The Father of Our Country Was Buried in Three Caskets:
A Lead Inner Liner, Mahogany Casket and Strong Wood Case
By Todd W Van Beck

That he was a great man cannot be easily disputed. George Washington has consistently ranked in the top five U.S. Presidents in every study ever taken. In fact, most polls and studies show Washington’s only rival for the number one Presidential position, is Abraham Lincoln. Washington was as great and good a man as the books and legends present. His greatness was primarily in his ability to face the problems life dealt him and, in more instances than not, solve them.

George Washington was born at the family estate on the Potomac River near the mouth of Pope’s Creek. Westmoreland County, Va., at 10 a.m. on Feb. 22, 1732.

Little if anything, is known of Washington’s childhood, except for an excellent relationship with his half brother, Lawrence, and an extremely stressful relationship with his mother, Mary Ball Washington.

Washington’s relationship with his mother was always strained. Throughout her life, Mary Washington was a person of means, but she regularly and firmly asked for and received, money and goods from George. Even with Washington’s generosity, his mother still complained to outsiders, that she was destitute and was neglected by her son. Because of her cantankerous nature, Mary Washington caused her son quite a bit of embarrassment. While Washington was away fighting the French and Indian War, Mary wrote him asking for butter and a new house servant. Washington and his mother maintained a strained relationship until her death from cancer, in the first year of his presidency.

George Washington was a large and powerful man. He stood 6 feet, 2 inches tall and in later life weighed more than 200 pounds. He wore large shoes (size 13), and stood with an erect military bearing. His face was long with high cheekbones, and he had a large, straight nose, a firm chin, and blue eyes beneath heavy brows.

As a young man, Washington had contracted a severe case of smallpox and, throughout his adult life; he carried the scars of that disease on his face. His hair was dark brown, but he often powdered his hair white, or wore a white wig. It is true Washington lost most of his teeth early in life. This, though, was not uncommon in the time Washington lived, for dental care was basically nonexistent. Washington wore dentures, but not ones made of wood as popularly believed. According to Dr. Reidar Sognnaes, of the University of California at Los Angeles School of Dentistry, who has done a detailed study of Washington’s bridgework, Washington was fitted with numerous dentures fashioned variously from lead, ivory, and the teeth of animals and other humans. When Washington was inaugurated President, he still had one original tooth to work with his dentures, so he was never toothless as often is thought.

Washington was a man of quiet strength and he took few friends into total confidence. Many people mistook his great dignity and reserve as being pompous and snobbish, but they misunderstood this, for Washington’s life was a serious mission with little time for fun. Washington tackled all his jobs soberly and with unremitting attention. He had profound powers of concentration and had little, if any time, for the pleasures of life. Washington was charming with women and was basically good-natured, but when he lost his temper, people in the know simply got out of his way.

For all his great dignity and stature, Washington was probably one of the worst public speakers who has ever held the office of the Presidency.

He was literally inarticulate without a prepared text, which he read to the letter, with no extemporaneous remarks. If Washington lost or forgot a prepared speech, he simply would not say anything and the crowd would have to understand.

In addition to these traits, Washington possessed two interesting peculiarities in his personality. First, he had a life-long suspicion that people were always trying to cheat him (something he may have inherited from his mother) and second, he was a confirmed fatalist.

Every ill or chill that Washington ever experienced was interpreted by the great man as the final curtain of his life. Washington strongly believed in fate, a force so powerful he maintained, as to “not be another repelled by the strongest efforts of humans”.

Although Washington was a life-long Episcopalian and had little use for organized religion, instead, he fashioned a moral code based upon the teachings of the Masonic Lodge and his own sense of right and wrong.

Washington’s dedication to Masonic principles was extremely strong, and he adhered faithfully to the Lodge’s moral philosophy.

As far as his famous career, Washington was simply the right man at the right place, at the right time. As young man, Washington experienced first hand the colonies striving for independence and in this environment; the struggling nation needed strong leaders. Washington was a natural.

He had served gallantly in the French and Indian War, from 1754-1763; he served as a member of the House of Burgesses, from 1759-1774; he was a delegate to the Continental Congress, 1774-1775: he was Commander-In-Chief of the Continental army during the American Revolution, 1775-1783; and he served as the President of the Constitutional Convention in 1787.

In 1788, the previous year ‘s new federal Constitution had been ratified by 11 of the 13 colonies. The next stage was to put the new document into operation. This massive job entailed, among other things, the creation of a new office for a Chief Executive, who would be in charge of running the nation. There was no agreement among Americans as to what the Chief Executive would actually do, or how this new job would evolve.

Some feared the Chief Executive would become a King or even a dictator. Even optimists confessed that they did not know how the new Constitution, or office of Chief Executive would turn out.

Almost everyone, though, took comfort in the widespread belief that, while no one knew what the Chief Executive would do, they knew who they wanted the first one to be. That man was George Washington. There was another American hero of comparable fame, Benjamin Franklin, but Franklin was 80 years old and in poor health. Franklin himself endorsed Washington.

The fact is, that the American colonies loved and adored George Washington, and why not? He had served the struggling new nation as Commander-In-Chief for more than eight years without salary; had obtained a stunning victory over the British; and when he was personally assured that American independence was secured, he resigned his military commission and went back to his farmer’s life at Mount Vernon. To the American people, Washington was their Cincinnatus, the legendary Roman emperor, who after delivering his people from tyrants and military danger resumed his ordinary routine as a farmer. The people trusted George Washington.

There was only one snag - Washington did not want the job! Mount Vernon was his favorite place on earth, and after years of absence in public service, the plantation had fallen into neglect, and Washington was determined to clean it up. He protested, refused, and protested more, but to no avail. The people demanded his services once again, and on April 30, 1789, George Washington was inaugurated in New York City as our nations’ first Chief Executive.

Washington’s two terms as President were precedent-setting. He coined the term “Mr. President’; he set the long standing tradition of a two-term limit; he formulated the idea of the Presidential cabinet; and he and Martha set many of the social and diplomatic protocols, still observed in Washington today. He made an excellent President, and on March 4. 1797, he happily retired from office, handing over the reigns of government to John Adams. Washington was at long last able to return to Mt. Vernon to complete the plantation’s restoration.

Washington was so tall, dignified, intent, and courageous that many think he was a physically healthy man. Nothing could be further from the truth. Throughout his life, he was plagued with health problems.

As a youngster, he contracted malaria and small pox. During the French and Indian War, he was struck down with a malady called the ‘bloody flux’ He battled dysentery, pleurisy, rheumatism pains, and in June 1789, had a large carbuncle surgically removed without anesthesia! It has been suggested that during his life, at one time or another, Washington suffered through the mumps; whooping cough; chronic ear infections; nose and throat problems; frequent colds; severe gum disease; possible tuberculosis; night sweats; shortness of breath; chronic coughs; indigestion; stomach; liver and intestinal trouble; and tonsillitis.

These problems did not slow down in Washington’s retirement, and while he did exercise good health practices of his day, it was really only a matter of time before his chronic predispositions to colds and respiratory problems, caught up with him.

In retirement, he lived the life of a farmer and a country squire. Mount Vernon occupied all his time. Washington was a meticulous farmer, and oversaw and planned the use of every field. As was the common practice of the day, Washington had many slaves who performed most of the farm and household chores.

A Prediction and Death

In July 1799, Washington executed his last will and testament. With the help of his private secretary and distant relative, Tobias Lear, Washington wrote the will in longhand and signed his name at the bottom of every page. Specific in the will, were instructions for his funeral.

Washington expressed that his interment be “in a private manner without parade or funeral oration” This wish was completely ignored.

On Wednesday, Dec. 11, 1799, he noted in his diary that “at night a large circle was around the moon” This was a prediction of approaching snow. Washington then retired for the evening in as good a state of health, as he had ever known. Little did he realize the prediction would come true and this vent would translate into his death three days later.

At 10 a.m., on Thursday, Dec. 12,1799, George Washington rode out to inspect his farm. Around 1 p.m., the white stuff began to fall. A harsh northeast wind broke open, and for two hours it rained, snowed, and hailed. At 3 p.m., 67-year-old Washington returned to Mount Vernon, soaked to the bone. His hair, neck, and shoulders were covered with snow. To make matters worse, he refused to change his clothes.

On Friday, Dec. 13th, three more inches of snow fell. It was heavy wet snow that clung to the ground. It snowed so much Washington omitted his usual ride around Mount Vernon. He also began complaining about a sore throat. At noon on the 13th, the sun broke out and Washington decided, sore throat or not, he was going to work outside. He spent most of the afternoon walking through the wet snow, standing in the freezing weather, marking trees he wanted cut down.

Washington finished his afternoon work and returned home for supper. He ate a hearty meal and noticed his throat was getting worse, but regarded it as nothing.

At 7 p.m.. following supper, Mr. and Mrs. Washington, along with Tobias Lear, were sitting in the parlor reading the newspapers that had arrived in the afternoon mail. At 9 p.m.. Mrs. Washington left the parlor, but Washington and Lear continued reading. Time passed and eventually Washington made another reference to his sore throat and that it was really beginning to bother him. Lear suggested a home remedy treatment be made, but Washington brushed it off saying, “No, you know I never take anything for a cold. Let it go as it came”.

With this Washington retired for the night. Between 2 a.m. and 3 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14, Washington woke Martha. He tried to explain to her he was ill, but he could hardly speak. He had a fever and his breathing was labored. Mrs. Washington suggested she summon Lear for help, but Washington fearing she would also catch the cold, forbade her to leave the bed. For the rest of the night, the Washington’s lay in bed in the ice-cold room.

Get Lear at Once!

Around 7 a.m.. just after daybreak, Caroline. the chambermaid, entered the Washington’s bedroom to make a fire. Martha told Caroline to go and get Lear at once!

Lear dressed quickly and went to Washington, now breathing with great difficulty and almost unable to talk. Lear was at a loss for what to do. The nearest physician was miles away and Washington required immediate treatment. Finally, Washington struggled to speak and told Lear to send word to Washington’s Union Farm to get Albin Rawlins to come and bleed him. Rawlins, one of Washington’s farm overseers, was learned in the practice of veterinary work.

At the same time, Lear dispatched a servant with a note to Dr. James Craik of Alexandria. Dr. Craik was nine miles away; the note implored the physician to come as soon as possible. At this time, the first home remedy was tried on Washington. A mixture of molasses, vinegar, and butter was concocted as a tonic, to soothe the raw throat. As Washington attempted to swallow it, he almost suffocated.

Albin Rawlins arrived and went immediately to Washington’s room. Rawlins was very nervous at being asked to bleed Washington, but the ex-President looked at Rawlins with a kind expression and whispered, “Don’t be afraid”. Rawlins proceeded to make an incision in Washington’s upper arm. Mrs. Washington had grave doubts about the effectiveness of this treatment, and begged Rawlins not to take too much blood.

Washington, however, was adamant that as much blood as needed be taken and instructed Lear to tie a tourniquet around his arm to help the flow of blood. As blood was freely flowing, Washington told Rawlins, “The orifice is not large enough”.

Lear was ready to untie the tourniquet and Mrs. Washington was pleading for the bleeding to stop, but Washington said, “More. More!” In the first bleeding, a half a pint of blood was taken.
After the first bleeding, Lear tried to bathe Washington’s throat externally with a remedy called ‘sal volatile’. He soaked a piece of flannel in the solution and wrapped it around Washington’s neck. Then he bathed Washington’s feet in warm water. Nothing helped.

At 8 a.m., Washington got out of bed, dressed, and was helped to chair by the fire in the hope that some movement and activity might help. Washington received no relief and, between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m., a greatly alarmed Martha sent Cyrus a house servant, for Dr. Gustavus Brown of Port Tobacco. Dr. Craik had told Martha in the past to call Dr. Brown in an emergency.

At 10 a.m., Washington returned to bed exhausted. Dr. James Craik arrived from Alexandria at 11a.m. He had been Washington’s personal physician for more than 40 Years. The two men were together during the French and Indian War and the entire American Revolution. Dr. Craik was a warm-hearted, generous man known far and wide as an excellent physician.

Dr. Craik bled Washington a second time and made a blister of powdered cantharides to put on his throat. The doctor also prepared a gargle of vinegar and sage tea, as well as a steaming mixture of vinegar and hot water for him to inhale. The gargle almost suffocated Washington and although a little phlegm came up, the treatments were failures.

Alarmed by Washington’s failure to respond to treatment, Dr. Craik sent word for Dr. Elisha Cullen Dick to come to Mount Vernon as a consultant. Dr. Dick was also a prominent physician, as well as the Worshipful Master of Alexandria Lodge #22 Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, of which Washington was a member.

Between 3 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., Dr. Dick arrived and Washington was bled a third time. This time the bleeding was slow, thick, and sluggish, yet produced more than 30 ounces of blood, but to no avail. Now Washington could swallow nothing.

George Washington
The Death, Funeral and Burial Of the Father of Our Country
By Todd W Van Beck

This is the second of a two-part article. The first part of this article was published in American Funeral Director for April 1995.

On Friday, Dec. 13, 1799, George Washington took ill after working on his farm in rain, snow, and hail, and the freezing cold. Before going to bed that night, Washington complained of a sore throat. During the night, he woke his wife, Martha, to tell her he was ill, but he could hardly talk. He had a fever and his breathing was labored, but he wouldn’t let Martha get out of bed to summon help for fear she would catch cold.

The next day, Saturday, Dec. 14, Washington was bled three times, a remedy called ‘sal volatile’ was applied to his throat externally, and his feet were bathed in warm water. Nothing helped. By 3:30 p.m.. he could swallow nothing.

“Doctor, I Die Hard”

At 4 p.m.. Dr. Gustavus Brown arrived. He, Washington’s personal physician. Dr. James Craik, and Dr. Elisha Cullen Dick, a prominent physician, concluded Washington was suffering from “quinsy’ (the old name for a case of severe tonsillitis). Dr. Dick made a radical suggestion that a tracheotomy be performed, but the other two attending physicians vetoed this lifesaving procedure. When the doctors rejected the tracheotomy. Washington’s fate had been sealed. Washington himself was simply helpless. The physicians were doing everything they could, but nothing was working. Around 4:30 p.m., Washington called for Martha to come to his bedside. He instructed his wife to get two wills. When she returned with the documents, Washington gave her one copy, which he said was useless, and instructed her to burn it. The other will he told her to use after his death. Martha placed the will in her closet for safekeeping.

With this task completed, Washington summoned Tobias Lear and true to fatalistic nature, told his secretary: “I find I am going. My breath cannot last long. I believed from the first that this disorder would prove fatal. You arrange my accounts and settle my books, as you know more about them than anyone Let Mr. Rawlins finish recording my other letters, which he has begun”.

Lear was shaken to the bone to hear his idol and mentor speaking in such terms. Lear spent the next hours helping Washington move back and forth to find a more comfortable position, but nothing helped. Washington asked questions about his relatives, and then noticed his house servant, Christopher, who had been standing all day in the corner of the bedroom watching and ready to help. Washington told Christopher to sit down and be comfortable, which the young boy gladly did.

At this point Dr. Craik came in and leaned over Washington. The ex-President looked directly into Craik’s eyes and said: “Doctor, I die hard, but I his am not afraid to go. I believed from my first attack that I should not survive it. My breath cannot last long”.
Between 5 and 6 p.m., Washington got up for half an hour. Dr. Dick and Dr. Brown came into the room, as Lear was helping him up. Washington looked at the men and said, “I feel myself going. I thank you for your attention, but I pray you take no more trouble about me. Let me go off quickly. I cannot last long”. Washington then lay back down. The doctors all left, except Craik. Craik and Lear sat by, while Washington inquired frequently as to the time.

Between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m., Lear sent messages from Mount Vernon to the surrounding area to summon Washington’s relatives to come at once. At 8 p.m., the three physicians tried the last medical treatments, but they failed and the medical men left totally dejected.

Around 10 p.m., Washington mustered all his strength and gave Lear one final set of instructions: “I am just going; Have me decently buried; and do not let my body be put into the vault in less than three days after I am dead”. Lear stood speechless. “Do you understand?” Washington demanded. Lear responded he would do as Washington asked. Then Washington, seemingly content, said. “Tis well”.

Those were the great man’s last words.

In the upstairs bedroom, the clock read 10 p.m. with Martha keeping a vigil at the foot of the bed. Lear was close by the bed holding Washington’s hand, when suddenly the dying man withdrew his hand and took his own pulse. The clock on the mantel registered 10:20 p.m. Washington’s expression changed and then his hand fell to his side.

Martha looked at Lear and asked. “Is he gone?” Unable to speak, Lear signed yes with his hands. Martha looked at her dead husband and said, ”Tis well,” echoing her husband’s final words. “Tis well”. Martha said once more. “All is over now; I shall soon follow him. I have no more trials to pass through”.

Lear kissed Washington’s hand and Martha instructed Christopher to empty her husband’s pockets. Lear wrapped the contents in Washington’s own handkerchief and went downstairs.

George Washington died at 10:20 p.m., on Saturday. December 14, 1799. He had lived 67 years and 295 days.

When he died, standing near the great mahogany bed was Tobias Lear, Dr. Craik. and Martha. In the room at the time of the death was Christopher, three house servants. Caroline, Molly and Charlotte, as well as Mrs. Forbes, the housekeeper.

At midnight on Sunday, December 15th, several servants gently carried Washington’s body downstairs and laid it on a bed in the large drawing room. The body was covered and placed in front of the large Italian chimneypiece, which served as the room’s focal point.
Washington’s body was not embalmed; instead, by putting the body in the unheated drawing room in mid-December, the body would be thoroughly preserved for the funeral by freezing it.

On Sunday, Dec. 15, in the early morning, Martha Washington instructed Lear to send a messenger to Alexandria to have a casket made. Before the messenger was sent, Dr. Dick took precise measurements of George Washington’s body to give to the undertaker. Washington’s death measurements were 6 foot, 3.5 inches in length exact, and 1 foot, 9 inches exact across the shoulders, and 2 feet exact across the elbows.

The messenger presented the casket order to Joseph and Henry Ingle, who operated a furniture, cabinet, and undertaking business in Alexandria. Va. The two brothers started at once to construct Washington’s casket. It would be made of mahogany and lined with an inner lead casket.

At Mount Vernon, Tobias Lear, upon a sum suggested by Dr. Craik, paid Dr. Dick and Dr. Brown $40 each for their professional services. Dr. Dick Dr. Brown left Mount Vernon immediately after breakfast.

In 1799, the method of sending news was primitive; word of Washington’s death had to be made verbally by individual messengers and the mail service. On Sunday morning, Lear sat down to send written messages to the important leaders in the world concerning Washington’s death. Lear sent letters to John Adams, Alexander Hamilton, and the like, but the mail moved so slowly that most Americans would learn of Washington’s death weeks after the funeral and entombment were over.

Lear also ordered from tailors, John and James S. Scott, mourning suits for all the family and all of the Mount Vernon overseers and servants.

Washington’s relatives began arriving late Sunday morning. In the evening on Sunday, December 15, 1799, Lear consulted with Mr. Thomas Law, Mr. Thomas Peters, and Dr. Craik on specifics regarding the time of the funeral. Lear suggested the funeral be postponed until the end of the week to give people time for travel; but Dr. Craik and Dr. William Thornton (who had recently arrived), strongly objected to this schedule, because of the suspicious nature of Washington’s death.

They could not be sure the condition, from which he died, was not communicable. Hence, the physicians counseled that Washington’s body should not be kept in state that long. Lear understood completely, and the date for the funeral was set for Wednesday the 18th December at noon. If the weather was poor on the 18th, they could postpone it a day, but no longer.

The Rev. Thomas David, rector of Christ Church (Episcopal) in Alexandria, where Washington was a member, was asked to perform the religious portion of the funeral.
On Sunday evening, a messenger arrived to inform Lear that a large contingency of military organizations, and a large representation of the Masonic Lodge, was planning to participate in the funeral ceremonies. With this news, Lear sent a messenger to George Edick, a baker, to order 40 pounds of cake to serve as refreshments after the funeral. Lear also had a meeting with Col. Charles Little, Col. Charles Simms, Col. George DeNeale and Dr. Dick to set the order of the funeral procession. With all the additional people participating, it was clear to Lear that a great deal of organization would be required.

Funeral Director’s Ancestor at Washington Rites
To the Editor:
I might add some information to your next article. I have always been told of an ancestor who conducted the Masonic funeral rites for George Washington. His name was Col. George DeNeale. An uncle of mine, Earl DeNeale, always would relate to me that Col. George DeNeale had conducted the Masonic rites for Washington. My grandfather, Walter DeNeale, was a Mason for over 60 years and had seen this in the logs of the Alexandria Masonic Lodge. Col. George DeNeale would have been my grandfather’s great-great-great-grandfather. So this would make Col. George DeNeale my great-great-great-great-grandfather.
Frank J. DeNeale
Foster & Brown Funeral Home Athens, Texas

On Monday, December 16th, Lear instructed the help at Mount Vernon to open and clean out the old family burial vault. The entrance to the vault had always been closed with brick, but now Martha instructed that an entrance door be made, so the vault could easily be opened and closed. No doubt her request reflected her prediction she would soon follow her husband in death. In any event, the door was made and the vault would never again be re-bricked as in the past.

Robert Hamilton of Alexandria also sent word to Lear that he would dock his schooner off Mount Vernon on the Potomac and fire minute funeral guns, while the body of Washington was passing from the mansion to the receiving vault. The Alexandria Lodge #22 Ancient Free and Accepted Masons held a funeral lodge on Monday to make their own arrangements for Washington’s interment.

Dr. Dick, one of the main physicians who tended Washington, was the lodge’s Worshipful Master; Col. George DeNeale, who helped plan the funeral procession, was lodge Senior Warden. (Mr. DeNeale’s great-great-great-great grandson, Frank J. DeNeale is a funeral director with Foster & Brown Funeral Home in Athens, Texas. See letter this page.)

The Lodge established a funeral committee of Thomas Peterkin, Joseph DeNeale, Charles Jones and John Bogne. Peter Cotton was appointed to go to the Federal City Masonic Lodge (in Washington. D.C.) and invite all Master Masons to participate in the funeral.

George Washington was one of the most famous Masons in history. He had originally joined the Masonic Lodge #4 at Fredericksburg, Va., where he received his first three Masonic degrees. He was made an Entered Apprentice on Nov. 4, 1752. He passed his Fellowcraft degree on March 3, 1753, and was raised a Master Mason on Aug. 4, 1753.

Washington remained a lifelong member of Lodge #4 at Fredericksburg, but on April 28, 1788, Edmund Randolph, Governor of Virginia and Grand Master of all Masons in Virginia, issued a charter to form a new lodge known as the Alexandria Lodge #22. Because of the close proximity of Mount Vernon to the new lodge, Washington joined the Alexandria Lodge on April 28, 1788, and was named Worshipful Master in December 1788. When Washington was inaugurated President on April 30, 1789, he was the first and only man to be President and Worshipful Master of a Masonic Lodge at the same time. In tribute to their most famous member, the members of the Alexandria Lodge changed their name to Alexandria-Washington Lodge #22, following Washington’s death. He was an extremely active Mason, regularly attending Masonic festivals, funerals, and meetings throughout the country. He was three times nominated
for Grand Master of all Masons in the United States, but, due to his military and political careers, always declined the nominations.

When Lafayette visited Washington in August 1784, he presented Washington a beautiful Masonic apron, hand-embroidered by Madame Lafayette. Washington also kept up an active Masonic correspondence throughout his life and wrote to brother Masons in France, as well as another famous Mason, Paul Revere, in Boston.

So intertwined was Washington’s life in the Masonic fraternity, that when he was sworn in as President by Chancellor Robert R. Livingston. himself a Grand Master of all Masons in New York, the oath of office given at Federal Hall in New York City was administered on a Masonic Bible from the Holland Lodge.

On September 18, 1793, the Masonic Lodge oversaw the laying of the cornerstone of the United States Capitol with George Washington prevailing. Washington used a marble gavel, a silver trowel, square and level, all tools of the Masons. He was also dressed in a grand Masonic apron. The marble gavel was presented to Washington by Ruther Valentine Reintzel, Worshipful Master of Lodge #9 in Georgetown.

Because of the intense associations Washington had with Masonry, the funeral lodge held by the Alexandria Lodge was serious business. It was decided that Dr. Dick and the Rev. James Muir, D.D., Lodge chaplain, would recite the beautiful Masonic ritual.

Dr. Dick would also perform the solemn duties of depositing Washington’s Masonic lambskin apron and Sprig of Acacia (the symbol in Masonry of immortality) in Washington’s casket before burial.

In the secret circles of Freemasonry, Brother George Washington had entered
the celestial lodge in heaven, and Masons would put every energy necessary into making the funeral of George Washington, an occasion to be remembered.

Tuesday, December 17. 1799 was a busy day at Mount Vernon. Lieut. John Ainsworth Stewart, Adjutant of the Alexandria Regiment, arrived to make sure the grounds were properly prepared (snow removal and the like) so nothing would impede the funeral procession.

Washington’s frozen body remained covered in the large drawing room. Early afternoon on the 17th. the Ingle brothers arrived by stagecoach with Washington’s casket. Michael Gutten also arrived with burial shroud and casket pall that his wife, Margaret, had made.

The servants at Mount Vernon carried the casket into the drawing room where Washington was dressed in the burial shroud and placed in the casket. Lear cut some hair as a keepsake for Martha. Washington’s casket was made of solid mahogany and lined with a lead inner casket made by plumber George Mun. The lead lining was soldered at the joints, and a large cover of lead was placed beside the casket to be soldered into place right before final closure the vault.

The head of the mahogany casket was inscribed in ornamental writing with: SURGE AD JUDICUM (“Fly To Justice”)

In the middle of the casket was another ornamental inscription: GLORIA DEO (“Glory Be To God”) On the inner lead cover was a silver shield about three inches in length with this inscription:

GEORGE WASHINGTON
BORN FEBRUARY 22, 1732
DIED DECEMBER 14, 1799

The casket was put in a strong wooden case lined and covered with black cloth that served as the casket pall. Washington was actually buried in three caskets: the lead inner liner, mahogany casket, and strong wooden case.

Washington’s funeral was held on Wednesday, December 18. In the morning his casketed body was moved outside under the grand piazza of Mount Vernon, overlooking the Potomac River. People began to gather around 11 a.m., but due to a delay in the arrival of the military, coming on foot, the funeral would not begin until 3 p.m. In the interim, the casket was opened and everyone filed past to gaze on his face one last time. Between 3 and 4 p.m., the funeral procession began. The procession was long and impressive and consisted of the following:

1. Cavalry: Col. George DeNeale, Commander of Military: Capt. Henry Piercy, -Commander of the ‘Alexandria Blues’; Capt. Robert Young. Commander of Cavalry; Capt. William Harper Commander of Artillery; and Lt. John Ainsworth Stewart, Adjutant of 106th Regiment of Virginia Militia.

2. Infantry and Guards (Horse and foot soldiers with arms reversed).

3. Music and Band (Masonic Dirge with muffled drums).

4. Clergy: Rev. Dr. Thomas Davis*, Rev. Dr. James Muir*, Rev. William Moffat*, and Rev. Walter Dulaney Addison. (* Denotes members of in Alexandria Lodge #22.)

5. Washington’s Horse With Saddle, Holster, and Pistols (led by groomsmen Cyrus and Wilson attired in black mourning suits).

6. Col. Thomas Blackburn (proceeding his body)

7. Washington’s Bier. Bier Bearers - James Turner and George Wise

Pall Bearers - Col. Charles Simms, Col. Dennis Ramsay, Col. William Payne, Col. George Gilpin, Col. Philip Marsteller, and Col. Charles Little.

Bier Bearers - Lawrence Hooff Jr. and William Moss.

Note: The pallbearers did not actually carry Washington’s casket. Rather they held onto the pall that covered the outer wooden box. The bier bearers actually carried a small conveyance on which Washington’s casket rested. The bier bearers were all members of the 106th Virginia Militia.

The bier used on Washington’s funeral was six feet in length, made of oak and had handles hinged to the bier with leather pads on the underside and fastened together with brass nails. The Washington funeral bier was destroyed 1871, when a fire destroyed the Alexandria Museum, where the bier had been on display.

8. Washington’s Mourners

9. Masonic Bodies : Alexandria Lodge A.F. & AM. #22; Brooke Lodge A.F. & AM. #47; and Federal City Lodge A.F. & A. M. .#15

10. Mayor of Alexandria.
.
11. Washington’s farm manager, James Anderson, and overseer, Albin Rawlins

12. Others

The procession moved out through the gate to the left of Mount Vernon and made a large semicircle sweep to the right, proceeding in front of the lawn and mansion to the receiving vault, located down the slope of the hill toward the river. All through the procession minute guns were booming from Robert Hamiltion’s anchored schooner.

By the time the procession reached the vault, the sun was setting. The cavalry halted and took their place a distance from the vault. The infantry moved forward and formed two rows. The bier was carefully positioned near the entrance to the vault and the Masonic brethren and mourners arranged themselves at the front of the casket for the funeral service.

Rev. Thomas Davis read the entire funeral service from the Order of Burial, taken from the Episcopal Prayer Book, and offered a short sermon extolling the values and character of Washington.

With the religious service completed, the Masons claimed their ancient right to have the last word over the body of a departed Brother and began their solemn ceremony.

Dr. Elisha Cullen Dick moved to the head of the casket and the Rev. Dr. James Muir stood at the foot. The two men recited the Masonic funeral ritual from memory and when completed, Dr. Dick deposited Washington’s Apron and Sprig of Acacia in Washington’s casket. The lead lid of the inner casket was put in place, but not soldered. Relatives still had not arrived, and it was felt that some might want to see Washington’s body to establish the reality of his death, so the soldering would be done later. The mahogany lid was positioned and the strong wooden box was closed and covered with the black pall.

Washington’s remains were then placed in the vault and the new door was closed. Simultaneously, the infantry and artillery standing behind the vault fired three volleys - the ancient military ritual symbolizing that the battle of life is over.

Washington’s funeral was over. The ceremonial companies of military and Masons returned to Mount Vernon to take refreshments of cake and drink and in a short time most everyone had left for their homes.

When it was all over, and he was sure all the details had been accounted for, Tobias Lear retreated to his room where he could be heard sobbing - shaken to the bone with grief.

Due to the harsh travel conditions of the time, Washington’s nephew, Bushrod (himself an Associate justice on the U. S. Supreme Court), was unable to get to Mount Vernon for the funeral. On the day of the funeral, Lear had instructed George W. Mun. the plumber, not to permanently seal the lead lining until Bushrod had arrived.

Bushrod arrived on Dec. 25 and told Lear he did not wish to view Washington’s remains. Mun and Lear then went to the vault. Lear said his final farewell to the great man and Washington’s casket was securely sealed. It was Christmas Day, 1799.

The United States Congress learned of Washington’s death the day of the funeral, while still in session in Philadelphia. John Marshall (later Chief Justice of the United States) made a formal announcement on Dec. 29 and called for the nation to engage in all appropriate signs of mourning.

On Dec. 26, General Richard Henry Lee gave a formal funeral oration before Congress and other dignitaries at the German Lutheran Church in Philadelphia. Lee’s message was hastily written, and by all accounts poorly delivered, and poorly accepted. Within the text of his oration, though, was one phrase most American school children would learn to epitomize Washington: “First in War, First in Peace, First in the Hearts of His Countrymen.”

In his will, Washington expressed his wish to have a new vault constructed. The old family vault was in terrible shape and Washington wanted a larger one made of brick, to be built at the foot of Mount Vernon’s vineyard enclosure. It would be 30 years before the new vault would be completed. This might never had been done had not a foiled grave robbing attempt been discovered. The plot to steal Washington’s body was enough to convince the family that his body was not safe. Alarmed that the body might be in danger, the family made plans for the new vault.

The new vault, known as the ‘inner vault’ was completed in 1831. All bodies from the old family vault were transferred. The new vault was made of red brick and had an arched roof and thick iron door. A stone panel was inscribed: “I am the resurrection and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, so shall he live”. In this new enclosure, the Washington’s rested.

Other problems had surfaced at the vault site. From 1799 to 1831, the wooden casings which covered Washington’s lead casket had to be replaced three times due to deterioration and decay.

In 1837, this problem was solved when John Struthers of Philadelphia presented two marble caskets to the Washington family so the President and First Lady could be interred in a safe, strong, and secure permanent enclosure.

The Washington family accepted the gifts and the event known as “Washington’s Re-Tombing’ began.

To accommodate the two new marble caskets, the inner vault had to be enlarged. A 12-foot brick vestibule was added to the inner vault. On Saturday, Oct. 7, 1837, the bodies of Martha and George Washington were placed in the new caskets (made of solid blocks of Pennsylvania marble).

When the decayed wooden case was removed to expose Washington’s leaden coffin, it was noticed the lead lid was sunken and fractured, and the silver name shield was on its side. The fractured lead lid was turned over and the head and breast of George Washington was exposed by candlelight.

Washington was recognizable. His skin was dried and there was no odor, his hair was gone. His shroud had also disintegrated, and when the casket was moved outside the inner vault, a yellow liquid escaped, staining the new marble casket. During the transfer, both bodies were encased in temporary wooden crates to prevent further injury during reinterment.

When the vestibule was completed, the lead lid for Washington’s casket was repaired and secured in place. Six men raised Washington’s body and laid it in its new marble casket. The casket lid was set in cement, and Mrs. Washington was likewise reinterred. Thirteen people witnessed the re-tombing of the Washingtons.

Washington’s marble casket had a sculptured lid with an American Shield and a suspended flag hung in festoons, surmounted with a flying eagle as a crest. Mrs. Washington’s casket was perfectly plain.

The new vestibule addition to the ‘inner vault’ has an iron picketed gateway through which both caskets can be easily seen. The vestibule is flanked by two brick pillars and surmounted by a row of white stone that accents a gothic arch. Over the arch is a marble tablet inscribed ‘”Within this enclosure rests the remains of General George Washington.”

Washington left a 42-page will settling his estate, valued at more than $500,000. In his will he instructed that all his slaves should be freed after Martha’s death, and he left a $30 annuity and his freedom to his personal servant, William.

For years, physicians have debated the real cause of Washington’s death and the questionable medical procedures that were used. In 1927, Dr. W A. Wells, of Washington, D.C., and a noted medical historian, concluded that Washington did not have tonsillitis, but fact, instead died of streptococcic laryngitis.

If Dr. Wells is right, then there was truly nothing that Washington’s physicians could possibly have done for him, for antibiotics were unheard of in 1799. In any event, one can only speculate as to what really took place concerning Washington’s medical care.
One thing is certain: the number of bleedings could not have possibly helped the stricken Washington. In fact, this treatment no doubt hastened his death.

The following are funeral related expenses paid out by Washington’s estate:

I. On March 21, 1800, $7 was given to George Edick for a 40-pound cake, and one basket to hold the cake. The bill instructs that the basket must be returned to Mrs. Judy Edick.

2. On Feb. 10, 1800. $12 was paid to Margaret Gutten for a funeral shroud and funeral pall. Mrs. Gutten charged $6 for each item, and the cost included delivery by her husband, Michael, to Mount Vernon.

3. On Dec. 23, 1799, $78.50 was paid to tailors John and James S. Scott for 12 mourning suits, and another $2.50 for hiring a horse for delivery to Mount Vernon.

4. On Jan. 16, 1800, $91.25 was paid to undertakers Joseph and Henry Ingle. The bill was broken down to $88 for a mahogany casket with silver plates, furnished with lace, handles, and a covered case with lifters; and $11.25 for Sunday charges in hiring a coach, a bier, and a horse.

So this is the story of the death and funeral of General George Washington, the Father of Our Country and the First President of the United States The world remembers him as the man who led the war for American Independence; who was our first Chief Executive; who set the stage for the colonies to become the United States of America.
There is no question Washington was in the right place at the right time. But beyond this, here was a man who did what needed to be done and did it in a way as no other man could have done it. Washington’s nobleness and supreme character is probably best summed up in the words of the famous American poet, James Russell Lowell:

Virginia gave us this imperial man,
Cast in the massive mold
Of those high-statured ages old
Which into grander forms out mortal metal ran;
Mother of States and undiminished men,
Thou gavest us a Country, giving him.