In his final hours, Washington’s thoughts turned not to politics, but to a deeply personal concern: his burial. Fear of premature burial was common in the 18th century, and Washington clearly shared it.

He instructed his secretary Tobias Lear: "Have me decently buried; and do not let my body be put into the vault in less than three days after I am dead." When Lear nodded, Washington pressed, "Do you understand?" Only after receiving a clear reply did he rest, uttering his final words: "'Tis well."

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