The Life of George Washington by John Marshall

I finished reading this first hand account written circa 1805 by the famous Chief Justice of the US Supreme Court, who both knew George Washington personally and had access to his private papers, having permission of his estate's executor to use them for this book. The book is fascinating. The language level is elevated and some archaic usages are footnoted by Liberty Fund who republished it in 2000.

The last third covers the first years of the United States under its new constitution. When George Washington took office as President, he was the sole officer of the United States and had to create the government from nothing. I think understanding this period helps one gain much insight to the nature of the republic and political conflicts that have persisted down to now.

For example, page 337 has an illuminating sentence relating to raising revenue: "... and of devising means which should produce revenue in a manner least burdensome to the people ..."

Page 352 contains an interesting idea that was considered, among others: "... a tax on ... lawyers, ... " Definitely a good one that didn't get through. ;-)

George Washington definitely believed he had the power and authority to ascertain and act on the unconstitutionality of laws passed by Congress. Several examples are given. This contrasts to many modern Presidents [such as W.] who actually sign bills they consider unconstitutional.

Thomas Jefferson & his early party comes across rather poorly. They tried to get the US involved in France's war in Europe. They refused to fund a Navy that could protect Americans from kidnapping. And they seem infatuated with the French revolution even AFTER it devolved into a murderous mob and later dictatorship. Biographies of Jefferson seem to neglect that period for him. And his party tried to smear Washington with some forges letters, too. Some things never change. Obviously Jefferson was a great President but not the perfect man as so often made out today.

"The Life of George Washington" by John Marshall [Liberty Fund edition] is well worth reading - I highly recommend it.