December 14, 2006
-
And on a heavier note………..
December 14, 1799
He caught a chill riding horseback several hours in the snow while inspecting his Mount Vernon farm.
The next morning it developed into acute laryngitis and the doctors were called in. Their response was to bleed him heavily four times, a process of cutting one’s arm to let the “bad blood” out. They also had him gargle with a mixture of molasses, vinegar and butter.
Despite their best efforts, the doctors could not save former President George Washington and he died this day, DECEMBER 14, 1799, at the age of sixty-seven.
After saying “Doctor, I die hard, but I am not afraid to go” and “I should have been glad, had it pleased God, to die a little easier, but I doubt not it is for my good,” George Washington, at about 11pm, uttered his last words: “Father of mercies, take me unto thyself.”
On Washington’s tomb at Mount Vernon is engraved: “I am the Resurrection and the Life; sayeth the Lord. He that believeth in Me, though he were dead yet shall he live. And whosoever liveth and believeth in Me shall never die.” (from American Minute with Bill Federer)
Just thought you would want to know!
Comments (3)
Interesting.
All that bleeding and he still died anyway. Imagine. That part stands out these days as much as the positive sentiments of his faith and determination. I’ve been to his home in Mt. Vernon. Its a lovely setting.
Oh, this is interesting. You rarely hear of our founding fathers’ faith anymore. Thanks for posting this! I think it is really very sweet, but that could be my ‘hospice nurse’ perspective showing.