Many years before this the Puritans had left England because they would not obey the king in some things—particularly in church affairs. Now, there were other people in America beside Pilgrims, but the English king still wished the people to obey him. He made the Americans pay taxes on things made in England and brought to America. He made them pay a special tax on paper, glass, and even tea. The Americans did not wish to pay these taxes and refused to do so.
The English King then sent ships loaded with soldiers to make them pay. The Americans decided not to do as the king wished, and went to war for their rights. They determined to have a nation of their own and call it the United States of America. They wrote a statement that told about this and sent copies of it all over the world. This was called the Declaration of Independence.
The Americans selected Washington as their leader, and now again his bravery was shown. He led the soldiers to victory, though many times during the hard winter the men were hungry and cold, having scarcely any food and very little clothing. Many of the men were barefooted in the snow and ice, but faith in Washington kept them brave and loyal.
While the Americans were fighting to be free they needed a flag for the soldiers, so Washington drew a picture of one he liked and Mrs. Betsy Ross, a friend of his, made the first flag that the new nation had.
When the time came to elect a ruler for the new nation, everybody said make Washington president, and they did. He became president and for eight years ruled wisely and justly as a great man should, and then returned to Mount Vernon where he and his wife lived happily for many years.
George Washington’s mother was not surprised that he became a famous man. Once when La Fayette was talking to her, she said to him:
“I am not surprised that George is a great man, for he was always a good boy.”
ABSALOM
Rebellion against our parents will surely bring misfortune.