Katherine Temple, an eight-year-old prodigy, and her three older brothers were sent to England's North American colonies at the end of the French and Indian War by their father, Richard Temple, Lord Cobham, a wealthy member of Parliament's House of Lords. The family business was building docks in deepwater harbors; and the four siblings were sent to Philadelphia, Boston, New York, and Charleston to upgrade their docking facilities and port cities.

George Washington befriended the child while still in his early twenties. Their friendship deepened during the events that led to the Declaration of Independence, the war against mighty England, and the aftermath that led to the Constitutional Convention.

Katherine's steadfast humility and repeated requests for anonymity made her inconspicuous to all but a few. This young woman's involvement in the Boston Massacre, Valley Forge, the strategic win at Trenton, the turning point victory at Saratoga, the final victory at Yorktown, and even the creation of the Constitution itself would be lost forever if not for her bodyguard's telling.

George Washington Taking the Salute at Trenton was painted by Scottish artist John Faed in 1856. This 56"-by-41" oil on canvas painting captures Washington in full military regalia, mounted on a white horse, acknowledging his jubilant soldiers, following the pivotal battle of Trenton.