General Washington Soup plate

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Date
1785–95
Description
Refined earthenware (creamware). The first joint session of the US Congress, established by the new Constitution, met at Federal Hall in New York City on April 6, 1789. The primary order of business was the certification of George Washington’s presidential election. Debates swiftly ensued over how to address the commander in chief of the new United States. During the Revolution, General Washington was often referred to as “His Excellency”—as seen printed on this English soup plate made for the American market. The Senate initially proposed the title “His Highness the President of the United States of America and Protector of their Liberties,” feeling it would enhance the president’s respectability abroad. In the end, Congress decided that the simplicity of “Mr. President” was more in line with the Republican values of a government “by the people.” This item was featured in the Voices and Votes: Democracy in American Exhibition.
Type
Artifact
Region
Long Island, United States
Era
Revolution and New Nation
Topic
American Revolution
Repository
Identifer
1977.5
Source
Preservation Long Island
Rights
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