December 14, 1799

The nations favored president had fallen ill early morning on December 14th, a severe throat infection that many doctors failed to soothe. In the unfortunate case, Washington used his strength to continue the day; sending a letter out to Alexander Hamilton and Marquis de Lafayette, in hopes they’d show for his possible last appearance.

Lafayette left back for France in 1778, getting the “okay” from congress to do so. Diplomatic reasons, sending messages to France’s king. In hearing of Washington’s illness, he didn’t hesitate to rush back for a visit.

In arriving, Lafayette bought a gift for the retired president. A variety of nuts, one of his favorite foods. Presenting the gift to George personally as he lay on his death bed, he voiced his concerns in a spew; “Mon Dieu, sir. If I would’ve known earlier, I would’ve came down sooner!”