"First in war, first in peace, first in the hearts of his countrymen" was the description given to which American patriot?

Because of his significant influence, President George Washington was lovingly seen by his contemporaries as the man who was “First in war, First in peace, First in the hearts of his countrymen.” So, these words were said by Henry Lee III of Virginia as he eulogized Washington.

Initially, Washington began his military career as an officer over the Virginia militia. During the French and Indian War, Washington’s military advice in that specific war was very wise, but was rejected by the British. During the famous Battle of the Monongahela outside of Pittsburgh, Washington repeatedly escaped death through what he later described as the miraculous intervention by God. In fact, an Indian chief who fought against him in that battle and later traveled a long distance to meet Washington, said that he clearly was “under the protection of the Great Spirit.”

Washington's firm reliance on God was truly evident throughout all of his endeavors, including in his General Orders to his troops during the American Revolution. Accordingly, it was often stated that God’s protection of Washington’s life was always present and working.

Following the end of the Revolution and the writing and adoption of the Constitution, Washington was unanimously chosen as the nation’s first President. From his inauguration (which included seven distinctly religious activities) to his retirement from public service, George Washington repeatedly demonstrated his very strong moral character.