| Washington's Death (World Book Encyclopedia) |
On December 12, 1799, Washington wrote his last letter. It was to
Alexander Hamilton. In it he discussed the importance of
establishing a national military academy. After finishing the letter,
Washington went for his usual horseback ride around Mount
Vernon. The day was cold, with snow turning into rain and sleet.
Washington returned after about five hours and sat down to dinner
without changing his damp clothes. The next day he awoke with a
sore throat. He went for a walk. Then he made his last entry in his
diary, noting down the weather. "Morning snowing & abt. 3 inches
deep...Mer. 28 at night." These were his last written words.
Between 2 and 3 a.m. on December 14, 1799, Washington
awakened Martha. He had difficulty speaking and was quite ill. But
he would not let her send for a doctor until dawn. James Crauik,
who had been his friend and doctor since he was a young man,
hurried to Mount Vernon. By the time he arrived, Washington had
already called in an overseer and had about a cup of blood drained
from his veins. Crauik examined Washington and said the illness
was "inflammatory quinsy." Crauik bled Washington again.
Present-day doctors believe the illness was a streptococcal
infection of the throat.
Two more doctors arrived in the afternoon. Again, Washington
was bled. Late in the afternoon he could hardly speak, but told the
doctors: "You had better not take any more trouble about me; but
let me go off quietly; I cannot last long."
About 10p.m on December 14, Washington whispered: "I am just
going. Have me decently buried, and do not let my body be put in
the vault in less than two days after I am dead. Do you understand
me?" His secretary answered: "Yes, Sir." Washington said: "Tis
well." He felt for his own pulse. Then he died.
On December 18, Washington was given a military funeral. His
body was then laid to rest in the family tomb at Mount Vernon.
Alexander Hamilton. In it he discussed the importance of
establishing a national military academy. After finishing the letter,
Washington went for his usual horseback ride around Mount
Vernon. The day was cold, with snow turning into rain and sleet.
Washington returned after about five hours and sat down to dinner
without changing his damp clothes. The next day he awoke with a
sore throat. He went for a walk. Then he made his last entry in his
diary, noting down the weather. "Morning snowing & abt. 3 inches
deep...Mer. 28 at night." These were his last written words.
Between 2 and 3 a.m. on December 14, 1799, Washington
awakened Martha. He had difficulty speaking and was quite ill. But
he would not let her send for a doctor until dawn. James Crauik,
who had been his friend and doctor since he was a young man,
hurried to Mount Vernon. By the time he arrived, Washington had
already called in an overseer and had about a cup of blood drained
from his veins. Crauik examined Washington and said the illness
was "inflammatory quinsy." Crauik bled Washington again.
Present-day doctors believe the illness was a streptococcal
infection of the throat.
Two more doctors arrived in the afternoon. Again, Washington
was bled. Late in the afternoon he could hardly speak, but told the
doctors: "You had better not take any more trouble about me; but
let me go off quietly; I cannot last long."
About 10p.m on December 14, Washington whispered: "I am just
going. Have me decently buried, and do not let my body be put in
the vault in less than two days after I am dead. Do you understand
me?" His secretary answered: "Yes, Sir." Washington said: "Tis
well." He felt for his own pulse. Then he died.
On December 18, Washington was given a military funeral. His
body was then laid to rest in the family tomb at Mount Vernon.
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