George Washington (1732-1799), American general and commander…

George Washington (1732-1799), American general and commander in chief of the colonial armies in the American Revolution (1775-83) and subsequently first president of the United States (1789-97), is a redhead (most of the famous paintings of Washington are of a balding, white-haired—or bewigged—elder statesman).

It was Washington's surprise attack on the French garrison at Fort Duquesne that had precipitated the French and Indian War, the American phase of a globe spanning nine-years' war (1754-3) fought between France and Great Britain.

Although a poor general by most standards, Washington is a stern disciplinarian: in the French and Indian War, he had a few deserters hanged and others heavily flogged.

During the Revolutionary War, he has been rigorous in breaking cowardly, inefficient, and dishonest men.

Encamped with his army at Valley Forge, he has a pair of deserters shot.

A firm believer in “an indissoluble union”, Washington's eight-year administration of the new Federal government will be marked by the caution, the methodical precision, and the sober judgment that has always characterized him.