By Bret Baier
Just when you think we have exhausted all the words about our Founding Fathers and the U.S. Constitution, Bret Baier provides a fresh look at George Washington and our essential governing document, with timely insights and encouragements for our day.
About the author
Bret Baier is perhaps best known as the chief political anchor for Fox News Channel and the anchor and executive editor of Special Report with Bret Baier. He is the author of several New York Times bestsellers including: To Rescue the Republic, Three Days at the Brink, Three Days in Moscow, Three Days in January, and Special Heart.
The book in a sentence (or two)
Baier weaves together the early days of our country’s drive for independence, the life and leadership of Washington, and the impact this founding father had on the development of the Constitution, and consequently our nation. To Rescue the Constitution is Revolutionary history, presidential biography, and a seven-course meal for political commentary. The author delivers a fascinating telling of the events surrounding the Constitutional Convention and its most consequential document.
My quick take on To Rescue The Constitution
I picked up Bret Baier’s work with a touch of apprehension. I love history, but did I want to invest time on a book written by a journalist I respect, but one who works for a news outlet decidedly one-sided? I chose to dive in and couldn’t be happier that I did.
Well-researched and well written, this is not a dusty book of facts, but a moving volume that narrates the people and events surrounding the founding of our country and especially the closely interwoven connection between George Washington and the Constitution that governs our affairs. I came away with a deeper understanding and respect for both. Additionally, the final lines of this work, written in his acknowledgement, capture the heart that drove the author’s efforts:
“No one knew better than Washington that protecting our values and striving for unity is a constant process that demands our attention and our devotion.”
Overview and Analysis:
The author divides his work into four parts:
Part One: The Making of Washington, 1732 - 1775
Washington’s early history and the forces that shaped him into a national figure up until his call to lead the Continental Army.
Part Two: The Call of Independence, 1775 - 1783
The Colonies’ break from the British, key moments (e.g. Boston Tea Party), the American Revolutionary War (1775-1783), and key figures who aided and defied the cause.
Part Three: Rescuing the Constitution, 1783 - 1789
The challenges of living by The Articles of Confederation (1781-1789), the deliberations and compromises of the Constitutional Convention (May-September, 1787), ratifying the Constitution (1788), and Washington’s election as President. Key issue: Whether the nation would remain a confederation of states or become a nation of all the American people?
Part Four: The Living Republic, 1789 - 1799
An analysis of Washington’s two terms as President, his willingness to lay down the power, the peaceful transition of the government to John Adams, and the death of Washington (December 14, 1799).
My Takeaways:
In The Essays, Francis Bacon wrote these words which guide my reading, "Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested." To Rescue The Constitution is one of those books to be chewed and digested. What follows is part of that process for me, a way to savor salient passages and key lessons.
One: Washington’s deliberate choice to put his country’s call before his private desires.
Washington reluctantly, but fully, accepted calls to lead the Continental Army (1775-1883), preside over the Constitutional Convention (May-September 1787), and serve as America’s first President (1789-1797). Washington’s note to the states in 1783, after the War for Independence, gives us a sense of his longing to return to Mount Vernon and direct the affairs of his growing estate:
The great object, for which I've had the honor to hold an appointment in the service of my country being accomplished, I am now preparing to resign it into the hands of Congress, and to return to that domestic retirement; Which it is well known I left with the greatest reluctance, for retirement for which I have never ceased to sigh through a long and painful absence, and in which (remote from the noise and trouble of the world) I meditate to pass the remainder of life, in a state of undisturbed repose. 4
Baier comes back to this theme time and again; the multiple references showing Washington’s inner turmoil between his desire to return to life at Mount Vernon and the needs of the country to which he was so devoted. Note his angst in a private letter to Lafayette in December 1783, after the war and before the Constitutional Convention:
At length my dear Marquis I am become a private citizen on the banks of the Potomac, and under the shadow of my own vine and my own fig tree, free from the bustle of a camp and the busy scenes of public life, I am solacing myself with those tranquil enjoyments, of which the soldier who is ever in pursuit of fame, the statesman whose watchful days and sleepless nights are spent in devising schemes to promote the welfare of his own and perhaps the ruin of other countries... and the courtier who was always watching the countenance of his Prince, in hopes of catching a gracious smile, can have very little conception. 162.
Baier writes: “This man, so acclaimed, maintained that he was happiest just to be a farmer and to be in the company of his family.” 162, see also 225.
Needless to say, Washington’s “undisturbed repose” was short-lived as service in the Constitutional Convention and the presidency would soon follow. Washington repeatedly chose public duty over private joys. 43
Two: Martha Washington was more than a “pocket Venus.”
“Pocket Venus” was a British term to describe someone small and beautiful. Martha Custis was only five feet tall, but did not back down in the face of challenges. When the father of her first husband, Daniel Park Custis (he 37, she 18) was “apoplectic when he learned of his son’s intention to marry a woman who was not his equal in class or wealth,” Martha did not back down. She traveled to Williamsburg, met with the father, and so impressed him that his lawyer said in a note to the son, “he had rather you should have her than any lady in Virginia.” 37. The couple would have two children before Custis died at age forty-five.
Martha proved equally charming and full of spunk during her lengthy relationship with Washington, whom she married in 1759 (she now 27 and mother of two surviving children and Washington age 26). She disdained politics but was a strong supporter of her husband and a gracious host. How many women would spend the winter in Valley Forge, the most difficult stretch in the fight for Independence? Martha did!
Three: Fresh perspectives on major players of the day
John Adams: In his closing argument defending the British soldiers at the Boston Massacre (serving as defense attorney for them was highly unpopular), Adams (34 at the time) said, “Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be your wishes, our inclinations, or the dictums of our passions, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence.” 50. Adams was known for his brilliance, recalcitrance, and argumentative spirit. At one point, several months into his presidency, Congress debated what the office holder should be called. Adams proposed: “His Highness, the President of the United States of America and Protector of the Rights of the Same.” That did not sit well with Jefferson, who wrote from France, “The president's title as proposed by the Senate was the most superlatively ridiculous thing I ever heard of. It is a proof the more of the justice of the character given by Doctor Franklin of my friend [referring to Adams]: ‘always an honest man, often a great one but sometimes absolutely mad.'” 245-6
Samuel Adams: “Standing six-foot-three, he had a strong physical presence and outstanding oratorical skills. A man of both golden voice and golden pen, he was, as his second cousin, John Adams (no slouch in that department), declared, ‘a born rebel.’ He was suited for the moment that presented itself to him in his native town.” 44
Major General Charles Lee: Washington’s initial second-in-command. A former British officer, Lee thought he was the better leader and was a continual pain in the General’s side. Lee also colluded with the British government while held as their prisoner. Lee was a poor example of a “second leader.” Cf 86, 111, 136
Alexander Hamilton: Brilliant, tempestuous, a strong number two to Washington, constant nemesis of Jefferson (and vice versa). See 120
The Marquis de Lafayette: Gilbert du Motier, the Marquis de Lafayette was only nineteen when he came to Washington from France. He was “extremely bright and very wealthy, and he came highly recommended.” Listen to my podcast (Episode #224) to discover what made this man a powerful leader in his own right, and a trusted second to Washington. See pages 120-121
Baron Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben. von Steuben came to Washington at the recommendation of Benjamin Franklin (Franklin’s recommendations were hit and miss and more often the latter). The Baron, like Lafayette, was an exception. He drove discipline into the heart of the Continental troops during the stay at Valley Forge. A great example of “playing second fiddle.” He paid his own expenses throughout the War, only asking for reimbursement if the Continental Army won. See 132ff
Four: Working through complexity to get to simplicity . . . is hard work!
Don’t expect complex problems to be solved overnight. “The First Continental Congress ended with a vote to reconvene in May 1775. No definitive actions were taken, but the process served one important purpose: to familiarize the colonies’ leaders with the process of working through a representative body on behalf of all. Despite their unresolved disputes, they had spent fifty-two days in the process of seeking agreement.” See 68-69. The Second Continental Congress (1775-1781) gave us The Articles of Confederation (adopted on November 15, 1777, and ratified by the states in 1781). That document proved inadequate to securing powers necessary for a centralized government to work with and coordinate state efforts. The Constitutional Convention (May-September 1787) hammered out the Constitution, which was not ratified until the Massachusetts Compromise (1788) quelled the concerns of Anti-Federalist delegates and resulted in ratification in 1788, though Rhode Island, the thirteenth and final state to sign, would not finally do so until May 29, 1790.
Application: Leaders and followers must work through complexity to get to simplicity. We often think matters should be accomplished in far less time than they actually take.
Five: Washington’s continued deference to the good of the Country and will of the people.
When John Adams surprised everyone at the outset of the Second Continental Congress (1775 – 1781) by nominating Washington to lead the Continental Army, Washington stepped out of the room. He didn’t want to hear what was being said or influence the decision. 77 His letter to Martha included these words, “But as it has been a kind of destiny, that has thrown me upon this service, I shall hope that my undertaking of it is designed to answer some good purpose.” 79
Application: Max De Pree says that leaders are “debtors,” that is, their leadership is a service to their constituents. Leaders don’t look for what they can get, but give. Consequently, they will sacrifice personal pleasure for the greater good.
SIX: The distinct difference between President Washington and the partisan politics of today.
Times are different, but Washington’s general tenor toward Canada and nations overseas was MUCH friendlier than today.
On Canada: At the outset of the Revolutionary War, and concerned that a traditional Boston (anti-Catholic) celebration would insult our French Canadian allies, he issued a general order, lamenting “that there should be officers and soldiers in this army so void of common sense, as not to see the impropriety of such a step at this juncture at the time when we are so soliciting, and have really obtained, the friendship and alliance of the people of Canada, whom we ought to consider as brethren embarked in the same cause.” 89
On National Debt (from Washington’s Farewell Address): We should avoid the accumulation of debt “not only by shunning occasions of expense, but by vigorous exertions in time of peace to discharge the debts which unavoidable wars have occasioned, not ungenerously throwing upon posterity the [burden] which we ourselves ought to bear.”
On Magnanimity Toward the Nations (from Washington’s Farewell Address): “Observe good faith and justice toward all nations. Cultivate peace and harmony with all. Religion and morality enjoin this conduct. And can it be that good policy does not equally enjoin it? It will be worthy of a free, enlightened, and at no distant period a great nation to give to mankind the magnanimous and too novel example of a people always guided by an exalted justice and benevolence.”
On Religion and Morality (from Washington’s Farewell Address): “Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports.” See more below and at p. 316.
SEVEN: John Adams’ measure of self-awareness is refreshing and worth emulating:
When wrestling as to who would draft the Declaration of Independence, Jefferson suggested Adams. Adams would have none of it and said Jefferson should do it. “Why?” the Virginian asked. Adams’ response:
“Reason First, you are a Virginian, and a Virginian ought to appear at the head of this business. Reason second, I am obnoxious, suspected, and unpopular. You are very much otherwise. Reason third, you can write ten times better than I can.” 101
Application: Am I, and the leaders with whom I work, as self-aware as to our strengths, weaknesses, bias, etc.?
EIGHT: Lessons in leadership from the life of Washington
There is so much to glean. Here are a few excerpts
He did not showboat: “He did not showboat during the convention or feel compelled to present his views at every turn, as some did. He contributed where it mattered. 68
He refused to tolerate disrespect: The exchange is worthy of the deeper read, but in short, when Admiral Lord Howe surrendered to Washington on July 12-13, 1776, twice he sent his letter of surrender to Washington, once addressing him as “Mr. Washington,” and the second, “George Washington, Esq.” Both times the letter was returned, “We have no person in our army with that address.” The message? You will address him as General Washington. 107
His fortitude: Thomas Payne wrote about Washington, “Voltaire has remarked that King William never appeared to full advantage but in difficulties and in action; The same remark may be made on general Washington, for the character fits him. There is a natural firmness in some minds which cannot be unlocked by trifles, but which, when unlocked, discovers a cabinet of fortitude; And I reckon it among those kind of public blessings, which we do not immediately see, that God hath blessed him with uninterrupted health, and given him a mind that can even flourish upon care.” 112
The way he encouraged and boosted morale: Speaking to his volunteer army that was ready to abandon him: “my brave fellows, you have done all I asked you to do, and more than could be reasonably expected. But your country is at stake, your wives, your houses, all you hold dear. You have worn yourselves out with fatigue and hardships, but we know how to spare you . . . “ 117-118
His magnanimity in forgiving Lafayette’s folly: Chapter seven is entitled “Washington’s Crucible” due to the early and multiple setbacks the Continental Army experienced under his leadership. Criticism and grumbling grew among armchair quarterbacks in Congress. Washington’s detractors began a whispering campaign to oust the General and replace him with Horatio Gates. As would be expected, when Washington received word he was frustrated. Among those who “flirted with the campaign against Washington,” was Lafayette, the young leader Washington took into his confidence. Lafayette and others recognized their mistake after the crossing of the Delaware and victory at Trenton.
Lafayette would apologize and Washington, rather than holding a grudge, forgave him, writing to his young leader of time they could spend after the war: ”If you will give me your company in Virginia, we will laugh at our past difficulties and the folly of others.” 130-131
His ability to see the big picture: “Washington had a gift for the big picture. He could visualize the scope of the war and avoid being distracted by individual defeats. He understood that losing a battle did not preclude a victory in the war, and thus was able to inspire his men to keep on and prevail the next time.” 138
His ability to inspire others to the grander vision: Baier writes, “For him, leadership entailed the need to constantly reinforce the grander vision—never allowing individual defeats (of which there were many) to take hold and shake his army’s confidence.” 159
NINE: The difference between necessary rest and foolish rest.
I noted this portion in that while rest is essential (see Psalms 127 and the exhortation not to burn the candle at both ends), there are times that one must push on despite tiredness, i.e. there is necessary rest and foolish rest. This selection comes when the Continental Army crossed the Delaware to defeat the British at Trenton. Colonel Johann Rall was commanding the Hessian troops aligned with the British. Concerned about a surprise attack, he voiced his concerns to Colonel Carl von Donop, who in turn passed the word “up the chain of command” and warned his superior, Major General James Grant.
Grant was contemptuous of the American army and annoyed by Rall. “I am sorry to hear your brigade has been fatigued or alarmed,” [Grant] replied testily. “You have been assured that the rebel army... does not exceed 8000 men, who have neither shoes nor stockings, are in fact almost naked, starving for cold without blankets, and very ill supplied with provisions.”
So convinced were the British of the absence of any threat that Colonel von Donop left his post at Bordentown to bunk down for several days at the home of a beautiful Mount Holly widow. As captain Johann Ewald, a Hessian soldier who kept a diary of the war, observed, “The fate of entire Kingdoms often depends upon a few blockheads and irresolute men.” 114
Contrast this with the approach taken by Thomas Paine in his now-famous pamphlet:
These are the times that try men’s souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service to his country, but he that stands it now deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. The American Crisis ix
The contrast between the British General James Grant and the spirit of America captured so succinctly by Thomas Paine was the difference in the battle, which saw a far superior force defeated by a ‘rag-tag’ army.
TEN: THE IMPORTANCE OF RESPITE IN THE QUEST OF A BIGGER PURPOSE
After ratifying the Constitution, James Madison (who played a pivotal role), was worn out. Bret Baier notes the following, “Physically and emotionally spent by the ordeal, Madison faced long trip back to Congress in Manhattan. But Washington, who had heard while visiting his mother in Fredericksburg that Madison was ill, intervened. He wrote to Madison [in June 1788], counseling that he rested before returning.”
Relaxation must have become indispensably necessary for your health, and for that reason I presume to advise you to take a little respite from business and to express a wish that part of the time might be spent under this roof on your journey thither. Moderate exercise, and books occasionally, with the mind unbent, will be your best restoratives. With much truth I can assure you that no one will be happier in your company than your sincere and affectionate servant...Go. Washington. 230-231
Madison took him up on the offer and visited Mount Vernon. “They celebrated July 4 together with renewed optimism, and though Washington felt the burden of what lay ahead for him, they found joy in their accomplishment. The Constitution had been ratified with ten states approving.” 231
ELEVEN: The Constitutional Convention:
The convention’s central question: “Would this nation remain a confederation of states, or would it be a nation of all the American people? And how would these people be protected and represented?” 189
The Constitution as a sacrosanct document: “Those in the modern era who view the Constitution as written to be sacrosanct should realize that the deliberations that brought it into being were, like the democratic process itself, rife with dispute.” 200
“Small” contributions can make monstrous impact:
Gouverneur Morris penned the words, “We the people …” which seem simple enough to us, but were a point of major contention as the Convention deliberated whether the United States were a confederation of states or a unified nation of individuals.Early abolitionists: Elbridge Gerry and Gouverneur Morris were both strong abolitionists whose words in defense of Blacks fell on deaf ears at the Constitutional Convention.
Abigail Adams, a champion of women: In a letter to her husband, John, about the forming of the Constitution: “I desire you would remember the ladies, and be more generous and favorable to them than your ancestors. Do not put such unlimited power into the hands of the husbands. Remember all men would be tyrants if they could.” 203
The author piqued my curiosity about these books:
As I read, I watch for particular books that shaped the author and/or that bear a deeper dive on my part.
First Mothers: The Women Who Shaped the Presidents by Bonnie Angelo
Recollections and Private Memoirs of Washington by George Washington Parke Custis
Martha Washington: First Lady of Liberty by Helen Bryan
The Intimate Lives of the Founding Fathers by Thomas Fleming
Franklin & Washington: The Founding Partnership by Edward J. Larson
Henry Knox: Visionary General of the American Revolution by Mark Puls
Infamous Scribblers: The Founding Fathers and the Rowdy Beginnings of American Journalism by Eric Burns
The Framing of the Constitution of the United States by Max Farrand
The Life and Public Service of Samuel Adams by William V. Wells
Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power by Jon Meacham
Words to ponder:
When reading any book, I enjoy highlighting words that are worthy of reflection, memorization, and discussion. Here are a few:
Washington on the cost of service: “I have not only grown gray, but almost blind in service to my country.” 154 Washington (in a lighthearted comment as he put on his spectacles as he addressed his troops), March 15, 1783
Benjamin Franklin on prayer: These comments came when he suggested holding prayers every morning at the Constitutional Convention: “The longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth – that God governs on the affairs of men, and if a Sparrow cannot fall to the ground without his notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without his aid?” To this Hamilton snapped that the convention didn’t need any “foreign aid.” 196
Bret Baier on compromise: “Compromise [at the Constitutional Convention] remained the word of the day. And what is compromise but agreeing at times to vote against one's desires in order to reach a higher goal? Those who would define freedom as the right to cling to every precious principle dear to one's heart could not form a nation – especially not this. The key was to decide together which principles were sacred and – no small detail – would make a nation governable.” 212-13
George Washington on divine providence: “No people can be bound to acknowledge and adore the invisible hand which conducts the affairs of men more than the people of the United States. Every step by which they have advanced to the character of an independent nation, seems to have been distinguished by some token of providential agency.” 239
Leadership as “Inner Steel”: “The mandate for civil leadership was not control but service. This required an inner steel, which [Washington] had cultivated throughout his life. He strove not to resent the people for their strong voices, their disagreements, their challenges to him. Every conflict offered a new opportunity to fulfill the national purpose.” 286
Congressman Henry “Light Horse Harry” Lee’s eulogy of George Washington: “First in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen, he was second to none in the humble and endearing scenes of private life: Pious, just, humane, temperate, and sincere; Uniform, dignified, and commanding, his example was as edifying to all around him as were the effects of that example lasting.” 293
On Liberty and Union (from Washington’s Farewell Address): “. . . it is that your union ought to be considered as a main prop of your liberty, and that the love of the one ought to endear to you the preservation of the other.” 310
On Religion and Morality (from Washington’s Farewell Address): “Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness—these firmest props of the duties of men and citizens. The mere politician, equally with the pious man, ought to respect and to cherish them. A volume could not trace all their connections with private and public felicity. Let it simply be asked, Where is the security for property, for reputation, for life, if the sense of religious obligation desert the oaths which are the instruments of investigation in courts of justice? And let us with caution indulge this supposition that morality can be maintained without religion. Whatever may be conceded to the influence of refined education on minds of peculiar structure, reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle.” 316
On honesty: “I hold the maxim no less applicable to public than to private affairs that honesty is always the best policy. I repeat, therefore, let those engagements be observed in their genuine sense.” 320 Washington’s Farewell Address
Recommendation:
I highly recommend To Rescue The Constitution. Baier introduces the book with an example of and call to civil dialogue. The pages that follow demonstrate the conditions that helped to create it in our country, and his final word is a passionate plea for more of the same. We need more of this spirit in The American Spirit. To Rescue The Constitution is a great step toward that end.
