather that day was cold and wet, with light snow, hail, and rain. Washington rode for about five hours, from late morning until three in the afternoon. He was wearing his usual riding clothes, which consisted of a woolen coat, a waistcoat, breeches, boots, and a hat. He did not wear a scarf or a cloak, as he was accustomed to the cold.
When he returned to his mansion, he was soaked and shivering. His wife, Martha, suggested that he change out of his wet clothes before dinner, but Washington refused. He was known for his punctuality, and did not want to keep his guests waiting. He also did not think much of his exposure to the elements, as he had endured harsher conditions during his military campaigns.
He ate his dinner as usual, and then spent the evening reading the newspapers with his secretary, Tobias Lear, and his wife. He also wrote some letters and attended to some business matters. He seemed to be in good spirits, and did not complain of any discomfort.
The Sore Throat
However, around two in the morning, Washington woke up with a sore throat. He felt a sharp pain whenever he swallowed, and had difficulty breathing and speaking. He told his wife that he was very sick, and asked her to bring him some honey and vinegar to soothe his throat. Martha was alarmed by his condition, and wanted to send for a doctor, but Washington stopped her. He did not want to expose her to the cold, as she had just recovered from a cold herself.
He tried to go back to sleep, but his symptoms worsened. He became restless and agitated, and could not find a comfortable position. He also developed a fever and a cough, and started to sweat profusely.
At daybreak, Martha sent for Tobias Lear, who rushed to the room. He found Washington in bed, gasping for air and barely able to speak. He immediately sent for George Rawlins, an overseer at Mount Vernon, who had some experience in bloodletting. Washington believed that bloodletting was an effective remedy for many ailments, and requested that Rawlins bleed him. Lear also sent for Dr. James Craik, Washington’s family doctor and trusted friend for forty years, who lived in Alexandria, about 10 miles away.
Rawlins arrived first, and extracted about half a pint of blood from Washington’s arm. Washington felt some relief, but it was short-lived. He asked to be bled again, but Martha and Lear objected. They were worried that he would lose too much blood, and weaken his already frail body.
The Doctors Arrive
Dr. Craik arrived around nine in the morning, and examined Washington. He diagnosed him with “cynanche trachealis”, also known as the croup, an inflammation of the throat that obstructed the airway. He bled him a second time, and applied a blister to his throat, hoping to draw out the infection. He also ordered a solution of vinegar and sage tea to be prepared for gargling.
However, none of these treatments helped. Washington’s condition continued to deteriorate, and he became more and more suffocated. He could not swallow the vinegar and tea, and almost choked when he tried. He also could not tolerate the blister, and asked to have it removed.
Martha, seeing that Craik was at a loss, requested that he send for another doctor. Craik agreed, and sent for Dr. Gustavus Brown, a physician from Port Tobacco, Maryland, who had a reputation for diagnosis and moderate medicating. Craik also sent for a third doctor, Dr. Elisha Cullen Dick, a young and innovative surgeon from Alexandria. He hoped that one of them would have a better idea of how to treat Washington’s illness.
Dr. Brown arrived around three in the afternoon, and Dr. Dick shortly after. They consulted with Craik, and agreed that Washington had a severe case of quinsy, or tonsillitis, that had spread to his larynx and trachea. They decided to try another round of bloodletting, hoping to reduce the inflammation and ease the pressure on his throat. They also administered an enema, and applied more blisters to his chest and feet.
Washington consented to these procedures, but they had no effect. He lost about four pints of blood in total, or about 40 percent of his blood volume. He became weaker and paler, and his pulse grew fainter and irregular. He realized that he was dying, and asked for his will. He made some minor changes to it, and gave it to Lear. He also gave some instructions about his funeral, and asked to be buried in the family vault at Mount Vernon.
The Final Moments
As the sun set, Washington’s breathing became more labored and noisy. He was in great pain, and could hardly speak. He whispered to Lear, “I am just going. Have me decently buried; and do not let my body be put into the vault less than three days after I am dead.” He then asked, “Do you understand me?” Lear replied, “Yes, sir.” Washington said, “Tis well.”
He then closed his eyes, and remained silent for a while. He opened them again, and looked at the doctors. He said, “Doctor, I die hard; but I am not afraid to go.” He then looked at Lear, and said, “I thank you for your attentions; but I pray you to take no more trouble about me. Let me go off quietly. I cannot last long.”
He then uttered his last words, “Tis well.” He tried to lift his hand to his face, but it fell back. He breathed his last at 10:20 in the evening, on Saturday, December 14, 1799.
Martha, who was sitting at the foot of the bed, said, “Tis well. All is now over. I shall soon follow him. I have no more trials to pass through.”
The doctors confirmed his death, and left the room. Lear stayed with Martha, and tried to comfort her. He also sent a letter to Congress, informing them of the sad news.
The Aftermath
The news of Washington’s death spread quickly, and caused a wave of grief and mourning throughout the nation. He was widely honored and celebrated as a hero, a patriot, and a statesman. His funeral was held on December 18, at Mount Vernon, and was attended by thousands of people, including many dignitaries and military officers. His body was placed in a lead coffin, and then in a wooden one, and then in a brick vault. A simple inscription on the vault read, “I am the Resurrection and the Life.”
The cause of Washington’s death has been debated by historians and medical experts for over two centuries. Some have suggested that he died from diphtheria, pneumonia, strep throat, or epiglottitis. Some have also argued that the treatments he received, especially the bloodletting, hastened his death, rather than helped him.
However, the exact diagnosis and the role of the doctors remain uncertain. What is certain is that Washington died from a throat infection that was common and treatable in his time, but that proved fatal in his case. He died as he lived, with dignity, courage, and grace.
Final Thoughts
George Washington was a remarkable man, who played a crucial role in the founding and shaping of the United States. He was admired and respected by his contemporaries, and by generations of Americans. He left behind a legacy of leadership, service, and virtue, that continues to inspire and guide us today.
His death was a tragic and unexpected event, that shocked and saddened the nation. He died from a throat infection that was caused by his exposure to the cold and wet weather, and that was aggravated by the treatments he received. He died in his bed, surrounded by his wife, his secretary, and his doctors. He died peacefully, and with faith.
He died as the Father of the Nation, and as a friend of mankind.
