Part 4, The Statesman: Chapters 38-45 Summary and Analysis

Washington returned home after eight years to a plantation in great need of renovations. At the same time, Washington was inundated with visitors who wanted to meet the American hero, placing a huge burden on his already struggling finances.

While struggling financially, Washington decided to tour his properties in the Ohio Valley to collect rent and evict squatters.

Washington remained good friends with Lafayette. The one bone of contention between the two men was the fact that Washington continued to own slaves despite his insistence that he no longer believed in the antiquated system.

Washington found himself in the middle of a controversy as the president of the Society of Cincinnati when it came out that membership included a hereditary clause, smacking of a monarchy. Washington found himself quickly distancing himself from the...