Reviews of Books

Founding Partners

Reviewed by Jewel L. Spangler, University of Calgary

The founding fathers have been the subject of so many recent studies that one might be tempted to believe that there is nothing left to say. Stuart Leibiger's contribution to this literature is therefore a pleasant surprise that highlights the largely overlooked collaboration between George Washington and James Madison and casts each man in a new light. The book is at once a concise and compelling overview of the major American political events between 1780 and 1797 in which these men took part and a more-focused analysis of their relations as friends and colleagues. Although it is difficult to accept the hyperbolic claim that this friendship "was the most indispensable collaboration in the creation of the American republic" (p. 10), Leibiger does make a strong case for the importance of their relationship to the new nation.	1
Leibiger uses an anthropological model drawn from studies of social networks to chart the progress of the friendship between Washington and Madison. They met for the first time in 1781, and until 1784, Leibiger claims, their friendship might be described as "noneffective." The two men "worked for virtually the same goals—to win American independence and unite the states under a permanent, effective federal government" (p. 18), but operated at considerable distance from one another without coordinating their efforts. An unswerving commitment to republicanism shared by Washington and Madison "laid the foundation for the formal, preconcerted collaboration that emerged after 1783" (p. 24). Their acquaintance shaded into "effective" friendship in 1784, when the two came into more direct contact while working to improve navigation in the Potomac and James Rivers. Madison's "parliamentary" skills and Washington's "prestige and energy" (p. 45) won the day and each emerged from the battle impressed with the other's abilities and views. The friendship finally achieved the stage of "intimacy" (p. 53), however, only after Madison visited Mount Vernon late in 1785. Then affectionate language began to mark their correspondence, which moved beyond the issue of the river projects to cover a variety of topics of interest to both men.	2
The core of the book examines events that were shaped, in part, by this friendship, most particularly the Constitutional Convention of 1787 and the subsequent ratification campaign, the political challenges faced and precedents set during the first session of the First Congress, and the struggle to secure a capital on the Potomac. In each case, Leibiger argues, the two shared a common vision for preserving and advancing the new republic. Madison was extremely effective in persuading Washington to use the power of his reputation at key moments, as, for example, when he convinced the general to attend the convention in Philadelphia. Washington took seriously the responsibility that went with his popularity. As president he sought to launch the new nation on the right course and turned to Madison repeatedly for advice and support. Madison's considerable political sense served the executive well as together they sorted out everything from presidential dinner etiquette to the working relationship between the president and Congress. The president led the nation, and Madison was his compass.	. . .