Welcome to Call to Decision 

 American Minute with Bill Federer

 July 13

 After George Washington retired from being President, he became
 Commander-in-Chief of the Army for a second time.

 It was 1798, the year before he died, that he received an urgent plea
 from President John Adams.

 France, in the midst of revolution, was demanding extortion payments
 not to harass American ships.

 The cry went out "Millions for defense, but not a cent for tribute."

 George Washington replied to President John Adams, JULY 13, 1798:

 "Satisfied...that you have...exhausted, to the last drop, the cup of
 reconciliation, we can, with pure hearts, appeal to Heaven for the
 justice of our cause; and may confidently trust the final result to
 that kind Providence who has, heretofore, and so often, signally
 favored the people of these United States."

 George Washington continued:

 "Feeling how incumbent it is upon every person...to contribute at all
 times to his country's welfare, and especially in a moment like the
 present, when everything we hold dear and sacred is so seriously
 threatened, I have finally determined to accept the commission of
 Commander in Chief of the Armies of the United States."

 Then, on March 6, 1799, President John Adams declared a National Day
 of Humiliation, Fasting and Prayer to "the Most High God."