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First Assertion Of Executive Privilege
- Washington first asserted executive privilege to refuse House demands for Jay treaty papers, framing diplomacy as requiring secrecy.
- He dared Congress to impeach him and cited Constitutional intent to protect executive confidentiality.
Newburgh Conspiracy Show Of Humanity
- At the Newburgh officers' meeting Washington revealed his spectacles and said, "I have gone blind in the service of my country."
- His gesture moved officers to tears and ended the conspiracy against Congress.
Resigning To Cement Civilian Control
- Washington resigned his commission in person to demonstrate military subordination to civilian government.
- That symbolic act set a precedent for peaceful civilian control and transfer of power.