[57]

^ Some descendants of West Ford, a slave of John Augustine Washington's, maintain (based on family oral history) that Ford was fathered by George Washington, though historians dispute his paternity.[66][67]

^ In a letter of September 20, 1765, Washington protested to "Robert Cary & Co." the low prices he received for his tobacco and for the inflated prices he was forced to pay on second-rate goods from London.[87]

^ Historian Garry Wills noted, "before there was a nation—before there was any symbol of that nation (a flag, a Constitution, a national seal)—there was Washington."[113]

^ Congress initially directed the war effort in June 1776 with the committee known as "Board of War and Ordnance"; this was succeeded by the Board of War in July 1777, which eventually included members of the military.[123]

^ This painting has received both acclaim and criticism;[145] see Emanuel Leutze article for details.

^ Thomas Jefferson praised Washington for his "moderation and virtue" in relinquishing command. King George III reportedly praised him for this act.