Classics Forever

George Washington

First President

Cover Announcement 

George Washington was inaugurated on April 30, 1789, taking the first presidential oath in New york City. The words he spoke were, "I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the office of the Presidency of the United States and will, to the best of my ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States." And then, the new President on his own added the words, "So help me God."

My individually hand painted cachet is the third one I've offered in this historical set of six. The final three will feature Benjamin Franklin and Abraham Lincoln. Each Collins cover in this series has much collector appeal. The new issues pay tribute to classic United States stamps and picture them quite elegantly. They are tied to the envelopes by a first day of issue bullseye postmark from New York City - the site of Washington's first inaugural. The portraits in each cachet are excellent. and the ornate frame appearing on each cover is the common thread which binds all six of these marvelous cachets and classic stamps into one unified set. The final defining feature is, of course, the superb hand painting that brings each cover to its visual conclusion for which the reputation of Collins is so well known.

In his new role, Washinston rejected the more majestic titles recommended by the Senate and preferred the title of "Mr.

President.'' He proved to be an able administrator and established many presidential precedents and functions that survive to the present. He insisted on a smooth transition to his successor. In performing his leadership tasks, he was systematic, orderly. and energetic, and he always solicited the opinions of others.

After reluctantly serving a second term, he refused a third establishhg the tradition of a maximum of two terms that was later reinforced by Presidents Thomas Jefferson and James Madison. Now available is George Washington, our first President, who left office in March 1797 and returned to his beloved Mount Vernon. Collins #V5503 - $15.00.