A few days after George Washington died in 1799, Henry Lee eulogized him with these now-famous words: “First in war, first in peace and first in the hearts of his countrymen.” The first U.S. president was further praised as “pious, just, humane, temperate and sincere.” The development of Washington’s reputation as a virtuous man began well before the American Revolution, but his reputation as a leader who could be trusted with power is traceable directly to December 23, 1783, the day he issued his address to Congress on resigning his military commission. Rather than seek greater power or set himself up as a military dictator, Washington voluntarily resigned as the Continental Army’s general in chief. In so doing, he surprised many while setting an important precedent in the United States for civilian authority over the military.