George Washington

“In those early and perilous times, our men were few, and our resources limited. Poverty was among the most potent enemies we had to encounter; yet our arms were successful; and it may not be amiss to ask here, by whose power victory so often perched on our banner? It was by the agency of that same angel of God that appeared unto Joseph Smith, and revealed to him the history of the early inhabitants of this country, whose mounds, bones, and remains of towns, cities, and fortifications speak from the dust in the ears of the living with the voice of undeniable truth. This same angel presides over the destinies of America, and feels a lively interest in all our doings. He was in the camp of Washington; and, by an invisible hand, led on our fathers to conquest and victory; and all this to open and prepare the way for the Church and kingdom of God to be established on the western hemisphere, for the redemption of Israel and the salvation of the world. . . .

“Had the United States been as faithful a guardian to the Latter-day Saints as the angel of God has been to them, she would never know dissolution, nor be humbled in dishonor by the decrees of any foreign powers.

“I ask no earthly being to endorse this my testimony, or to adopt it as his own sentiment. A little time will prove whether Orson Hyde alone has declared it, or whether the heavenly powers will back up this testimony in the face of all the world.

“When Justice is satisfied, and the blood of martyrs atoned for, the guardian angel of America will return to his station, resume his charge, and restore the Constitution of our country to the respect and veneration of the people; for it was given by the inspiration of our God.”⁹

Sally Fairfax

Sally Fairfax was the wife of George Washington’s good friend, George William Fairfax.  Some modern historians have claimed that George Washington was “infatuated” with Sally.  “Sally Fairfax was a woman deeply loved by George Washington.”¹⁰  Is there any historical merit to this claim?  Did George Washington send a letter to Sally Fairfax which some historians claim indicates he was passionately in love with Sally?

The George Washington/Sally Fairfax controversy stems from several letters. One, discovered in 1877, was said to have been written by George Washington to his “votary of love”, Sally Fairfax.  The document was published in the New York Herald but the following day, it was sold at auction and then disappeared, never to be found again. The authenticity of the letter was so questionable, that when John Fitzpatrick edited his thirty-nine volume, The Writings of George Washington, he seriously considered removing the letter from his collection. Ultimately, Fitzpatrick decided to include the missive, with a note of caution to the reader. (Real George Washington pg. 69) One noted author questioned, “Was the letter a forgery? Was it written by someone else? Was it quoted correctly? None of these questions can be answered . . . ”

Not only is the authenticity of the Sally Fairfax letter questioned, but the letter’s language is obscure, vague and truly ambiguous. It is almost impossible for one to determine what or who Washington was referring to, if he did indeed write the letter.

All verified letters written by Washington to Sally and her husband George Fairfax, were drafted and mailed with no evidence of any expectation of confidentiality or attempted secrecy. The last letter composed to Sally, which historians also attempt to warp as evidence of an inappropriate relationship, was drafted with the full knowledge of Martha Washington. Mrs. Washington even included a warm and lengthy post-script, expressing friendship as well as loss in missing Sally’s companionship.

Scholar Douglas Southall Freeman concluded “There survives not one echo of the gossip that would have been audible all along the Potomac had there been anything amiss in their relations.” (Real George Washington pg. 69, Freeman 1:235a; see also 2:388; 5:498)

Does it matter whether or not Washington committed adultery?

The prophet Mormon taught that a wicked man cannot do that which is good.

Wherefore, a man being evil cannot do that which is good; neither will he give a good gift.

For behold, a bitter fountain cannot bring forth good water; neither can a good fountain bring forth bitter water; wherefore, a man being a servant of the devil cannot follow Christ; and if he follow Christ he cannot be a servant of the devil. . . .

Wherefore, take heed, my beloved brethren, that ye do not judge that which is evil to be of God, or that which is good and of God to be of the devil.

For behold, my brethren, it is given unto you to judge, that ye may know good from evil; and the way to judge is as plain, that ye may know with a perfect knowledge, as the daylight is from the dark night.  (Mormon 7:10-11, 14-15)

Mormon is careful that not one patriot in the Book of Mormon is an adulterer.  Rather the true patriots include men like Mormon, Moroni, Alma, Nephi, and Captain Moroni.  The prophets in our own day concur.  Prophets teach that not one true patriot is wicked.  Now the argument is made that Alma and Alma the Younger in the Book of Mormon were at one point very unrighteous, even wicked.  This is true, but in either case we see great evidence of a transformation, of being born again.  The Book of Mormon describes Alma the Younger, before his conversion, as “very wicked” and “a great hinderment” to the church.  The angel of the Lord rebuked Alma for seeking to destroy the Church.  After Alma was “born of God” and changed, he forsook his previous life.  After his conversion, Alma the Younger became the first chief judge, he debated corrupt lawyers, he exposed anti-Christs, he lead the Nephite armies, he baptized thousands of converts and he is remembered as one of the greatest missionaries in the Book of Mormon.  While they lived in wickedness they performed wicked acts. Their works were destructive. When they became righteous, on the other hand, they performed righteous works. It is always thus.  Wicked men do not bring forth righteous purposes. True power comes from purity.