George Washington (February 22, 1732 – December 14, 1799) was an American political leader, military general, statesman, and founding father who served as the first president of the United States from 1789 to 1797. Previously, he led Patriot forces to victory in the nation's War for Independence. He presided at the Constitutional Convention of 1787, which established the U.S. Constitution. Washington wrote to James Madison: 'As the first of everything in our situation will serve to establish a precedent, it is devoutly wished on my part that these precedents be fixed on true principles.' To that end, he preferred the title 'Mr. President' over more majestic names proposed by the Senate, including 'His Excellency' and 'His Highness the President'. His executive precedents included the inaugural address, messages to Congress, and the cabinet form of the executive branch.
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