George Washington's Sense of Humor

 

1755

One of the first instances in which-Washington’s sense of humor is found in a letter to his brother John, written after Braddock’s Defeat in 1755.

“As I have heard since my arrival at this place, a circumstantial account of my death and dying speech. I take this early opportunity of … contradicting the first, and assuring you that I have yet to compose the latter.”

1776 

Right before his famous crossing of the Delaware on Christmas Night, 1776 to attack the Hessians at what would become the Battle of Trenton, the Continental Army was loading onto boats and ferries to make the crossing. The weather was brutally cold, the mood was somber, Washington’s soldiers were freezing and nervous about the coming battle. The sleet and wind that night was so brutal, several men died along the march to Trenton. Washington knew he had to do something to lighten the mood.
Approaching his own boat he noticed chubby General Henry Knox (250 pounds) sitting in a prime position on the boat he was to board. Sensing his opportunity Washington called out,

“Shift that fat ass Henry, but slowly, or you’ll swamp the damned boat.”

Everyone who could hear it roared with laughter, including Knox himself. The story passed quickly through the ranks bringing a more jolly tone to the somber event, raising his men’s spirits and morale.le.

1777

At the Morristown encampment, during the Revolutionary War, Washington bought a very spirited horse. One of his junior officers, boasting of his horsemanship, volunteered to break in the animal. No sooner had he mounted the horse, when he was thrown head-over-heels to the ground. Washington was so amused by the sight that Wayne Whipple recorded:

“General Washington was so compulsed with laughter that it was declared, tears ran down his’ cheeks”

1781

After the victory at Yorktown, in the military tradition of the 18th Century, Generals Washington and Rochambeau entertained the defeated British Lord Charles Cornwallis, and according to the custom, being asked for a toast, General Rochambeau raising his glass offered: “The United States.” General Washington, in turn, gave “The King of France.” When Cornwallis’s turn came he said, simply, “The King.” “Of England,” added Washington with a smile,

“Keep him there and I’ll drink him a full bumper!” 

1798

During a dinner at Mount Vernon, in 1798, the General learned that a duel had been fought between New York Republican H. Brockholst Livingston and his political opponent Federalist James Jones. He commented

“They say the shot Jones fired at his opponent cut a piece off his nose. How could he miss it? You know Mr. Livingston’s nose and what a capitol target it is”.

When serving as President, the press frequently attacked him and the government with vicious attacks. At first the attacks infuriated him, but as time went by, his sense of humor became his best defense. In one recorded incident, his third Secretary of War, James McHenry was being accused, by the press, of stealing from public funds. President Washington wrote to the accused:

” . . . and pray, my good sir, what part of the $800,000 has come to your share? As you are in high office, I hope you did not disgrace yourself in acceptance of a paltry bribe – ­$100,000 perhaps?”

His Grandfather Decked George Washington

John Payne was a Captain of Kentucky militiamen that passed through Fort Amanda on their way to Ft. Meigs in 1813. His grandfather had a brief altercation with George Washington. Years later, once again, Washington shows us his sense of humor.

Captain John Payne

1794 - 1854

Duval Payne

1764 - 1830 

Duval's father, William Payne is a famous footnote in history. He is noted as the man who knocked Washington to the ground with his hickory stick after an insult. Washington, after recovering from the blow, forgave Payne, admitting he was in the wrong. Years later, while on a visit to Mount Vernon with his son Duval Payne, Duval Payne, George Washington introduced William and his son to his wife Martha Washington and said,

"here is the little man who had the courage to knock  me to the ground in the courthouse yard in Alexandria as big as I am. "

Note: George Washington was a large man, 6 foot 3 1/2 inches tall and measured 22 inches from shoulder to shoulder.  The average height of a soldier at the time was 5 ft. 8".  
P:ut into perspective; the picture below shows President Trump (6ft 2") and Sen. Rand Paul (Ky.) 5ft. 8",  Needless to say, Washington, a huge man, would have towered over the average soldier with demanding presence.

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Some Little Known Facts About Our First President

1. Education (or Lack Thereof)
George Washington started school when he was 6 years old. He left school at 15 to become a surveyor because his mother couldn't afford to send him to college.

2. Family Life
At 26, he married Martha Dandridge Custis, a widow who already had two children, Jacky and Patsy. Washington never had any children of his own.

3. Reaching Great Heights
At 6 feet, 3 1/2 inches tall and 200 pounds, he was one of our biggest presidents.

4. Favorite Foods
Some of his favorite dishes were cream of peanut soup, mashed sweet potatoes with coconut, and string beans with mushrooms.

5. Canine Crush
He bred hound dogs that he treated like members of the family. He gave some of them unusual names: Tartar, Truelove, and Sweet Lips.

6. What Ailed Him
Toothaches bothered him for years. When he was 57, he had all his teeth pulled. From then on, he wore ivory false teeth set in a silver plate.

7. Future Home Base
Although he helped plan the nation's new capital city that was named for him, he never lived there. New York City and, later, Philadelphia were the nation's capitals while he was president.