His Excellency: George Washington

In reaction to the superficial images common in popular culture, Ellis set out to create a three-dimensional portrait of Washington. The Washington that emerges from His Excellency is neither a flawless hero nor a hypocritical villain, but a complex mixture of qualities, beliefs, and motivations. Washington’s early experiences in the French and Indian War and in land speculation bring out several key character traits that will carry through the rest of his life. These include a “thin-skinned aversion to criticism” and a “capacity to play politics effectively while claiming total disinterest in the game” (29). As president, Washington will try to float serenely above the political fray while, at the same time, participating in the often rancorous political debates.

Washington is driven by ambition, including a “greed” for acquiring land. He is aggressive in seeking out land prospects and in protecting his economic interests. Washington regards land as, in a sense, the only true and solid possession one can have. When Washington feels he is being taken advantage of, e.g., by Robert Cary, he takes it as a personal affront. This strong sense of personal honor fuels his anger at Great Britain for trampling on the colonists’ rights. Washington’s growing resentment of the British is also fueled by the failure of his British military superiors in the French and Indian War to recognize his contributions and grant him a promotion.