Pennsylvania Packet on George Washington
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“Every countenance seeked to say, "Long live George Washington, the Father of the People."”
Published shortly after Washington's inauguration, this excerpt from the *Pennsylvania Packet* illustrates the early and deliberate effort to establish Washington as a revered, almost paternal figure.
“Our common Father and Deliverer, to whose prudence, wisdom and valour we owe our Peace, Liberty and Safety, now leads and directs in the great councils of the nation … and now we celebrate an independent Government—an original Constitution! an independent Legislature, at the head of which we this day celebrate The Father of his Country—We celebrate Washington! We celebrate an Independent Empire!”