Presidents and First Ladies Trivia

[Anita]

(03-23-2023 03:40 AM)RJNorton Wrote:  Correct, Anita and Michael! Indeed it was George Washington!

Roger, I've been reading about Washington's last days and found an another explanation given for his request to "not let my body be put into the vault in less than three days after I am dead. Do you understand me?"

"Washington’s request was to be buried no sooner than three days after his passing in order to allow time to notify friends and family.  Both of Washington’s attending physicians, Dr. D ick, and Dr. Craig, not certain as to the cause of Washington’s death were concerned that it could be communicable, and insisted that the funeral not be delayed, due to weather or otherwise, past the fourth day. 

All other work in the shop was put aside, in order to tackle the demanding deadline and unprecedented request. Washington’s body was not embalmed, but pleased in a room just off the rear porch at Mt. Vernon with the windows open, allowing the December chill to preserve his body until burial.  Time was needed for Gen. Washington’s brother, Beauregard Washington, among others, to be informed and to ride from Philadelphia for the service.  The Rev. Thomas David, rector of Christ Episcopal Church in Alexandria, where Washington attended, was asked to perform the religious portion of the funeral.   Historical information provided by the Demaine Funeral Home, compiled by Diane Downey. https://www.annandalechamber.com/thedeat...gton.rhtml