This so embarrassed the modest young member that he was unable to reply, upon which Speaker Robinson said, "Sit down, Mr.
Washington, your modesty is equal to your valor, and that surpasses the power of any language that I possess." In all his life, probably, Washington never heard praise more genuine or more deserved.

He had just passed his twenty-seventh year.

In the House of Burgesses he had the reputation of being the silent member.

He never acquired the art of a debater.

He was neither quick at rebuttal nor at repartee, but so surely did his character impress itself on every one that when he spoke the Assembly almost took it for granted that he had said the final word on the subject under discussion.