LIBRARY OF CONGRESS DDDD5tD37'=5m, ^^ * o ; o «* .^'^ '-ti.r.'i •V'^'^iJV. •«-<* '^^o' .■fr'^ % *^'V ♦ ^-^^ ^. ^^-^^^ ^^ *; 4U <.f, ' • • • ' *• > •Icf;;^^-^*- \> .^^ ♦* •V,<.* yM£% X.J" :^l^\ U. vo-nj.. 'bV^ *^°- '^t? ^°'^. . -^^ /V. ry^- LIFE GENERAL WASHINGTON BY JOHN K. NORTON, A.M., KECTOE OF A8CENSI01T CHTTRCII, FRANKFORT, KENTUCKY ; ATTTHOB OF " ROCKFORD PARISH," " SHORT SERMONS," " LIFE OF BISHOP WHITE," ETC. "Let his country consecrate the memory of the heroic general, the patriot statesman, and the virtuous sage. Let them teach their children never to for- get that the fruits of his labors and his example are their inheritance." Letter of U. 8. Senate to President Adams, in 1799. ^♦» NEW YORK: CKeneval ^P^otcstant lEpisco^nl S. Sctiool Sanfon, antJ e:!jurclj aSoolt Society, 762 BROADWAY.. 1860 S8 .1^ Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1860, By the General Protestant Episcopal Sunday Scuool Union and Church Book Society, In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the Southern District of New York. > ^ TO LIEUTENANT-GENERAL WINFIELD SCOTT. Our country has thought you worthy to bear a military title which she had before bestowed on George WAsnmGTON only, leaving to him the one higher title of " General of the armies of the United States." Allow me to imitate that honorable association of your name with his, by dedicating to the greatest living commander, this Life of the greatest and best of all ages ; and I do so more gladly because both you and he, while yourselves at the head of armies, have been proud to serve the Lord of Hosts, even as humble privates under the banner of the great " Captain of our Salvation." Note.— The reader will l>e glad to know, that, like Washington, Gen- eral Scott is a Churchman. He remarked in his speech at San Francisco, in the autumn of 1857, " I am a church-going man. I have not failed to go to church on a Sunday for forty years, whenever it was possible to attend. I am always sorry to stay away from divine service." 1* " The death of ■Washington has revealed the extent of our loss. It has given us the final proof that we never mistook him. Take his affecting testament, and read the secrets of his soul : read all the power of do- mestic virtue ; read his strong love of letters and of liberty ; read his fidelity to republican principles, and his jealousy of national character In the complicated excellence of character he stands alone. Let no fu- ture Plutarch attempt the iniquity of parallel. Let no soldier of fortune — let no usurping conqueror — let not Alexander or Caesar — let not Crom- well or Bonaparte— let none among the dead or the living, appear in the same picture with "Washington ; or let them appear as the shade to his light." Funeral Oration by Dr. John M. Mason. " First in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen, he was second to none in the humble and endearing scenes of private life." Hajor-General Henrt Lee. PREFACE The author of this unpretending volume, -while endeavoring so to shape the course of the narrative that Washington as a man and a Christian should not be overshadovv'cd by the military hero, has also attempted, within a brief space, to record all the prominent events of his life, and to present a biogra- phy which shall at once be interesting and improv- ing to readers of every class. In preparing himself for so difficult a task, he has been a diligent reader of the histories and biogra- phies which others have published, and his w'ork has been that of arrangement and condensation rather than of collecting new facts, where the mass of ma- terials was already so abundant. The valuable Life of Washington, by Chief-justice Marshall, will never be superseded by any other ; and the crowning glory of Irving's talent will secure him a warm place in the hearts of his countrymen. GREENOUGH'S STATUE OF WASHINGTON. The quarry whence thy form majestic sprung Has peopled earth with grace, Heroes and gods that elder bards have sung, A bright and peerless race ; But from its sleeping veins ne'er rose before A shape of loftier name Than his, who glory's wreath with meekness wore, The noblest son of fame. Shealhed is the sword that passion never slaiu'd ; Ilis gaze around is cast,— As if the joys of Freedom, newly gain'd. Before his vision pass'd ; As if a nation's shout of love and pride With music fill'd the air, And his calm soul was lifted on the tide Of deep and grateful prayer ; As if the crystal mirror of his life To fancy sweetly came, With scenes of patient toil and noble strife, Undimm'd by doubt or shame ; As if the lofty purpose of his soul Expression would betray — The high resolve ambition to control, And thrust her crown away I Oh, it was well in marble firm and white To carve our hero's form, Whose angel guidance was our strength in fight, Our star amid (he storm I Whose matchless truth has made his name divine, And human freedom sure. His country great, his tomb earth's dearest shrine. While man and lime endure I And it is well to place his image there, Upon the soil he bless'd : Let meaner spirits, who our councils share, Revere that silent guest 1 X,et us go up with high and sacred love To look on his pure brow. And as, with solemn grace, he points above. Renew the paU-iot's vow 1 Henuy T. Tuckebmak. CONTENTS. CHAPTER FIRST. What an Irish orator once said about ■Washington— The old farm-house on Bridge's Creelt — Somelhiiig concerning the Washington family — Birth of a hero — Devout parents — George's IJaptism — Saying the catecliism — A lesson, taught about sellif-hness— Story of the cherry-tree—"! can't tell a lie" — Something more than morality taught — The name George Washington grows up in letters fresh and green— The boy's amazement— An explanation songht for — The power and goodness of the Almighty as seen in His manifold works 21 CHAPTER SECOND. Mr. Washington removes to Stafford Countj- — Plainness and simplicity — A. mothei's hopes for her eldest sou— The old chaise — Lawrence Washington goes to Kngland, to school— " Old Hobby" — George's education begun— The ciphering -book — Poetical extracts- " Rules of behavior" — An old book Avhich liarl much to do in the formation of a great character — "My son, neg- lect not ihe duty of secret prayer"— Playing soldier — Sham fights— Ijawrence Washington becomes a captain — Mr. Washington dies, and his elder sons marry and settle in life— Gaorge sent; to a higher school— Taste for athletic exercises— "I think I can beat that, yet" 31 CHAPTER THIRD. Visits to Mount Vernon— The old Virginia aristocracy— Lord Fairfax— Influen-/ ces which are helping to form ihe diameter of George Washington— Dinner- table chat about miliiary affairs — A midsliipmau's warrant secured— Almost afloat — i;heerfnl obedience to a mother's wishes — Two years more at school — The old chinch at Fredericksburg — Lord Fairfax determines to have his wild lands surveyed— Washington sets out on his journey— No pleasure excursion —Hardships and dangers— Advantages derived from these three years' labors .—Something which Lord Fairfax did not dream of— Disputes between tba 10 CONTENTS. 1 French and English-A young adjutant-general-A domestic duty which in- terrupts his military studies-Goes to the West Indies with his brother- Death of Lawrence Washington-Mount Vernon changes owners 40 CHAPTEE FOUKTH. The French and Indians become more bold and insolent-A messenger sent out to discover their designs- Ambitious schemes of the enemy-A difficult task assigned to Washington-Prompt obedience-Perils of the wilderness-Meet- H,g of the Half.King, and too much speech-making-Guides secured, and their journey resumed-Arrival at Venango-Gracions reception by tlie French com- mandant-Business begun-Making good use of one's eyes-Reiraeing steps- Voyage in bark canoes-A tramp on foot-The treacherous savages-An anx- ious night-Incident of the whirling raft-Safe arrival at Williamsburg-The plans of the French discovered-Washington's report published, in spite of his modest reluctance to appear as an author 50 CHAPTER FIFTH. The Colonists not very anxious for war -Washington appointed Lieutenant- colonel-Difficnlties in raising and equipping troops-Marching west-Making roads across the mountains-French aggressions on the Ohio-The En-lish taken by surprise-Perilous position-Alarming reports-Attractions of a ruf- fled shirt-Warning message from the Half-King-Skirmishing and blood- shed-Providential supply of food for a starving camp-The Indian allies take their departure, when they are most needed-Dr. James Craik-An independ- ent company from South Carolina-Retreat to the Great Meadows-Public worship in the camp-The enemy make their appearance-Requestinc^ a par- ey--A Dutchman trying to translate French-Terms of capitulation ngreed to-Prom,ses poorly kept-Fatiguing march-Arrival at Will's Creek-Wash- ingtoa hastens to WiUiamsburg-A vote of thanks-Unpromising be°in- CHAPTEE SIXTH. Too much boasting-Governor Dinwiddle forms plans to wipe away dis-race from the English arms-Washington's opinion not very agreeable to him-The Colonial officers badly treated- Washington retires to Mount Vernon-Agri- cultural pursuits-The British government arouses itself to action-An exten- sive campaign proposed-General Braddock invites Washington to join the army-'- 1 do wish George would stay at home I"-The army contractors fail to keep then- promises-Benjamin Franklin lends his aid in an emergency- Line of march-Weighed down with bnggnge-Braddock obliged to lay aside some of his dignity-Advice given and accepted-The fashio;iable offi- cers still insist on carrying their trunks-Washington's illness-Uis impa- tience to recover before the attack on the Fort yj CONTENTS. 11 CHAPTER SEVENTH. A grand military display— Passage of the Monongahela— Marching through a dangerous pass — The general takes his own heed, and is not the better for it —The firing begins— Savage yells which cause the rocks to re-echo— Panic of the troops — Braddock storms and raves — No lack of bravery — The officers cut down one by one— The whole English line surrounded — Braddock disdains to yield— The drums sound a retreat — The general receives a mortal wound— Re- fuses to be carried from the field— Washington tries to collect the scattered troops, and lead them off in safety — Death of Braddock — A solemn burial — Washington attributes his marvellous preservation to the right source — " I expected every moment to see him fall"— A curious circumstance— The favor- ite of Heaven, who could not be killed in battle 80 CHAPTER EIGHTH. Washington s«eks for repose at Mount Vernon — Business become tangled by neglect — The French and Indians rejoicing at their unexpected victory — The whole country in consternation — Washington appointed commander-in-chief of all the forces in Virginia— Preparation for a new campaign— Excitement at Winchester— Three drunken soldiers produce a great sensation— Lack of money and supplies — Progress of the war at the North— Washington sent to Boston, and the style in which he travelled — General Shirley settles the ques- tion in dispute— Stirring letter to the governor— The militia ordered out — Petty annoyances — A chain of forts to be established— Unsatisfactory corre- spondence with Governor Dinwiddle — Visit to Lord Loudoun— Standing up for one's rights — Never the ofiScer of any king 89 CHAPTER NINTH. Washington protecting the frontier settlements— Governor Dinwiddie not more friendly than before— Another spell of sickness — The Governor returns to England- Washington once more at the post of duty — A fresh expedition planned against Fort Duquesne— The young officer chosen a member of the House of Burgesses — A horseback ride from Winchester to Williamsburg, and something important which grew out of it — A young and blooming widow — Dark hazel eyes and hair— An afternoon passing like a dream— Courtship finished in a brief space— Difficulties about the road — Six weeks wasted — Washington's advice discovered to be the best— Major Grant's party surprised and driven back — More prudent arrangements made— Fort Duquesne found deserted— The ruins strengthened and the name changed— Washington resigns his commission— A grand wedding , 99 12 CONTENTS. CHAPTEE TENTH. Almost a life of seclusion— " Sit down, Mr. Washington"— A quiet member of the House— The mansion at Mount Vernon— An indulgent master— The plan- tation producing every thing within itself— Handsome style of living— Chariot and four— Multitude of visitors— A compliment paid to rigid honesty— Mrs. Washington's domestic duties— A hundred and one cows— Sending to London for articles of elegance and luxury — John Parke Custis and his sister Patsey — Washington a vestryman of two parishes— Regular attendance at church— The children provided with Bibles and Prayer-books — Devout behavior at church— Pohlck Church— A new one to be built— Quiet way of settling a diffi- culty — A modern tourist visits the sacred place— Christ's Church, Alexandria — Attention to the duty of private devotion — " We are not entirely graceless at Mount Vernon' ' 108 CHAPTER ELEVENTH. The lordly style in which the Virginia planters lived— Washington's personal habits — Early rising— Frugal breakfast and a morning ride— Nothing of an ep- icure—Temperance lecture for his overseer— Drawing the seine for Potomac herrings— Canvas-back ducks— More sportsmen than were desired— Summary punishment of a bold offender- Scheme for draining the Great Dismal Swamp — Settling the accounts of the French and Indian war— Washington makes a special journey to the Ohio— Revisiting a familiar spot — One of Braddock's old soldiers well provided for — Fighting his battles over again — A sad event- Washington's earnest prayers— Death of Miss Custis — A kind husband's at- tentions—The consolation which true religion alone can give 118 CHAPTER TWELFTH. A great change in the feelings of the Colonies towards the mother country- Plans for refilling his majesty's purse— Respectful remonstrances— Patrick Henry's clarion notes— The Stamp-act, and the feelings of indignation which it aroused— Washington appointed a delegate to the first Congress—" What is it we are contending against?" — Congress meets at Philadelphia— A very digni- fied assembly— Proceedings kept secret— The first prayer in Congress— "It seems as if Heaven had ordained that psalm to be read on that morning" — A solemn pause— Business begins in earnest — The greatest man in Congress — John Parke Custis grows weary of study, and proposes to visit Europe — His stepfather sets him to work again— A delicate caso to manage — The young man at last has his way— Premature marriage 125 CONTENTS. 13 CHAPTER THIRTEENTH. Move English troops landed at Boston — The Colonists not yet prepared to de- clare their independence— Washington's opinion in his own words — Lending his aid in the formation of independent companies — The second general Con- gress — Blood spilled— General Gage's soldiers are glad to escape from the wrath of the despised rebels— No more humble petitions to his majesty— Con- gress gives some important orders— A commander-in-chief to be chosen— Mr. Adams ntters something like a compliment, iind the gentleman referred to dMts into another room— A wise choice — Washington's acceptance — No pay for services — Letter to one who will be startled by the tidings— Reliance on Divine Providence— Drawing up a will— Just on the wing 138 CHAPTER FOURTEENTH. General Washington sets out for Cambridge — Great curiosity to see him — Ti- dings from Bunker Hill— Only four barrels of powder in New York City—" The liberties of the country are safe !"— Not puffed up by honors and attentions — Arrival at Cambridge in a cloud of dust— Draws his sword as commander-in- chief— Examining the country about Boston— Disappointment at the size of the army — Trying to bring order out of confusion — Washington's first general or- der — All distinctions of Colonies to be laid aside— No profane swearing or drunkenness allowed — Punctual attendance on Divine service required — Bird's-eye view of the camp— The English forces hemmed in— Provisions be- coming scarce— An alarm about powder— American prisoners badly treated — Washington expostulates with General Gage, who returns an insolent answer —Severity in appearance only— The rebels not to be despised 147 CHAPTER FIFTEENTH. Affairs at Mount Vernon— What the British cruisers might easily have done — Mrs. Washington quite composed — General Washington receives regular re- ports of the condition of his plantation— Ever mindful of the wants of the poor — A corn-house filled for their use— Free access to the fisheries — Mrs. Wash- ington goes to Cambridge in her coach and four— The camp brightens Up at her arrival — An amusement which is not common in our days— Expedition to Canada, and the result — The siege of Boston continues, and both parties be- come very tired of it — An introduction to several distinguished generals— Fit- ting up a theatre—" The Blockade of Boston" — A drama of real life which puts a sudden end to sport — " Officers, to your alarm-posts 1" — Disheartening circumstances— The evil of short enlistments keenly felt— Letter to Joseph Reed— A most undesirable position— Private prayer and public worship never neglected 156 2 r^ in and at 14 CONTENTS. CHAPTER SIXTEENTH. A stir in Boston Harbor— Tlie British fleet takes its departure— Washington's anxiety about New York— General Lee sent to raise troops for its defence — The quiet of Sunday disturbed by the arrival of the enemy — Only a short visit to a friend— Washington growing impatient— Fifty cannon and plenty of powder- Taking possession of Dorchester Heights— General Howe opens his eyes iu amazement—" Remember, this is the fifth of March"— Both sides disappointed — The British propose to abandon Boston— Their hasty departure — Praises showered upon Washington— " Where is the fleet going f"—Alexandri alarm—" I am packing up your china"— Washington takes the comman New York — A conspiracy for seizing him— Everybody becoming suspicious — The British troops landed on Staten Island— Signing of the Declaration of In- dependence—No room for indecision left 166 CHAPTER SEVENTEENTH. Both sides preparing for the future— The forces of General Howe multiplying— Arrival of a powerful fleet — A letter for which it was hard to find an owner — Military titles— The rebels declining to be pardoned— Fears excited by the English ships- Hessian soldiers— Painful suspense — The enemy land on Long Island— All doubts at an end — An unfortunate battle — "What brave fellows I must this day lose 1" — A night of cruel anxiety — Council of war — A hard night's work— The British ships ventm-e nearer to the city — Washington at- tending divine service in New York— A very loyal servant of the king gives his account of it— Day of public fasting and prayer— The same church adapted to the wants of all, no matter what their political opinions may be 177 CHAPTER EIGHTEENTH. Lord Howe still hopes for an amicable settlement of difiaculties— He sends a message to Congress— A committee aj^ointed to meet him— The result far different from what he had expected— The enemy's plans begin to develope themselves— Washington reduced to one mode of warfare— His army wasting away— New Y'ork abandoned — The British fire upon the guard at Kip's Bay — Disgraceful flight — Washington loses his presence of mind — "Are these the men with whom I am to defend America ?"— His letter to Congress— Good officers indispensable— The practice of plundering to be checked— Thoroughly discouraged and perplexed— Congress becomes rather wiser than before— Troops to be enlisted for the war— Dread of the power of armies and generals —Washington's true character not then fully understood 187 CONTENTS. 15 CHAPTEE NINETEENTH. The American encampment at King's Bridge— Redoubts and intrenchments— The British land at Throg's Neck — A serious question, which required a prompt answer — Washington removes his head-quarters to White Plains — "The British are in the camp, sir 1"— Dread of light-horse— The enemy change their plan — Both sides sufiFer loss, and neither gains much — Breast- worls of corn-stallis— An insolent letter which paints a melancholy picture — Poor pay and hard living— The American army retires to North Castle— Gen- eral Howe withdraws to the Hudson — Various suppositions as to what he was •bout to do— Washington's opinion proves to be correct— Attack on the Fort —Weeping like a child— The army crosses into New Jersey, followed by the British— Fruitless appeals for help— Too many Tories in New Jersey— The gloomiest period of the war — A fresh proclamation of pardon — Washington firm in the midst of trials— What he proposed to do in the last emergency — Certainty of final success 196 CHAPTEE TWENTIETH. New trials— A loved and trusted friend behaves very shabbily— General Lee's jealousy— Plans for his own advancement— Enduring enough in silence— Col- onel Reed writes a most improper letter — An accident reveals the treachery to the one most nearly concerned— Repenting of errors, with many tears— Lee's inglorious capture — His character and aims — A bold stroke — Crossing the Delaware on a stormy night— Nine weary miles — The enemy surprised— " Their flags are struck, sir !"— The spoils of victory— Failure in a part of the plan — Visit of sympathy to a dying soldier — Triumphal entry into Philadel- phia—Difficulty in persuading the troops to re-enlist — Hard money needed — Robert Morris applied to— He borrows it from an unexpected quarter— The campaign of 1776 closes gloomily 206 CHAPTEE TWENTY-EIEST. Morristown— Small-pox breaks out— Attachment of the army for their general— Letter-writing— The question about the bad treatment of prisoners revived- Disputes about rank among the officers— Foreigners applying for commissions — A noble Pole — "Try me" — General Howe is in no hurry to quit his snug quarters — A new chain stretched across the Hudson— Colonel Reed sends an humble apology for his conduct— Washington's magnanimous reply— Alexan- der Hamilton— Sir William Howe leaves New Jersey— Gloomy tidings from Ticonderoga— Lafayette introduced to the Commander-in-chief— His first sight of the American army — " It is to learn, and not to instruct, that I came here" —The army marches through Philadelphia in grand style— Washington's head-quarters at Wilmington 217 16 CONTENTS. CHAPTEE TWENTY-SECOND. The British make a landing in Maryland— Light troops sent to remove some stores beyond their reach—" Now is the time to reap the fruit of our trials"— Battle of Brandy wine— Alarm in Philadelphia— Congress retires to York- town— The British keep themselves quiet for two days— Gaining courage in the midst of defeat— The enemy enter Philadelphia in triumph— Making the best of circumstances— Engagement at Germantown— How the news of these things affected the French court— Tidings from the North, both bad and good —General Gates, and the unwarrantable course which his vanity led him to take— Forgiving injuries again— Skirmishes at Whitemarsh— Winter sets in- Sad and dreary march to Valley Forge— Building huts and log-houses 228 CHAPTER TWENTY-THIED Little of romance at Valley Forge— Washington encouraging the soldiers in their architectural labors — "Fighting will be far preferable to starving" — A dan- gerous meeting checked — "Not a single hoof to slaughter"— Patience giving ■,yay— Seeking directions from above—" Our cause is lost"— Washington on his knees— Forming a new system for the army— Little less than a famine— The British faring sumptuously in Philadelphia — What one of their own his- torians says— Mrs. Washington at Valley Forge— Her labors of love— Baron Steuben— Acts as drill-master to the army— The British government becomes still more uneasy— Fresh proposals for reconciliation— Pleasant tidings from France— A day of rejoicing at Valley Forge 239 CHAPTER TWENTY-FOURTH. Sir William Howe recalled to England— His successor displays more energy— The British leave Philadelphia — Washington in pursuit— Battle of Monmouth —Very unaccountable conduct of General Lee— Sharp words— "I expected my orders to be obeyed"— Washington stops the retreat, and begins the fight in earnest—" Follow your general"— Welcome repose— Lee brought to trial— The end of his military career— The French fleet arrives— Several plans pro- posed, which did not succeed well— Great disappointment— Jealousies and disputes— Washington as a peace-maker— Count d'Estaing— Letter to Lafa- yette— No more battles at present— The English fleet engaged in rather dishon- orable pursuits— The American army retires into winter-quarters 249 CHAPTER TWENTY-FIFTH. Lafayette returns to France— His scheme for the invasion of Canada— Washing- ton disapproves of it— Five anxious weeks at Philadelphia— Perilous condition of public affairs— Letter to Colonel Harrison— Advises that abler men be sent CONTENTS. 17 to Congress — No flowery path— Confiding in an crv^erruling Providence — Forty- paper dollars for one of silver— Small things proposed for the next campaign —Sir Henry Clinton's complaint— General Sullivan sen^gainst the Indians— The two armies remove to the shores of the Hudson — Capture of Stony Point — General praise well deserved — Washington not kept informed of the state of public affairs— The style of living at head-quarters — Two beef-steak pies, and tin plates— Grace and ceremony — "Light-horse Harry" — Attack on the fort at Paulas Hook 262 CHAPTER TWENTY-SIXTH. British and Americans both anxious to know what the French fleet would do- Washington's quarters once more— Hard times — New Jersey does her part — Intense cold — Arnold tried and reprimanded — The Southern States in danger — The condition of the army becomes desperate— A mutiny breaks out— La- fayette returns to America— Another French fleet arrives— White and black cockades— Gates' defeat at Camden— Arnold begins to contrive evil things against his country — Fifteen Months' secret correspondence with the enemy — Major Andr6 comes to West Point to see him— All arrangements made — The British spy sets out on his return— His capture — Colonel Jameson's strange blunder — A surprise at the breakfast-table— The traitor saves his neck —"Whom can we trust now I"— Washington's kindness to Mrs. Ar- nold 272 CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVENTH. Sensation at New York at the news of Andre's capture— The prisoner carried to Tappan— Court-martial— His manly confession— Feelings contending with judgment — Sentence of the court— Efforts to secure a pardon — An indirect proposal which might have done it — Hung as a spy— His remains removed to Westminster Abbey—"! know General Arnold, and abominate traitors"— Letter from Washington— General Greene sent to the South— Enlistment of soldiers for the war — Securing a loan of money from France — A serious mu- tiny — Washington's circular-letter to the Governors— Great forbearance exer- cised—The mutiny extends to the New Jersey troops — More decided meas- ures taken, and with good results 285 CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHTH. Why Arnold did not receive a higher position in the British army— The mean- ing of brevet— Lafayette sent to Virginia— Difficulty between Washington and Hamilton — "You treat me with disrespect"— The younger of the two sbows himself rather too unyielding— Friendship restored— General Greene in Carolina,— Lord Cornwallis gets to Virginia—" That boy cannot escape me" — 2* 18 CONTENTS. Washington's overseer too kind to the enemy— Slow work at recruiting- Preparation for a descent on New York— The plan reluctantly given up— The combined armies hasten to the South— Washington borrows money at Phila- delphia — A hurried visit to Mount Vernon — Lord Cornwallis shut in at York- town— The siege begins—" We can't spare you yet !"— His lordship attempts to escape — Concludes to surrender— Graphic description by an eye-witness— "Ground arms"— Public thanksgiving— The captured colors and guns ap- propriately disposed of 295 CHAPTER TWENTY-NINTH. Washington forms a plan which he was reluctantly forced to abandon— Death of his stepson— Lafayette returns home— Trying to prevent Congress from be- coming too inactive— Proposals for making a king — His indignant reply — Discontent among the soldiers— A great deal of mischief prevented— Treaty of peace signed— The soldiers returning to their homes— The " Society of Cfncin- nati" — Washington's address to the governors of the States— Visit to some memorable spots— The army disbanded — Washington and his troops enter New York— His officers take their leave of him— Settling accounts for the war— A triumphal journey towards the South— Arrival at Annapolis— Resigns his commission to Congress — Retires to Mount Vernon — Happy Christmas eve 309 CHAPTER THIRTIETH. A quiet life appears strange enough— Wealth impaired somewhat— Transplant- ing trees— Houseful of company — Liberal allowance of visiting — Guests made to feel themselves at home— How Washington spent his time— Morning ride Dressing for dinner— His only toast— Honoring the Lord's day— Moments of abstraction— Lafayette's last visit— A touching incident in the note— Testi- mony of his private secretary— Elkanah Watson's interesting reminiscences — Home-pictures- No disposition to fight his battles over again by speaking of them in conversation— A bowl of hot tea for a cold— Taking a model of his face for a bust — Fondness for cheerful society — General Putnam, and the fe- male prisoner — Awkward plight of the two judges — Washington enjoys a hearty laugh 320 CHAPTER THIRTY-FIRST. Unpromising condition of the government— Fears which true patriots enter- tained—A convention to form a Constitution— Washington prepares himself to discharge his duties as a delegate— Gratifying result of four months' labor— The Constitution adopted and a President chosen— Washington's unwilling- ness to return to public life— His wishes overruled— Triumphal journey to CONTEin'S. 19 New York— The ceremony of Inanguration— " Long live George Washing- ton !"— Solemn services in St. Paul's Church— Modest estimate of his own ca- pacity for the Presidency — Overrun with company— Hours and forms of re- ception established — The President's house — Style of living — Levees and din- ners — Severe illness — " I am in the hands of a good Providence" — Visit to the Eastern States— Observance of Sunday— The "Speaker's bell"— Dr. Griffith, bishop elect of Tirginia— Washington's mother departs this life— Her last blessing — A beautiful letter — An example for American youth- The Divine promise made good 329 CHAPTER THIETY-SECOXD. Washington selects his cabinet— The appointing power gives him much trouble —The Church recovering from the effects of the war— The General Convention sends an address to the President— Bishops Provoost and White— Hamilton's plan for paying the debt of the United States— The seat of government re- moved to Philadelphia for ten years — District of Columbia — Washington visits Rhode Island—" There comes Washington !''—Fault-finders— Rather a sharp letter— The President describes his levees— Joshua and Washington compared — Graver matters which occasion some concern — The President worships at Christ Church, Philadelphia— His intimacy with Bishop White— Party spirit running high— Federalists and Democrats— One hopeful sign 3i3 CHAPTEE THIETY-THIED. Tour through the Southern States — Washington's care for his horses— A stirrup- leather used for improving a bad memory — More troubles with the Indians — The first minister sent from the United Slates to Great Britain— A portrait which Sir Joshua Reyuolds did not have to paint — Washington's correspond- ence with Lafayette— Party spirit increases in bitterness — Jefferson and Hamilton become unfriendly — Washington re-elected President — A bloody revolution in France — Sympathies excited in this cotmtry— President takes a decided stand— Mr. Genet comes over, and behaves rather impudently —He is recalled at Washington's request— Troubles with England— Mr. Jay sent over as an envoy of peace— More troubles— Washington's Farewell Address —A dinner-party which ends in tears- Washington meets the two Houses of Congress for the last time — A touching scene 353 CHAPTEE THIETY-FOUETH, A base forgery which was skilfully contrived, but which did little harm— An important record— The inauguration of a new President- A silent benediction —Departure for Mount Vernon— Former course of life resumed— Letter to Secretary Wolcott— Rural pursuits— The sixty-fifth year of life— Picture of ev- 20 CONTENTS. ery-day doings— An assistant called in to help in entertaining visitors— A young gentleman gains a good wife in this way— Preparations for war with France— Washington appointed commander-in-chief— Goes to Philadelphia to attend to important business— A new system of warfare to be adopted— The French government begins to hesitate— Washington's last concern for the army 367 CHAPTER THIETY-FIFTH. Winter weather— Washington continues his daily rides, and his in-door employ- ments—Arrangements for a new vault— A complete system for the manage- ment of his estate—" A large circle round the moon"— Writes his last letter— A ride in the rain— More thoughtful for a servant than himself— Sitting by the cheerful parlor-fire, reading the newspapers—" I never take any thing for a cold"— An alarm in the night— Dr. Craik sent for— An unfortunate bleeding— The two wills— " I find I am going"— Consideration for others— "I am not afraid to go"— Wishes to be alone— Directions about his burial— A last effort worthy of himself— The death-chamber— A note worth reading— Touching evi- dence of affection— Why Washington did not communicate in his last hours- Proofs of a gracious state 375 CHAPTER THIRTY-SIXTH. Opening the old family vault— The crowd begins to gather to do honor to the illustrious dead— Order of the procession— The burial-service — The Rev. Thomas Davis— Honors paid to the memory of Washington throughout the nation— England and France show their respect for real worth— Traits of character as sketched by Chief-justice Marshall— Washington's opinions con- cerning profane swearing and duelling — Teaching the army to reverence the name of the Most High— " I thought that we all supposed ourselves gentle- men !"— A home-thrust which was felt long afterwards— Washington shows his heroism by making an apology— -His interference prevents Lafayette from fighting a duel— The hope of the nation— Our only safeguards— The majestic march of Washington 386 LIFE GENERAL WASHINGTOK CHAPTER FIRST. What an Irish orator once said abont "Washington — The old farm-house on Bridge's Creek — Something concerning the Washington family — Birth of a hero — Devout parents — George's Baptism — Saying the Catechism — A lesson taught about selfishness — Story of the cherry-tree — " I can't tell a lie" — Something more than morality taught — The name, Geoege Washington, grows up in letters fresh and green — The boy's amazement — An explanation sought for — The power and goodness of the Almighty as seen in his manifold works. IT matters very little," remarks Mr. Phil- lij)s, the great Irish, orator, "what imme- diate spot may be the birth-place of such a man as Washington. ITo people can claim, no country can appropriate him : the boon of Providence to the human race, his fame is Eternity, and his residence, creation." 22 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. Wliile we heartily reciprocate tlie generous feeling tlius eloquently expressed, we cannot but rejoice that we are able to speak of this great and good man as ow own Washing- ton. When heroes and statesmen have gained for themselves a world-wide renown, it is curious to observe what efforts are made to trace out for them a lofty descent. The remark is true in regard to the subject of this memoir: we can be satisfied, however, to represent him precisely as he was, — one of nature's noble- men. George Washington was born in a ]3lain farm-house, on Bridge's Creek, Westmoreland County, Yirginia, on the 22d of February, 1732.^ His father, Augustine Washington, was born on the same estate, which remained in the family nearly eighty years. George Washington's great-great-grandfa- ther was an Englishman, who came over with his brother, in 1657, and settled in Westmore- land County. Augustine Washington was married twice ; first to Jane Butler, who left him two sons, Lawrence and Augustine, — and then to Mary, the daughter of Colonel Ball, a young and HIS BIETH-PLACE. 23 beautiful girl, wlio is described by Parson Weems, in his entertaining biograpliy, as " the belle of the Northern Neck." She was the mother of George Washington. Little is known of the father of onr hero, except that he was a handsome, strong, sensi- ble man, — prosperous and happy, — ^respected by his neighbors, and that he died at the age of forty-nine. The old-fashioned house, with its steep roof, and low projecting eaves, where George Wash- ington was born, commanded a fine view over many miles of the Potomac, and the opposite shore of Maryland. The family lived very plainly, and the new- comer opened his dark eyes on no scene of grandeur, and was surrounded by few of the luxuries of life. " There was, we may be sure, a low ceiling ; a great, wide brick or tile fire- place ; a well-saved carpet, with a few straw- bottomed chairs, and a tall old bedstead with posts like sloops, such a one as "Washington slept in to the end of his life. Perhaps these posts supported white dimity curtains, for bed- curtains had not then been voted unhealthy ; and very likely there were some curious, old, black-framed engravings of favorite heroes or 24 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. preachers, hanging high up on the walls ; and almost surelj, * A varnish'd clock that tick'd behind the door.' " ^ The parents of George Washington were both devout persons, and members of the Episcopal church, or, as many old people still prefer to call it, the Church of England. They not only tried to serve God themselves, but desired to teach their children the good and the right way also. !N^ot far from the "Washington estate, on the road from Westmoreland Court-house to King George, was ^' Pope Creek Church," where the family attended divine service. Here, on the 5th of April, when George was about five weeks old, he was brought to the parish cler- gyman, and received into the ark of Christ's Church by Holy Baptism. The Sponsors on this important occasion were Mr. Beverly Whiting and Captain Christopher Brooks, Godfathers, and Mrs. Mildred Gregory, God- mother, as the record in the old family Bible duly informs \\s. "Here it was that he re- ceived those early impressions of religion, which, instead of being effaced by age, seemed 1 Mrs. Kirklaud's Memoh's of Washington, p. 17. HIS BIKTH-PLACE. 25 to grow with liis growth, and strengthen with his strength." ^ We can easily imagine the readiness with which the little boy was taught to respond to the question in the Church Catechism, " "Who gave you this name ?" — in the good old words which long use has rendered so sacred to us, " My Sponsors in Baptism ; wherein I was made a member of Cheist, the child of God, and an inheritor of the kingdom of Heaven." Several pleasant incidents have been treas- ured up, concerning the boyhood of "Washing- ton, which show that the good seed sown in his heart did not fall upon unfruitful soil. The following account rests on the testimo- ny of a venerable lady, long since deceased, who, as a friend and a relative, sj^ent many of her youthful days in the family of Mr. Wash- ington. This occurrence took place when our hero was in his fifth year. " On a fine morning in the fall of 1737, Mr. Washington, having George by the hand, came to the door, and asked cousin Washing- ton and myself to walk with him to the or- » Bishop Meade's Old Churches and Families of Virginia, vol. ii. p. 162. Zb LIFE OF WASHINGTON. cliard, promising to show its a fine sight. On arriving at the orchard, w^e were presented with a fine sight, indeed. The whole earth, as far as we conld see, was strewed witli fruit : and yet the trees were bending under the weight of apples. " ' JSTow, George,' said his father, ^look here, mj son ! Don't yoii remember when this good cousin of yours brought you that fine, large apple, last spring, how hardly I could pre- vail on you to divide with your brothers and sisters, though I promised that if you would do it, the Almighty would give you a plenty of apples this fall V "Poor George could not say a word; but hanging down his head, appeared quite con- fused. " ' Now, look up, my son,' continued his fa- ther, 'and see how richly the Almighty has made good my promise to you !' George looked in silence on the wide wilder- ness of fruit; then lifting his eyes to his father, he said, with emotion, 'Well, pa, only forgive me this time, and see if I am ever so stingy any more.' " One of the first lessons which Mr. Washing;- ton impressed upon his son was a love of truth, HIS BIETH-PLACE. 27 and the well-known story of tlie clierry-tree shows that these instructions were not thrown away. About a year after the visit to the orchard just described, George became the happy own- er of a little hatchet, the keen edge of which he was fond of trying upon almost every thing which came in his way. One day while play- ing in the garden, he made several terrible gashes on the body of a beautiful English cherry-tree, which was highly prized by his father, who soon afterwards discovered the mischief which had been done. The servants -were assembled, and Mr. Washington inquired whether any of them knew who had thus de- stroyed his favorite tree ; but no one could tell any thing about it. Presently the real offend- er made his appearance, with hatchet in hand. '' George," inquired his father, "do you know who killed that beautiful cherry-tree yonder in the garden ?" The little fellow was taken by surprise, and for a moment staggered under the question ; but quickly recovering himself, he looked up at his father and said, " I can't tell a lie, pa, — I cut it with my hatchet." The delighted father embraced his son, say- 28 LIKE OF WASHINGTON. ing, " I am glad, George, tliat yoii killed the tree; for you have paid me a thousand-fold. Such an act of heroism, my boy, is worth many such trees as the one destroyed." Mr. Washington was not satisfied to instruct his son in the duties of morality alone, but endeavored to train him up in the fear and service of God. The following ingenious expedient was adopted, to make an impression upon his youthful mind. On a properly prepared bed in his garden, he traced, with a stick, the letters of his son's name; and sowing seed in them, he covered the same over, and smoothed the ground nicely with a roller. In a short time the usual progress of vegetation brought up the plants, and displayed, in prominent and legible char- acters, the words, Geokge "Washington. It was not many days before the vegetable wonder caught the eye for which it was in- tended. Again and again did the astonished boy read his name, springing up from the earth in letters fresh and green. But soon he turned with eager steps to seek his beloved father, and tell him of the sight he had seen. The conscious father hastened with him to the GOD IN HIS WORKS. 29 spot, and listened for a time to tlie expression of his childish admiration and perplexity. It was in vain that he sought for a cause of the phenomenon. He could not be satisfied imtil his father revealed his own agency. He had made the letters with his stick, and had sowed the seed in the furrows ; and the warm earth had caused them to spring up. And now he availed himself of the propitious occasion to direct the excited faculties of the child toward the contemplation of that Infinite Intelligence whence all things had proceeded. He showed the necessary existence of God from the works of nature, from the manifest traces of design, contrivance, and wise adjustment, everywhere discernible in the various productions of the Almighty Hand. The moment was eminently auspicious. The mind could not have been more impressible or open to salutary instruc- tion, under any ordinary influence.^ Such a demonstration as that presented to the eye, was eminently calculated to stimulate reflec- tion, enlighten the mind, and rivet conviction. Here, in the name inscribed on the earth, was an effect; for this there must have been a cause ; — and an intelligent cause must be in- ferred from the design manifest in the work. 30 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. If sucli a conclusion was authorized, yea, compelled, by the present instance of intelli- gent contrivance, how much more might it be inferred that "the Lord by wisdom hath founded the earth, and by understanding es- tablished the heavens!'** * McGuires Eeligioua Opinions and Character of Washington, p. 85. CHAPTEPw SECOND. Mr. Washington removes to Stafford County — Plainness and simplicity— A mother's hopes for her eldest son— The old chaise — Lawrence Washington goes to England to school—* " Old Hobby" — George's education begun — The ciphering book — Poetical extracts — "Eules of behavior" — An old book which had much to do in the formation of a great char- acter — " My son, neglect not the duty of secret prayer" — Playing soldier — Sham fights — Lawrence Washington be- comes a captain — Mr. Washington dies, and his elder sons marry, and settle in life — George sent to a higher school — Taste for athletic exercises — " I think I can beat that yet 1" "VTOT long after the birth of his son George, 1\ Mr. Washington removed to an estate in Stafford County, opposite Fredericksburg. Tlie house was not unlike that which the family had occupied at Bridge's Creek, and stood on a rising ground overlooking a meadow which bordered the Kappahannock river. Plainness and simplicity were the distinguishing charac- teristics of the family, — the father being kind in his manners, and prudent in his business arrangements, and the mother frugal, and at- tentive to her domestic duties. It was fortunate for the future leader of our armies, and the first President of this Repub- 32 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. lie, tliat his early days were thus passed, free from the enervating effects of luxury, and the allurements to evil. Such a training rendered him easy to please, satisfied with plain things, and able to adapt himself to the rough ways of the camp. The anecdotes recorded in our first chapter have made us acquainted with Mr. Washing- ton's conscientious efforts to discharge his duties as a parent. The mother of our hero was no less faithful and persevering in her endeavors to train up her son aright. As the eldest of her children, and withal a fine, handsome boy, of strong natural sense, and great nobleness of heart, slie formed high hopes concerning his future destiny, — although lier fondest anticipations could never have reached the proud eminence which he after- wards attained. Mrs. Washington was a woman of uncommon decision and energy, and her only ambition, so far as she herself was concerned, was faithfully to discharge the weighty responsibilities of a good wife and mother. To show the extreme simplicity in which George was brought up, it may be mentioned that when his mother rode over to Fredericksburg, in her old-fashioned. 33 unstuffed chaise without a top, to take tea with a friend, in a social way, the future deliverer of his country sat at her feet in the vehicle, on a little stool. In early times, it was the custom among wealthy Virginia gentlemen to send their sons to England to finish their education ; and this had been done by AEr. Washington in the case of his first-born, Lawrence, who was looked upon as the future head of the family. George received the rudiments of a plain English education from one of his father's tenants, named Hobby, who filled the impor- tant oftices of sexton of the parish, and master of the " field school." The old man used to boast in after years, and especially when he had been warmed up by a social glass, on the General's birth-day, that it was he, who, be- tween his knees, had laid the foundation of George "Washington's greatness. > 'No one pretends that Washington was a ripe scholar, for he certainly was not, — but whatever he undertook to learn, he learned well. The instructions which he received from " old Hobby" were of the simplest kind, consisting of reading, writing, and arithmetic, and in these he took pains to perfect himself. 34: LIFE OF WASHINGTON". The " ciphering book" is still preserved in which George wrote out the solutions of the most difficult sums, the blank portions of the pages being carefully filled up with elaborate flourishes of the pen. There is also a " Poetry Book," in which he was accustomed to copy such choice extracts as struck his fancy, and which he wished to treasure up for future use. He also filled thirty pages of a large blank book with " Rules of Behavior in Company and Conversation," which probably had a good deal to do in the foundation of his digni- fied and polished manners. It was Mrs. Washington's custom to read some improving books to her children at home, and in this way, they received much valuable instruction. Among the volumes which she used for this purpose was one entitled, " Con- templations, Moral and Divine, by Sir Matthew Hale," an old, well-worn copy, which still bears on its title-page the name of its owner, " Mary Washington." Those who are familiar with the character of Washington, will be struck, on reading these "Contemplations," with the remarkable fact that the instructionb contained in them are most admirably calcu- SHAM FIGHTS. 35 lated to implant and foster sucli principles as he is known to have possessed. The volume was fomid in the library at Mount Yernon, after Washington's death, and it appears to liave been used by him through life. Well might he prize the favorite book of that moth- er, whose parting charge had been, when he first left the paternal roof, "My son, neglect not the duty of secret prayer." Never did a mother give better advice to her son, and never did a son more conscientiously follow it. In most schools, some good boy is found who is distinguished above his fellows for justice and honor, to whom appeals will be made for the settlement of their petty disputes. Such was the position occupied by George Wash- ington. But besides his important services as a peace-maker, he gained no little popularity by the pleasure which he took in marshalling his companions as soldiers, and instructing them to perform military manoeuvres, and to engage in sham fights. Sometimes the troops were arranged in two bands, one of them personating the English, and the other the French, — the latter troop being command- ed by a lad named William Bustle, and the former always by George Washington. 36 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. These military tastes can be very naturally accounted for. When George was about eight years of age, his brother Lawrence returned from England, a well-educated and accom- plished youth. A strong attachment existed between the two, and the younger was accus- tomed to look up to the elder as a pattern of all that was manly and excellent. When Spanish depredations on British commerce had provoked the English to vindicate their rights, — the French taking sides with Spain, — troops came over from England for a campaign in the West Indies, and a regiment of four battal- ions was to be raised in the colonies, and sent to aid them. Lawrence Washington, now twenty-two, became excited by the sound of drum and fife, and having obtained a captain's commission, he went forth to the war, and served in the joint expeditions of Admiral Yernon and General Went worth. George had seen his brother fitted out for this expedition ; and his letters home, describ- ing the exciting scenes through which he passed, made an impression upon the little school-boy, and his amusements began to take a military turn. Lawrence Washinocton returned home in the MOUNT VEENON. 3T aiitnmn of 1742, at the close of the "West India campaign, bnt his purpose was to join the army again, which would no doubt have been carried into effect, had not a matrimonial engagement prevented. The object of his affections was Anne, the eldest daughter of the Hon. William Fairfax, and arrangements were made for the marriage, when the sudden death of Mr. Augustine Washington occasioned some delay. He expired on the 12th of April, 1743, aged forty-nine years. George, who was absent from home, on a visit, returned just in time to receive his father's parting blessing. Mr. Washington left a handsome property to his family, and the children were all amply pro- vided for. The estate on the banks of the Poto- mac became the property of Lawrence, who gave it the name of Mount Yeknon, in honor of the Admiral under whom he had served. To Augustine, the second son by the first mar- riage, was left the old homestead in Westmore- land, while the children of the second Mrs. Washington, received their full share. George, when he became of age, was to have the house and lands on the Rappahannock. Three months after his father's death, Law- 4 38 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. rence married Miss Fairfax, and settled on his estate, and in due time, Angnstine followed liis example, by taking for his wife Anne, daugh- ter of William Aylett, Esq., of Westmoreland County, and removing to the farm on Bridge's Creek. The death of Mr. Augustine Washington had left a heavy weight of responsibility on his widow, who must now have the entire con- trol of her children (George, Samuel, John Augustine, Charles, and Elizabeth), and take care of their property until they became of age. We have before intimated that she cherish- ed great hopes of her eldest son, but her ambi- tion was limited to what she regarded as the most independent and happiest condition of lifcf that of an intelligent, honest, thriving planter. George was now eleven years of age, and be- ing already too far advanced to derive much benefit from the tuition of '' Old Hobby," he was sent to reside with his brother Augustine, at Bridge's Creek, in order that he might at- tend a superior school in that neighborhood, kept by a Mr. Williams. His education was i3lain and practical, the learned languages forming no part of it. The exactness v/ith which his private accounts 39 •were afterwards kept, and the accuracy wliicli marked all his dealings with Congress during the perplexities of war, showed that his early training had been admirably adapted for the life which he was to lead. We must not forget to mention his taste for athletic exercises, in the way of running, leap- ing, pitching the bar, and wrestling. He w^as also a very superior horseman, and was ready to mount the most fiery and untamed steed without a moment's hesitation. A place is still pointed out at Fredericksburg, near the lower ferry, where, when a lad, he threw a stone across the Kappahannock, a feat which few in our days could equal. "Washington's muscular power, which was so remarkable in his youth, was retained until the end of life. Once, when he was quite an old man, happening to pass along where some young people were exercising themselves at pitching a heavy stone, he stop- ped and looked awhile, and then, as the fur- thest throw was measured, he smiled and said, " I think I can beat that, yet !" and then seiz- ing the large stone, with his strong, muscular hands, he hurled it far beyond the most dis- tant mark, and quietly walked away. CHAPTEE THIKD. Visits to Mount Vernon— Tlie old Virginia aristocracy— Lord Fairfax — Influences whicli are helping to form the character of George Washington — Dinner-table chat about military af- fairs — A midshipman's warrant secured — Almost afloat — Cheerful obedience to a mother's wishes — Two years more at school — The old church at Fredei-icksburg — Lord Fairfax de- termines to have his wild lands surveyed — Washington sets out on his journey — No pleasure excursion — Hardships and dangers — Advantages derived from these three years' labors — Something which Lord Fairfax did not dream of — Disputes between the French and English — A young adjutant-general — A domestic duty which interrupts his military studies — Goes to the West Indies with his brother — Death of Lawrence Washington — Mount Vernon changes owners. WHILE George was residing with his brother Augustine, he paid frequent vis- its to Mount Yernon, where he was always welcome. Lawrence "Washington had become a mem- ber of the House of Burgesses, and adjutant- general of the district, and was one of the most popular and influential men in tlie coun- try. These visits to his elder brother made George acquainted with some of the best-bred people of Yirginia, and among tliem, with MILITAET PREDILECTIONS. 41 William Fairfax, the father-in-law of Lawrence, and the owner of a fine estate on the Potomac, not far from Mount Yernon. He was a cous- in of Thomas, Lord Fairfax, of Greenway Court, the proprietor, by grant from the crown, of an immense tract of land between the Potomac and Kappahannock rivers. The acquaintance of these intelligent and wealthy gentlemen was of great advantage to George Washington, as we shall see hereafter. Other influences were also brought to bear on the lad about this time. '' Some of Lawrence's comrades of the provincial regiment, who had served with him in the West Indies, were occasional visit- ors at Mount Yernon ; or a ship of war, possi- bly one of Yernon's old fleet, w^ould anchor in the Potomac, and its ofiicers be welcome guests at the tables of Lawrence and his father- in-law. Thus the military scenes on sea and shore would become the topics of conversation : the capture of Porto Bello ; the bombardment of Carthagena ; old stories of cruisings in the East and West Lidies, and campaigns against the pirates. We can picture to ourselves, George, a grave and earnest boy, with an ex- panding intellect, and g, deep-seated passion for enterprise, listening to sijch conversations 4* 42 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. with a kindling spirit and a growing desire for military life."^ He expressed his wishes to his brother, and through his influence, and that of the Fairfaxes, a midshipman's warrant was secured for him in his fourteenth year, and his arrangements made for joining a man-of-war. Mrs. Washington strongly objected at first, but she was finally brought to consent, and his luggage was carried on board a ship which was anchored near Mount Yernon. At this trying moment, the tenderness of a mother's love prevailed, and she decided that George should remain at home. The scheme so captivating to the youthful fancy was abandoned at once, w^ith- out a murmur, by the yonth who had been so early tanght to honor his father and his mother, and to regard their counsels as the wisest and the best. George now went back to school, where he remained for nearly two years, devoting him- self especially to mathematics, and perfecting himself in the art of land-surveying. During this period he resided part of the time with his brother Lawrence, and the remainder with his 1 Irving's Washington [People's Edition], vol. i. p. 29. HIS SIXTEENTH TEAK. 43 mother at her abode opposite to Fredericks- burg. Here Mrs. Washington attended church, and here George shared with her in the ines- timable privileges of public worship. The rector of the parish was the Rev. James Marje, who retained his office for thirty-two years, and, in ITGT, was succeeded by liis son.^ We have thus followed George Washing- ton's course until his sixteenth year, when we find him a tall, athletic, manly youth, grave and dignified in his manners, and regarded by all who knew him as possessed of the noblest qualities of mind and heart. About this time the eccentric Lord Fairfax, whose extensive possessions west of the Blue Kidge had never been accurately surveyed, and who had been very jnuch annoyed by the un- warrantable intrusion of lawless men who had settled upon his lauds, determined to send out 1 "During Mr. Thornton's ministry, General Washington, coming to Fredericksburg to visit his mother, attended, as usu- al, the Epsicopal church, which drew such a crowd that some- thing gave way in the galleiy, which produced great conster- nation in the attendants, who rushed out of it through the doors and windows." — Bishop Meade's Old Cliurclies of Vir- giniJ^ vol. ii. p. 70. 44- LIFE OF WASHINGTON. a person qualified to lay off his domain into lots, and put it into a more convenient sliape for tlie market. Lord Fairfax was a good judge of character, and in spite of the extreme youth of George Washington, he determined in his own mind that he was precisely such an agent as he needed. The offer was according- ly made that he should go forth upon this bus- iness, and it was eagerly accepted. In March, 1748, he set out in company with George William Fairfax (the brother of Mrs. Lawrence Washington) and a small party, to explore immense tracts of wild wood-lands, in the Alleghany mountains. This was no pleas- ure excursion, but a most serious undertaking, involving both fatigue and danger. They marched on foot, sleeping at night on the ground, and living upon the coarsest food, ex- jDosed alike to the inclemencies of the weather and the treachery of the wild Indian tribes. This kind of life was continued for three years, and so great was tlie exposure, and so severe the draft upon health and strength, that the party, after short trips into the wil- derness, were absolutely forced to return to the settlements to recruit. In spite of all difficulties the land-survey was accomplished, LOKD FAIRFAX. 45 much to the satisfaction of Lord Fairfax, and not a little to the pecuniary advantage of his agent. The course of life which Washington had been pursuing for some time past had brought him to the favorable notice of landholders and men of influence, and his sterling merits made them his devoted friends. And thus the way was opened for his sharing their confidence, and feeling sure of theu' assistance when cir- cumstances called him to take a bold stand for his country. Th*e intimacy of the Fairfaxes may be regarded as peculiarly providential, not only for its solid benefit to his fortunes, but for the influence which it had in forming and refining his manners, and preparing him to mingle more successfully with the world. Lord Fairfax became very much attached to the young surveyor, and often invited him to visit at his house. "Little did the old gen- tleman expect [remarks Mr. Weems, in his quaint narrative] that he was raising a youth that should one day dismember the British empire, and break his own heart, which truly came to pass. For, on hearing that Washing- ton had captured Cornwallis and all his army, he called out to his black waiter, ' Come, Joe ! 46 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. cany me to my bed, for I'm sure it's higli time for me to die!'" And his lordship did certainly die in 1782, but not prematurely, for he lived to be ninety- two. We are now to tm^n over a new leaf in the life of our hero, and one which will introduce us to more exciting scenes. At the '%me of which we are speaking, the French and Eng- lish were disputing very warmly concerning the boundaries between their possessions in America, which, by the last treaty of peace, had unfortunately been left imdefined. 'Nqi- ther party seemed disposed to yield their fan- cied claims, and the difficulties became more and more alarming, until open hostilities were threatened, and the Indian tribes, through the influence of large bribes, and the promise of future rewards, were taking sides with those from whom they hoped to derive the greatest advantage for themselves. The French had launched an armed vessel on Lake Ontario ; fortified their trading-house at Niagara; and were rapidly establishing outposts along the upper waters of the Ohio. The English government was wide awake, and the colonies being deeply interested in all AK ADJTJTAl^T-GENEEAL. 47 that pertained to tlie motlier country, were not beliindhand in any thing which could be considered their duty as faithful subjects of the king. Yirginia was di\dded into four military districts, each having an adjutant- general, with the rank of major, whose busi- ness it was to assemble the militia, inspect their arms and accouti^ements, and see that they were properly disciplined and drilled. In 1751, when Washington was nineteen, he was selected as one of these adjutant-gen- erals, with the pay of a hundred and fifty pounds a year ; a most important ofiice indeed for so young a man. The influence of Law- rence "Washington, who had once held the position himself, had something to do with his brother's appointment ; but it was chiefly owing to the confidence which had been in- spired by George's judicious conduct and aptness for business, and his well-known incli- nation for military aff'airs. The young ofiicer applied himself, with his accustomed diligence, to the study of the art of war, and Mount Yernon for a season, was suddenly transformed into a school of arms. But another duty, of a domestic nature, now interrupted him in the midst of these exciting 48 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. avocations. His brother Lawrence, wliose health had long been precarious, became so alarmingly ill that a voyage to the West Indies was proposed for him, as the only chance of prolonging his days, and George was his companion and nurse. They sailed for Barbadoes towards the close of September, 1751, and after a five weeks' passage they reached their destination. It had been Washington's habit, for years past to keep a journal, and those who have read the one that records his experience while acting as Lord Fairfax's surveyor must have been struck with the maturity of thought and soundness of judgment which it displayed. The diary of the West India voyage consists of very brief observations upon the wind and weather, with few items of general interest. There is this characteristic trait about it, how- ever, that although he took the small-pox, on the island, and was sick with it for three weeks, he barely mentions the fact, without a word of comment. When Lawrence Washington had been com- fortably established in his lodgings, and the interest connected with new associations, and the romantic scenery of the tropics had ceased DECEASE OF LAWKENOE WASHINGTON. 49 to engage his thouglits, he began to feel se- verely the separation from his wife, and it was accordingly arranged that George should re- turn to Yirginia, and bring her out to Bermuda, to which island the invalid proposed shortly to depart. Only part of this arrangement was carried out, and the brothers never met again upon earth. Consumption had so plainly marked the sick man for an early victim, that he gave up all hope of recovery, and returned to Mount Yernon, in time to die under his own roof, on the 26th of July, 1752, at the early age of thirty-four. Lawrence Washington was a pure-minded and accomplished gentleman, and, since the father's death, he had been a second parent and a safe counsellor for George. Washington, who had managed his brother's affairs during his long illness, now, by the pro- visions of his will, took charge of his property and of his family, which consisted of his wid- ow and one daughter, a frail and feeble child. Mrs. Washington afterwards married again, and the daughter died, when the estate of Mount Yernon passed into the hands of him with whose illustrious name it will ever be associated. 5 CHAPTEK FOUKTH. The French and Indians become more bold and insolent— A messenger sent out to discover their designs — Ambitious schemes of the enemy— A difficult task assigned to Washing- ton — Prompt obedience — Perils of the wilderness — Meeting with the Half-King, and too much speech-making— Guides secured and the journey resumed — Arrival at Venango— Gracious reception by the French connnandant — Business begun — Making good use of one's eyes — Eetracing steps — Voyage in bark canoes — A tramp on foot — The treacherous savages — An anxious night — Incident of the whirling raft — Safe arrival at Williamsburg — The plans of the French dis- covered — Washington's report published, in spite of his modest reluctance to appear as an author. WHILE Wasliington was engaged in the nielancliolj duties to which we have just referred, the French and Indians were becoming more bold and insolent, until the governor of Virginia, a simple-minded Scotchman, felt called upon to send out a messenger with presents to the red men, and private directions to discover, by careful observation, what were the real dr.signs of the French. Capt. William Trent was selected for tliis purpose, but the report which he brouglit back Avas so exagger- ated and confused, that little dependence was COMMISSION FKOM GOV. DINWIDDIE. 51 placed upon it. The truth was, that the French had begun the formation of a line of military fortifications, extending from Canada to the southern part of the Mississippi, thus securing their ascendency in the important region which had been so long in dispute. "^ Governor Dinwiddle saw that he had made a mistake in sending so inefficient an agent, and he now bei>;an to look about for one better qualified for the delicate and difficult task. Washington was suggested to him as one 230ssessed of the requisite courage to copfe with savages, and a sagacity to negotiate with white men, and the commission of the young officer was forthwith made out, in these words : ^' I, reposing especial trust and confidence in the ability, conduct, and fidelity of you, the said George Washington, have appointed you my express messenger; and you are hereby authori::ed and empowered to proceed hence, with all convenient and possible despatch, to that part or place on the river Ohio where the French have lately erected a fort or forts, or where the commandant of the French forces resides, in order to deliver my letter and message to him; fi^^u. after waiting not ex- 52 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. ceeding one week for an answer, you are to take leave, and return immediately back. " To this commission I have set my hand, and caused the great seal of this Dominion to be affixed, at the city of Williamsburg, the seat of my government, this 30th day of Octo- ber, in the twenty-seventh year of the reign of his Majesty King George the Second, King of Great Britain, &c. Annoque Domini, 1753. "Robert DrcrwiDDiE." On the very day that his credentials were received, "Washington left Williamsburg, and having obtained necessaries for the journey at Alexandria, he proceeded to Winchester, then a frontier town, where he purchased horses, tents, and other travelling equipments. The party consisted of eight persons : Mr. Gist, an experienced backwoodsman ; John Davidson, an interpreter for the Indians; Jacob Yan Braam, a Dutchman (from whom Washington had taken fencing lessons), who could speak French; and Major Washington himself. Four attendants completed the party which began this formidable journey. At the end of two weeks they had reached Will's Creekj where the stream forces its way THE HALF-KING. 53 through the Alleghanies, and here, leaving all evidences of civilization behind them, they plunged boldly into the pathless wilderness, to encounter the horrors of cold, fatigue, and savage ambush. On the 2ti:th of [N'ovember, they reached Logstown, an Indian settlement, where Wash- ington's instructions required him to hold a conference with a chieftain known as the Half- King, and other sachems of the Six Illations, and obtain from them guides for the rest of the way. The information concerning the movements of the French was rather alarming, as it verified the previous reports of their having already established several forts on the Mississippi, and one on the Ohio ; and when the Half-King was requested to show the English party the way to the French fortifica- tions, he hesitated, not only on the ground of the difficulty of the journey at this inclement season, but also from a|)prehensions concern- ing the reception which they would meet with. After a tedious delay, in which some days were wasted in speech-making, and secret manoeuvring, on the part of the Indians, the party again moved onward, being accompanied by the Half-King, and two subordinate chiefs. 64 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. On the 4th of December, they arrived at Venango, an old Indian settlement, at the mouth of the French Creek, on the Ohio, where they met with Captain Joncaire, an interpreter, who had great influence with the savages. The wily Frenchman, who at first was extremely polite, plied the Indians with liquor, and did his best to persuade them to go back ; but having failed in this, Washington and his companions were suffered to proceed. After four days' travel through snow, and rain, and mire, and swamp, they reached the fort, which was situated on the west fork of French Creek, about fifteen miles south of Lake Erie. The Chevalier Legardeur de St. Pierre, who commanded the j^ost, — a gentlemanly, shrewd old soldier, — received Washington with great politeness, and when Yan Braam, the interpre- ter, had explained the object of this visit, the letter of Governor Dinwiddie was presented in due form. While the French commandant and his ofiicers were discussing the requisitions of the English, Washington was using his eyes to the best advantage, in examining the condition of the fort, and in countinir the number of bark RETURN TO VENANGO. 55 canoes, wliicli were laid up in readiness for an expedition down the river, in the early spring. Although the Chevalier de St. Pierre was profuse in expressions of civility, he used every art to induce the Half-King to abandon his charge ; and he did not hesitate to say that the country in dispute belonged to the French, and that he had received orders to seize upon every Englishman who attempted to trade on the waters of the Ohio. On the evening of the 14:th, "Washington received the commandant's reply to the letter of Governor Dinwiddle, and the next day pre- pared to return by water to Yenango, a dis- tance of one hundred and thirty miles. The horses, which were nearly worn out by fatigue, had been sent oif before, unloaded. The voy- age was any thing but an agreeable one. "Several times," says "Washington, in his re- port, "we had like to have been dashed against rocks ; and many times we were obli- ged, all hands, to get out, and remain in the water half an hour or more, getting over the shoals. At one place the ice had lodged, and made it impassable by water ; we were there- fore obliged to carry our canoes a quarter of a 66 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. mile over. We did not reach Yenango till the 22d, where we met our horses." At this point the arrangements for the jour- ney were changed. The horses being in a wretched condition for travelling, and the paths nearly blocked up with snow, Washing- ton determined to leave Mr. Yan Braam to come on slowly with the baggage, while Mr. Gist and himself made the best speed they could on foot. Equipped in Indian hunting-dresses, with packs strapped to their backs, they set off on the 26th of December, with stout hearts, to meet the dangers before them. On the second day they encountered a party of Indians, in the pay of the French, evidently lying in wait for them ; but when fired upon by one of them, they suppressed the desire they felt to return the shot, — which would have brought the whole company upon them. From motives of prudence they seized the offender, and kept him in custody until late in the evening, and then sent him off, unarmed, to join his comrades. In order to deceive the enemy, they now built a large fire, as if they had encamped for the night, and at once set off, at a brisk rate, to get as far ahead as j^os- RAFTING. 57 sible. During the whole of the next day, they pushed onward, until they reached the banks of the Alleghany, about two miles above the Fork of the Ohio. Washington had expected to find the river frozen over, but it was so only for about fifty yards from either shore, while quantities of broken ice were floatino; alons: the main chan- nel. The weary travellers encamped on the cold ground, and were up by day-break to contrive some means for crossing. We shall allow "Washington to relate his own adventures on this occasion. ''There was no way for getting over but on a raft, which we set about with one poor hatchet, and finished just after sunsetting. This was one whole day's work. We next got it launch- ed, then went on board of it, and set ofi"; but before we were half way over, we were jammed in the ice in such a manner that we expected every moment our raft to sink, and ourselves to perish. I put out my setting-pole to try to stop the raft, that the ice might pass by, when the rapidity of the stream threw it with such violence against the pole, that it jerked me out into ten feet of water ; but I fortunately saved myself by catching hold of one of the 68 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. raft-logs. Notwithstanding all our efforts, we could not get to either shore, but were obliged, as we were near an island, to quit our raft and make to it. The cold was so extremely severe that Mr. Gist had all his fingers and some of his toes frozen, and the water shut up so hard that we found no difficulty in getting oif the island on the ice in the morning." Through the good providence of God, "Wash- ington was saved from every danger, and reached Williamsburg on the 16th of January, 1754, where Governor Dinwiddle was anxious- ly awaiting his report. The tenor of the French commandant's letter, and the informa- tion which had been gleaned from other sources, left no doubt in the minds of the Council that the French had made their arrangements to descend the Ohio in the spring, and take military possession of the country. Washington's journal was printed, much against his inclination, and was widely circu- lated throughout the Colonies and England, — awakening the nation to a sense of impending danger. CHAPTER FIFTH. The colonists not very anxious for war — Washington appointed lieutenant-colonel — Dilliculties in raising and equipping troops — Marching west — Making roads across the mountains — French aggressions on the Ohio — The English taken by surprise — Perilous position — Alarming reports — Attractions of a ruffled shirt — "Warning message from the Half-King — Skirmishing and bloodshed — Providential supply of food for a starving camp — The Indian allies take their departure when they are most needed — Dr. James Craik — An independent company from South Carolina — Eetreat to the Great Mead- ows — Public worship in the camp — The enemy make their appearance — Eequesting a parley — A Dutchman trying to translate French — Terms of capitulation agreed to — Promises poorly tept — Fatiguing march — Arrival at Will's Creek — Washington hastens to Williamsburg — A vote of thanks — Unpromising beginning. ALTHOUGH it must have been evident to all, tliat tlie French were disposed to monopolize tlie best part of the region along the Ohio and its tributaries, yet the colonists were so averse to war that they did not enter as warmly into Governor Din- widdle's plans for maintaining their rights as he thought they should do. He determined, however, that trooj^s should be raised, and all needful pre^^arations made. ^Yashington was 60 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. appointed lieutenant-colonel, and stationed at Alexandria, in order tliat lie might superin- tend the equij^ping of the soldiers, — a difficult matter when money was scarce, and many of the men destitute even of shoes and shirts. He declined the offer which was made to him, that he should take the chief command, — pre- ferring to serve as second in rank to Colonel Joshua Fry, an English gentleman of intelli- gence and worth. On the 2d of April, Washington set off from Alexandria, for a new fort which had heen built at the Fork of the Ohio, — havino- with him but two companies, numbering a hundred and fifty men. The remainder of the regiment, under Colonel Fry, was to follow with the artillery. The advance party made their way slowly and with great difficulty across the mountains, opening a road for the main body, — their inadequate supply of horses often obliging the soldiers to put their shoulders to the wheels. Meanwhile, the men who were building the fort had been suddenly attacked by a large French force, and were driven from the ground; — the enemy completing their work, PEEPARING FOE BATTLE. 61 wliich tliey called Fort Duqiiesne,* in lionor of the Governor of Canada. When tidings of these things were bronght to Washington, he fonnd himself in circumstances of great peril. This aggression on the part of the French was nothing less than an open declaration of war, and the feebleness of his own force, and the uncertainty as to what course the Indians might pursue, left him in a painful dilemma. A council of war was called, and it was deter- mined to proceed to the store-houses belonging to the Ohio Company, at the mouth of the Redstone Creek, and there fortify themselves, and wait for reinforcements. Washington sent forward a detachment of sixty men to make a road, and wrote, in all haste, to Governor Dinwiddle, for mortars and heavy cannon. He also applied to the Assem- blies of Pennsylvania and Maryland, which were then in session, to lend their aid to Yir- ginia, in resisting the encroachments of their common foe. On the 29th of April, the young commander set out for Wills' Creek, with one hundred and * This fort was built at the junction of the Monongahela and Alleghany rivers, where the city of Pittsburg now stands. 62 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. sixty men, and soon came np with tliose who were engaged in the slow and laborious task of opening a road through the tangled wilder- ness. By the 9th of May they were not more than twenty miles from Wills' Creek, at a place called the Little Meadows. Alarming rumors were daily brought by companies of retreating traders, concerning the operations of the French, who were represented as strong- ly reinforced, and hard at work constructing a fort. The same persons reported that the enemy were buying over the Indians to their interest by large presents, and nearly the only crumb of comfort which reached Washington's ears, in the midst of so many discouragements, was that the Half-King was coming to meet him, at the head of fifty warriors. When the detachment arrived at the Youg- hiogany river, their march was stopj^ed until a bridge could be constructed. The savages assured Washington so positively that he would never succeed in opcriing a wagon-road across the mountams to Redstone Creek, that he set off in a canoe, with four w^hite men, and an Indian guide, to see whether it would be possible to descend the river. They had hardly gone ten miles, before the Indian re- A NIGHT MAECH. 63 fused to proceed furtlier, — and it was only by the promise of a ruffled shirt and a watch-coat that his obstinacy was overcome. The river was explored for the distance of thirty miles, but the obstructions were so numerous, that the attempt was abandoned. When Washington returned to the camp, he received a warning message from the Half- King, informing him that the French were advancing towards him, determined upon an attack. He accordingly hastened to take a position in what was called the Great Mead- ows, and made an intrenchment as speedily as possible. After several false alarms the Half-King sent word that he had seen the tracks of two French- men, and that the whole body must be in ambush near by. And here, as many falsehoods were circulated by the French at the time, concern- ing the death of one of their captains named Jumonville, we prefer to give Washington's simple account of what followed. "I set out with forty men before ten, and it was from that time till near sunrise before we reached the Indians' camp, having marched in small paths through a heavy rain, and a night as dark as it is possible to conceive. We were 64 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. frequently tumbling over one another, and of- ten so lost that fifteen or twenty minutes' search could not find the path again. " When we came to the Half-King I. coun- selled with him, and got his assent to go hand- in-hand and strike the French. Accordingly he and Monacatoocha, and a few other Indians, set out with ns, and when we came to the place where the troops were, the Half-King sent two Indians to follow the track and discover their lodgement, which they did, in a very obscure place, surrounded with rocks. I thereupon, in conjunction with the Half-King and Monaca- toocha, formed a disposition to attack them on all sides, which we accordingly did, and af- ter an engagement of fifteen minutes, we kill- ed ten, wounded one, and took twenty-one prisoners. Amongst those killed was M. Ju- monville, the commander. The principal of- ficers taken are M. Drouillon and M. La Force, of whom 3^our honor has often heard me speak as a bold, enterprising man, and a person of great subtlety and cunning. These ofiicers pre- tend that they were coming on an embassy ; but the absurdity of this pretext is too glaring, as you will see by the instructions and sum. mons inclosed. PERILOUS POSITION". 65 " Their instructions were to reconnoitre the country, roads, creeks, and the like, as far as the Potomac, which they were about to do. ''These enterprising men were purposely chosen out to procure intelligence which they were to send back by some brisk despatch- es, with the mention of the day that they were to serve the summons^ which could be with no other view than to get reinforcements to fall upon us immediately after." The prisoners taken in the skirmish just de- scribed, were sent under a strong guard to Governor Dinwiddle, who was then at Win- chester. The situation of "Washington was now ex- tremely perilous, and he lost no time in strengthening his position, in expectation of an attack by a large body of the enemy. But there were other troubles which gave him quite as much anxiety. Scarcity began to prevail in the camp. On the 10th of June, the young officer writes to the Governor : "We have been six days without flour, and there is none upon the road for our relief that we know of, though I have, by repeated expresses given Croghan timely notice. We have not provisions of any sort in camp to C* 66 LIFE OF WASHINGTON". serve us two days. Once before we should have been four days without provisions, if Providence had not sent a trader from the Ohio to our relief, for whose iiour I was obliged to give twenty-one shillings and eight pence per hundred." The Indian allies, finding the larder quite too lean for their keen appetites, abandoned Wash- ington in the midst of his difficulties. News was brought about this time, of the death of Colonel Fry, at Wills' Creek, and thus, at the age of twenty-three, the young officer found himself in command of the regiment. The fortification being now completed, it was most appropriately named Fort Necessity. The troops which had been under Colonel Fry, soon arrived, increasing the force in camp to three hundred, and among the new-comers was Dr. James Craik, a Scotch surgeon, whose name will frequently appear as the faithful and devoted friend of Washington. Governor Dinwiddle wrote word that Captain Mackay might soon be expected with an inde- pendent company of one hundred men from South Carolina. They were quite prompt in making their appearance, but as their leader had received his commission from the king, SKIRMISHINa. 67 while Washington was merely a colonial offi- cer, they took upon themselves very unbecom- ing airs, and rendered very little assistance. It was during this season of perplexity and trouble that the young commander began to have public worship in the camp, when he generally officiated as chaplain. On the 11th of June he resumed the march for Redstone Creek. "When at Gist's establish- ment, about thirteen miles from Fort Necessity, Washington received intelligence that a large French force would soon be sent against him ; and it was thought best to retire to the Great Meadows, where they arrived greatly exhaust- ed on the first of July. Early on the morn- ing of the 3d, while all who were able to work were busy in strengthening the fort, a sentinel came in dangerously wounded, and the enemy gave other evidences of their presence. Skir- mishing was kept up during the day, and about eight o'clock at night Captain de Yil- liers (a brother-in-law of Jumonville who had been recently killed) requested a parley. After some hesitation arrangements were made, and as the only person among Washington's party who could speak French was dangerously wounded, the duty of representing the Eng- 68 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. lisli on this important occasion, devolved upon Yan Braam, the Dutchman, who, for some time past, had been acting as captain. He returned twice with separate terms, in which the garrison was required to surrender, but they were considered too humiliating and were promptly rejected. He came back once more, with articles of capitulation written in French, and as pen and paper were not at hand, Yan Braam undertook to translate them by word of mouth. The rain fell in torrents, and it was with difficulty that the flickering can- dle was prevented from being extinguished, while in his bungling way, he read the sub- stance of the paper to Washington and his of- ficers, who stood around him. The main arti- cles as they understood them, and to which they-finally agreed, were these ; that the troops should march out of the fort with the honors of war, drums beating and colors flying, carry- ing with them all their eftects except the can- non, which were to be destroyed ; that for the space of a year, they should not attempt any buildings on the lands claimed by the French king, and that all should be allowed to return to the settlements without molestation from French or Indians. TOTE OF THANKS. 69 The next morning Washington led forth his men, according to the promises of the capitula- tion, but they had hardly begun their march before they were pursued and plundered by the savages, and as the only means of prevent- ing them from securing so much valuable booty, the baggage and military stores were immedi- ately destroyed. The soldiers had a very fatiguing time, and it was only by seeing that their officers shared every privation and hardship with them, that they were encouraged to j)ersevere. "When Washington had brought them safely to Wills' Creek, where they found an ample supply of provisions, he hastened forward with Captain Mackay to Williamsburg to make his report to the Governor. The Virginia House of Burgesses,''^ while regretting the unfortunate result of the cam- paign, passed a vote of thanks to Washington and his officers, for their bravery, and gallant defence of their country. Two, however, were not included in this resolution ; — Major Mouse, who was charged with cowardice, and Jacob Van Braam, whose mistranslation of the arti- * Answering to the Legislature of our times. 70 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. cles of capitulation led some to suspect him of treaclieiy. Thus far, owing to circumstances over which he had no control, Washington's mili- tary services, while they displayed his pru- dence and courage, had not secured for him many laurels. He had always been poorly provided with men, and horses, and the neces- sary equipments of war, and he seemed to be taking early lessons in what he was afterwards so eifectually to learn, — the secret of accom- plishing great things with very inadequate appliances and helps. CHAPTER SIXTH. Too much boasting — Governor Din-widdie forms plans to wipe away disgrace from the English arms — "Washington's opinion not very agreeable to him — The Colonial officers badly treat- ed — "Washington retires to Mount "V^ernon — Agricultural pur- suits — The British government arouses itself to action — An extensive campaign proposed — General Braddock invites "Washington to join the army — " I do wish George would stay at home !'' — The army contractors fail to keep their promises — Benjamin Franklin lends his aid in an emergency — Line of march — "Weighed down with baggage — Braddock obliged to lay aside some of his dignity — Advice given and accepted — The fashionable officers still insist on carrying their tnmks — "Washington's illness — His impatience to recover before the attack on the Fort. THE Frencli were so mueli elated by tlieir recent successes that tliev not only boasted a great deal, of theii* superior skill and prow- ess, but they began to be less watchful than usual, especially at Fort Duquesne. Governor Dinwiddle, who was extremely anxious to wipe away the disgrace which the English arms had suffered, began at once to plan an attack upon that important point. He applied to TTashington as one on whose judgment he might safely rely, — and the young officer dis- courao'ed him as far as he could : savino- that, 72 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. with so feeble a force as could be collected, and esj)ecially as winter was approaching, another defeat would be the almost certain result. He thus expressed his opinion on the subject to Mr. William Fairfax, president of the council : " I have orders to complete my regiment, and not a sixpence is sent for that purpose. Can it be imagined that subjects fit for this service, who have been so much impressed with and alarmed at the want of provisions, which was a main objection to enlisting before, will more readily engage now without money, than they did before with it ? .... To show you the state of the regiment, I have sent you a report, by which you will perceive what great deficiencies there are of men, arms, tents, kettles, screws (which was a fatal want before), bayonets, cartouch-boxes, and every thing else. Again, were our men ever so willing to go, for want of the proper necessaries of life, they are now unable to do it. Tlie chief part are almost naked, and scarcely a man has either shoes, stockings, or a hat. These things the merchants will not credit them for. The country has made no provision; they have not money them- selves; — and it cannot be expected that the RESIGNS HIS COMMISSION. 73 officers will engage for them again, personally, having suffered greatly on this head already. .... There is not a man that has a blanket to secure him from cold or wet." The arbitrary and self-willed governor did not like the view which Washington took of the matter; and in order to bring him, and others who sympathized with him, to his own way of thinking, he wrote a private letter to England, advising that a law should be passed, making the colonial officers inferior in rank to those of equal title who should be sent over from the mother country. The only effect of this injudicious and unjust arrangement, was to disgust all officers of the army who were Americans by birth ; — and Washington showed what he thought of it by instantly resigning his commission. Thus delivered from the weight of public cares, by which he had been sadly oppressed, he took up his abode at Mount Yernon, and made his arrangements to engage in agricultural pursuits, for which he had always manifested a decided taste. He also visited his honored mother, and so far as possible for him to do so, he became a second father to the family. But this season of repose, which was so 7 74r LIFE OF WASHINGTON. grateful after years of toil and exposure, was soon to be disturbed. The British govern- ment determined that most decided measures should be taken to resist the encroachments of the French in America, — and an extended plan of operations was devised for 1755. It was proposed to drive the French from the lands which they held imjustly, in the prov- ince of I^ova Scotia, to dislodge them from a fortress which they had built at Crown Point, on Lake Champlain, and from the one at Niagara, and to oblige them to leave undis- turbed the frontiers of Pennsylvania and Yir- ginia, and the rich valley of the Ohio. General Braddock, an officer who had seen much service, was sent out from England as commander-in-chief of all the military forces in jN'orth America, — but it proved to be a most unfortunate appointment. The system of warfare in a country of swamps and wilder- nesses was so different from that to which he had been accustomed, that his previous expe- rience availed him little. He had discernment enough to discover that a man of Washington's character, and his acquaintance with the habits of the Indian tribes, might prove of great assistance to him. AIDE-DE-CAMP TO BEADDOCK. 75 and lie tlierefore fortliwitli invited liim to become liis aide-de-camp. In order to accept tliis position, Washington must sacrifice his private interests — bnt at the same time, it would enable him to indulge his passion for military affairs, with no compro- mise of dignity and self-respect. He accord- ingly consented to serve, and began to arrange his affairs. As soon as his mother heard of it, she hastened to Mount Yernon, and entreated him to change his purpose, — expressing the sincere desire of her heart, when she said to a friend, " Oh dear ! — I do wish George would stay at home, and take care of his plantation !" He had once, as a dutiful son, yielded to her desires, and resigned his appointment in the navy ; but now, as a full-grown man, he felt that his services were due to his countr}^ Braddock, whose head - quarters were at Alexandria, gave Washington a most cour- teous reception, and the young officer entered with spirit upon the duties assigned him. The English general, with all his anxiety to pro- ceed, was exceedingly vexed by the failure of contractors to furnish him with the necessary wagons and horses, and his temper might have been much more severely tried, had not Benja- Y6 LIFE OF WASIIINGTOK. mill Franklin lent liis aid in tliis emergency. The shrewd American having expressed the opinion that the ambuscades of the Indians might present a serions obstruction to the prog- ress of the army, the haughty Briton could not conceal his disdain. " He smiled at my ig- norance [says Dr. Franklin], and replied: 'These savages may indeed be a formidable enemy to raw American militia, but upon the king's regular and disciplined troops, sir, it is impossible they should make an impression.' I was conscious of an impropriety in my dis- puting with a military man in matters of his profession, and said no more.""^' Setting out from Alexandria, in Virginia, the army marched to Fort Cumberland, in Maryland ; thence to Little Meadows, to Fort l^ecessity, and to Great Meadows, in Pennsyl- vania, where Washington had commanded the year before. The young aide-de-camp, who knew well the difficulties of travelling through so wild a region, was very much astonished when he saw what a quantity of baggage the English officers insisted on carrying along with them, * Autobiography of Franklin. Sparks' Edition, p. 190. ADVICE TO BRADDOCK. 77 and at every halting -j)lace, he diligently studied the arrangement and discipline of the army. The march over the mountains, after a little experience in the matter, proved to be such a formidable undertaking, and there were so many vexatious delays, in consequence of the difficulty of dragging the heavily laden wagons up the steep and rugged roads, that by the time they reached the Little Meadows (June 16), Braddock condescended to ask Washington's advice. This was a sore trial for one so proud and obstinate, but he was now convinced that the sagacity and knowl- edge of the young Virginian might be of great service. From reports which had been re- ceived, the garrison at Fort Duquesne was at this time weak, but large reinforcements being shortly expected, the present was the moment for the English to strike an effective blow. Being thus unexpectedly called upon to give his opinion, Washington promptly, but mod- estly, recommended that the army should be divided ; and that while one part should be left behind, to come on slowly with the heavy guns and the baggage, the general should advance as speedily as possible, with his choice troops, and surprise the Fort. Y8 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. Althoiigli tins sensible advice was accepted, it can hardly be said to liave been acted upon. Twelve Imndred men were indeed selected, to form tlie first division, and Washington, taking w^itli him only one small trnnk, gave np his best steed as a pack-horse ; bnt the English officers, many of whom had been brought up in fash- ionable life, still insisted on carrying such an amount of baggage that the movements of the army w^ere seriously hindered. Moreover, Braddock, who had so long been accustomed to the regular and elaborate tactics of Europe, was satisfied to creep forward, stopping to level every mole-hill, and to erect bridges over every brook. For several days Washington had been suffering from fever, accompanied by intense headache, and at length he became so serious- ly ill, that he was ordered by the general to remain behind. He would only consent to this arrangement on Braddock's promising that he should be allowed to rejoin the ad- vanced part of the army before the attack on Fort Duquesne. He would not miss this (he wrote to Lieutenant Orme, another aide-de- camp), for five hundred pounds. By the 3d of July, the impatient young THOUGH SICK, GOES TO CAMP. T9 officer found himself able to leave his sick bed; but being still too weak to mount his horse, he set off with an escort in a covered wagon, and reached the camp the day before the battle. CIIAPTEE SEVENTH. A grand military display — Passage of tlie Monongaliela — March- ing through a dangerous pass — The General takes his own heed, and is not the better for it— The firing begins— Savage yells which cause the rocks to re-echo — Panic of the troops — Braddock storms and raves— No lack of bravery— The oflB.cers cut down, one by one — The whole English line surrounded — Braddock disdains to yield— The drums sound a retreat— The general receives a mortal wound — Eefuses to be carried from the field— Washington tries to collect the scattered troops, aTid lead them off in safety— Death of Braddock — A solemn burial — Washington attributes his marvellous preservation to the right source — "I expected every moment to see him fall" — A curious circumstance — The favorite of Heaven, who could not be killed in battle. ON tlie 9 til of July, the English forces turn- ed out in full array, with bayonets fixed, colors flying, and drums beating, and crossing a ford of the Monongaliela, they wound up its banks, and through the open forests, glittering in morning sunshine. Washington was often heard to observe, in after life, that the appear- ance of Braddock's troops, on this occasion, was the most splendid spectacle he had ever seen. About midday the army passed over a second ford, and began to ascend a rising BA^FTLE WITH THE INDIANS. 81 ground, — the whole country about being cov- ered with long grass, bushes, and scattered trees, with no opening but a road about twelve feet wide, — and on both sides of this were deep ravines entirely concealed by the luxu- riant foliao'e. Washington had advised that Indian scouts, or Yirginian woodsmen, should be employed to explore such thickets, — but Braddock would not listen to the suggestion, and pushed on in proud contempt of the ambuscades of naked savages. Presently, the evil which had been apprehended came to pass. The advanced parties were suddenly attacked, — the firing being accompanied with such deafening yells as made the rocky sides of the mountains to re-echo fearfully. The only chance of safety was in scattering, and fighting in Indian fash- ion, from behind trees, — and this Braddock was too much wedded to the regular rules of warfare to do. He was a brave man, with all his faults, and tried to rally his men, while they insisted that " they would fight if they could see their enemy; but that it was use- less to fire at trees and bushes, and that they could not stand to be shot down by an invisi- ble foe." The panic was becoming almost 82 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. tmiversal, when the Yirginian troops, who were accustomed to the Indian mode of war- fare, took post behind trees, and in this way afforded some protection to the regulars. " Foaming with rage and indignation, Brad- dock flew from rank to rank, with his own hands endeavoring to force his men into posi- tion. Four horses were shot under him, but mounting the fifth, he still strained every nerve to retrieve the ebbing fortunes of the day. His subordinates gallantly seconded his endeavors, throwing themselves from the saddle and ad- vancing by platoons, in the idle hope that their men would follow ; but only to rush upon their fate. The regular soldiery, deprived of their immediate commanders, and terrified at the incessant fall of their comrades, could not be brought to the charge ; while the pro- vincials, better skilled, sought in vain to cover themselves, and to meet the foe upon equal terms : for to the urgent entreaties of Wash- ington and Sir Peter Halket that the men might be permitted to leave the ranks and shelter themselves, the general turned a deaf ear. Wherever he saw a man skulkino^ behind a tree, he flew at once to the spot, and with curses on his cowardice, and blows witli the SLArGHTER OF THE ENGLISH. 83 flat of his sworcl, drove him back into the open road. Wherever the distracted artillery- men saw a smoke arise, thither did they direct their aim ; and many of the flankers who had succeeded in obtaining the only position where they could be of any service, were thus shot down. Athwart the brow of the hill lay a large log, five feet in diameter, which Captain Waggoner, of the Virginian levies, resolved to take possession of. With shouldered firelocks he marched a party of eighty men to the spot, losing but three on the way; — and at once throwing themselves behind it, the remainder opened a hot fire upon the enemy. But no soon- er were the flash and the report of their pieces perceived by the mob behind, than a general discharge was poured upon the little band, by which fifty were slain outright, and the rest constrained to fly. " By this time, the afternoon was well ad- vanced, and the whole English line surrounded. The ammunition began to fail, and the artillery to flag; the baggage was warmly attacked, and a runner was despatched to the fort with the tidings that by set of sun not an English- man would be left alive upon the ground. Still, gathering counsel from despair, Braddock dis- 84 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. dained to yield ; still strong in this point only of their discipline, his soldiers died by his side, palsied with fear, yet without one thought of craven flight. At last, when every aide but "Washington was struck down ; when the lives of the vast majority of officers had been sacri- ficed with a reckless intrepidity, a sublime self-devotion, that surpasses the power of lan- guage to express ; when scarce a third part of the whole army remained unscathed, and these incapable of aught save remaining to die, or till the word to retire was given ; at last, Braddock abandoned all hope of victory; and with a mien undaunted as in his proudest hour, ordered the drums to sound a retreat. The instant their faces were turned, the poor regulars lost every trace of the sustaining power of custom ; and the retreat became a headlong flight. ' Despite of all the efforts of the officers to the contrary, they ran,' says Washington, ' as sheep pursued by dogs, and it was impossible to rally them.' Beneath a large tree standing between the heads of the northernmost ravines, and while in the act of giving an order, Braddock received a mortal wound, — the ball passing through his right arm into the lungs. Falling from his horse. FLIGHT OF BEADDOCk's TROOPS. 85 he lay helpless on the ground, surrpunded by the dead, abandoned by the living. l!Tot one of his transatlantic soldiery, ' who had served with the Duke,' could be prevailed upon to stay his headlong flight, and aid to bear his general from the field. Orme thought to tempt them with a purse containing sixty guineas ; but in such a moment even gold could not prevail upon a vulgar soul, and they rushed unheeding on. Disgusted at such pusillanimity, and his heart big with despair, Braddock refused to be removed, and bade the faithful friends who lingered by his side to provide for their own safety. He declared his resolution of leaving his own body on the field ; — the scene that had witnessed his dis- honor he desired should bury his shame. With manly affection, Orme disregarded his injunctions ; and Captain Stewart of Virginia (the commander of the light-horse which were attached to the general's person), with another American officer, hastening to Orme's relief, his body was placed first in a tumbrel, and afterwards upon a fresh horse, and thus borne away."* * History of Braddock's Expedition, by "Winthrop Sargent . —p. 229. 8 86 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. The flight now became general, and the French and Indians were only prevented from pursning their retreating enemies by the rich spoils which covered the battle-field. Washington had been distinguished, during the whole day, by his courage and presence of mind, — and when all was lost, he turned his attention towards collecting the scattered re- mains of the army, and providing for the wounded. On the night of June the IStli, they reached the Great Meadows, where Braddock died. It is said, that in liis last moments, lie apolo- gized to "Washington for the petulance with which he had rejected his advice, — and left him a favorite horse, and his faithful servant, Bishop, who had helped to carry him from the field. At day-break, on the morning of the 14th, the remains of the unfortunate general were committed to the ground, Washington reading the sublime burial service of the Church by torch-lic-ht. Faithful to his commander while he lived, he would not sufi:er him to want the customary rites of religion when dead.'^ * " The place of his grave is a few yards north of the prcsenti PRESERVATION IN DANGER. 87 With the spirit of a true Christian, Washing- ton attributed his preservation, in the midst of so many and great dangers, to the watchful care of the Ahnight3^ " By the all-powerful dispensation of Providence [he writes to his brother John, shortly afterwards], I have been protected beyond all human probability, or expectation ; for I had four bullets through my coat, and two horses shot under me, yet escaped unhurt : although death was levelling my companions on every side of me." His friend, Dr. Craik, who was with him in this bat- tle, has been often heard to say, " I expected every moment to see him fall. Nothing but the superintending care of Providence could have saved him from the fate of all around him." In 1770, fifteen years after the battle of the Monongahela, Dr. Craik and Washington trav- elled together to the Western country with a party of woodsmen, to explore some wild lands. National Road, between the tifty-third and fifty-fourth mile from Cumberland, and about a mile west of the site of Fort Necessity, at the Great Meadows." — LossingU Field Book ofth« Jievolution, vol. ii., p. 479. A drawing of the forest oak which points out the grave of Braddock, is given in Sargent's history, before quoted, p. 280. 88 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. When tliey reached the junction of the Great Kanawha and the Ohio, a company of Indians came to them, under the direction of an aged chief, who made known through an interpreter the object of their visit. The venerable warrior stated that during the battle of the Mononga- hela, he had singled out Colonel Washington as a conspicuous object, and had fired his rifle at him many times, besides directing his com- rades to do the same ; but that, to his utter as- tonishment, none of their bullets took effect. He was therefore convinced that the youthful hero was under the special guardianship of the Great Spirit ; and he came, after the lapse of many years, to pay homage to the man who was so evidently the favorite of heaven. CHAPTEE EIGHTH. Washington seeks for repose at Mount Yemon — Business be- come tangled by neglect — The French and Indians rejoicing at their unexpected victory — The whole country in consterna- tion — "Washington appointed Commander-in-chief of all the forces in Virginia — Preparations for a new campaign — Excite- ment at "Winchester — Three drunken soldiers produce a great sensation — Lack of money and supplies — Progress of the war at the North — "Washington sent to Boston, and the style in which he travelled — General Shirley settles the question in dispute — Stirring letter to the governor — The militia ordered out — Petty annoyances — A chain of forts to be established — Unsatisfactory correspondence with Governor Dinwiddle — Visit to Lord Loudoun— Standing up for one's rights — Never the officer of any king. AFTEE the disastrous defeat of Braddock, Colonel "Washington, who was still weak from his severe illness, accompanied the wound- ed officers to Fort Cumberland, and then hast- ened to Mount Yernon, where he arrived on the 26tli of July, 1755. His business affairs had suffered sadly during his absence, and required his careful attention. The French and Indians now became more insolent than ever. And w^ell they might be, for it was something to be proud of, that a 8* 90 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. Britisli army of three tliousand men liad been defeated by a small scouting party, numbering less than nine hundred, which had only been sent out to give a check to the enemy while the French commander might deliberate about abandoning the fort. The whole country was in consternation, and the colonies were con- vinced that they must take prompt measures for their own defence. The assembly met: governor Dinwiddle called for money; and forty thousand pounds were voted, and orders were issued for raising a regiment of a thou- sand men. In August, the command of all the forces in Yirginia was offered to Washing- ton, and although his mother again implored him not to expose himself any more to the dangers and losses of war, he thought that it would be wrong to refuse. This proof of the high position which he held in the confidence and affection of the people, must have been highly gratifying to a youth of three and twenty years. Washington fixed upon Winchester as his head-quarters, and he began, with his nsual promptness, to collect what was necessary for a new campaign. He found the little town in a great state of excitement, the country peo- THEEE DRUXKEX SOLDIERS. 91 pie flocking in for protection, and all parties filled with dismay at the prospect of the hor- rors of war. The yoiino- commander exert- ed himself to the utmost to calm their anxi- eties, and he began to hope that he had not been unsuccessful, when a terrible report was circulated that the Indians were only a few miles off, burning and destroying all before them. Although "Wasliington did not believe the rumor, the people gave him no peace until he sallied forth at the head of forty men, all, in- deed, who had courage enough to go, and march- ed to the scene of action. " When we came there," he says in a letter, " whom should we find occasioning all this disturbance but three drunken soldiers of the light-horse, carousing, firing their pistols, and uttering the most un- heard-of imprecations." We can readily, ex- cuse him for being completely out of patience with the cowardly inhabitants, who thus allow- ed themselves to be frightened by so trifling a cause. Washington found a good deal of difficulty in persuading men to enlist, and he was so scantily supplied with money that he was frequently obliged to write to the governor, complaining of the wants of the soldiers. The 92 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. military laws of the colony worked badly, and lie persevered until these were changed for the better. But while thus occupied with duties close at home, he watched the progress of the war at the North, where the French and Indians were carrying on hostilities in Canada and New York, and along the borders of the Ohio. Some difficult questions concerning military rank having been raised between Maryland and Virginia, which it was important to have settled before the opening of the campaign, Washington was sent to Boston to refer the matter to General Shirley, who, since Brad- dock's death, had been commander-in-chief of his Majesty's forces in North America. This journey of five hundred miles was ac- complished on horseback, in the depth of win- ter, the party being attended by their colored servants in livery ; creating no little sensation as they clattered through the streets of Phila- delphia, New York, and Boston. Washington's fame had preceded him, and he and the two Virginia officers who accompanied him, were everywhere cordially welcomed. Expectation was on tip-toe to see the young man who had 60 early proved himself to be a hero, and none 93 could have been disappointed in his appearance and bearing. He was tall, well proportioned, with a handsome face, and a noble, military air, and was, withal, a superior horseman. Genei^al Shirley decided the disputed question favorably to Washington's views, and, after a pleasant visit at Boston, he set out on his re- turn to Yirginia. During the summer of 1756, the Indians were very active in burning the houses and murder- ing the families of the settlers on the western borders of the province, and those who escaped with their lives fled to Winchester for protec- tion. Women and children entreated Wash- ington to save them, and in the midst of these distressing circumstances, he thus wrote to the timid and time-servinoc Governor Dinwid- die : " I am too little acquainted, sir, with pa- thetic language to attempt a description of the people's distresses ; but I have a generous soul, sensible of wi'ongs, and swelling for redress. But what can I do ? I see their situation, know their danger, and particijDate in their sufferings, without having it in my power to give them further relief than uncertain promises. In short, I see inevitable destruction in so clear a light, that unless vigorous measures are taken 94: LIFE OF WASHINGTON. by the Assembly, and speedy assistance sent from below, the poor mhabitants that are now in forts must unavoidably fall, while the re- mainder are flying before a barbarous foe. In fine, the melancholy situation of the people, the little prospect of assistance, the gross and scandalous abuse cast upon the officers in gen- eral, which reflects upon me in particular, for sufiering misconduct of such extraordinary kinds, and the distant prospect, if any, of gaining honor and reputation in the service, cause me to lament the hour that gave me a commission, and would induce me, at any other time than this of imminent danger, to resign, without one hesitating moment, a com- mand from which I never expect to reap either honor or benefit ; but, on the contrary, have almost an absolute certainty of incurring dis- pleasure below, while the murder of helpless families may be laid to my account here. The supplicating tears of the women, and mov- ing petitions of the men, melt me into such deadly sorrows, that I solemnly declare, if I know my own mind, I could ofl'er myself a willing sacrifice to the butchering enemy, pro- vided that would contribute to the people's PETTY AJmOYA^CBS. 95 When the goTernor received this letter, he ordered out the militia ; but Washington soon discovered these to be the most troublesome and inefficient kind of soldiers. They had little idea of obedience to their superiors, and as soon as their brief period of service expired, they insisted on going home, no matter how indispensable it might be for them to remain. Indeed, the young commander was subjected to so many j)etty annoyances, that he would have thrown up his commission in disgust, if he had not been afraid of evil consequences to the country. A supply of money was now voted by the House of Burgesses, to be expended in the erection of a chain of forts along the frontier, extending across the Alleghanies, from the Potomac to the border of [N'orth Carolina. Washington did not approve of this plan, because of its expense, and the difficulty of providing men to guard so many distinct gar- risons, and he advised, instead, that a strong fort should be built at Winchester, which was a central point, where news could be most easily brought, and whence reinforcements could be speedily sent in any direction where they were needed. His judgment, however. 96 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. was overruled, and although it was mortifying to him to have his practical suggestions thrown aside for others which he believed to be sure to fail, he quietly submitted to those whom he was expected to obey. For some time past, Washington had not been a favorite witii Governor Dinwiddie, and their correspondence had become stiff and formal. Whether or not the latter was per- plexed in mind by his daily cares, it is impos- sible to say, but he certainly sent orders to the young officer which were extremely ambiguous and unsatisfactory. Washington had advised that Fort Cumber- land should be abandoned, as being out of the way of Indian incursions, and requested direc- tions on the subject. ^'The following," says he, " is an exact copy of his answer : ' Fort Cumberland is a 'kincfs fort, and built chiefly at the charge of the colony ; therefore, proper- ly under our direction until a new governor is appointed.' IN'ow, whether I am to under- stand this ay or no to the plain, simple ques- tion asked, 'Is the fort to be continued or removed V I know not. But in all important matters I am directed in this ambiguous and uncertain way." LETTER TO LORD LOUDOUN. 97 The wrong-headed goveruor, in order to oppose Washington's views as far as possible, and thus induce him to resign, had most of the troops withdrawn from Winchester and the frontier posts, where they were really indis- pensable, and stationed them at Fort Cumber- land, where they were almost useless. Washington had good reason to believe that Lord Loudoun, then commander-in-chief of the British forces in America, had been prejudiced against him by false statements, and he asked permission to go to Philadelphia, and learn from his lordship the plans for the next cam- paign. Leave was reluctantly granted ; and about a month before he set out, he wrote a letter to him, describing in plain words, the wretched condition of the militia system in Virginia, and expressing the hope that he and his reo'iment mio'ht receive commissions from the king. He concluded by referring, in deli- cate terms, to his unpleasant difficulties with Governor Dinwiddie, — thus showing that while his patriotism would not suffer him to resign, he had self-respect enough to defend his just rights. This explanatory letter secured for the writer a kind reception, and Lord Loudoun 9 98 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. consulted him on many points, and directed liim in future to correspond with Colonel Stan- wix, who became his devoted friend. He was disappointed, however, in not being able to have his regiment placed on the same footing with the regular army ; and so it came to j^ass that "Washington never was the officer of any king. CHAPTEE ISrmTH, "Washington protecting tlie frontier settlements — Governor Dinwiddie not more friendly than before — Another spell of sickness — The governor returns to England — Washington once more at the post of duty — A fresh expedition planned against Fort Duquesne — The young officer chosen a member of the House of Burgesses — A horseback ride from Winches- ter to "Williamsburg, and something important which grew out of it — A young and blooming widow — Dark hazel eyes and hair — An afternoon passing like a dream — Courtship finished in a brief space — Difficulties about the road — Six weeks wast- ed — Washington's advice discovered to be the best — Major Grant's party surprised and driven back — More prudent arrangements made — Fort Duquesne found deserted — The ruins strengthened and the name changed — Washington re- signs his commission — A grand wedding. THE Slimmer of 1757 was spent by Colonel Washington in protecting, with his feeble force, the settlements on the frontier. He had strongly urged that while the larger portion of the French troops were engaged at the North, an attack should be made on Fort Duquesne, which he had no doubt could be taken with- out much difficulty ; but Lord Loudoun would not agree to the plan. The unpleasant differ- ences with the governor continued as before, — and in l^ovember, Washington was so ill with 100 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. fever and dysentery, that lie was obliged to leave liis command, and retire to Monnt Yer- non for the winter. He was much annoyed by this tedions sickness, and wrote to his friend Colonel Stanwix : "My constitution is much impaired, and nothing can retrieve it but the greatest care, and the most circum- sj)ect course of life. This being the case, as I have now no prospect left of preferment in the military way, and despair of rendering that immediate service which my country may require from the person commanding its troops, I have thoughts of quitting my command, and retiring from all public business, leaving my post to be filled by some other person more capable of the task, and who may, perhaps, have his endeavors crowned with better success than mine have been." "Washington's difficulties with Governor Din- widdie were happily brought to a close by the departure of that gentleman for England, in January, 1758. He had shown himself to be BO sordid, arrogant, and meddlesome, that few re2:retted this termination of his administration, beyond the small clique who had humored his caprices for the sake of enjoying his patronage. In April of the same year, Washington was PEOJECTED EXPEDITION. 101 sufficiently recovered to resume his place at Fort Loudoun, — the name which had been given to the fortress at Winchester. His spirits were revived by the prospect that his favorite j)i'Oject for taking Fort Duquesne would soon be accomplished. He was again appointed commander-in-chief of the Yirginia troops, which formed one half of the force prepared for this important service. The other regiment was commanded by Colonel Byrd. The usual tedious and trj^ng delays must be endured, before the troops could be got ready for the expedition. One of the expedients for economy which was adopted at "Washington's suggestion, was that the officers and men should be attired in the Indian dress. While the young commander (now in his twenty-sixth year), was waiting for the army, he received permission to go from Fort Cum- berland to Winchester, where his election to a seat in the House of Burgesses took place ; but he declined the offer, preferring that his friends should manage that matter for him, while he remained at his post. Although there were three candidates for the office, Washington's merits were so thoroughly ap- 102 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. preciatecl, that lie was elected by a large majority. We must go back, at this point," and relate an important circumstance which took place somewhat earlier in the season. Washington was sent from AVinchester to Williamsburg, to obtain from the Council of Yirginia the equip- ment which was absolutely necessary for the troops. He travelled on horseback, attended by his faithful servant, Bishop, and in crossing a branch of the York Kiver, he fell in com- pany with a Mr. Chambeiiayne, who lived in the neighborhood, and who urged him to dine at his house. At first, the young officer declined, but he found it impossible to resist the importunities of his companion. It will be proper to state, that Washington from his boyhood had been fond of the society of ladies, and well-authenticated stories are told of the sighs which he expended upon some lowland beauty, whose bright eyes had attracted his attention and made a deep im- pression on his heart. Among the guests at Mr. Chamberlayne's was a young and blooming widow, Mrs. Mar- tha Custis, daughter of Mr. John Dandridge, both patrician names in the province. Her MKS. MARTHA CUSTIS. 103 husband, Daniel Farke Custis, had been dead about three years, leaving her with two young children, and a large fortune. She is repre- sented as being rather below the middle size, but extremely well shaped, with an agreeable countenance, dark hazel eyes and hair, and those frank, engaging manners, so captivating in Southern women. We are not informed whether Washington had met with her before ; probably not during her widowhood, as during that time he had been almost continually on the frontier. We have shown that with all his gravity and reserve, he was quickly sus- ceptible to female charms; and they may have had a greater eifect upon him when thus casually encountered, in fleeting moments snatched from the cares and perplexities and rude scenes of frontier warfare. At any rate, his heart appears to have been taken by surprise. " The dinner, which in those days was an earlier meal than at present, seemed all too short. The afternoon passed away like a dream. Bishop w^as punctual to the orders he had received on halting ; the horses pawed at the door, but for once Washington loitered in the path of duty. The horses were counter- manded, and it was not imtil the next morning 104: LIFE OF WASHINGTON. that he was again in the saddle, spurring for Williamsburg. Happilj, the White House, the residence of Mrs. Custis, was in l^ew Kent County, at no great distance from that city, so that lie had opportunities of visiting her in the intervals of business. His time for courtship, however, was brief. Military duties called him back almost immediately to Winchester ; but he feared, should he leave the matter in suspense, some more enterprising rival might supplant him during his absence, as in the case of Miss Philipse, at New York. He im- proved, therefore, his brief opportunity to the utmost. The blooming widow had many suit- ors, but Washington was graced with that renown so ennobling in the eyes of woman. In a word, before they separated, they had mutually plighted their faith, and the mar- riiLge was to take place as soon as the cam- paign against Fort Duquesne was at an end." ■^"■ While arrangements were made for the expedition, Washington learned, very much to his surj)rise, that instead of following the road which had been made with so great toil and expense by Braddock's army, a new one was * Irving's Washington, vol, i., p. 277. WISE COUNSELS SLIGHTED. 105 to be opened tliroiigli tlie heart of Pennsylva- nia. In vain did lie reason and remonstrate on the subject. As usual, however, when his wiser counsels were slighted, he showed no littleness in attempting to thwart the wishes of his superior officer, but set to work as cheerfully as if the plan was one in which he had the most perfect confidence. Six. weeks were thrown away in making a road of forty- five miles, — during which period the army, consisting of six thousand men, might have reached Fort Duquesne by the old road. They would have been certain to capture it, as the garrison then only numbered eight hun- dred. After the experience of a few weeks. Gen- eral Forbes, who commanded the expedition, discovered that AVashington was right, and called him to his counsels. It was very hard, however, for these conceited English officers to yield to the opinions of one so much young- er than themselves, and we have here another instance in which wisdom was learned too late. General Forbes adojDted Washington's suggestions in part, but when within fifty miles of Fort Duquesne, he insisted, in opposi- tion to his advice, on sending forward Major 106 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. Grant, with eight Imndred men, to reconnoitre the country aronnd the garrison, and bring back what information he could, as to the strength and position of the enemy. The en- terprise was conducted with great rashness, and the troops were beaten back with terrible loss. The only men who distinguished them- selves were a part of Washington's Virginia regiment, and their gallant conduct was high- ly complimented by General Forbes. By his own request, Washington and his regiment were placed in advance, to open the road, send out scouting j)arties, and repel the attacks of the Indians. As they approached the fort, they saw the ground covered with the whitening bones of those who had been slain at the time of Braddock's defeat, — mementoes not much calculated to raise the spirits of the weary troops. Every precaution was taken to guard against a surprise, and they expected, at any moment, to hear the Indian war-whoop. Fort Duquesne was found deserted, and partly destroyed by fire. The recent successes of the English in Canada had left the garrison without hope of assistance or supplies, and the commander had therefore made good his es- cape. On the 25th of l^ovember, Washington HIS MARRIAGE. 107 marclied in, with the advanced guard, and planted the British flag on the smoking ruins. The fortress was repaired, and two hundred men left to garrison it, under the name of Fort Pitt. Washington had been in active service for five years ; and as the campaign was now brought to a close, he resigned his commission, and retired from the camp, followed bj the applause of his fellow-soldiers, and the grati- tude of his countrymen. His marriage with Mrs. Custis was celebrat- ed on the 6th of January, 1759, at the residence of the bride. A large company of relatives and friends graced the occasion with their presence, and all the customs of old Yirginia hospitality were duly observed. CHAPTEE TENTH. Almost a life of seclusion — " Sit down, Mr. Washington" — A quiet member of the House — The mansion at Mount Vernon — An indulgent master — The plantation producing every- thing within itself— Handsome style of living — Chariot and four — Multitude of visitors — A compliment paid to rigid hon- esty — Mrs. Washington's domestic duties — A hundred and one cows — Sending to London for articles of elegance and luxury — John Parke Custis and his sister Patsey — Washing- ton a vestryman of two parishes — Eegular attendance at church — The children provided with Bibles and Prayer-books — Devout behavior at church — Pohick Church — A new one to be built — Quiet way of settling a difficulty — A modern tour- ist visits the sacred place — Christ Church, Alexandria — At- tention to the duty of private devotion — "We are not entirely graceless at Mount Vernon !" DIJRIKG the fifteen years wliicli followed his marriage, "Washington enjoyed a life of almost total seclusion from the world, and it will afford us a pleasant relief, after the stirring scenes through which we have passed, to go with him, in imagination, to his quiet and happy home. We mentioned, before, that he had been elected a member of the House of Burgesses. When he first took his seat, in 1759, not long after his marriage, Mr. Robinson, the presiding MODEST y AND VALOK. 109 officer, in eloquent language, returned tlianks to him, in behalf of the colon j, for his distin- guished military services during the war. Washington, who was never a fluent speak- er, was so overcome by embarrassment, that when he rose to reply, he blushed, stammered, and trembled, and could not utter a word. Mr. Bobinson, who knew and loved him, said, with a smile, " Sit down, Mr. Washington, sit down, sir ; your modesty equals your valor, and that surpasses the power of any language I possess." Although the new member of the House took little part in its debates, he always care- 'fully studied each day's business, and thus pre- pared himself to vote understandingly on every question as it came up. At the close of the session, he retired with his bride to his favorite abode of Mount Yernon.'^ The man- sion was beautifully situated on a swelling * The Editor of the Banner of the Cross thus writes, in the suminer of 1858 " In lately sailing down the Potomac, we were much impress- ed by the solemn tolling of the steamboat bell as we passed the hallowed spot where rest the mortal remains of the illus- trious Washington. The touching custom is never omitted, and it is said that for half a century it has been observed by every boat or ship while passing the sacred shade." 10 110 LIFE OF WASHINGTOJT. height, crowned witli wood, and commanding a fine view of the Potomac. The gromids around were laid out with taste, and the large estate was divided into separate farms, devot- ed to different kinds of culture. Washington owned many colored servants, who always found him a kind and indulgent master. Among these were tailors, shoemak- ers, carpenters, blacksmiths, and wheelwrights, so that the j>lantation produced every thing within itself for ordinary use. By his marriage, Washington had added more than a hundred thousand dollars to his fortune, which was considerable before, so that he was now enabled to live in handsome style. A chariot and four, with servants in livery, was kept for the use of his wife and her lady visit- ors, while he himself always preferred to ride on horseback. They entertained a good deal of company, and that, too, in a manner corre- sponding with their abundant means, and the generous hospitality of the times. The officers of British ships which anchored in the Poto- mac, were often guests at Mount Yernon. Those who chose were furnished with fine horses and dogs, for the exciting and then fashionable sport of fox-hunting. A HTXDEED AXD OXE COWS. Ill In the midst of all tliis gayety, Washington found time to attend to his farming operations, and his accounts were all kept with the greatest accuracy and care. He attended in person to the shipping of his tobacco, and foreign mer- chants were so sure that whatever came to them with, the Mount Yernon brand would be of the precise quality and quantity represent- ed, that they bad no trouble in looking to tbese points themselves. The constant flow of comj^any to tbis charm- ing spot obliged Mrs. Washington to attend closely to her domestic duties, and we may judge of the expense of keeping up such an es- tablishment from a single expression in one of her husband's letters : '• Would any person believe," he says, " that with a hundred and one coics, actually reported at a late enumera- tion of the cattle, I should still be obliged to buy butter for my family V When any articles of fashion and elegance were required, they were ordered directly from London.^ Washington's letters contain exact * Several invoices of goods, DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE. 175 The conspiracy extended into the country, and every one became suspicious of his neighbors, and few felt that they were altogether safe. The mayor of the city was arrested, and a soldier of General Washington's body-guard was executed. British ships arrived in the harbor, troops were landed on Staten Island, and there General Howe established his head- quarters. But while danger was thus threat- ening the city, the hearts of all true patriots were cheered by the decided stand which Congress took on tlie 4th of July, 1776, when the Declaration of our Independence was signed.* There could now be no retreat. The Americans must go onward and fight for their liberties, or perish in the attempt. May the great national holiday which is kept in honor of that event, always be cele- brated with the devoutest feelings of thankful- ness and joy. 'No one was more gratified than Washington that Congress had thus taken a decided stand, and he says in one of his orders to the army : * The writer would advise all who can have access to the work, to turn to Lossing's " Field-Book of the Eevolution," vol. ii., p. 284, and read the animated description of this excit- ing scene. 1Y6 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. ^'The general hopes and trusts that every officer and man will endeavor so to live and act as becomes a Christian soldier, defending the dearest rights and liberties of his coun- try." CHAPTEK SEYENTEENTH. Both sides preparing for the future — The forces of General Howe multiplying — Arrival of a powerful fleet— A letter for ■which it was hard to find an owner — Military titles — The reb- els declining to be pardoned — Fears excited by the English ships — Hessian soldiers — Painful suspense — The enemy land on Long Island — All doubts at an end — An unfortunate bat- tle — " What brave fellows I must this day lose !" — A night of cruel anxiety — Council of war — A hard night's work — The British ships venture nearer to the city — Washington attending divine service in New York — A very loyal servant of the king gives his account of it — Day of public fasting and prayer — The same Church adapted to the wants of all, no matter what their political opinions may be, MILITARY preparations went on through the summer of 1776, both sides endeavor- ing to be fully prepared for what was to fol- low. By this time the forces of General Howe had increased to twenty-five thousand men, far outnumbering those under the command of Washington. The alarm of the inhabitants of New York had been great enough before, but it was much increased on the 14:th of July, when Admiral Lord Howe arrived, with a powerful fleet, to act in conjunction with his brother, the general. He came on a mis- 178 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. sion of peace, desiring to bring back tlie colo- nies to their allegiance. His lordsliip was greatly disappointed that he did not reach New York before the Declaration of Independ- ence had been proclaimed. He still hoped, however, that some might yet be persuaded to return to the service of the king ; and a messenger was sent on shore with a flag of truce, bearing a circular letter to the colonial governor, requesting him to publish his ad- dress to the people, as widely as possible. A day or two afterwards, an officer of the British navy came from Lord Howe, seeking a conference with Washington. Thus far the enemy had always spoken of the Americans as rebels, and denied all military titles to their officers. Washington cared nothing for these, so far as he was concerned, but he was deter- mined that proper respect should be shown to him as commander-in-chief of the armies of his country. When the British officer was discovered approaching the city in a boat bearing a white flag. Colonel Eeed was sent in a barge to meet him, and learn his errand. The messenger of Lord Howe informed him that he had brought a letter from that gentleman to Mr. Washing- JULITAPwT TITLES. 179 ton. Colonel Eeed was provoked at this im- pudence, and replied that he knew of no such person in the army. The English officer now produced the letter, which was addressed to '* George Washington, Esq.," and was told that it would n.ot be re- ceived with that direction. He still pressed the matter, and hinted that its contents were highly important. Colonel Eeed refused to take it, and Lord Howe's messenger went back as he came. His lordship afterwards sent to inquii*e whether Colonel Patterson, the British Adju- tant-general, could be admitted to an inter- view with General Washington. A favorable answer was returned, and, at the time agreed upon, that officer arrived, and was received by the commander-in-chief with much form and ceremony. Colonel Patterson addressed him with great respect, calling him '• Your Excel- lency," but still withholding his proper name of General. He brought a letter directed to " George Washington, Esq., &:c., &:c.," which was still declined, as not yielding the point in dispute. Colonel Patterson insisted that the et ceteras covered everv thins: : but Washinor- ton replied that while it was true that these 180 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. implied every tiling^ they also implied any tiling^ and that he should absolutely decline any letter addressed to himself as a private jDerson, when it related to his public station. The British officer finding that the childish expedient which had been resorted to in order to make "Washington lay aside his dignity, had utterly failed, he endeavored to commu- nicate the substance of the letter, so far as he could recollect it. The commander-in-chief patiently heard what he had to say, and then answered, that it appeared that Lord Howe's power extended only to granting ^ardons^ and as Americans battling for rights wanted no pardons, there was little use in wasting words on the subject. And so the interview ended. Congress highly approved of "Washington's course in the matter, and General Howe, when he had occasion to write again, directed his letters in due form. The inhabitants along the banks of the Hud- son were in constant dread lest the British ships should succeed in passing the city, and make their way up the river to destroy the towns along its banks. Two of them, indeed, had already gone up, and were cruising about, BRITISH FORCES. 181 holding communication, it was believed, with the nnmerous Tories scattered through the countiy. Fortunately, the militia were under the command of General George Clinton, a watchful and active officer, and General Put- nam was busv in sinking such obstructions in the river as he hoped would prevent the pas- sage of other ships. His majesty King George was determined to bring the rebels to their senses, cost what it might ; and in addition to his own troops sent over for that purpose, he had hired a large number of German soldiers, called Hes- sians, and ship after ship continued to arrive, until the slopes of Staten Island were white with the tents of thirty thousand men collect- ed there. The British seemed to have brought all their force to bear on one point. Sir Henry Clin- ton, having been defeated in his attack on Charleston, South Carolina, had returned, and was now ready to assist General Howe. Lord Cornwallis and Lord Dunmore (the late Gov- ernor of Yii^ginia) were also with him. General "Washington was poorly prepared to withstand this formidable force, as he only had about seventeen thousand men, and many 16 182 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. of these were raw militia, badly armed, and without tents. He was kept in painful suspense for a wdiile, not knowing what tlie enemy intended to do ; but after many false alarms he learned, on the 2Tth of August, that they had landed on Long Island, at a point between the ISTarrows and Sandy Hook. Unfortunately, General Greene, who was stationed near Brooklyn, was sick, and, at the last moment, General Putnam was sent over to supply his place; but being unac- quainted with the ground, he was not pre2:>ared to act with promptness and effect. The bat- tle of Long Island began at daybreak. The roar of artillery aroused the New Yorkers, and as soon as Washington found that the wind was such that the enemy's ships could not be brought to bear upon the city, he hast- ened over to the scene of action. Taking his station on a hill, he soon discov- ered, by the aid of his telescope, the mistakes which his oiSccrs had made ; but it was too late to change the orders, and he could only watch the defeat of his troops, wringing his hands in agony, and crying out, " Good God, what brave fellows I must this day lose!" Every thing had gone against them, and they A HARD night's WORK. 1S3 Imd loyt, in killed, wounded, and prisoners, abont eleven hundred men. The night which followed this dismal day was one of cruel anxiety and suffering. The commander-in-chief spent the weary hours in going about among the sick and woimded, and in making preparations for the morrow. Providentially, the next day brought a vio- lent rain, which kept the British from pursuing the advantage which they had gained; but, from the bustle among their ships, it seemed probable that they were about to sail up and anchor in the East Kiver, thus surrounding o Washington's forces on Long Island. A coun- cil of war was summoned, and it was decided that the troops must be taken back to Xew York that very night. It was a most hazai'd- ous undertaking to transport nine thousand men, with baggage and artillery, in the face of the enemy ; but a thick fog tavored the opera- tion, and it was accomplished with complete success. Washington crossed over, with the last division, just before daybreak. This was one of his most masterly achievements, and never, before or afterwards, did he suffer great- er anxiety, or undergo more fatigue. The British ships now ventured closer to the 184: LIFE 0F.WASHING'It)15r. city tlian ever, but the army seemed contented to take possession of tlie works erected by tlie Americans on Long Island. As the Episcopal Clinrch was tlie established religion in England, and every thing which re- lated to the mother country had become un- popular with those whom she was trying to oppress and conquer, the reader may be curi- ous to know whether, during this trying pe- riod, Washington still held fast to his religious faith, or whether he chose some form of man's devising, as a way of serving God quite as acceptable as that which He had appointed. An incidental reference in the journal of the E-ev. Charles Inglis, one of the ministers of Trinity Church, 'New York, written in the au- tumn of 1776, will throw some light upon the subject. "Soon after Washington's arrival, he at- tended our church ; but on the Sunday morn- ing, before divine service began, one of the rebel generals called at the rector's house (sup- posing the latter was in town), and, not finding him, left word that he came to inform the rec- tor that 'General Washington would be at church, and would be glad if the violent pray- ers for the king and royal family were omitted.' A DAY OF FASTIKG. 185 Tills message was brought to me ; and, as you may suppose, I paid no regard to it. " On seeing that general not long after, I re- monstrated against the unreasonableness of his request, which he must know the clergy could not comjDly with ; and told him further, that it was in his power to shut up our churches, but by no means in his power to make the clergy depart from their duty. " This declaration drew from him an awk- ward apology for his conduct, which, I believe, was not authorized by Washington. Such in- cidents would not be worth mentioning, unless to give those who are at a distance a better idea of the spirit of the times. " May ITth was appointed by the Congress as a day of j)ublic fasting, j)rayer, and humiliation, throughout the continent. At the unanimous request of the members of our church who were then in town, I consented to preach that day ; and, indeed, our situation made it highly prudent, though a submission to an authority that was so far usurped was exceedingly gra- ting and disagreeable. In giving notice the preceding Sunday, I only mentioned that there would be a sermon the ensuing Friday, which was the ITth, without saying any thing of the 16* 186 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. reason, or hj what authority. It was exceed- ingly difficult for a loyal clergyman to preach on such an occasion, and not incur danger on the one hand, or not depart from his duty on the other. I endeavored to avoid both, making peace and repentance my subject, and explicit- ly disclaimed having any thing to do with poli- tics. This sermon, in the comj)osition of which I took some pains, I intend to publish, for va- rious reasons, should I be able to recover it from the place where it now is, with all my books and papers, in the country. The several churches in this province (except two, where the clergymen thought they might without danger omit service), and, so far as I can learn, through all the thirteen United Colonies, as they are called, were opened on this occasion."* The clergyman who wrote this was a devoted royalist, and the American general was the head and front of the rebel host who were con- tending for their liberty, — and yet both could unite with the same devotional spirit in the services of the Book of Common Prayer. * Hawkins' Missions of the English Church, p. 333. CHAPTEE EIGHTEE:^TH. Lord Howe still hopes for an amicable settlement of difficulties — He sends a message to Congress— A committee appointed to meet him — The result far different from what he had ex- pected — The enemy's plans begin to develope themselves — Washington reduced to one mode of warfai'C — His anny wast- ing away — New York abandoned — The Britisli fire upon the guard at Kip's Bay — Disgraceful flight — Washington loses his I)resence of mind — " Are these the men with whom I am to defend America?" — His letter to Congress — Good officers in- dispensable — The practice of plundering to be checked — Thor- oughly discouraged and perplexed — Congress becomes rather wiser than before — Troops to be enlisted for the war — Dread of the power of armies and generals — Washington's true char- acter not then fully understood. Ol^E reason wli j tlie English did not prompt- ly follow lip the severe blow which they had given to the cause of the colonists in the battle of Long Island was, that Lord Howe still hoped that an arrangement might be made by which teiTtis of peace conld be agreed npon advantageous to Great Britain. The present seemed a favorable moment for the renewal of his overtures, and he accordingly sent a mes- sage to Congress, requesting an interview with some of the members of that body. A com- mittee, consisting of John Adams, Edward 188 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. Rutledge, and Doctor Franklin, was chosen for tliis piir230se, and tliey met liis lordship on Staten Island. During his residence in Eng- land the previous year, Franklin had become acquainted with Lord Howe, at the house of his lordship's sister, and their intercourse was mutually agreeable. Lord Howe talked over matters with the committee, but made no ex- plicit proposition of peace, nor promise of anj change in the policy of the English govern- ment towards the colonies, except on condition that they should return to their allegiance. The Congressmen replied that this was now impossible ; that the colonies had been forced into a war, and had declared their indepen- dence, and that it would not be their fault if they did not maintain it. On the breaking up of the conference, Lord Howe expressed his sorrow at the result, and assured his old friend, Dr. Franklin, that it would give him great pain to be obliged to dis- tress those whom he so highly esteemed. "I am very thankful to your lordship for your regard," answered Franklin, good-humor- edly ; " the Americans, on their part, will en- deavor to lessen the pain you may feel, by taking good care of themselves." WITHDRAWma FROM NEW YORK. 189 "Washington had been carefully watching the movements of the enemy, and he was now convinced that their plan was to inclose the American army on the island of 'New York, and tlms oblige them to fight on their own terms, or surrender at discretion. There was, therefore, only one course which he could pos- sibly pursue, with any regard to the safety of the country, and this was to avoid battles, and to endeavor to wear away the strength of the British troops by slow degrees, — never ventur- ing to attack them, unless under advantageous circumstances. The terrible result of the re- cent conflict on Long Island had been extreme- ly disheartening, and the American army was reduced every day by the return of the militia and volunteers to their homes. It was plain that New York must be abandoned, and Wash- ington made up his mind to retire to the rocky heights north of the city, on the upper part of the island, and there intrench himself as strong- ly as possible, with a view to the prevention of the enemy's movements on the iJ^orth and East Elvers. An incident which happened during the removal of his troops to this posi- tion, served to increase his dislike to raw and unpractised militia. 190 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. On tlie 15tli of September, the Britisli ships began to fire npon the soldiers who had been left to guard the breastworks at Kip's Bay, on the East River, and almost at the first alarm these heroes took to their heels, and no efi'orts of their ofiacers could stop them. Washington was at Harlem when the firing began, and he galloped over to the scene of action as fast as he could, and was extremely mortified and dis- tressed to discover the cowardly behavior of the men. He rode up furiously in front of the fiying troops, shouted to them, and ordered them to go back with him and face the enemy. He even snapped his pistols at them, and threatened them with his sword ; and, when he saw them still running away with all speed, he dashed his hat on the ground, and exclaimed, " Are these the men with whom I am to defend America ?" The enraged commander seemed almost to court death to relieve him of the sense of dishonor, and one of his aids seized the bridle of his horse, and forced him from the spot. In the midst of all this uncertainty and dis- appointment, "Washington began to think se- riously what could be done in the future to remedy some of the evils from which he had GOOD OFFICEES NEEDED. 191 SO grievously suffered ; and, during the weary hours borrowed from sleep, he wrote a long and stirring letter to Congress, which it would be unjust to him not to copy, at least in part. "As the war must be carried on systematical- ly and to do it you must have good officers, there are no other possible means to obtain them but by establishing your army upon a permanent footing, and giving your officers good pay. This will induce gentlemen and men of character to engage ; and, till the bulk of your officers is composed of such persons as are actuated by principles of honor and a spir- it of enterprise, you have little to exj)ect from them. They ought to have such allowances as will enable them to live like and support the character of gentlemen, and not be driven by a scanty pittance to the low and dirty arts which many of them practise, to filch from the public more than the difference of pay would amount to upon an ample allowance. Besides, something is due to the man who puts his life in your hands, hazards his health, and forsakes the sweets of domestic enjoyment. " But while the only merit an officer possess- es is his ability to raise men, while those men consider and treat him as an equal, and, in the 192 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. character of an officer, regard him no more than a broomstick, — being mixed together as one common herd, no order or discipline can prevail; nor will the officer ever meet with that respect which is essentially necessary to due subordination. " Of late a practice prevails of the most alarming nature, and which will, if it cannot be checked, prove fatal to both the country and the army : I mean the infamous practice of plundering. For, under the idea of Tory property, or property that may fall into the hands of the enemy, no man is secure in his effects, and scarcely in his person. In order to get at them, we have several instances of people being frightened out of their houses, under pretence of those houses being ordered to be burnt, and this is done with a view of seizing the goods ; nay, in order that the vil- lany may be more effectually concealed, some houses have actually been burnt, to cover the theft. I have, with some others, used my utmost endeavors to stop this horrid practice ; but under the present Inst after plunder, and want of laws to punish offenders, I might almost as well attempt to move Mount Atlas. I have ordered instant corporal punishment OFFICIAL PLryDKHTXG. 193 upon every man who passes our lin^ or is seen with plunder, that the offenders may be punished for disobedience of orders ; and I inclose to you the proceedings of a court-mar- tial held upon an officer, who, with a party of men, had robbed a house, a little beyond our lines, of a number of valuable goods, — among which (to show that nothing escaped) were four large pier looking-glasses, women's clothes, and other articles, which, one would think, could be of no earthly use to him. He was met by a major of brigade, who ordered him to return the goods, as taken contrary to gen- eral orders, which he not only refused to do, but drew up his party and swore he would defend them at the hazard of his life; on which I ordered him to be arrested, tried for plundering, disobedience of orders, and mu- tiny. "An army formed of good officere moves like clock-work ; but there is no situation upon earth less enviable, or more distressing, than that person's who is at the head of troops regardless of order and discipline, and unpro- ^'ided with almost every necessary. In a word, the difficulties which have forever sur- rounded me since I have been in the service, 17 194 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. and kept my mind constantly upon the stretch ; the wounds which my feelings as an officer have received by a thousand things that have happened contrary to my expectations and wishes; the effect of my own conduct, and present appearance of things, so little pleasing to myself as to render it a matter of no sur- prise to me if I should stand capitally censured by Congress ; added to a consciousness of my inability to govern an army composed of such discordant parts, and under such a variety of intricate and perplexing circumstances, induce not only a belief, but a thorough conviction in my mind, that it will be impossible, unless there is a thorough change in our military system, for me to conduct matters in such a manner as to give satisfaction to the public, which is all the recompense I aim at, or ever wished for." The number of letters* which Washington wrote or dictated, during the war, must have * For those who have plenty of spare time, no better history of Washington's public life could be desired than his own let- ters, as edited by Mr. Sparks. The writer must say for himself that he read through the whole twelve large octavo volumes with unflagging interest. Some valuable information in regard to their publication will be found in Dayckinck's Encyclopaedia of American Literature, vol. i., p. 179. CHAEACTER MISUNDERSTOOD. 195 been a great tax upon liim. Xot only did he keep Congress dnl j informed of the movements of the armv, but he was obliged, again and again, to remind them of the necessities of the soldiers, and of a thousand other things. Yery few of the members understood his real character ; and because some generals at the close of a successful war had become despots, they did not feel quite sure that Washington, after haying driven the British from these shores, might not trust to the attachment of the army to make liim a king. For this reason, Congress was oftentimes backward about giving him as much power as it was necessary that the commander-in-chief should possess. Great and noble man, thy unsullied purity of mind and heart is now known to all ! CHAPTEE NmETEENTH. The American encampment at King's Bridge — Eedoubts and intrencliments — The British land at Throg's Neck — A serious question which required a prompt answer — Washington re- moves his head-quarters to White Plains — " The British are in the camp, sir !" — Dread of light-horse — The enemy change their plan — Both sides suffer loss, and neither gains much — Breastwork of corn-stalks — An insolent letter which paints a melancholy picture — Poor pay and hard living — The Ameri- can army retires to North Castle — General Howe withdraws to the Hudson — Various suppositions as to what he was about to do — Washington's opinion proves to be correct — Attack on the fort — Weeping like a child — The army crosses into New Jersey, followed by the British — Fruitless appeals for help — Too many Tories in New Jersey — The gloomiest period of the war — A fresh proclamation of pardon — Washington firm in the midst of trials — What he proposed to do in the last emer- gency — Certainty of final success. THE main body of the American army was now encamped upon the narrow, rocky neck of land, which forms the npper part of Manhattan or Is'ew York island. While thns posted, Washington was incessantly occupied in fortifying the approaches to the camp by redoubts and intrencliments. "Plere," said he, "I should hope the enemy, in case of attack, would meet a defeat, if the generality ENCAMPED AT NSHITL PLATS'.?. 197 of oui' troops would behave with tolerable bravery ; but experience, to my extreme afflic- tion, has convinced me that it is rather to be wished than expected. However, I trust there are many who will act like men worthy of the blessings of freedom.*' On the 12th of October, the British landed at Throg's Xeck, in the Sound, but were immediately checked by the Americans, who fortunately had possession of strong ground. It now became a very serious question whether it would be prudent for the army to remain on Manhattan Island, with the enemy in their rear. A council of officers (among whom was General Lee, who had just retm-ned from a successful campaign at the South) decided that it should be removed to the main land. Accordingly, on the 23d of October, TTash- ington established his head-quarters at White Plains. General Lee arrived there several days afterwards, bringing the rear division with him. which consisted of eight thousand men. The whole encampment was merely a tem- porary one, designed to be exchanged for another as soon as the military stores collected there could be removed. 17* 198 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. The day after Lee's arrival, lie was riding out with the commander-in-chief, to examine the condition of the surrounding country, when a trooper galloped up to them, crying out, " The British are in the camp, sir !" " Then, gentlemen," said Washington, with perfect composure, "we have other business to attend to than reconnoitring." Putting spurs to his horse, he soon reached the camp, where he learned that the army was already posted in order of battle. Washington merely turned to his companions, and remark- ed, "Gentlemen, you will return to your respective posts, and do the best you can." He had hardly time to give a few important orders, before the enemy appeared on the high grounds beyond the village of White Plains, advancing in two columns, their burnished arms glittering in the sunbeams. A part of the British troops, on this occasion, consisted of light-horse, which the American militia had always regarded with dread, although Washington had taken pains to con- vince them that in a rough, broken country, full of stone-fences, no soldiers were less to be feared. Mounted on horseback, they would be obliged to keep to the road, while sharp- PLIGHT OF THE AH^JT. 199 sliooterS; stationed behind walls and thickets, could fire npon them with no danger of pur- suit. The enemy halted for a time in a wheat- field, sheltered by a rising ground, where their officers held a consultation, and their plan of attack was chano^ed. Instead of chars^inoj the Americans in front, as they had at first intended, and as TTashington had expected them to do, they turned to a hill on the right of the camp. The Americans made a brave defence, and the loss on both sides was about equal ; but the enemy accomplished their pur- pose, and proceeded to fortify the hill. During the night "Washington took every precaution to strengthen his position by throw- ing up a breastwork made of the stalks of In- dian coiTi, with the earth clinging in masses to the roots. The two armies were now within cannon-shot of each other, and the British had an opportunity of discovering the wretched condition of the Colonists. One of them wi-ites to a friend in London, giving a woful pictm-e of their ragged plight in this rainy and inclement season. '' The rebel army are in 60 ^Tetched a condition as to clotliinsr and accoutrements, that I believe no nation ever 200 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. saw such a set of tatterdemalions. There are few coats among them but what are out at elbows, and in a whole regiment there is scarce a pair of breeches. Judge, then, how they must be pinched by a winter's campaign. "We, who are warmly clothed and well equip- ped, already feel it severely ; for it is even now much colder than I ever felt it in England." The pay of the American troops was very poor at best, and they were often kept out of it long after it was due, because Congress real- ly did not know how to raise the money. Great praise should be given to men who were willing to go almost naked, and sleep on the cold ground, and be pinched with hunger, that they might free themselves from a foreign yoke, and secure the blessings of liberty for their children. Washington was apprehensive that the British might pass behind him and thus con- fine him within such narrow limits that escape would be impossible. For this reason, on the night of the 31st of October, he retired with the main army a distance of five miles among the rocky hills about North Castle, where he fortified himself General Howe made no at- tempt to dislodge him, but four days after- CAPTURE OF FORT WASHINGTON. 201 wards withdrew liis wliole force to tlie Hud- son river. Great was the anxiety of the Americans to know where the enemy had gone. Some sug- gested that they intended to take up their winter-quarters in the city, others that they wouki cross into New Jersey, while it might yet be j)robable that they designed an attack on Fort Washington, the only place on Man- hattan Island where any American troops had been left. This last opinion was the one to which Washington inclined, and accordingly he left General Lee at E'orth Castle, while he sent one part of the army to guard the passes to the Highlands, and another to protect the Jersey shore. He himself crossed the Hudson to Fort Lee, in 'New York, opposite to Fort "Washington. The commander-in-chief had given it as his opinion before, that the garrison had better be withdrawn from the latter place, but Gen- eral Greene, within whose jurisdiction it was situated, was so sure that it could be safely retained, that he did not insist. The capture of this fortress proved to be the object of General Howe's sudden departure from White Plains, and Washington only ar- 202 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. rived in time to witness the gallant defence and surrender of tlie fort which bore his name. So completely was he overcome by some acts of cruelty of which the enemy were guilty, and which he had no power to prevent, that he wept like a child. The Americans sustained a heavy loss, not only in men, but in cannon and guns, and Washington was sorry enough that he had not acted according to his own views instead of yielding to the wishes of General Greene. Lee, who was becoming more and more arrogant every day, wrote to him : " O General, why would you be over-persuaded by men of infe- rior judgment to your own ?" "With the capture of Fort Washington all hopes of obstructing the navigation of the Hudson at that point was abandoned. Fort Lee became useless, and no time was lost in preparing to leave it. The enemy were ad- vancing in full force, and nothing was left for the Americans but to retreat. They crossed over into 'New Jersey, moving slowly from Hackensack to E'ewark, and from there to Brunswick, Princeton, and Trenton, Washington hoping every day that at least the militia would come to his assistance. GLOOilY PERIOD. 203 The people of the Jerseys were inclmed to favor the king, and when they saw the British general with a large and well- equipped army pursuing the tattered forces commanded by Washington, they felt little disposed to take sides with the weak. General Gates had been confidently expect- ed with reinforcements from the ]^orth ; six letters had been sent to hasten the march of General Lee ; the Governor of New Jersey had been appealed to, and Congress had been en- treated to send immediate help, but it was all to no j)urpose. The best that the commander-in-chief could do was to outgeneral Sir "William Howe by his skilful movements, and to place his army in comparative safety for a time, by crossing the Delaware at Trenton and encamping on the right bank, having cut off all j^rospect of im- mediate pursuit by securing the boats. " This was the gloomiest period of the war. The campaign had been little else than a se- ries of disasters and retreats. The enemy had gained possession of Rhode Island, Long Island, the city of J^ew York, Staten Island, and near- ly the whole of the Jerseys, and seemed on the point of extending their conquests into 20J: LIFE OF WASHEfGTOJT. PennsvlTaiiia. By the fatal scheme of short enlistments, and by sickness, the effective force with General Washington had dwindled away, till it hardly deserved the name of an army. A proclamation was pnblished jointly by Lord Howe and General Howe, offering pardon in the king's name to all who should take oath of allegiance and come nnder his protection in sixty days. •• Many persons, among whom were men of wealth and consideration, accepted these terms, and went over to the enemy. Others, espe- cially in Xew Jersey, took the oath, but re- mained at their homes. "•In short, so great was the panic and so dark the prospect, that a general despondency pervaded the continent. In the midst of these scenes of trial and disconragement, 'Washington stood firm. "Whatever his appre- hensions may have been, no misgivings were manifested in his conduct or his counsels. Fr»3m his letters written at this time, on the western bank of the Delaware, it does not ap- pear that he yielded for a moment to a sense of immediate danger, or to a doubt of ultimate success. On the contrary, they breathe the Eame determined spirit, and are marked by vnassEBB IS adtebhtty. 205 the same confidence, calmness, and forethought which distingnish them on all other occasions. When asked what he would do if Philadelphia should be taken, he is reported to have said, ' We will retreat hejond the Susquehanna riv- er ; and thence, if necessary, to the Alleghanj mountains.' Knowing, as he did, the temper of the people, the deeji-rooted cause of the controversy, and the actual resources of the confederacy, he was not disheartened by tem- porary misfartmies, being persuaded that perseverance would at last overcome every obstacle.*** ♦ Sparks' Life of Washington. CHAPTEK TWEFTIETH. Kcw trials— A loved and trusted friend behaves very shabbily- General Lee's jealousy— Plans for his own advancement— En- during enough in silence— Colonel Eeed writes a most improp- er letter — An accident reveals the treachery to the one most nearly concerned — Kepenting of errors with many tears — Lee'3 inglorious capture — His character and aims — A bold stroke — Crossing the Delaware on a stomiy night — Nine weary miles —The enemy surprised—" Their flags are struck, sir !"— The spoils of victory — Failure in a part of the plan — Visit of sym- pathy to a dying soldier — Triumphal entry into Philadel- phia — Difficulty in persuading the troops to re-enlist — Hard money needed — Eobert Morris applied to— He borrows it from an unexpected quarter — The campaign of 1776 closes gloomily. WASHESTGTOX'S trials had been grievons enougli, tliiTS far, without any more being added to them, bnt there was another yet to come, for which he conld scarcely have been prepared; viz., the nnfaithfulness of Colonel Eeed, whom he had so long loved and trusted. The defensive policy which the commander- in-chief had been obliged, from the force of circumstances, to pursue, had brought upon him the charge of indecision, if not of actual imbecility. His ardent and impetuous temper 207 would have led liim to meet tlie British, in open fight, and to contend with -unfaltering conrage ; but his forces were too weak to haz- ard the safety of the cause in such a way, and the most mortifying experiences had shown that the courage of the undisciplined militia could not be depended on in the hour of trial. He felt certain, however, that his present policy, of wearying out the enemy, must at last be successful. While many saw and acknowledged the wisdom of this course, there were others who spoke of it in terms of ridicule and reproach. General Lee, who was a vain and conceited man, and of a hot and ungovernable temper, had always been jealous that he should be made to play a secondary part to one whom he considered inferior to himself in military skill. He seemed to forget that it was at the solicitation of Washington that he had been intrusted with the important command which he held, and when his particular friends began to contrast his success in arms with what they chose to regard as the timid policy of the commander-in-chief, his presumption and inso- lence became intolerable. Some members of Congress and other prom- 208 LIFE OF WA5HDTGT0N. inent individuals had been foolish enough to take this view of the matter, and boldly to express the opinion that 'Washington's place should be given to Lee. The commander-in- chief knew all this, and endured it in uncom- plaiuing silence; but he was soon to make a discovery which filled him with anguish. It seems that his bosom-friend. Colonel Eeed, had been dazzled by the more showy qualities of Lee, and thus expressed himself in a letter to that officer ; ''I do not mean to flatter or praise you, at the expense of any other, but I do think it is entirely owing to you that this army, and the liberties of America, so far as they are dependent on it, are not entirely cut off. You have decision, a quality often want- ing in minds otherwise valuable — and I ascribe to this our escape from York Island, EJing's Bridge, and the Plains ; and I have no doubt, had you been here, the garrison of Mount Washington would now have composed a part of this army; and from all these cu*cum- stances, I confess, I do ardently wish to see you removed from a place where there will be so little call for your judgment and experience, to the place where they ai*e likely to be so necessary. Xor am I siugular in my opinion ; COL. reed's treacheet. 209 every gentleman of tlie family, tlie officers and soldiers generally, have confidence in you. The enemy constantly inquire where you are, and seem to be less confident when you are present." In conclusion, Colonel Reed suggests that Lee ought to go to Congress, and help to form a new and better plan for the army. Of course the writer of this infamous letter never dreamed that Washington knew any thing about it, and it was only an accident which made him acquainted with the con- spiracy which was formed against him. It so happened that Reed was absent from the camp for a short time, when it became neces- sary for the commander-in-chief to open and answer his business letters. One day, a letter for Colonel Reed, from General Lee, was brought to him, which he examined, as he had done in similar cases, and to his perfect amaze- ment he found that it contained highly unbe- coming language concerning himself, evidently in answer to something which Reed had said in a communication to which this was the reply. In the extracts from Colonel Reed's letter, as given above, we know what his observations had been. 18* 210 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. Washington folded up the letter, and in- closed it to the owner, with the single remark, that he had opened it, supposing it had been on public business. We do not envy the feel- ings of Eeed, when he received this communi- cation. He lived long enough to discover his error, and to entreat the forgiveness of him whom he had so grievously wronged, and Washington possessed enough of Christian charity to overlook the offence. General Lee delayed coming to the relief of the commander-in-chief, when he urged him to do so, because he had his own ambitious schemes to accomplish, but he suffered for it well in the end. He was so headstrono^ and perverse, that he fancied he could do pretty much as he pleased, and one day while lodging at a solitary farm-house, in New Jersey, he was taken prisoner, by a small party of the enemy. The British thought, for a while, that they had gained a great prize, and that the Americans would sadly miss so scientific and experienced a general. It was, however, truly providential that this loss befell them, as it put an end to the miserable attempts which were made to injure the commander-in- chief, and it showed the enemy that there were PORTRAITURE OF LEE. 211 others in the American camp, who had the skill to plan and the courage to execute. Washington uttered no word of censure against Lee, in his despatches to Congress, and actually exerted himself in every possible way, until he had -ocured his release by an exchange."^ Had Lee succeeded in his un- worthy purposes, the cause of freedom would have been most seriously impaired, and Wash- ington made to yield his place to this selfish intriguer! "What an unfortunate change would it have been for the country ! Lee was undoubtedly a man of brilliant talents, shrewd sagacity, and much knowledge and experience in the art of war ; but he was wilful and un- certain in his temper, self-indulgent in his habits, and an egotist in warfare ; boldly dash- ing for a soldier's glory, rather than warily acting for our country's good. He wanted those great moral qualities w-hich, in addition to military capacity, inspired such universal * An ^cchan^ie is an arrangement entered into by two hostile armies, by which prisoners taken by the one side will be given np for those taken by the other. Thus an American captain would be set free by the British, on condition that a British captain should be liberated by the Americans, and so with other grades of officers. 212 LIFE OF WASIIINGTO:S'. confidence in the wisdom, rectitude, and patriotism of Washington, enabling him to direct and control legislative bodies as well as armies; to harmonize the jarring passions and jealousies of a wide and imperfect confederacy, and to cope with the various exigencies of the Revolution."'^ On the night of Christmas, 1776, General Washington made one of those bold strokes which showed what he was capable of doing, when he felt any assurance that he should have the hearty support of his soldiers in the undertaking. The Hessians under command of Colonel Rahl, were stationed at Trenton, the Delaware river separating them from the American camp. The German soldiers had been spending merry Christmas, and little suspected any danger on that dismal winter night. Great masses of floating ice filled the river, and rendered the passage both diflicult and dangerous. Washington superintended the whole in person, and it was four o'clock in the morning before the troops, with the artil- lery, had passed safely over, and stood upon the eastern shore. There was a terrible storm * Irving's Washington, vol. ii., p. 464. STJEPRISE OF THE HESSIANS. 213 of hail and snow, and the wind blew furiously, while the thinly clad soldiers, marched nine weary miles, marking the whitened ground with blood from their shoeless feet. Arrange- ments had been made to attack the town at two different points, at the same time, and about daybreak, as they drew near Trenton, Washington, who rode in front, asked a coun- tryman chopping wood for his morning-fire, which way it w^as to the Hessian picket — for so the small guard stationed in front of an army is called. The prudent fellow had no idea of getting himself into trouble, and he replied in a surly tone, " I don't know, I'm sure." " You need not be afraid to tell," said the officer who rode by the side of the commander- in-chief; "this is General "Washington." " God bless and prosper you, sir," exclaimed the man with warmth. " The picket is in that house, and the sentry stands near the tree." All moved at a quicker pace, and in a mo- ment more the fight began. In the midst of the noise and excitement, while Washington was marching up with fresh troops, an officer called out, ''Their flags are struck, sir!" "Struck! So they are!" he said, looking 214 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. ^'"'• up, surprised. Then putting spurs to Lis horse, he galloj)ed forward, shouting words of cheer. More than nine hundred prisoners were taken, thirtj-two of them being officers, besides six brass field-pieces, and a thousand stand of arms. "Washington's triumph was diminished by the failure of the other division, which was to have crossed before day at Trenton Ferry, and taken possession of the bridge leading out of the town, over which some of the Hessians made their escajDe. Owing to this disappoint- ment, he was placed in great peril from being so near a powerful body of the enemy, and he was obliged to recross the Delaware at once, in order to secure his prisoners, and save his men from the effects of fatigue and cold. Be- fore leaving Trenton, he paid a short visit of sympathy to Colonel Kahl, who had been se- verely wounded, and who was then in a dying state. The feelings of the unfortunate soldier were soothed by this attention, and he declared that he much preferred to die, now that he had suffered the disgrace of so signal a defeat. Washington reached the camp in safety, with his long train of prisoners, and the valuable spoils of war, making a sort of triumphal entry into Philadelphia, in order to raise the spirits 215 of the people bj that proof of success. The end of the year now came, and with it expii'ed the term of service of several of the best regi- ments in the army. Poor fellows, they had endm*ed many hardships, and were most anx- ious to return home. Washington, who felt the importance of retaining their service, used every effort to persuade them to re-enlist, and at last succeeded in getting them to consent to remain six weeks longer. Hard money must now be had to pay them their dues, and the military chest was nearly empty. Washington sent a letter, by express, to Kob- ert Morris, the patriot of Philadelphia, who was willing to show his love for his country by personal sacrifices, and strange to say he induced a Quaker, whose principles would not permit him to fight, to supply the needful sum. About this time, the commander-in-chief re- ceived a letter from a committee of Congress, inclosing resolutions of that body, investing him with additional military authority. " Hap- py is it for this country," write the committee, " that the general of their forces can safely be intrusted with the most unlimited power, and neither personal security, liberty, nor property, be in the least degree endangered thereby." 216 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. The campaign of 1776, which had been begun under gloomy auspices, was now finished gloriously. 'New Jersey was abandoned by the British, with the exception of Brunswick and Amboy, and "Washington took up his quarters at Morristown. Friends and foes were convinced by this time that he could do something besides conduct a successful retreat. CHAPTER rVTEXTY-FIEST. Morristown— Small-pox breaks ont — Attachment of the army for their general— Letter-writing — The question about the bad treatment of prisoners revived — Disputes about rank among the officers — Foreigners applying for commissions — A noble Pole — " Try me" — General Howe in no hurry to quit his snug quarters — A new chain stretched across the Hudson — Colonel Eeed sends an humble apology for his conduct — Washington's magnanimous reply — Alexander Hamilton — Sir"NVilJiam Howe leaves New Jersey— Gloomy tidings from Ticonderoga— La- fayette introduced to the commander-in-chief— His first sight of the American army — '• It is to learn, and not to instruct, that I came here'' — The army marches through PhiJadelphia in grand style — ^Washington's head-quarters at Wikaington. TH K principal advantage of Momstown, as the winter-quarters of tlie armv, was its sitnation in a moiintainons region, whicli the British would find it difficnlt to reach, and be- ing in the midst of a farming conntrv, provi- sions conld be more readily obtained. Here Washington spent several months, harassing the enemy when it was possible, and exercising a general supervision over the American army, now scattered at various points from Canada to Florida. The small-po:^ broke out in the camp, and the sufferings of the soldiers were very great, 19 218 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. Washington caused hospitals to be prepared, and did all he could to comfort and cheer the sick. An officer, who had witnessed the man- ner in which the commander-in-chief had ex- posed himself to danger in recent engagements, wrote, on the 7th of January, 1777 : " Our ar- my love their general very much; but they have one thing against him, which is, the little care he takes of himself in any action. His personal bravery, and the desire he has of ani- mating his troops by example, make him fear- less of danger. Tliis occasions us much un- easiness. But Heaven, which has hitherto been his shield, I hope will continue to guard so valuable a life." The number of letters which "Washington wrote during this period was immense. The old question of the ill-treatment of prisoners drew from him several earnest expostulations, addressed to General Howe ; and the case of General Lee, in particular, occasioned much dispute. The British were at first disposed to make an example of that officer, on the ground that he had been a deserter from their service ; but this charge was so broad that it might have included many others who held prominent po- sitions in the American army. DISPXJTES ABOUT RANK. 219 As to the treatment of prisoners in general, Sir "William Howe insisted that there was re- ally no canse of complaint — and he was such a good-natured, indolent man, and troubled him- self so seldom about what he considered small matters, that he probably thought that such was really the case. When spring retui-ned, however, and the sufferers came forth from con- finement, it was in vain to deny that they had been most shamefully abused. Another subject which cost the commander- in-chief many long letters, was the settlement of disputes about rank, among the officers, who often complained that their service was not duly appreciated. These difficulties were not lessened by the great number of foreigners, especially French- men, who were applying for commissions in the American army. The natives of this coun- try, who had been fighting its battles, did not feel disposed to give way to strangers; and yet Congress was unwilling to oftend the Frenchmen, because they began to cherish great hopes that the cause of independence might receive valuable aid from this source. Kosciusko, a Pole of high rank and educa- tion, came to General Washington, with a 220 LIFE OF WASSlKaTON. letter of introduction from Dr. Franklin. "What do you seek here?" asked the com- mander-in-chief. " To fight for American in- dependence," was the prompt response. " What can you do ?" said Washington. " Try me," answered the brave Pole, — and he was received into the family of the commander-in- chief as an aid, and proved himself a valuable engineer officer. General Howe found his quarters in 'New York so comfortable, that he was in no haste to enter upon a new campaign, and it was some time before any conjecture could be formed as to his future operations. Washing- ton thought that his first effort would be to capture Philadelphia, and he resolved to dispute the possession of it as long as possible. In the spring of 1777, the command of the forts on the Hudson was given to General Putnam, who now stretched a strong iron chain across the river, at Fort Montgomery, to prevent the British ships from passing up and down. When the month of June had brought summer breezes again, and the coun- try was more inviting than the city. Sir Wil- liam Howe left New York, and spent three weeks in trying to tempt Washington to aban- 221 don his stroDg position, and meet liim on tlie open field. The American general would have been extremely happy to gratify him in that respect, if he could have placed full confi- dence in his troops ; but he slill had reason to believe that a half-armed company could not be made to face a well-disciplined army, whose numbers so far exceeded his own, and he therefore pursued a more prudent course. While the two armies were changing their positions from day to day, Washington receiv- ed a most affectionate letter from his old friend Heed, making every apology for his conduct with reference to General Lee, and begging that all that was unpleasant in the past might be forgotten. Can any one doubt for a moment what answer the high-minded Wash- ington would return ? As a man of the world, he might still have refused to be reconciled to one who had treated him so shamefully, but as a Christian he was ready to forgive. Al- though the camp was unsettled, Washington detained Colonel Eeed's messenger long enough to write a brief reply, thanking him for the friendly sentiments contained in his communi- cation, and assuring him that he felt perfectly convinced of the sincerity of them. 19* 222 LIFE OF WASHINGTOK. ''True it is (lie remaiks), I felt myself hurt by a certain letter, which appeared at that time t(» be the echo of one from you ; I was hurt — nor because I thought my judgment Avronged by the expressions contained in it, but because the same sentiments were not communicated iminediatelj to myself. The favorable manner in which your opinions, upon all occasions, have been received, the impressions they made, and the unreserved manner in w^iich I wished and required them to be given, entitled me, I thought, to your advice upon any point in which I appeared to be wanting. To meet with any thing, then, that carried with it a complexion of withholding that advice from me, and censuring my conduct to another, was such an argument of disingenuity, that I was not a little mortified at it. However, I am perfectly satisfied that matters were not as they appeared from the letter alluded to." And here the unpleasant afifair ended. All estrangement disappeared, and the former relations of friendly confidence between the commander-in-chief and Colonel Reed were restored. At this time Alexander Hamilton, the captain of a New York company of artillery, m PHILADELPHIA. 223 who had distingnished himself during that campaign, was acting as one of Washington's aids. Although only twenty years of age, his faculties were so ripe, and his judgment so correct, that he held a high place in the con- fidence of the commander-in-chief. On the last of June, Sir William Howe left New Jersey, and prepared to go on board his ships. It was impossible to say whether he intended to return to Boston, or to sail up the Hudson, or whether Philadelphia would be the next point of attack. The American army, small as it was, must therefore be divided, in order to be ready for any emergency. Gloomy tidings now came from Ticonderoga. General Schuyler asked for troops, but the commander-in-chief could not send them. After the delay of several weeks, the Brit- ish fleet left New York harbor on the 23d of July, when Washington marched to German- town, near Philadelphia. While halting here, he repeatedly visited the city, to attend to the arrangements which were made for its defence and to confer with Congress on subjects of the utmost importance. One day at a public dinner in Philadelphia, Washington saw, for the first time, the Mar- 224 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. qnis de Lafaj'ette, who was destined by Prov- idence to be one of his chief supports during the rest of the Revohitionary struggle, and his dearest friend for life. The young French- man, then but twenty years of age, full of the romance of liberty, had torn himself away from his lovely bride, and the splendors of a court, to join the hazardous fortunes of the oppressed Americans. He applied to Congress for a place in the army, and proposed to serve at his own expense. The proposal was accept- ed ; and in consideration of his noble birth and illustrious connections, and the zeal which he had manifested in the cause of freedom, it was resolved that he should hold the third rank in the army of the United States, that of major- general. The commander-in-chief is the highest ofli- cer, and next is the lieutenant-general. But to return to the dinner-party. The Marquis knew Washington the moment he saw him, being distinguished, as he said after- wards, from all who surrounded him, by his commanding air and person. Those who watched the commander-in-chief, when he was introduced to Lafayette, were disposed to think that his impressions of the young for- LAPATETTE. 225 eigner were not of the most favorable charac- ter ; but as the dinner proceeded, the conver- sation of the new-comer seemed to make a decided impression upon him. "When the company left the table, Washington took him aside, and complimented him in a gracious manner on his disinterested zeal and the gen- erosity of his conduct, and invited him to make head-quarters his home. "I cannot promise you the luxuries of a court," he said, "but as you have become an American soldier, you will doubtless accommodate your- self to the fare of an American army." Lafayette was overjoyed at this kind recep- tion, and his horses and equipage were imme- diately sent to the camp. He thus wrote, concerning his first impressions: "Eleven thousand men, but tolerably armed, and still worse clad, presented a singular spectacle ; in this parti-colored and often naked state, the best dresses were hunting-shirts of brown linen. Their tactics were equally irregular. They were arranged without regard to size, excepting that the smallest men were the front rank ; with all this, there were good- looking soldiers conducted by zealous offi- 226 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. " We ought to feel embarrassment," said Washington, to the marqnis, "in presenting ourselves before an officer just from the French army." " It is to learn, and not to instruct, that I came here," was the modest reply, and it made him a favorite with all. Congress, in conferring upon Lafayette the commission of major-general, had intended it rather as an honorary appointment, than as intrusting him with the command of a division of the army. The marquis had taken it in its literal sense, and was quite impatient for immediate employment. Washington was placed in an embarrassing position, but his wisdom and prudence overruled all difficulties at the last. As there had been a good deal of complaining among the citizens of Philadel- phia, the friends of the American cause being oftentimes discouraged, and its enemies dis- posed to make themselves officious and disa- greeable, the commander-in-chief concluded to march the army through the city, with a view to cheer up the sinking spirits of the one party, and to check the presumption of the other. He accordingly rode at the head of the troops, attended by his numerous staif of officers, with MAECH THROUGH PHILADELPHIA. 227 the Marquis de Lafayette by his side.* Every effort was made to render the spectacle as imposing as possible. The pioneers with their axes, the squadrons of horse, the long train of artillery, all marching in proper order, the soldiers with sprigs of green in their hats, presented quite a grand appearance. The bray of trumpets, and the stirring sound of drum and fife, produced no little excitement in the streets of the city of brotherly love. The army continued its march to Wilming- ton, Delaware, where Washington established his head-quarters, his troops being encamped on the neighboring heights. * Washington always dressed witli most scrupulous taste and care. Some of the old people of Philadelphia have been heard to say, that on such occasions as that described above, his horse's hoofs were blacked and polished as thoroughly as his own boots. CHAPTEE TWENTY- SECO]^D. The British make a landing in Maryland — Light troops sent to remove some stores beyond their reach — "Now is the time to reap the fruit of our trials" — Battle of the Brandy wine — Alarm in Philadelphia — Congress retires to Yorktown — The British keep themselves quiet for two days — Graining courage in the midst of defeat — The enemy enter Philadelphia in triumph — Making the best of circumstances — Engagement at German- town— How the news of these things affected the French Court— Tidings from the North, both bad and good— Gener- al Gates, and the unwarrantable course which his vanity led him to take — Forgiving injuries again — Skirmishes at White- marsh — "Winter sets in — Sad and dreary march to Valley Forge — Building huts and log-houses. ON tlie 2 5 til of August, the British army, under General Howe, began to land near the head of Elk river, in Maryland, at the bot- tom of Chesapeake bay. Early in the even- ing Washington heard of this, and light troops were sent in haste to endeavor to remove some valuable stores, which he feared would fall into the hands of the enemy. The British were within seventy miles of Philadelphia, and it was now their intention to proceed thither. Washington, accompanied by General Greene and the Marquis de Lafay- Qtte, rode about for several days, examining the BATTLE OP BEANDYWINE. 229 surrounding country, having fully made up his mind that this important city should not be captured without a strenuous effort on his part to prevent it. He knew that his troops were inferior to those of the enemy in num- ber, equipments, and discipline, but for once he was disposed to yield to the natural ardor of his character, and run the risk of a battle. On the 5th of September he made known his plans to the army, and endeavored to in- syjire the souls of all with his own patriotic emotions. '' Two years," said he, " have we maintained the war, and struggled with diffi- culties innumerable ; but the prospect has brightened. I^ow is the time to reap the fruit of all our toils and dangers. If we behave like men, this third campaign will be our last." Washington's ieffective force at this time numbered fifteen thousand men, poorly equip- ped for service, while the enemy amounted to eighteen thousand. After some changes of position on both sides, the battle began on the 11th of September. Early in the morning, a great column of troops were seen advancing on the road leading to Chad's Ford. The Americans were immediately drawn out in battle array, and as the commander-in-chief 20 230 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. rode along tlie fi-ont of the ranks, he was every- where received with accLamations. At first, the enemy showed so little spirit in their at- tack, that it was hoped that an easy victory might be gained ; but the idea was abandoned, when a message was brought that another di- vision had crossed the Brandywine, and were coming down on the right. The plan was changed — when the information was contra- dicted ; but it proved true. Lord Cornwallis had mai'ched seventeen miles to get round the Americans, and when his heavy guns were heard, a sharp attack was made in front. The Americans fought bravely for a while, but they yielded at last, before superior numbers and better discipline.^ * From a sermon preached on the eve of the battle of Bran- dywine, by the Eev. Jacob Trent, before the American army, in presence of General Washington, and other prominent offi- cers with the army at that time, we make the following extract. It is difficult to read its stirring words without feeling the blood tingling in one's veins. *' Soldiers 1 I look around npon your familiar faces with strange interest. To-morrow we will go forth to the battle ; for need I tell you that your unworthy minister will march with you, invoking God's aid in the fight ? We will march forth to battle 1 Need I exhort you to fight the good fight — to fight for your homesteads, for your wives and children ? " My friends, I might urge you to fight by the galling memo- ries of British wrong. "Walton, I might tell you of your father, RETREAT. 231 Lafayette, who had acted a conspicuou spart, was wounded in the leg, and though suffering much pain, he shared with Washington and Greene in their efforts to check the flight of the scattered troops. The retreating army encamped for the night at Chester, twelve miles from the field of battle. The friends of liberty, in Philadelphia, were very much alarmed when they heard the re- sult of the engagement, and Congress removed to Lancaster, and soon afterwards to Yorktown. butchered in the silence of night, on the plains of Trenton ; I might picture his gray hairs dabbled in blood ; I might ring his death-shriek in your ears ! " Shelmire, I might tell you of a butchered mother, the lonely farm-house, the night assault, the roof in flames, tho shouts of the troopers as they despatched their victims, the cries for mercy, the pleadings of innocence for pity ! I might paint all this again in the vivid colors of the terrible reality, if I thought your courage needed such wild excitement. But I know you are strong in the might of the Lord. You will march forth to battle on the morrow with light hearts and deter- mined spirits, though the solemn duty, the duty of avenging the dead, may rest heavy on your souls. And in the hour of battle, when all around the darkness is lit by the lurid cannon- glare and the piercing musket-flash, when the wounded strew the ground and the dead litter your path, then remember, sol- diers, that God is with you ! The eternal God fights for you ! lie rides on the battle-cloud 1 He sweeps onward with the march of the hurricane charge ! God, the awful and the infinite, tights for you, and will triumph !" 232 LIFE OF WASHING-TON. The British tarried for two days near the scene of the last engagement, thus affording Washington an opportunity to retreat towards PhiladeljDhia, and to make some additional ar- rangements for its defence. Although the Americans had suffered a defeat, they were not as much cast down by it as usual, because they had begun to discover their own power, and that they could not very easily be mastered, even by a well-disciplined army. Indeed, the soldiers were in such good spirits, that Washing- ton recrossed the Schuylkill on the Idth of Sep- tember, with the intention of offering battle to Sir William Howe again ; but a violent rain, which lasted for four-and-twenty hours, so thor- oughly soaked their powder that the attempt was reluctantly abandoned. Some troops un- der General Wayne were lost during the re- treat, very much to the mortification of this brave officer, although no blame could be at- tached to him in the matter. The American general, with his ragged, bare- footed soldiers, was in no condition to follow the British army through its various marches and countermarches, and on the 26th the ar- my entered Philadelphia in triumph. They regarded this city as a very important acquisi- ATTACK ON GEEMANTOWN. 233 tion, while Washington referred to the loss of the seat of government with his accustomed equanimity. " This is an event," he writes to Governor Trumbull, " which we have reason to wish had not hajDpened, and which will be attended with several ill consequences ; but I hope it will not be so detrimental as many ap-" prehend, and that in a little time perseverance will give us some favorable opportunity of re- covering our loss, and of putting our aftairs in a more flourishing condition." Indeed, it was something to be proud of, that the feeble forces which he commanded had been able to prevent the enemy from entering Philadelphia before ; and now, that they had succeeded in this, he was determined to make it a very undesirable situation,' by checking the arrival of the fleet, and cutting off supplies by land. A part of the British troops were encamped at Germantown, a short distance from the city, and as soon as Washington had given his sol- diers a little rest, he made an attack upon them. This was on the night of the 3d of October. A dense fog mingled friends and foes together, and although the commander-in-chief exposed himself to the hottest of the fire, and many 20=- 234: LIFE OF WASHINGTON-. fought bravely, a part of tlie troops were seized with a sudden panic and began to fall back, and soon the retreat became general. It was ac- complished, however, without loss, and, strange to say, it exerted a most favorable influence on the result of the war. Washington was great- ly distressed at the unfortunate discomfiture, and said : " It was a bloody day. "Would to Heaven I could add that it had been a fortu- nate one for us!" The British were astonished at the boldness of the attack, and when the news of it reached Paris, where American commissioners were trying to obtain help from France, the prime minister of Louis XYI. was so struck with Washington's courage, in thus making an as- sault upon the superior force of the enemy, with an army which had been collected within a year, that he felt inspired with a confidence which led him to grant the aid that was re- quested. It was impossible for Washington to attempt any thing further until his force should be in- creased, and he accordingly took his station on strong ground near Philadelphia, guarding the roads, and waiting for reinforcements. The tidings from the North, which reached GENERAL GATES. 235 him about this time, were of a twofold charac- ter.^ The forts on the Hudson had been cap- tured by the enemy ; but as an offset to this, General Burgoyne and his army had surren- dered to General Gates, — an event which filled the whole country with joy. This officer, like General Lee, was an ambi- tious man, and one who thought that he was qualified to hold a more important place in the army. The glory attending the capture of Burgoyne nearly turned his head, although the truth is that others had prepared the way for this event, while Gates stepped in just in time to reap the laurels. Indeed, so forgetful was he of ordinary civility, that he contented himself with writing to Congress, giving an account of the victory, and leaving the com- mander-in-chief to hear the news as he might. And now the same disgraceful proceedings which are related with reference to General Lee, were renewed in behalf of General Gates. Even members of Congress betrayed their weakness by undervaluing the services of "Washington, and speaking in exalted terms of those of the more successful leader. Through all this trying period, the commander-in-chief preserved his noble and dignified bearing, and 236 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. while cut to tlic heart by the ingratitude of men who claimed to love their countiy, he showed, by his wonderful forbearance, how much he was willing to endure for the cause in which he had embarked his all. He was cheered, also, by aftectionate and symj)athizing letters from true and devoted friends. In answer to a communication from Mr. Laurence, president of Congress, Washington says: "My enemies take an ungenerous ad- vantage of me. They know the delicacy of my situation, and that motives of policy deprive me of the defence I might otherwise make against their insidious attacks. But why should I exj)ect to be exempt from censure, the unfailing lot of an elevated situation ? Mer- it and talents, with which I can have no pre- tensions of rivalship, have ever been subject to it. My heart tells me that it has been my un- remitting desire to do the best that circum- stances would permit; yet I may have been very often mistaken in my judgment of the means, and may, in many instances, deserve the imputation of error." Forgetful of his private wrongs, he thought only of the public good, and he continued to correspond with the men who had behaved so REMOVAL TO VALLEY FORGE. 237 sliamefully towards liim, whenever the aiFairs of the army made it desirable to do so. Towards the end of ISTovember, the com- mander-in-chief examined the defences of Phil- adelphia, with a view of attacking the enemy in their stronghold ; but his officers dissuaded him from making so hazardous an attempt. 'Not long after the battle of Germantown, there were skirmishes between the two armies at Whitemarsh, near which Sir William Howe was encamped with twelve thousand men. Washington's position was too advantageous to be abandoned for the sake of attacking. The British being on groimd which they had selected with care, and the English general be- ing equally unwilling to quit his post, no very important engagement took place, and after three days' mano3uvring the enemy suddenly returned to Philadelphia. Winter was setting in with all its severity, and the troops, worn down by hard service, had need of repose. After much consultation on the subject, Washington concluded to remove to Yalley Forge, in Chester county, — about twenty miles from Philadelphia, on the west side of the Schuylkill river. This position was chosen, as being near enough to the city 238 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. to enable him to watch the movements of the enemy. The march of the troops to Yalley Forge was a sad and dreary one,— shoes being a luxury enjoyed by few, and a tattered blan- ket serving as a covering at night for as many as could creep under it. They reached their destination on the 17th of December, and the next morning began to build huts and log- houses for their winter-quarters. CHAPTER TT7ENTY-THIED. Little of romance at Valley Forge— "Washington encouraging the soldiers in their architectural labors — " Fighting will be far preferable to starving" — A dangerous meeting checked — "Not a single hoof to slaughter"~Patience giving "way— Seeking direction from above — "Our cause is lost" — "Washington on his knees — Forming a new system for the army — Little less than a famine — The British faring sumptuously in Philadelphia — "What one of their ovm histo- rians says — Mrs. "Washington at Valley Forge — Her labors of love— Baron Steuben— Acts as drill-master to the army— The British government becomes still more uneasy — Fresh pro- posals for reconciliation — Pleasant tidings from France — A day of rejoicing at Valley Forge. THE place where the American army were now encamped is pleasant enough when we visit it in summer, and when there is nothing to distui'b our peace ; but there was certainly little romance about it in the winter of 1777-8. In order to encourage the men to be patient, and to provide for their comfort as far as possible, "Washington offered a reward in money to whoever should invent the best mode of roofing their log-houses, and in a short time the encampment began to assume the appear- ance of a rude military village. The huts of 240 LIFE OF WASHINGTOI?". tlie soldiers fronted on streets, and tliose of the officers formed a line in the rear. They had hardly been employed two days in providing a shelter against the piercing cold, when word was brought that the enemy had sent out a party towards Chester, on a foraging expedi- tion. The commander-in-chief issued orders to Generals Huntington and Yarnum to be ready to march against them on the shortest notice. Their replies disclose the pitiable condition of the army at the time. The former wrote: "Fighting will be far preferable to starving. My brigade are out of provisions, nor can the commissary obtain any meat. I have used every argument my imagination can invent to make the soldiers easy, but I despair of being able to do it much longer." General Yarnum's reply was : " It is a very pleasing circumstance to the division under my command, that there is a probability of their marching; three days, successively, we have been destitute of bread. Two days we have been entirely without meat. The men must be supplied, or they cannot be commanded." Indeed, so great was the distress which prevailed, that a dangerous mutiny had actual- ly broken out among the starving soldiers, and SOLDIEES SUFFERmG. 241 it was with great difficulty that the officers kept them under control. This was truly an alarming condition of affairs. " J^ot a single hoof to slaughter." says Washington, " and not more than twenty-five barrels of flour!" He might have added, that eleven thousand hungry men were looking to him to keep them from starvation. ^Washington wrote to the president of Congress, describing their wretch- ed condition, and urging that better arrange- ments might immediately be made to supply the camp with provisions. This letter had hardly been sent, when he learned that the Legislature of Pennsylvania had addressed a remonstrance to Congress, against his remain- ing in winter-quarters, and suggesting that the campaign should be continued without inter- ruption. As the general looked upon his unsheltered, half-naked, suffering soldiers, shivering in the midst of the bitter cold of December, his patience gave way, and he burst out in a tone of indignation quite unusual with him, in his great despatches to Congress. "We find gentlemen, without knowing whether the army was really going into winter-quarters or not (for I am sure no resolution of mine would warrant the remon- 21 24:2 LIFE OF WASHINGTOI^. Btrance), reprobating the measures, as much as if they thought the soldiers were made of stocks and stones, and equally insensible of frost and snow. I can assure those gentlemen that it is a much easier and less distressing thing to draw remonstrances in a comfortable room, by a good fire-side, than to occupy a cold, bleak hill, and sleep under frost and snow without clothes or blankets. However, although they seem to have little feeling for the naked and distressed soldiers, I feel super- abundantly for them, and, from my soul, I pity those miseries which it is neither in my power to relieve nor prevent." " In the midst of all these j^erplexities and troubles, the commander-in-chief sought for direction and comfort from God. He was frequently observed to visit a secluded grove, and when a Tory Quaker followed him one day, curious to know what could take him there, he was seen upon his knees, engaged in earnest prayer. The Quaker returned to his family, distressed in mind, and said, ^' Our cause is lost ; George "Washington is asking the help of the Almighty !" General Knox was an accidental witness of the same, and was fully apprised that prayer was the object of WASHINGTON AT PRAYER. PEATEE. 2i3 the commander's frequent visits to tlie grove. '' Few scenes have had so much moral gran- deur in them as this. Repeated disaster and defeat had disappointed the army and the nation. SuJBfcring, to an extreme degree, was ill the camp; and thousands of brave men were without the necessaries of life. The independence of the nation was in jeopardy. Attempts were made to stab the reputation of the commander, and to degrade him from office. Provision for the army was to be made ; murmurs and discontents suppressed ; calumny to be met ; plans formed for a future campaign ; the nation to be inspirited and aroused ; an active enemy was in the neigh- borhood, flushed with recent victory, and preparing to achieve new triumphs ; and in these circumstances the father of his country went alone, and sought strength and guidance from the God of armies and light. The ear of Heaven was propitious to his prayer; and who can tell how much of the subsequent brilliant success of the American armies was in answer to the prayers of the American general at Yalley Forge ? To latest times it will and should be a subject of the deepest interest, that the independence of our country was laid, 24i LIFE OF WASHINGTON. not only in valor, and patriotism, and wisdom, but in prayer. The example of Washington will rebuke tlie warrior or the statesman who never supplicates the blessing of God on his country. It will be encouragement for him who prays for its welfare, and its deliverance from danger." * '*^^ During the winter's encampment in Valley Forge, Washington diligently applied, himself to the formation of a new system for the army ; and, at his solicitation. Congress appointed a committee of ^ye to visit the camp and assist him in the difficult task. The committee re- mained three months, and then made a report to Congress. It must have been gratifying to Washington that most of the reforms which he proposed were promptly adopted. A good many letters passed between the commander-in-chief and Sir William Howe about the exchange of prisoners ; but all ordi- nary annoyances could have been endured in silence, had the poor soldiers been placed above want. " For some days past," writes Wash- ington, on the 16th of February, 1Y78, " there has been little less than a famine in the camp, * Dr. Albert Barnes— Christian Keepsake, for 1840, p. 265. INACTION OF THE BRITISH. 245 — a part of the army lias been a week without any kmd of flesh, and the rest, three or four days. Naked and starving as they are, we cannot enongh admire the incomparable pa- tience and fidelity of the soldiery:" Meanwhile the British were enjoying them- selves in Philadelphia, the ofiicers being quar- tered on the wealthy inhabitants, and the sol- diers in want of nothing. The quiet habits of the city were outraged by the dissolute manners of the camp. One of their own historians remarks, that " during the whole of the long winter of riot and dissipation, Washington was suffered to remain undisturbed at Yalley Forge, with an army not exceeding -SiYO thousand effective men, and his cannon frozen up and immovea- ble. A nocturnal attack might have forced him to a disadvantageous action, comj)elled him to a disastrous retreat, leaving behind him his sick, cannon, ammunition, and heavy baggage. It might have opened the way for supplies to the city, and shaken off the lethargy of the British army. In a word, had General Howe led his troops to action, victory was in his pow- er, and conquest in his train." While w^e are ready to allow that the Eng- 246 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. lish commander might have accomplished much more than he did, we are persuaded that the result of the war would have been the same. The cause of freedom was sure to pre- vail. In the month of February, Mrs. Washington joined her husband at Yalley Forge, and took up her residence at head-quarters. " The gen- eral's apartment is very small," she writes to a friend ; " he has had a log-cabin built to dine in, which has made our quarters much more tolerable than they were at first." Mrs. "Washington occupied herself in mak- ing shirts for the soldiers, and in visiting and relieving the wants of the sick. Her quiet, domestic habits, and the great influence she exerted, contributed no doubt to allay the ir- ritability natural to a large body of men who were called to endm-e so many privations. Several other ladies shared with her in her labors of love, and their presence seemed to cast a beam of sunshine upon the surrounding gloom. Provisions began to come in more abundantly, and supplies on their way to Phil- adelphia, to feed the pampered British troops, were intercepted and brought into the hungry camp of the patriots. BAEOX STEUBEN. 24T The same month in which Mrs. Wasliington came to Yallej Forge, the commander-in-chief received a most important addition to the ar- my in the person of Baron Steuben, a distin- guished German officer, who was particularly successful in drilling men. He immediately took charge of this department, and his intel- ligence and activity soon made a great change in the army. The soldiers began to understand their duties much better than before, and Wash- ington found in the baron an intelligent, dis- interested, truthful coadjutor, well worthy the badge he wore as a Knight of the Order of Fidelity. In April, a council of officers was summoned by the commander-in-chief, to consider whether the campaign should be opened without delay, or whether they ought to await the movements of the enemy. The latter view was taken by the majority. The British government began to be uneasy lest France should join with the United States ; and the loss of Burgoyne's army so increased their apprehensions, that it was proposed to open again the subject of a reconciliation, and to send commissioners to this country to grant pardons. 24:8 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. Congress refused to pay any attention to the subject, and Washington said, "JSTothing short of independence can possibly do." In May, the pleasant tidings came that France had actually formed an alliance for the war, with the United States. The 6th of the month was set apart for rejoicing at Yalley Forge. The soldiers were assembled in their best array, and after solemn thanksgiving by the chaplains at the head of each brigade, there was a grand parade, a national salute of thirteen guns being discharged, the whole ar- my joining in one prolonged shout, "Long live the King of France ! Long live the friendly European powers! Huzza for the American States !" A sumptuous dinner followed, when patriotic toasts were given and loudly applauded. The commander-in-chief retired at five o'clock, amidst universal cheering and clapping of hands, — every one joining in the shout, " Long live General Washington !" CHAPTER TWEISTTY-FOUETH. Sir William Howe recalled to England— His successor displaj'S more energy— The British leave Philadelphia— Washington in pursuit— Battle of Monmouth— Very unaccountable con- duct of General Lee— Sharp words—" I expected my orders to be obeyed" — Washington stops the retreat, and begins the fight in earnest — " Follow your general"— Welcome repose — Lee brought to trial — The end of his military career — The French fleet arrives — Several plans proposed, which did not succeed well — Great disappointment — Jealousies and disputes — Washington as a peace-maker — Count d'Estaing — Letter to • Lafayette — No more battles at present — The English fleet en- gaged in rather dishonorable pursuits— The American army retires into winter-quarters. SIR WILLIAM HOWE was recalled to Eng- land in May, 1Y78, and Sir Henry Clinton took the command in Philadelphia. The Eng- lish government had become mnch dissatisfied at the way in which the war had been con- ducted, and it was hoped that this change would be for the better. Soon after Sir Henry Clinton had taken the command, there were symptoms that the army would leave the city, and Washington kept his troops in readiness to move in whatever direc- tion it should be necessary. Some of the Brit- 250 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. isli sailed off in their sliips to attack the French possessions in the West Indies and Florida, and others were sent to 'New York. On the 18th of June, Sir Henry Clinton, with the re- mainder of the army, quietly left Philadelphia, and began to march through E'ew Jersey, along the eastern bank of the Delaware. "Washington followed him, and was much disposed to make an attack, although several of his officers did not think it best to do so. General Lee, who had at last been exchanged, and had again joined the army, strongly urged that the enemy should be allowed to go on without being disturbed. Heavy rains and the sultry summer heat rendered the movements of Sir Henry very slow, and Washington suspected that it might be a part of his design to entice the Americans down into the level country, and then, by a rapid movement on his right, to gain posses- sion of the strong ground above, and bring on a general engagement on disadvantageous terms. He accordingly determined that an attack should be made on the rear of the British ar- my, and for this purpose he sent forward a body of men under Lafayette. At his own request, 251 General Lee was permitted to join this division, and as liis rank was liiglier than that of the marquis, he took the command. On the night of the 27th, the enemy en- camped on high ground near Monmouth Court- house, while Lee halted at Englishtown, about five miles distant. The commander-in-chief, with the main body of the army, was three miles in the rear of Lee's division. Early the next morning, the British troops were in motion, and the Americans attacked them soon after they had marched out of the town of Monmouth. General Lee sent a mes- sage to Washington, who immediately hurried around with the whole army, and was in Mon- mouth giving directions, when he saw some of the Continental troops retreating. He was ex- ceedingly provoked, and as there had been very little firing, a suspicion crossed his mind that Lee was allowing this cowardly movement in order to mar the plan of attack which had been adopted contrary to his advice. He asked an officer whom he met why they were retreating ; the reply was that he did not know, but that it was by General Lee's orders. Just at this moment, Washington saw Lee a23proaching with the rest of his command, 252 LIFE OF "WASHINGTON. scampering away from the enemy as fast as possible. He was thoroughly roused, and as the retreating general rode up, lie demanded .of him in his sternest tone, "What is the meaning of all this, sir?" For a moment, Lee was disconcerted, and hesitated. Lafayette reports that Yfashing- ton's aspect was terrible. Lee excused him- self by saying that he had not been prepared to meet the whole British army. " I have certain information," replied Wash- ington, " that it was merely a strong covering party." "That may be," said Lee, "but it was stronger than mine, and I did not think proper to run a risk." "I am very sorry," rejoined Washington, "that you undertook the command, unless you meant to fight the enemy." " I did not think it prudent to bring on a general engagement," was the answer. " Whatever your opinion may have been," said Washington, disdainfully, " I expected my orders to be obeyed." But there was no time for further dispute. The enemy were not far off, and the command- er-in-chief quickly arranged his troops to meet END TO THE RETREAT. 253 them. His appearance among them liad put an end to the retreat."^ Lee, finding what course matters were * An effort has been made by some, holding infidel views, to bring down Washington to the common level of other men, by conveying the impression that he was in the habit of swearing ; and it is much to be regretted that Mr. Irving, in the last volume of his great work, has introduced the most improbable story in regard to the profaneness of which Washington is represented to have been guilty, upon hearing of St. Clair's defeat (vol. v., pp. 102, 103). Let any one read this account, and compare it with every other incident in the life of the hero and the sage, and say whether it appears at all like him. He was a man of strong passions, we will allow (and few very great men have been otherwise), but they were wonderfully regulated and con- trolled by religious principle. The following interesting communication from General Joseph G. Swift, of Geneva, N. Y., will be read with interest : "I had long ago heard of Washington's using harsh language to Lee at Monmouth ; and having, in 1804, a letter of introduc- tion to General Marshall, at Eichmond, I inquired as to the facts. The general said that the story of coarse language between Washington and Lee loas not true. General Marshall was cap- tain on the field of Monmouth, and near Washington. He stated that Lee's language was decorous^ and that Washington's manner and language were austere, but not profane. In the year 1802, I was in Albany with my then chief. Colonel Wil- liams, and there heard General Alexander Hamilton say to Gen- eral Schuyler and Colonel Williams, that the story of General Washington's profanity at Fort Lee, on a visit of inspection, was not true. Washington was disappointed at not finding the commandant at his post, and expressed his displeasure in strong language, but not with an oath. While a member of General Thomas Pinckney's military family in South Carolina, 22 254 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. takliifx, became moi-e snbcliied and respectful, and when Wjisliiiigton requested him to take proper measures to check tlie enemy, he 1812. I heard his brotlier, General C. C. Pinckney, frequently mention conversations ■with General Washinf]^ton. He said that he was habitually grave in discourse, cautious in expres- sion, slow and accurate in judgment, but with intimate friends easy, tiiongh rarely jocose. Now General C. C. Pinckney was remarkable for fiicetiousness and humor, and at the table of his brother was fond of conversing with young men ; neither of these brothers believed the story of Washington's swearing at Lee. At tlie meeting of Washington and Lee, the language of the former might be more to imdo the evil then in progress, than to expend Avords on Lee. It is fair to conclude that Washington's mind, so well known for coolness in battle, would be far more engaged in restoring the order of the day in pursuit of the enemy, than in applying epithets to Lee. ~" "With General Cobb, Colonel Humphries, Major Bayliss, and Colonel Trumbull, all of the military family of Washing- ton, I had the acquaintance which a subaltern may have with aged superiors. Of them I asked of their intercourse with Washington, and though it may be presumed that such persons would not recount small defects which, if existing, they may have observed, still I learned from them many interesting facts of intercourse in camp, and generally that with kind feelings for all dependent upon him, he was sometimes vehement in language to delinquents, but ever just. I have no doubt that when the occasion made it proper, Washington denounced a delinquent in the field with an awful severity, but not with profanity. The first and third articles of war, of 20th of Sep- tember, 1776, command divine service, and forbid profonity ; and it is not probable that Washington would have set an example of disrespect to a law, the enactment of which he him- self had counselled." FOLLOW YOUR GENERAL. 255 promptly answered, " Your orders shall be obeyed, and I will not be tlie first to leave the field." It is but justice to add that his bravery during the engagement which followed, showed that an imcoutroUed temper had led him to commit the foolish act which so nearly brought lasting disgrace upon his name. Washington having directed Colonel Stew- art and Lieutenant-colonel Kamsey, with their regiments, to station themselves in a covert of woods, to check the advance of the British, waved his sword above his head, and shouted as he spurred forward, " Follow your general !" Heedless of the remonstrances of his officers, he exposed himself, under a burning sun, to every danger throughout the action, and animated the soldiers to do their duty by his own brave daring. Xi^-ht came before the battle was ended ; and the troops, completely exhausted, lay down to rest, Washington wrapping himself in his cloak, and sleeping at the foot of a tree, in the midst of his soldiers. At daybreak the drums roused them from their slumbers, and when all started up, prepared to renew the contest, they discovered that the British had taken advantage of the darkness to make good their escape. Al- 256 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. thongli the Americans had been decidedly the gainers in the battle of the previous day, Washington thought it unwise to attemj)t a pursuit, as the weather was distressingly hot, and the men were much exhausted by their exertions. As it was important, now, to be near the city of 'New York, in order to watch the fleet, and the movements of the army, he en- camped for a while at Paramus, in New Jer- sey. General Lee was tried by a court-martial for his behavior at Monmouth, and although he made a better defence than could have been expected, he was ordered to be deprived of his command for a year. At the end of that time, he offended Congress by a very hasty, disre- spectful note, and never returned to the army. Before and after the trial he made himself many enemies by his abuse of General Wash- ington, whose conduct towards him was re- spectful and courteous, and free from the spirit of revenge which a mind less noble would have cherished. On the 8th of July, a French fleet, under the command of Count d'Estaing, arrived and anchored at the mouth of the Delaware. This consisted of twelve ships of the line, and six FLEETS DAMAGED. 257 frigates, with a land force of four thousand men. The French commander immediately wrote to General Washington, in the most po- lite and cordial manner; and plans were ar- ranged for a great naval battle in New York harbor between the fleets, while the Americans prepared for an attack on the citj immediately afterwards. It turned out, however, that the French ships were too large to enter the harbor, and so all this bustle and expectation amount- ed to nothing. A scheme was then proposed for an attack on Rhode Island, where the British had valuable stores of ammunition, &c., and General Sullivan, who had command at Providence, was to be assisted by the troops under Lafayette and General Greene. The French fleet accordingly sailed into Newport harbor, and Lord Howe followed. The Amer- ican forces drew near the town, and the fleet stood out to sea for an engagement, when a furious storm came on and dispersed and dam- aged them so much that Lord Howe went back to New York to refit, and the French admiral sailed for Boston, for the same purpose. The American generals urged him to remain, but having failed in this, they left the island in all haste, greatly disappointed at the result of the 22- 268 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. expedition. The whole conn try, which had expected so much from a project thns happi- ly conceived, united in expressions of regret and mortification at its fruitless termination. Unpleasant jealousies sprang u]3 between the French and American officers who had been engaged in the afi'air, and it required all General Washington's skill as a j)eace-maker to prevent the breach from widening too much to be successfully healed. Some very hard things were said by the Americans, which the count felt deeply, but his own conduct was in perfect keeping with the character of a refined gentleman and a gallant officer. In the midst of these unpleasant difficulties, the commander-in-chief remarked, in a letter to a friend : " It is not a little pleasing, nor less wonderful, to contemplate that after two years' manoeuvring and undergoing the strangest vi- cissitudes that, perhaps, ever attended any one contest since the creation, both armies are brought back to the very point they set out from ; and that the offending party at the be- ginning, is now reduced to the use of the spade and pick-axe for defence. The hand of Provi- dence has been so conspicuous in all this, that EECO>"CILrN"G DIFFEEEXCrS. 259 he must be woi-se than an infidel that lacks faith, and more than wicked, that has not grat- itude enough to acknowledge his obligations. " But it will be time enough to turn preach- er when my present appointment ceases ; and, therefore, I shall add no more on the doctrine of Providence, but make a tender of my best respects to your good lady, the secretary, and other friends ; and assure you, that, with the most perfect regard, I am, dear sir,'' etc. The unhappy difierence of opinion between the French and American officers, so warmly and even rudely expressed by the latter, gave TTashinorton a new cause of uneasiness, and involved him in endless annoyances, persuad- ings, and pacifyings. He writes to Lalayette : ''In one word, let me say, I feel every thing that hurts the sensi- bility of a gentleman ; and consequently, upon the present occasion, I feel for yon and our good and great allies, the French. I feel my- self hurt, also, at every illiberal and unthink- ing reflection which may have been cast upon the Count d'Estaing, or the conduct of the fleet under his command ; and lastly, I feel for my country. Let me entreat you, there- fore, my deal- marquis, to take no exceptions at 260 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. unmeaning expressions, uttered, perhaps, with- out consideration, and in the first transport of disappointed hope. Everybody, sir, who rea- sons, will acknowledge the advantages which we have derived from the French fleet, and the zeal of the commander of it; but in a free and republican government, you cannot restrain the voice of the multitude. Every man will speak as he thinks, or, more proper- ly, without thinking — and consequently will judge of effects without attending to the causes. The censures which have been levelled at the oflicers of the French fleet, would more than probably have fallen in a much higher degree upon a fleet of our own, if we had one in the same situation. It is the nature of man to be displeased with every thing that disappoints a favorite hope or a flattering project, and it is the folly of too many of them to condemn without investigating circumstances. Let me beseech you, therefore, my good sir, to afford a healing hand to the wound that unintention- ally has been made. America esteems your virtues and your services, and admires the principles upon which you act. Your coun- trymen in our army look up to y^ou as their patron. The count and his oflicers consider BEITISH FLEET PLUXDERIXG. 261 you as a man high, in rank, and liigh in esti- mation here and also in France ; and I, your friend, have no doubt but you -will use your utmost endeavors to restore harmony, that the honor, glory, and mutual interests of the two nations may be promoted and cemented in the firmest manner. I would say more on the subject, but am restrained for the want of time ; and therefore shall only add, that, with every sentiment of esteem and regard, I am, my dear marquis," &c. Xo more battles were fought during this campaign. The British fleet moved about on plundering expeditions, stopping before some flourishing town, burning the houses, and carrying ofi* property, or sending a detach- ment into the country to rob the fanners of provisions and forage. In November, a part of the ships set sail for an attack on the island of St. Lucie, belonging to the French, while another division carried troops to Georgia. The next month, '^Vashington established the army for the winter, his own head-quarters being at Atiddlebrook, in Xew Jersey. The line of the encampment extended as far as Danbury in Connecticut, as it was important to be near the Hudson. CHAPTEK TWENTY-FIFTH. Lafayette returns to France — His scheme for the invasion of Canada — Washington disapproves of it — Five anxious weeks at Philadelphia — Perilous condition of public aflairs — Letter to Colonel Harrison— Advises that abler men be sent to Con- gress — No flowery path — Confiding in an overruling Provi- dence—Forty paper dollars for one of silver— Small things proposed for the next campaign— Sir Henry Clinton's com- plaint — General Sullivan sent against the Indians — The two armies remove to the shores of the Hudson— Capture of Stony Point — General praise well deserved — Washington not kept informed of the state of public aflfairs— The style of living at head-quarters — Two beef-steak pies and tin plates — Grace and ceremony — " Light-horse Harry" — Attack on the fort at Paulus Hook. THE Marquis de Lafayette, seeing no imme- diate prospect of active employment in the United States, and expecting that the war would soon break out in Europe, was now desirous of returning to France, and offering his services to his sovereign. He did not intend, however, to desert the cause of free- dom here, and therefore he only asked leave of absence from Congress during the next winter. Permission was granted accordingly, and, followed by the kind wishes of thousands, he departed. PEUDENCE OPPOSIXG A^ilBITION. 263 The enthusiastic young Frenchman was eager for a gi^and plan of an invasion of Cana- da the next year, with the combined forces of France and the United States. Congress consulted with General Washington on the subject, and, after mature deliberation, he could not give it his approval. Such a cam- paign would require a vast outlay of money, and would bring the country under too great obligations to France. Washington spent five anxious weeks at Philadelphia, arguing against those who preferred some dashing achieve- ment (no matter what it might cost), to the prudent measures which he jDroposed. The nation was indeed in a dangerous con- dition. The master-spirits who had composed the first Congress had given p>lace to men of inferior claims to public confidence, and whose patriotism by no means burned so brightly as it might. The commander-in-chief realized all this, and he expressed his sentiments very frankly, in a letter to Colonel Harrison, the speaker of the Yirginian House of Delegates, dated December 30th, 1T7S. '- Our aftairs are in a more distressed, ruinous, and deplorable condition than they have been since the commencement of the war. By a faith- 264: LIFE OF WASHINGTON. ful laborer, then, in the cause ; by a man who i^ daily injuring his private estate without the smallest earthly advantage, not common to all in case of a favorable issue to the dispute ; by one who wishes the prosperity of America most devoutly, but has it, or thinks he has it on the brink of ruin, you are besought most earnestly, my dear Colonel Harrison, to exert yourself in endeavoring to rescue your coun- try, by sending your best and ablest men to Congress. These characters must not slumber or f'eep at home in such a time of pressing- danger. They must not content themselves with the enjoyment of places of honor or profit in their own State, while the common interests of America are mouldering and sinking into irretrievable ruin. . . If I were to be called upon to draw a picture of the times, and of men, from what I have seen, heard, and in part know, I should, in one word, say, that idleness, dissipation, and extravagance seem to have laid fast hold of most of them ; that spec- ulation, peculation, and an insatiable thirst for riches, seem to have got the better of every other consideration, and almost of every order of men; that party disputes and personal quari^els are the great business of the day; CONDITION OP THE COUNTRY. 265 while the momentous concerns of an empire, a great and accumulating debt, ruined finan- ces, depreciated money, and want of credit, which in its consequences is the want of every thing, are but secondary considerations, and postponed from day to day, from week to week, as if our affairs wore the most promising aspect. ... In the present situation of things, I cannot help asking where are Mason, Try the, Jefferson, Nicholas, Pendleton, I^elson, and another I could name ? And why, if you are sufficiently impressed with your danger,"^do you not, as IsTew York has done in the case of Mr. Jay, send an extra member or two, for at least a limited time, till the great business of the nation is put upon a more respectable and happy establishment? .... I confess to you I feel more real distress on account of the present appearance of things, than I have done at any other time since the commence- ment of the dispute." Nothing seems to have disgusted him more, during his visits to Phila- delphia, than the manner in which the con- cerns of the patriot camp were forgotten amid the revelry of the capital. " An assembly, a concert, a dinner, a supper, that will cost three or four hundred pounds, will not only 23 266 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. take men oif from acting in this business, but even from thinking of it, while a great part of the officers of our army, from absohite necessi- ty, are quitting the service, and the more virtuous few, rather than do this, are sinking by sure degrees into beggary and want." The money matters of the country were in a wretched condition, and it was extremely difficult to get gold and silver. Forty paper dollars of the continental currency were now only worth one of silver, and the consequence w^as that the price of provisions became really enormous, and it was almost impossible to purchase supplies for the army. Under these circumstances, Washington proposed that little should be attempted during the next campaign, except to defend them- selves and annoy the enemy by occasional skirmishes, thus allowing the farmers an op- portunity to get in their crops, and to prepare for more energetic measures in future. Mean- while, the British government would be sup- porting its troops here at immense cost, and in course of time the patience of officers and men would be exhausted. The result showed the wisdom of this advice, and at length. Sir Henry Clinton wrote home : " The precautions CHASTISING THE INDIANS. 267 that General Wasliingtoii lias liad leisure to take, make me hopeless of bringing him to a general action. And to say the truth, my lord, my spirits are worn out by struggling against the consequences of many adverse incidents, which, without appearing to account for my situation, have effectually oppressed me." General "Washington recommended that an expedition should be sent against the Indians in the southern part of New York, near the Susquehanna Kiver, to retaliate on them for their cruelties in laying waste the Yalley of Wyoming, in the autumn of 1778. He was too well acquainted with the character of the red men, to expect that a mere war of defence would have much effect upon them. General Sullivan was accordingly sent out, in the spring of 1779, with a strong force, — and the savages were defeated, and their wigwams and cornfields destroyed. As Sir Henry Clinton showed every dispo- sition to get command of the Hudson, and had already obtained possession of Stony Point, and Yerplanck's Point, opposite to it, Washington removed to l^ew Windsor, a few miles above West Point, the most important LIFE OF WASHINGTON. fortress on the river. His army was stationed in the neighborhood, and the men were busily employed in strengthening the works. In July, while the British were engaged in plundering the State of Connecticut, the com- mander-in-chief planned an attempt to regain Stony Point. The surprise party was led by General Wayne, commonly known as "Mad Anthony," from his desperate courage in bat- tle. The attack was completely successful, and Washington, with his usual generosity, in writ- ing to Congress, in praise of General Wayne, says : " He improved upon the plan suggested by me, and executed it in a manner that does signal honor to his judgment and to his bravery. Every officer and man of the corps deserves great credit; but there were particular ones whose situation placed them foremost in dan- ger, and made their conduct more conspicuous." Upon examining the works at Stony Point, AYashington found that he had not men enough to defend it against the enemy, and finish the fortifications, and for this reason he directed that the fort should be destroyed. Sir Henry Clinton afterwards recaptured the place and fortified it again. In August, Washington writes from head- PLAIN LIVING. 269 quarters, at West Point, rather complaiDing of the little care taken bj Congress to inform him of the condition of public affairs: "I shall be happy in such communications as your leisure and other considerations Avill permit you to transmit to me, for I am as totally unacquaint- ed with the political state of things, and what is going forward in the great national council, as if I was an alien, when a competent knowl- edge of the temper and designs of our allies from time to time, and the frequent changes and complexion of affairs in Europe, might, as they ought to do, have a considerable influ- ence on the operations of our army, and would in many cases determine the propriety of meas- ures, which, under a cloud of darkness, can only be guessed at." The style of living at head-quarters has often been spoken of as very plain indeed. Here is an account of it from General Washington's own pen : "West Poixt, August 16^ 1779. " To De. John Cochean. " Dear doctor : I have asked Mrs. Cochran and Mrs. Livingston to dine with me to-mor- row — but am I not bound in honor to apprise 2Y0 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. them of their fare ? As I hate deception, even when the imagination is concerned, I wilL It is needless to presume that my table is large enough to hold the ladies, — of this they had ocular proof yesterday. To say how it is usu- ally covered is more essential ; and this shall he the purport of my letter. " Since our arrival at this happy spot, we have had a ham, sometimes a shoulder of bacon, to grace the head of the table. A piece of roast beef adorns the foot, and a dish of beans, or greens, almost imperceptible, decorates the centre. When the cook has a mind to cut a figure — which, I presume, will be the case to- morrow — we have two beef-steak pies, or dish- es of crabs in addition, one on each side of the centre dish, dividing the space and reducing the distance between dish and dish to about six feet, which without them would be near twelve feet apart. Of late, he has had the sur- prising sagacity to discover that apples will make pies ; and it is a question if, in the vio- lence of his efforts, we do not get one of ap- ples instead of having both of beef-steaks. If the ladies can put up with such entertainment, and will submit to j)artake of it on plates once tin, but now iron (not become so by the labor attace: ox paulus hooe:. 271 of seouringj, I shall be liappy to see them ; and am, dear doctor, Yours, cfcc.*' Although the fare at the table of the com- mander-in-chief was so uninviting to an epi- cure, the ladies were no doubt handed in to dinner with as much grace and ceremony as if dainties from the four quarters of the globe had been spread out before them. One other entei-prise closed the militaiy op- erations of the year. This was a successful at- tack on a fort at Paulus Hook, opposite Xew York, planned and conducted by Major Henry- Lee, a brave officer, who is often called *• Light- horse HaiTy," from the troop he commanded. It is generally supposed that his mother was the '• lowland beauty*' whom Washington, in his youth, so greatly admired. CHAPTEE TWENTY-SIXTH. British and Americans both anxious to know what the French fleet would do — Washington's quarters once more — Hard times — New Jersey does her part — Intense cold — Arnold tried and reprimanded — The Southern States in danger — The con- dition of the army becomes desperate — A mutiny breaks out — Lafayette returns to America — Another French fleet arrives — White and black cockades—Gates' defeat at Camden — Ar- nold begins to contrive evil things against his country — Fif- teen months' secret correspondence with the enemy — Major Andre comes to West Point to see him — All arrangements made— The British spy sets out on his return — His capture — Colonel Jameson's strange blunder — A surprise at the break- fast-table — The traitor saves his neck — " Whom can we trust now?" — Washington's kindness to Mrs. Arnold. DURING the summer and autmiin of 1779, the movements of the French fleet were the subject of great interest to both armies. While Washington was hoping that it would come to 'New York, and help him in snatching the city from the British, Sir Henry Clinton fully expected that such an attempt would be made, and therefore was afraid to send any of his troops to the Southern States. In this point of view, the uncertainty was of advantage to the Americans. After the defeat of the French and Ameri- CAMP AT MOEKISTOWIs". 2Y3 cans at Savannah, Count d'Estaing left the coast of the United States, and thus all hope of assistance in that quarter was abandoned. The news reached Washington in ISTovember, and he immediately set about placing his army in winter-quarters at Morristown and in the Highlands. As soon as Sir Henry Clinton felt sure that the French fleet had taken its depart- ure, he marched for the South, — the command- er-in-chief detaching at the same time all the troops he could spare for the protection of their own homes. The dreary experience of Yalley Forge was realized once more, in the privations and suf- ferings which the American army endm'ed, while encamped among the heights of Morris- town. For weeks at a time the soldiers were on half allowance, — sometimes in want of meat, sometimes without bread, and often even want- ing both. Clothing and blankets were scarce, and to add to their discomfort, the winter was unusually severe. "For a fortnight past," writes the commander-in-chief, on the 8th of January, 1780, " the troops, both officers and men, have been almost perishing with want. Yet they have borne their sufferings with a patience that merits the approbation, and 274 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. ought to excite tlie sympathies of their conn- tiymcn." Washington was obliged to ask the State of Kew Jersey to furnish the supplies which it was impossible to purchase, and the application met with a prompt response. The farmers brought provisions and clothes for the soldiers, while their wives and daughters were busy in sewing and knitting for their benefit. As the winter advanced, the cold became more intense, and the great bay of 'New York was frozen over. The enemy were apprehen- sive lest the Americans should cross on the ice and make an attack on the city ; but they had too much to think of in their own suffering condition to attempt any thing of the sort. The most painful duty which Washington had to perform during this winter's encampment, was the examination of a complaint brought by the government of Pennsylvania against General Benedict Arnold, who had command- ed at Philadelphia since the British left in 1778. This officer's capacity and bravery were im- doubted, and on more than one occasion he had displayed great devotion to his country. Soon after his removal to Philadelphia, he paid his addresses to Mrs. Margaret Shippen, one AEXOLD EEPKIMAXDED. 275 of the reigning belles, and married lier. He now took one of the finest houses in the city, and lived in a style of splendor little becoming a republican general. Before this, he had been accused of wasting the public money which had been intrusted to him, and when people saw his carriage-and-foui* dashing about the streets, and his long train of servants, they be- gan to think that something was wrong, and many did not hesitate to say so. After making every excuse for him that we can, it is impos- sible to deny that Ai^nold had been extrava- gant and domineering, and it is no wonder that he was regarded with distrust. ATashington's sympathies were, however, much more with him than with those who accused him of wrong, and when a reprimand was ordered by a court- martial to be admiufstered by the commander- in-chief, he expressed it in as gentle and unex- ceptionable language as could be used on such an occasion. '^ Our profession is the chastest of all (so this delicate reproof was worded), even the shadow of a fault tarnishes the lustre of our finest achievements. The least inadvertence may rob us of public favor, so hard to be acquired. I reprehend you for having forgotten, that in 276 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. proportion as you liave rendered yourself for- midable to our enemies, you sliould liave been guarded and temperate in your deportment towards your fellow-citizens. Exhibit anew those noble qualities which have placed you on the list of our most valued commanders. I will myself furnish you, as far as it may be in my power, with opportunities of regaining the esteem of your country." We shall soon hear of General Arnold again. The return of spring brought little relief to the American troops, as provisions and money continued to be scarce. Washington was very anxious for the safety of the Southern States, and he would gladly have gone thither to oppose the operations of Sir Henry Clinton, but it was impossible for him to leave the ISTorth. As the best thing that he could do, he sent the Maryland troops and a regiment of artillery, under Baron de Kalb, to aid in saving the Carolinas from the ravages of the enemy. He thus writes to this gallant officer, on the 2d of April : " The prospect, my dear baron, is gloomy ; and the storm threatens ; but I hope we shall extricate our- selves and bring every thing to a prosper- ous issue. I have been so inured to difficul- DESTirrTIOX OF THE ARMY. 277 ties in the course of this contest, that I have learned to look npon them with more tranquil- lity than formerly. Those which now present themselves no doubt require vigorous exer- tions to overcome them, and I am, far from de- sjyairing of dmng ity The condition of the army became so des- perate, that Congress, after some discnssion, concluded to send a committee of three to head- quarters to consult with the commander-in- chief as to the best mode of relief. One of the number was TVashington's old friend and coadjutor. General Schuyler. When the com- mittee reached, the camp, they found affairs in a worse state than they could have imag- ined ; the soldiers having received no pay for five months past, and every department being destitute of money or credit. Sometimes the men had gone several days without tasting meat, and at others, the officers had lived on bread and cheese, so that the soldiers might not be stinted in their meagre diet. At this gloomy period, a letter was received from the Marquis de Lafayette, announcing his arrival at Boston. Washington's eyes were wet with tears of joy as he read the welcome epistle. 24 278 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. Lafayette brought the cheering tidings that another French fleet, witli a body of troops, might soon be expected, to assist the Ameri- cans in the contest. lie hastened to Phihidel- phia to offer his services to Congress, and v.'hilo there, Washington wrote to him : '' Fin- ish jour business as soon as you can, and hast- en lioiae — for so I woukl always have you consider head-quarters and my liouse." On the 25th of May, several days of actual famine drove the soldiers to desperation, and two Connecticut regiments assembled at the beat of the drum, and declared their intention to return home, or at any rate to gain subsist- ence at the point of the bayonet. The muti- ny was suppressed with some difficulty, and "Washington, besides writing to Congress, sent an earnest letter to President Reed, calling on the State of Pennsylvania for flour. He saw, with anxiety, the nation was disposed to rely too much on France, and that Congress was divided into parties, making it difficult to se- cure united action on any subject. About this time came tidings of the loss of Charleston, South Carolina, and this was soon followed by the return of Sir Henry Clinton to JS'ew York, who had left a part of his forces, NEW FRENCH FLEET. 279 under Lord Cornwallis, to carry tlie war in- to IN'orth Carolina, and thence into Virginia. During the spring the enemy made two ex- peditions into JSTew Jersey, partly for plunder and partly to tempt Washington to an en- gagement, but a few skirmishes were the only result. The French fleet reached Newport early in July, and Count de Kochambeau, the com- mander of the land forces, wrote to General Washington, informing him of their safe ar- rival and expressing a generous sympathy with him in his noble services for his country. Lafayette was sent forthwith to explain the wishes and intentions of the commander-in- chief, and proposals were made for a combined attack on New York. The French admiral consented to such an arrangement whenever his own force should be superior to the British, and as another division of the fleet was ex- pected, it was hoped that there would be no long delay. While these plans were talked of, Sir Hen- ry Clinton embarked at New York, for an attack on the French encampment at Newport. Washington hearing of his departure, proposed to march with the main body of his troops to- 280 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. wards King's Bridge with a view of obliging the English General to abandon his project against Rhode Island, or to strike a blow at New York during his absence. His purpose was accomplished in part, for Sir Henry Clin- ton hastened back to the city, leaving Admi- ral Arbnthnot to blockade the French fleet in IN'ewport harbor. The 'New England militia had been assem- bled in anticipation of this attack, and the intercourse between the French and Ameri- cans was much more agreeable than it had ever been before. Washington took pains to encourage this friendly spirit, and he recom- mended the wearing of a mixed cockade of black and white, in compliment to the French, who had hitherto worn white, and the Ameri- cans black ones. September brought the melancholy tidings of the defeat of General Gates at Camden, North Carolina, and the shock was the greater, as previous reports had prepared the public to expect a very different result. But a fresh misfortune was soon to follow, the hardest of all to bear — the base treachery of one who had fought and bled for his country. Arnold had been much mortified and en- BENEDICT ARNOLD. 281 raged by the action of the court-martial which had tried him for his miscoDdnct, and he re- solved to be avenged. Wiih this purpose in view, he had been looking about to discover in what way he could inflict the severest blow upon the cause of independence. After due reflection, he determined to obtain the com- mand at West Point, in order that he might deliver it up to the enemy. The black-heart- ed traitor opened a correspondence with Sir Henry Clinton, in a disguised handwriting, and under the signature of Gustavics^ repre- senting himself as a person of importance in the American army, who had been dissatisfied with the French alliance, and was anxious to join the cause of Great Britain. The English general did not know for some time who his secret correspondent was, but he had all his letters promptly answered by his aide-de-camp, Major Andre, whose fictitious signature was John Anderson. Under pretence that his wounded, leg still unfitted him for service in the field, Arnold begged that he might be appointed to the command of the garrison at West Point, and he was accordingly stationed there, early in August, 1780. The unprincipled man had 24* 282 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. now been fifteen montlis in correspondence with Sir Henry Clinton, with a view of be- traying his country. The plan agreed upon was, that he should furnish the enemy with drawings of the fortifications, and that when- ever they shonld make the attack, the fortress should be surrendered with but slight resist- ance. Washington had gone to Hartford, Connecti- cut, to meet Count Rochambeau, and had left General Greene in command during his ab- sence. Arnold thought this a favorable op- portunity for carrying his treacherous designs into efifect, and, on the 21st of September, Andre came up the river in the sloop-of-war Yulture, to see him. By appointment with the traitor, the British, officer landed on the west side of the river, where the former await- ed his coming. They met at night, in a lonely spot, and as morning came before they had finished their business, Arnold persuaded An- dre to go to a house near by, where he could remain concealed during the day. He did not let Andre know, however, that this place of refuge was within the American lines, where no British officer could be safe. The following morning, Andre, having crossed CAPTURE OF AIN^DRE. 283 the river, set off alone, on horseback, for !N"ew York, and while on his way, supposing him- self to be secure under his assumed name of Joli'i Anderson, he was stopped by tliree young men of tlie militia, who searched him, and fcund papers in his boots, containing an exact account of the worivs at We-t Point, and other things of importance to the enemy. Discovering that he had fallen into the hands of the Americans, he offered his captors his gold watch and a large sum of money to release him. But, thank God, there was only one Benedict Arnold to sell his country, and the British spy was delivered up to Lieuten- ant-colonel Jameson, the nearest officer they could find. The names of the three young men who were proof against bribery, were John Paulding, David Williams, and Isaac Yan Wart. Colonel Jameson appears to have been strangely bewildered, for, with a stupidity wdiich seems almost unaccountable, after send- ing off the papers which had been taken from Andre (and which he saw to be in Arnold's handwriting), to the commander-in-chief, he informed the traitor himself of all that had happened. 284: LIFE OF WASHINGTON. "Washington was now on liis return from Hartfoi'd, and it was his intention to liave breakfasted at Arnold's lionse on tlie 24:th of September, but being dehiyed by business, he sent forward his aide with an apoh)gy to Mrs. Arnold. They sat down without him, and while at table, the letter of Colonel Jameson arrived. Arnold saw at a glance that all was lost, and apologizing to his guests, on the ground that he must hasten to West Point to receive the commander-in-chief, he hurried out of the room, followed by his wife, to whom he disclosed the fact that he must flee for his life. He galloped to the river, threw himself into his barge, and reached the British sloop Yulture in the course of the afternoon. It was not until dinner-time that "Washing- ton received the letter sent to him by express. His first exclamation on reading it was, "Whom can we trust now?" Finding that Arnold had escaj)ed, he took every precaution to guard West Point against a surprise, and in the rnidst of all his anxieties he did not forget to show what kindness he could to the unfortunate and distressed wife of the traitor. CHAPTER TWKNTT-SEYEXTH. Sensation in Kew York at the news of Andre's capture — The prisoner carried to Tappan — Court-martial — His manly con- fession — Feelings contending with judgment — Sentence of the court — ^Efforts to secure a pardon — An indirect proposal which might have done it — Hung as a spy — His remains removed to Westminster Abbey — " I know General Arnold, and abominate traitors" — Letter from Washington — Gen- eral Greene sent to the South — Enlistment of soldiers for the war — Securing a loan of money from France — A serious mutiny — Washington's circular-letter to the governors — Great forbearance exercised — The mutiny extends to the New Jersey troops — More decided measures taken, and with good results. THE capture of Andre created a great sen- sation at ISTew York. He was an especial favorite with Sir Henry Clinton, and his gentle and winning manners made him uni- versally popular with the army. There was, however, but one course for General Washington to pursue in regard to him. Andre could only be regarded as a spy, and he had certainly condescended to act a very mean part, in allowing himself to be the agent for bribing a brave man like Arnold to betray 286 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. his country for money. The prisoner was conducted to Tappan village (which lies in the bosom of a fertile, rolling valley, not far from the head of the deep gorge which termi- nates on the Hudson at Piermont), and was confined in the stone mansion, now occupied as a tavern, and called the " '76 Stone House." His trial took place on the 29th of Septem- ber, in the old Dutch church, wdiich has since been torn down. The court consisted of fourteen general officers. General Greene be- ing president of the board. Andre made a frank confession of all the facts in the case, and was then sent back to prison until his sentence should be decided upon. His youth, candor, gentlemanly bearing, and charming conversation, made a most favorable impres- sion upon the court, and had those officers allowed themselves to be influenced by their feelings instead of their judgments, he would certainly have been pardoned. But after long and careful deliberation, the board reported, " That Major Andre, adjutant-general of the British army, ought to be considered as a spy from the enemy, and that agreeably to the law and usage of nations, it is their opinion he ought to suffer death." ANDRE EXECUTED. 287 On the following day, Washington signified his approval of this decision. A very general sympathy was felt for Andre, on the part of the Americans, although none conld question the justice of the sentence which had been pronounced against him. Indeed, the com- mander-in-chief would have been most thank- ful, if any arrangement consistent wdth public duty could have been made to save his life. The only possible mode of accomplishing it was to exchange Andre for Arnold, and to hold the traitor responsible for the acts of his victim. Such an attempt was actually made — but not directly, of course, as it would hardly have been delicate to make a proposal of the kind to Sir Henry Clinton. This officer wrote two letters to Washington, urging a favorable view of Andre's case, and Arnold had the assurance to threaten him with dreadful retribution if the spy should be executed. When the commander-in-chief had made up his mind that a thing ought to be done, neither fear nor favor could turn him aside, and Major Andre was accordingly hung at twelve o'clock on the 2d of October, 1780. Southwest of Tappan is a lofty ridge, on which the American army lay encamped. Upon its 288 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. gentle slope towards the road to old Tappan, is the place of execution. Andre's remains were buried near the spot, but in 1821 they were transferred to England, by the British consul then resident in 'New York, and were interred in Westminster Abbey, where a monument has been erected to his memory. Arnold received nearly fifty thousand dol- lars from the English government for his treachery, and a post in the army ; but every body despised him. Years after the war was over, when the traitor was residing in Eng- land, he went into the House of Commons one day to listen to the debates. A statesman, as he rose to address the chair, discovered him in the gallery, and said to the presiding officer, "I will not speak while that man is in the house." George the Third introduced Arnold to a nobleman who had been an officer under Burgoyne at Bemis Heights — " I know Gener- al Arnold, and abominate traitors," was his quick rej^ly, as he refused his hand and turned away. If such were the feelings of those who received a traitor, and paid him for his despic- able conduct with gold, it would be difficult to find language strong enough to express the opinion which every true-hearted American LETTER TO COLONEL LAUEENS. 289 must clierisli concerning liim. The vilest culprit would shrink from bearing the obloquy of his crimes. Washington deeply regretted the fate of poor Andre, and while the windows of the town were filled with spectators watching the mourn- ful procession which accompanied him to his execution, the blinds of the house occupied by the commander-in-chief were closed, and there was no sign of life about it except the two sen- tinels at the door. The following letter, writ- ten soon afterwards, will show what he felt on the subject. It is addressed to his friend, Col- onel Laurens. " Head-quaeters, Passaio Falls, Oct. 13, 1780. "My -d^kr Laukens: In no instance since the commencement of the war, has the inter- position of Providence appeared more remark- ably conspicuous than in the rescue of the post and garrison of West Point from Arnold's vil- lanous perfidy. How far he meant to involve me in the catastrophe of this place, does not appear by any indubitable evidence ; and I am rather inclined to think he did not wish to hazard the more important object of his treach- ery by attempting to combine two events, the 25 290 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. less of wliicli might have marred the greater. A combination of extraordinary circumstances, an Tinacconntable deprivation of presence of mind in a man of the first abilities, and the virtue of three militia-men, threw the adjutant- general of the British forces, with full pro.of of Arnold's treachery, into our hands. But for the egregious folly or the bewildered con- ception of Lieutenant-colonel Jameson, who seemed lost in astonishment, and not to know what he was doing, I should undoubtedly have got Arnold. Andre has met his fate, and with that fortitude which was to be expected from an accomplished man and gallant ofiicer ; but I am mistaken if, at this time, ' Arnold is un- dergoing the torments of a mental hell.'* He wants feeling. From some traits of his char- acter, which have lately come to my knowl- edge, he seems to have been so hackneyed in villany, and so lost to all sense of honor and shame, that, while his faculties will enable him to continue his sordid pursuits, there will be no time for remorse." General Gates having failed in his campaign * Quoting the words of Mr. Laurens, in a letter to which this is a reply. LOAN FROM FRAKCE. 291 at the South, Congress req^uested Washington to select another officer to take his place. By his advice. General Greene was appointed. The past year had not been a very encour- aging one, but towards the close of it Wash- ington was somewhat cheered by the adoption of measures which he had been so long urging upon Congress, viz., the enlistment of soldiers for the war, and that all officers who continued in service until the return of peace should re- ceive half pay during life. The American army went into winter-quar- ters near New York and West Point, while the French remained at Newport. Washington had been directing the attention of Congress to the indispensable necessity of securing a loan of money from abroad, that the war might be carried on with vigor and success, and in De- cember, 1780, they yielded this point also, and Colonel Laurens, one of the general's aids, was sent to Paris for the purpose. The money was obtained, but the French government request- ed that Washington should spend the portion intended for the army. The commander-in-chief had long been dread- ing lest the sufferings which the soldiers were compelled to endure should excite them to some 292 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. desperate deed ; and an occurrence wliicli took place on E'ew Tear's night, 1781, showed that his anticipations were well founded. An ex- tract from a circular-letter, which he sent to the governors of several States, tells the story : "It is with extreme anxiety and pain of mind I find myself constrained to inform your excellency, that the events I have long appre- hended would be the consequence of the com- plicated distresses of the army, have at length taken place. " On the night of the 1st instant, a mutiny was excited by the non-commissioned officers and privates of the Pennsylvania line, which soon became so universal as to defy all opposi- tion. In attempting to quell this tumult in the first instance, some officers were killed, others wounded, and the lives of several com- mon soldiers lost. Deaf to the arguments, en- treaties, and utmost efforts of all their officers to stop them, they moved off from Morristown, the place of their cantonment, with their arms and six pieces of artillery ; and, from accounts just received by General Wayne's aide-de-camp, they were still in a body, on their march to Phil- adelphia to demand a redress of their griev- ances. At what point this defection will stop, MUTINY. 293 or how extensive it may prove, God only knows. "At present, the troops at the important posts in this vicinity remain quiet, not being acquainted with this alarming and imhappy affair ; but how long they will remain so can- not be ascertained, as they labor under some of the" same pressing hardships as the troops who have revolted. "The aggravated calamities and distresses that have resulted from the total want of pay for nearly twelve months, the want of clothing at a severe season, and not unfrequently the want of provisions, are beyond description. The circumstances will now point out much more forcibly what ought to be done, than any thing that can possibly be said by me on the subject." "Washington took a very sensible view of the matter, and was in favor of exercising great forbearance towards those who had really so much c'ause for complaint. He advised Gen- eral Wayne to encourage them to state their grievances in a proper way, and promised him- self to do what he could to induce Congress and the authorities of Pennsylvania to redress their wrongs. These prudent counsels were 25* 294: LIFE OF WASHINaTON. well received, and a committee of Congress, accompanied by tlie president of Pennsylvania,"" met the revolters at Trenl!©n, and made propo- sals to them which were accepted, and they gave np their arms. Of conrse, the commander-in-chief was ex- tremely anxious during all this time, and would have hastened to Morristown himself, if it had been prudent for him to leave his own troops on the Hudson. The mutiny afterwards extended to the New Jersey troops. Washington thought it best to adopt a severer course towards them than the State of Pennsylvania had pursued, and when some of the ringleaders had been executed order was at once restored. •\ CHAPTER T\YEKTT-EIGHTH. Why Arnold did not receive a higher position in the British ar- my — The meaning of brevet — Lafayette sent to Virgmia— Difficulty between Washington and Hamilton — "You treat me with disrespect" — The younger of the two shows himself rather too unyielding — Friendship restored — General Greene in Carolina — Lord Cornwallis gets to Virginia — "That boy cannot escape me" — Washington's overseer too kind to the enemy — Slow work at recruiting — Preparations for a descent on New York— The plan reluctantly given up— The combined armies hasten to the South— Washington borrows money at Philadelphia — A humed visit to Mount Vernon — Lord Corn- wallis shut in at Yorktown— The siege begins—" We can't spare you yet !" — His lordship attempts to escape — Concludes to surrender — Graphic description by an eye-witness — " Ground arms"— Public thanksgiving— The captured colors and guns appropriately disposed of. BEE'EDICT AR:^0LD received a commis- sion as colonel in the British army, with the rank of brigadier,"^ — not as high a position, it will be observed, as he had held before. Prob- ably one reason of this was, that those who had paid him for turning traitor were afraid to trust him with a larger share of authority, lest he * The term brevet is used with reference to a commission giving nominal rank higher than that for which pay is received. A brevet-major serves and receives pay as a captain, and a brevet- brigadier as colonel. /' 296 LIFE OF WASHINGTON". miglit be tempted to prove ungrateful to them. Nor is this a mere supposition ; for when Ar- nold marched through Yirginia, at the close of December, 1Y80, — in command of a plundering expedition, — two British colonels went with him, whom he was strictly charged to consult on all occasions, and without whom he was not allowed to act. In February, 1781, Washington sent a detachment, under Lafayette, to oppose the operations of the buccaneering traitor, hoping that he might be of some service in uniting the American land forces with the French fleet. About this time a coolness arose between the commander-in-chief and his aid. Colonel Alexander Hamilton, who had now been for four years a member of his military family, and whom he had always treated with marked attention and regard. One day, as Hamilton passed General Washington on the stairs, the latter remarked that he wished to speak with him. The young man replied that he would wait upon him immediately, and ran down to deliver an important letter to a fellow aide-de- camp. On his return to the general he was met by Lafayette, who stopped him, and ALEXANDER HAMILTON. 297 they liad a short conversation on some matters of business. When Hamilton reached the top of the stairs, to his surprise he found Wash- ington waiting for him, for he supposed, of course, that he had gone to his room. The general accosted him with sharpness, and said, " Colonel Hamilton, you have kept me wait- ing at the head of the stairs these ten minutes. I must tell you, sir, you treat me with disre- spect." The aide-de-camp answered, " I am not conscious of it, sir ; but since you have thought it necessary to tell me so, we part." u Yerj well, sir," answered the general, " if it be your choice," or words to that effect. Hamilton was under the impression that his absence, which had occasioned this difficulty, did not last two minutes. In less than an hour, Washington, who never allowed the sun to go down upon his wrath, sent another of his aides to Hamilton wdth a kind message, assuring him of his confidence and regard, aud expressing a wish to see him, that they might talk the matter over, and be good friends again. Hamilton, being the younger man (he was then but twenty-four), ought certainly to have yielded to the friendly overture of one so much old- 298 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. er than himself, but he was rather haughty and impatient, and saw fit to decline the interview. Perhaps Washington was wrong in saying that he had waited ten minutes ; but time seemed long to him as he stood in wait- ing at the head of the stairs, and he certainly had reason to feel that proper respect had not been shown to him. Although Hamilton refused to serve any more as an aide-de-camp, he continued with the army, and made himself useful. Tlie truth is (for the young officer acknowledged as much in a letter to General Schuyler, attempting to vindicate himself from blame), that he had long been ambitious of an independent position, and of some opportunity to add glory to his name. It is pleasant to know, that in spite of the temporary coolness between the commander- in-chief and his late favorite aide-de-camp, their former terms of friendship were renewed, and only two days before Washington's death he wrote to Hamilton, expressing for him the highest regard and esteem.* Meanwhile, General Greene, in the Carolinas, was living * This letter will be found in Sparks' edition of Washington's correspondence, vol. xi., p. 469. LORD COENWi\XLIS. 299 over again the life of anxiety and toil which fell to the commander-in-chief at the l^orth. He had taken Washington for his model, and certainly no officer of the Revolution came nearer to this high standard. Lord Cornwallis, who had been waging war against the Carolinians, had been anxious, for some time, to join Generals Phillips and Arnold in Yirginia, but General Greene and the heroic Marion succeeded in delaying and harassing him so much, that he was unable to do so before the 20th of May. Lord Corn- wallis spoke rather disdainfully of Lafayette (who, it will be remembered, had command of a detachment which had been sent to Virginia some months before), saying, "That boy cannot escape me." The marquis showed, however, that he was worthy of the trust which Washington had given him, avoiding dangerous experiments, and contenting himself with maintaining his ground. While Arnold was busy in burning peaceful towns, and committing other dishonorable acts in Yirginia, a British man-of-war sailed up the Potomac, and casting anchor near Mount Yer- non, demanded of the overseer provisions and forage, as the price of sparing Washington's 300 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. house and ])roperty. The poor man was taken hj surprise, and in a moment of weakness he agreed to the humiliating terms. As soon as the commander-in-chief heard of the occur- rence, he thus wrote to his agent: '*! am very sorry to hear of your loss — I am a little sorry to hear of my own ; but that which gives me most concern is, that you should go on board the ene- my's vessels and furnish them with refreshments. It would have been a less painful circumstance to me to have heard that, in consequence of your non-compliance with their request, they had burnt my house, and laid the plantation in ruins. " You onght to have considered yourself as my representative, and should have reflected on the bad example of communicating with the enemy, and making a voluntary ofi'er of refreshments to them, with a view to prevent a conflagration. It was not in your power, I acknowledge, to prevent them from sending a flag on shore, and you did right to meet it ; but yon should, in the same instant the bnsi- ness of it was unfolded, have declared explicit- ly, that it was improper for you to yield to the request ; after which, if they had proceeded to help themselves by force, you could but have submitted, and being unprovided with defence, APOLOGY FOE HIS STEWARD. -jOI tliis was to be preferred to a feeble opposition, which only serves as a pretext to bum. and destroy." Speaking of the circumstances to Lafayette, who had been shocked at its inconsistency, and written him a letter on the subject, Wash- ington suggests some excuses for his agent, who was also his fi-iend. " A false idea, arising from the consideration of his being my steward, and in that character more the trustee and guardian of my proper- ty than the repr^entative of my honor, has misled his judgment and plunged him in error upon the appearance of deseiiion among my negroes and danger to my buildings ; for sure I am that no man is more firmly opposed to the enemy than he is. From a thorough conyiction of this, and of his integrity, I intrusted every species of my property to his care, without reservation or fear of his abusing it. The last paragraph of my letter to him was occasioned by an expression of his fears, that all the estates convenient to the river would be stripped of their negroes and move- able property." During the spring of ITSl, TTashington was obliged, most reluctantly, to remain in his 302 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. quarters at JS'ew "Windsor. Congress had indeed voted him a large supply of troops for the new campaign, but it proved to be a slow and tedious process to collect them, and money and clothes were scarce. The commander-in- chief was the more mortified, because he did not wish the French to witness the miserable plight of the American army. In July, great preparations were made for a descent upon iJs'ew York, by the combined armies of France and the United States Count de Grasse was then in the "West Indies, with a large fleet, and more than three thou- sand soldiers, and "Washington had sent him word to sail, if possible, for Sandy Hook, and attack the British by sea, which would have enabled the land forces to accomplish their plan of recovering New York. Before this message reached the French admiral, a letter was received from him, saying that he was about to sail for the Chesapeake. "Washing- ton now changed his plans, but he kept his own secret, lest Sir Henry Clinton should find it out and send assistance to Lord Cornwallis. The French and Americans set out for Vir- ginia, leaving only men enough behind to guard the passes of the Hudson. Tisrr TO MorxT veenox. 303 When tlTe combined army readied Pliila- delphia, Wasliington wished to put his grum- bling soldiers in good humor, and he according- ly called on his old friend Robert Morris, and got liim to raise a sum sufficient to give them a month's pay in hard money, which the patriotic financier did, by borrowing it on his own personal credit. Lafayette wrote to express his delight at the j^rospect of seeing the commander-in-chief at the head of the allies, and the dismal gloom which had so long overspread the prospects of the good cause began to be dispelled. Wash- ington left Philadelphia on the 5th of Septem- ber, and pushing on in advance of the army, he was enabled to spend a short time at Mount Yernon, where he had not been before in six years. His happiness was increased by being permitted to extend the hospitalities of his house to some of the French officers who accomjDanied him. On his arrival at Yorktown, Yii'ginia, he found Lord Cornwallis so shut in by the French and American troops on land, and by the fleet on the sea-side, that reti-eat was impossible. The British general was glad to retire within his fortifications, which were about the to^vn 304 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. of York, and Gloucester Point, on the opposite side of the river. Two weeks were spent by the combined ar- mies in collecting the artillery and whatever else was necessary for a siege, and on the 9th of October, the firing began. The command- er-in-chief pnt the match to the first gun, and then there was little cessation of the cannon- ading either by day or night. It should have been mentioned before, that Governor ITelson of Yirginia, who had raised troops, and supplied money at his own risk, having been asked what part of Torktown the firing should begin upon, pointed to a large, handsome house, where he thought the English general would be likely to have his head-quar- ters. It was his own house. On the 14:th of October, attacks were made on two redoubts by a party of French on one side, and of Americans, commanded by Lafa- yette, on the other. They rushed on with such impetuosity to the assault, that the enemy yielded before them, almost without a struggle. While Washington stood watching the pro- ceedings with intense interest,- one of his aids ventured to say to him that the position which he occupied was very much exjposed, to which COKNWALLIS SUREENDEES. 305 he gravely replied, " K you tliink so, you are at liberty to step back." Soon after this, a musket-ball struck a cannon near the group of officers, and fell at "Washington's feet. Gener- al Knox grasped his arm, and exclaimed, " My dear general, we can't sj)are you yet." " It is a spent ball," replied the commander-in-chief, quietly, " no harm is done." When the redoubts were taken, he drew a long breath, and said to Knox, " The work is done, and icell done .'" The siege went on until the 16th of October, when Lord Cornwallis found himself in so hope- less a condition that he made an attempt to es- cape. Failing in this, the next day he proposed to surrender, and on the 19th the royal army laid down their arms. An eye-witness thus describes the scene : " At about twelve o'clock the combined ar- my was drawn up in two lines, more than a mile in length, the Americans on the right side of the road, the French on the left. "Washing- ton, mounted on a noble steed, and attended by his staff, was in front of the former; the Count de Rochambeau, and his suite, of the latter. The French troops, in complete uniform and 26- 306 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. well eqm]3ped, made a brilliant appearance, and had marclied to the ground with a band of music playing, which was a novelty in the American service. The American troops, bnt part in nniform, and all in garments much the worse for wear, yet had a sj)irited, soldier-like air, and were not the worse in the eyes of their countrymen for bearing the marks of hard ser- vice and great privations. The concourse of spectators from the country around seemed equal in number to the military ; yet silence and order prevailed. About two o'clock the garrison sallied forth, and passed through with shouldered arms, slow and solemn step, colors cased, and drums beat- ing a British march. They were all well clad, having been furnished with new suits prior to the capitulation. They were led by General O'Hara on horse- back, who, riding up to General Washington, took off his hat and apologized for the non-ap- pearance of Lord Cornwallis, on account of in- disposition. Washington received him with dignified courtesy, but pointed to Major-gen- eral Lincoln as the officer who was to receive the submission of the garrison. By him they were conducted into a field where they were to tha:nksgiying after victory. 307 ground their arms. In passing throngli the line formed by the allied army, their march was careless and irregular, and their aspect sul- len ; the order to " ground arms" was given by their platoon-officers witli a tone of deep cha- grin, and many of the soldiers threw down their muskets with a violence sufficient to break the* 1. Tliis irregularity was checked by Gen- eral Lincoln ; yet it was excusable in brave men in their unfortunate predicament. This ceremony over, they were conducted back to Yorktown, to remain under guard until re- moved to their places of destination.""^ "We may be sure that Washington did not forget to give thanks to the God of battles for the glorious victory which filled the whole land with rejoicings. Besides congratulating the of- ficers and soldiers, the event was distinguished by the pardon of all those of his army who were under arrest, and it was added in the gen- eral orders: "Divine service is to be performed to-morrow in the several brigades and divisions. The commander-in-chief earnestly recommends that the troops not on duty should universally attend, with that seriousness of deportment and * Thatcher, page 346. 308 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. gratitude of heart which the recogDition of such reiterated and astonishing interpositions of Providence demands of us." Congress appointed a day of thanksgiving for the victory at Yorktown, and voted thanks to all the generals, and many other officers who had distinguished themselves. The colors taken from the enemy were presented to Washington, and two guns to Counts Rochambeau and De Grasse. CHAPTEE twe]s:ty-it]:n"th. "Waslaington forms a plan, whicli he was reluctantly forced to abandon — Death of his stepson — Lafayette returns home — Trying to prevent Congress from becoming too inactive — Pro- posals for making a king — His indignant reply — Discontent among the soldiers — A great deal of mischief prevented — Treaty of peace signed — The soldiers returnmg to their homes — The "Society of Cincinnati" — "Washington's address to the governors of the States — Visit to some memorable spots — The army disbanded — Washington and his troops enter New York — His ofiicers take their leave of him — Settling accounts for the war — A triumphal journey towards the South — Arrival at Annapolis — Eesigns his commission to Congress — Eetires to Mount Vernon — Happy Christmas eve. A:NIMATED by the recent triiimpli, Wash- ington greatly desired to go on to South Carolina, and with the assistance of the French fleet, to recapture Charleston from the enemy. He went on board the admiral's ship to pay his compliments, and to present, as a personal gift from himself, a pair of fine horses, — taking advantage of this opportunity to urge the adop- tion of the plan just mentioned. Count de Grasse replied, that he had other engagements which would render it impossible for him to remain long enough for the purpose, and Wash- 810 T.TKK OF ^VASlllNirrON. ington was obliged to contont liiiusoU' by send- ing two tliousand troops to help General Greene in his nneqnal contest against a powerinl i\x\ Seareely had the eapitnhUion at Yorktown been signed, when Washington was smnnioned hv ex}nvss to the dying hod of his stepson, Jolni Parko Cnstis, who was at Eltliani, the country-seat of Colonel Basset. The event was unexpected, — the yonng man (then twenty- eight) having been seized with a fever when absent from home. The dying scene was ren- dered peculiarly aiVecting from the presence of his mother and wife, and the commander-in- chief arrived in time to unite with tliem in the last sad oillces of allection. As a consolation to ^[rs. AVashington, he adopted the two young- est children of the deceased, a boy and girl, and it need hardly be added that he became a father to tliem. Latayetto returned to France in the au- tumn of ITSl, where Congress hoped that his inlluence might still be useful to the cause of America. The connnander-in-chief feared lest the late success would lead Congress to suppose that the work was nearly tinished, and tlius cause tlioni to fall into a state of lan^-uor and inac- MONAECIIY PR<')POSED. 311 tivity. lie accordingly proceeded to Philadel- pliia, where he used every effort to induce them to make vigorous preparations for another cam- paign. In May, 1782, Sir Guy Carlton ar- rived in New York to succeed Sir Henry Clin- ton, who had asked to be recalled, — having grown very weary of the war. The same month a well-written paper was handed to Washington, in which, after dwell- ing upon the wrongs of the army, and the in- efficient measures of Congress, it was seriously argued tliat a republican form of government would never answer for the American colonies, and that a constitutional monarchy, like that of England, would most probably be finally adopted. This remarkable communication went on to state that Washington himself would grace the throne, and then it gravely proposed to him that he should accejjt the title of King. Colonel Lewis Nicols, a veteran officer, who had been on terms of intimacy with the com- mander-in-chief, was the author of the letter, although it is supposed that he was merely expressing the opinion of others who had made him their organ of communication. A man of meaner ambition might have been tempted 312 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. by sucli a proposal ; but it drew from Wasli- ington tlie following indignant letter : " Newbijkg, '2.U May, 1782. " SiE : — "With a mixture of great surprise and astonisliment, I have read with attention tbe sentiments you have submitted to my perusal. " Be assured, sir, no occurrence in the course of the war has given me more painful sensa- tions than your information of there being such ideas existing in the army as you have expressed, and I must view with abhorrence and reprehend with severity. Eor the present, the communication of them will rest in my own bosom, unless some further agitation of the matter shall make a disclosure necessary. " I am much at a loss to conceive what part of my conduct could have given encourage- ment to an address, which, to me, seems big with the greatest mischiefs that can befall my country. " If I am not deceived in the knowledge of myself, you could not have found a person to whom your schemes are more disagreeable. At the same time, in justice to my own feel- ings, I must add, that no man possesses a more Bincere wish to see ample justice done to the AEMY UNPAID. 313 army than I do ; and, as far as my powers and influence in a constitutional way extend, they shall be employed to the utmost of my abili- ties to effect it, should there be any occasion. " Let me conjure you, then, if you have any regard for your country, concern for yourself or posterity, or respect for me, to banish these thoughts from your mind, and never commu- nicate, as from yourself or any one else, a sentiment of the like nature. " I am, sir, your most obedient servant." During the summer of 1782, much discon- tent prevailed in the army, as neither officers nor men had received pay for a long while, and they began to fear that now, since danger seemed less threatening, their country might forget their claims altogether. Washington continued, as before, to urge Congress to be just towards those who had suffered so much and served so faithfully. In August, Sir Guy Carlton informed the American general that he had received tidings of a treaty of peace being begun at Paris, but the latter was imwilling to relax his vigilance in the least, until such an arrangement had been fully completed. 27 314 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. Count Rochambean with liis troops establish- ed himself near the American head-quarters at ISTewburg, on the Hudson, and a very friend- ly spirit was kept up between the soldiers of the two allied nations. As there was no mili- tary business to be transacted during the winter 1782-83, which would require the pres- ence of General Washington, he would gladly have spent the time at Mount Yernon, but he thought it hardly prudent to leave the men to talk over their troubles and to contrive plans for the redress of their wrongs. It was well that he concluded to remain, for the idle- ness of the winter gave full oj^portunity for the concerting of disorganizing measures, and early in the spring an anonymous paper sum- moned the officers to a meeting which fore- boded evil. When Washington heard of this, he promptly called another meeting, and for an earlier day. Before that time arrived he sent for many of the officers, and conversed with them one by one, in his own room, and it was observed that some of them left him with traces of tears on their cheeks. On the 15th of March, the meeting which Washington had appointed took place, Gen- eral Gates being called to the chair. The AFFECTING ADDRESS. 315 commander -in-cliief then arose, mncli agitated, and holding an address in his hand which he had carefully prepared. Looking round upon those who had stood with him shoulder to shoul- der in the long and painful struggle for liberty, his voice faltered, and his eyes were bedimmed with tears. As soon as he recovered his self- possession, he took his spectacles from his pock- et, remarking, in his quiet way : " I have grown gray in your service, and now I am growing blind ; but I never doubted the justice of my country, or its gratitude." l^o stroke of ora- tory could have moved so many hearts, as did this unaffected language of Washington. His address, noble, fatherly, wise, produced the impression which he desired, and he wrote to Congi'ess, at the request of those present, giving a full account of the j)i'oceed- ings. And thus the weight of one man's in- fluence prevented a quarrel between Congress and the army, which would have been lament- able indeed. Soon after the settlement of these unpleas- ant difficulties at ISTewbm^g, tidings came that a treaty of peace had been signed at Paris, on the 20th of January. The British began to return home as fast as vessels could be pro- 316 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. vided to carry them ; and many wlio had been Tories during the war, left for !N"ova Scotia. Congress had no money to pay the soldiers, but General "Washington gave leave to many of them to return to their homes. The officers had become much attached to each other dur- ing the eight years' war, and before they were scattered over the thirteen States, it was pro- posed by General Knox that they should form a society among themselves, to meet for friend- ly pur^^oses, and to help the poor among their number. This was agreed to, and they select- ed a badge, adopted the name of the " Society of Cincinnati," and chose Washington for their first President. The society is still in exist- ence.* Before the disbanding of the army, the com- mander-in-chief addressed a letter to the gov- ernors, of the several States, in which, after dwelling on the goodness of God, in bringing the war to a happy close, he set forth tlie in- estimable privileges which the people of the United States might hope to enjoy under the * For an interesting account of the organization of tliis society, and various particulars concerning it, see Lossing's Field-Book of the Kevolution, vol. ii,, p. 125. AEMY DISBAIfDED. 317 free institutions Trliich tliey were now prepared to establish. TVTiat an example of pure and devout patriotism ! He had risked every thing in the cause of his country, and he de- sii'ed no other reward than the satisfaction of knowing that the people were united and happy. In the course of the summer of 17S3, "Wash- ington paid a visit to various places in the State of ^ew York which had been the scenes of important events during the war, and in this journey he spoke of the importance of connecting the waters of the Hudson with the great lakes of the "West — a work which has since been accomplished by the Erie canal. The army was discharged in l^ovember, when he expressed his warmest thanks to the officers and men, and invoked the best bless- ings of Heaven upon them. On the 2oth of the month. General \yash- ington entered the city of ^New York with the body of troops which Congress had resolved to continue in the service, and soon afterwards he was ready to set off for Annapolis, to resign his commission to those from whom he had receiv- ed it. The principal officers of the army met at a tavern near "Whitehall ferry to bid him fare- 318 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. well, and the scene was most imjDressive and tonching. Washington filled his glass, and looking around npon his old friends, he said, " With a heart full of love and gratitude, I now take leave of yon, most devoutly wishing that yonr latter days may be as prosperous and happy as your furmer ones have been glorious and honorable." Having drunk this affectionate benediction, he added, with emotion, "I can- not come to each of you to take my leave, but shall be obliged if each of you will come and take me by the hand." General Knox, who stood nearest, advanced first, and Washington, with streaming eyes, grasped his hand and gave him a brother's embrace. The rest came up, one by one, and in solemn silence all took their leave. Their beloved commander then left the room and proceeded to the ferry, where his barge was in waiting, and as the sorrowing group of friends stood upon the shore watching his departure, he took off his hat and waved to them a last farewell. Washington stopped a few days at Philadel- j)hia to settle his accolmts, from the beginning of the war to its close, and it was found that HOMEWAED IN TKIUMPH. 319 he had made a careful note of every item with his own hand — the whole amount which he had expended being fourteen thousand five hundred pounds sterling. He received not a cent in payment of his own services, but instead of this he had often made advances from his own private funds for public purposes. Washington's journey southward was one continued scene of honors and rejoicings ; processions, triumphal arches, cannons, music, songs, flowers, addresses, greeted him every- where. At Annapolis, he resigned his connnission to the president of Congress, and made a short and dignified address. This scene also drew tears from many eyes. The next day he hastened to Mount Yernon, where he arrived on Christmas eve — full of gratitude to God, and with the kindest feelings towards all the world. CHAPTER THIRTIETH. A quiet life appears strange enongli — Wealth impaired some- what— Transplanting trees— House full of company— Liberal allowance of visiting — Guests made to feel themselves at home — How "Washington spent his time — Morning ride- Dressing for dinner— His only toast— Honoring the Lord's day — Moments of abstraction — Lafayette's last visit — A touching incident in the note — Testimony of his private secre- tary — Elkanah "Watson's interesting reminiscences — Home pictures— No disposition to fight his battles over again, by speaking of them in conversation — A bowl of hot tea for a cold — Taking a model of his face for a bust — Fondness for cheerful society — General Putnam and the female prisoner — Awkward plight of the two judges — Washington enjoys a hearty laugh. IT must have appeared strange enough to General Washington, after so many years of camp-hfe, to be sleeping quietly beneath his own roof, undisturbed at the early dawn by the beat of drums, and his anxieties no longer called forth by the wants of a half-starved army. For some time after his return home, he was kept closely confined to the house by the snow and ice of a severe winter ; but it afforded him a good opportunity to look into his private affairs, which he had been obliged ON HIS PLANTATION. 321 BO long to intrust to other hands. He was by no means as rich as he had been before the war, because the country was in such an unsettled state, and his plantations had not yielded as much in his absence as when he was able to give them his careful oversight. With the opening spring, his oat-door labors were resumed. Washington took great satis- faction in beautifying his estate, and it was one of his favorite employments to go through the woods, selecting and marking young trees to be transplanted to the walks about his house. He makes a note in his journal, that when employed in this pleasant occupation a load of company drove up, and he was obliged to cover the young trees with earth to keep them from drying up, while he went to the house to entertain his guests. His habits were just as regular and method- ical as they used to be. In times of old-fash- ioned hospitality, a visit of a week or two Was thought nothing out of the way, and those who came to Mount Yemon were made to feel themselves perfectly at home. At break- fast, Washington would tell his guests that he hoped they would take good care of them- selves, and that there were horses in the stable 322 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. for those who wished to ride, and books of all kinds in the library, for such as preferred to remain within doors. He then mounted his horse, and went forth on his morning circuit around the estate of ten or twelve miles, returning about a quarter before three, when he dressed for dinner. Precisely at three, all sat down to the abundant repast. The general ate heartily, although he was not an epicure. Sometimes, indeed, he would dine on baked apples, or berries with cream or milk, so plain and simple were his tastes. He was fond of cheerful conversation during dinner, and it was a settled rule with him never to introduce any unpleasant topic at the table. After the cloth was removed, he drank a glass of wine, and gave his only toast, " All our friends." In the afternoon, Washington retired to his library, where he was occupied with business and reading until evening, when he again joined the family circle, taking his cup of tea with the rest. If there was no company present, he read aloud to his industrious spouse, who sat quietly in a corner of the sofa, knitting. Every Sunday morning the family went to churcli, and in the evening, the general read a ESTEEM FOE LAFAYETTE. 323 sermon, or something else appropriate to the ^dav, for the benefit of the household. Sometimes, when sitting silent in the midst of his friends, he ^Yould seem to be lost iu thought, and, as if unconscious of all about him, he would raise his hand to his head and move his lips, as if debating or giving orders. In August, Washington had the satisfaction of receivinor Lafavette as a o-uest at his own house. When the pleasant visit was ended, the general accompanied his friend to Annap- olis, in order to defer the parting scene as long as possible ; and on returning to Mount Yer- non, he thus touchingly refers to the ]3ainful subject: ''In the moment of our separation, upon the road as I travelled, and every hour since, I have felt all that love, respect, and at- tachment for you, with which length of years, close connection, and your merits have inspired me. I often asked myself, as our carriages sep- arated, whether that was the last sight I ever should have of you ; and, though I wished to answer ' Xo,' my fears answered ' Yes.' "' The two friends never met again upon earth. "^ * In August, lS2i, Laft\yette landed in the United States, and ■was everywhere welcomed as the Nation's guest. He passed through tweatj-fonr States of the Union, in a sort of triumphal 324: LIFE OF WASHINGTON. Washington corresponded with many of the officers, both American and French, who had been with him during the war, and their epistles gave him great satisfaction. He was obliged, however, to reply to so many letters of business and compliment, that at last he employed Mr. Lear to act as his private secre- tary. This gentleman remarked, after living with him two years : " I have never found a single thing that could lessen my respect for General Washington. A complete knowledge of his honesty, uprightness, and candor, in all his private transactions, has sometimes led me to think him more than a man." Mr. Elkanah Watson, who visited Mount Yernon in 1785, with a letter of introduction from General Greene, gives a home-picture of Washington in his retirement* "I trembled procession, but no spot in America was visited by him witli half the interest which lie felt for the grave of Washington. " We were obliged to tote him all about," said one of the old family servants, when describing this interesting circumstance to a traveller who had stopped at Mount Vernon ; " by which I understood," remarks the latter, " that the general was so over- come, that he was literally supported by the arms of attendants. I inquired how he appeared at the tomb. ' He cried like a little infimt.' ' Did he go in V I asked. ' Oh yes, he went in, sir, alone, and he made a mighty long talk there, but I don't know what it was about.' " DOMESTIC LITE. 325 with awe, as I came into the presence of this great man. I found him at table with Mrs. Washington and his private family, and was received in the native dignity and with that urbanity so peculiarly combined in the charac- ter of a soldier and an eminent private gentle- man. He soon put me at my ease, by unbend- ing in a free and affable conversation. The cautions reserve which wisdom and policy dic- tated, while engaged in rearing the glorious fabric of our independence, was evidently the result of consummate prudence, and not char- acteristic of his nature. I observed a peculi- arity in his smile, which seemed to illuminate his eye ; his whole countenance beamed with intelligence, while it commanded confidence and respect. " I found him kind and benignant in the do- mestic circle; revered and beloved by all around him ; agreeably social, without osten- tation ; delighting in anecdote and adventures, without assumption; his domestic arrange- ments harmonious and systematic. His ser- vants seemed to watch his eye, and to antici- pate his every wish ; hence a look was equiva- lent to a command. His servant Billy, the faithful companion of his military career, was 28 326 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. always at liis side. Smiling content animated and beamed on every countenance in liis pres- ence." In the evening, Mr. Watson sat conversing for a full hour with Washington, after all the family had retired, expecting, perhaps, to hear him fight over some of his battles ; but, if so, he was disappointed, for he observes : "He modestly waived all allusions to the events in which he had acted so glorious and conspicuous a ]3art. Much of his conversation had reference to the interior country, and to the opening of the navigation of the Potomac, by canals and locks, at the Seneca, the Great and Little Falls. His mind appeared to be deeply absorbed by that object, then in earnest contemplation." Mr. Watson had taken a severe cold in the course of a harsh winter journey, and coughed excessively. Washington pressed him to take some remedies, but he declined. After retiring for the night, his coughing increased. " When some time had elapsed," writes he, " the door of my room was gently opened, and, on draw- ing my bed-curtains, I beheld Washington him- self standing at my bedside, with a bowl of hot tea in his hand. I was mortified and distressed MODEL IN PLASTER. 327 beyond expression. This little incident, occur- ring in common life with an ordinary man, would not have been noticed ; but as a trait of the benevolence and private virtue of Wash- ington, deserves to be recorded." One more incident related by Mr. "Watson must close our extracts from his interesting reminiscences. Washington was entertaining his visitor with an account of the taking of a model of his head, in plaster, for a bust. " Wright came to Mount Yernon," the general remarked, " with that singular request that I should permit him to take a model of my face in plaster of Paris, to which I consented, with some reluctance. He oiled my face over, and placing me flat upon my back upon a cot, pro- ceeded to daub my face with the plaster. While in this ludicrous attitude, Mrs. Wash- ington entered the room, and seeing my face thus overspread with the plaster, involuntarily exclaimed. Her cry excited in me a disposi- tion to smile, which gave my mouth a slight twist, or compression of the lips, that is now observable in the busts which Wright after- wards made."* * Men and Times of the Eevolution, page 139. 328 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. Witli all his natural gravity and tliouglitful- ness, Washington was fond of cheerful society, and was occasionally surprised into a hearty fit of laughter. One instance of this kind oc- curred during the war, when old General Put- nam rode into the camp with a female prisoner behind him on the horse. There is a story told of two judges coming to visit him at Mount Vernon, who, being very dusty, from a long trip on horseback, stopped in a wood on the outskirts of the estate to make their toilet be- fore presenting themselves at the mansion. They had taken off their travelling dresses, and a servant had unlocked their large portman- teau, when cakes of "Windsor soap, and all sorts of things which pedlers sell, were scattered about, but their clothes were not there. Their trunks had been exchanged, by mistake, for that of a Scotch pedler, at their last halting- place. The judges, although their plight was a sorry one, could not help laughing, while the servant, whose carelessness had caused the blunder, looked on in dismay. Washington, hearing the noise, came up, and was so over- come by the ridiculous appearance of the group, that he rolled on the grass, almost convulsed with laughter. CHAPTEE THIETY-FIEST. Unpromising condition of the government — Fears which true patriots entertained — A convention to form a constitution — Washington prepares himself to discharge his duties as a del- egate—Gratifying result of four months' labor — The constitu- tion adopted, and a president chosen — Washington's unwill- ingness to return to public life — His wishes overruled — Tri- umphal journey to New York — The ceremony of inauguration — "Long live George Washington !" — Solemn services in St. Paul's church — Modest estimate of his own capacity for the presidency — Overrun with company — Hours and forms of re- ception established — The president's house — Style of living — Levees and dinners — Severe illness — " I am in the hands of a good Providence" — Visit to the Eastern States — Observ- ance of Sunday— The " speaker's bell"— Dr. Grif&th, bishop elect of Virginia — Washington's mother departs this life — Her last blessing — A beautiful letter — An example for Amer- ican youth — The Divine promise made good. ALTHOUGH Mount Yernon was a retired spot, it was not far enough out of the world to prevent Washington from hearing and being distressed by many things which were going on in it. The government of the United States was a feeble one, — oppressed by debt, — and trade did not revive at the close of the war, as it had been hoped that it wonld. The several States were jealous of each other, and in Mas- sachusetts a rebellion had broken out in the 28^' 330 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. autumn of 1786. A spirit of dissension was spreading more and more, and many wlio had fouglit and bled to secure tlie liberty of tlieir country, were afraid tliat it would become use- less, tbrougli the folly and selfishness of those who wished to grasp it, forgetful of the solemn conditions on which alone it can be enjoyed. It was finally concluded that delegates from the different States should meet in Philadel- phia, in the spring of 1787, to endeavor to cor- rect some of the defects in the system of gov- ernment ; and although much against his wish- es, "Washington was sent from Virginia. Be- ins: determined to understand the business in which he was about to engage, he carefully studied the constitutions of former confedera- cies, and a paper in his own handwriting, con- taining the results of his examinations, bears witness to his industry and research. Washington was chosen president of the convention, and after four months of great la- bor, the delegates agreed upon the form of gov- ernment nnder which we are living now, — ''The Constitution of the United States." Some slight changes have since been made, but it remains essentially the same as when it was first adopted. This instrument, however XOMIXATED PEESIDENT. 331 excellent, could be of no force nntil tlie States had consented to receive it, and it could not Le expected that it would meet the views of every person. In the course of the next year, eleven of the thirteen States concluded to adopt the constitution, and it became necessary to elect a president. Who, but the man that had led the armies of the [Revolution, and who had shown his wisdom in the assistance which he rendered in forming the constitution, could be thought of to fill this important post? The whole nation turned to Washington, and Ms friends in ever}' part of the country gave him no peace until he had agreed that his name should be proposed. " You know me well enough,'' he wrote to Hamilton, "to be persuaded that I am not guilty of affectation, when I tell you that it is my great and sole desii-e, to live and die in peace and retirement on my own farm. . . . Still I hope I shall always possess -firmness and virtue enough to maintain, what I consider the most enviable of all titles, the character of an honest manP " At my age,*' he remarks to another, '•' and in my circumstances, what object or personal emolument had I to seek after in this life ? 332 LIFE OF WASniNGTON. " The great Searcher of human hearts is my witness, that I have no wish which aspires beyond the humble and haj)py lot of living and dying a private citizen on my own farm." The election took place in January, 1789, when General Washington was chosen Presi- dent by the vote of all the States, and John Adams of Massachusetts, vice-president. Before leaving home, Washington paid a last visit to his mother, who was then very ill, and in setting out for New York, on the 16 th of April, he makes this record in his diary : " About ten o'clock, I bade adieu to Mount Yernon, to private life, and to domestic felici- ty; and with a mind opj)ressed with more anxious and painful sensations than I have words to express, set out for New York, with the best disposition to render service to my country in obedience to its call, but with less hope of answering its expectations." Washington's journey was one continued triumph ; the different towns which he passed vieing with each other in showing honor to the father of his country. A splendid deputation from New York met the presidential cavalcade at Elizabethtown, New Jersey, and a grand flotilla accompanied him to New York. mAUGUKATION. 333 Thursday, April 30tli, was the day of inau- guration. At nine o'clock in the morning, religious services were held in the churches, and God's blessing invoked in behalf of the new government. At twelve, the President elect moved in procession to Federal Hall, in Wall-street, where the custom-house now stands, and was received at the door, and con- ducted to the chair, by Mr. Adams, the vice- president. A solemn silence prevailed, when Mr. Adams rose, and informed him that all things were prepared for him to take the oath of office required by the constitution. Wash- ington then proceeded to a balcony in front of the senate-chamber, in view of an immense crowd of people, who hailed him with loud applause. He laid his hand upon his heart, and having bowed several times, he took his seat in an arm-chair, near a table covered with crimson velvet, on which a superbly bound Bible had been placed. Washington was dressed in a full suit of •dark-brown cloth, with white silk stockings, all of American manufacture, silver shoe-buckles, his hair tied and powdered, and a steel-hilted dress-sword by his side. After a few moments, he rose and came 334 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. forward to the front of the balcony, Mr. Otis, the secretary of state, holding up the Bible on its crimson cushion. Chancellor Livingston of N'ew York admin- istered the oath, which was read slowly and distinctly, Washington laying his hand on the open Bible, and at the conclusion, answering with great solemnity, *'I swear^ — so help me God!" He then bowed down reverently and kissed the Bible. The chancellor now stejDped forward, waved his hand, and said, " Long live George Wash- ington, President of the United States." The crowds below sent up a loud shout of joy, while the merry peal of church-bells and the roar of artillery spread the news abroad, that the birth of a ncAV nation was accom- plished. Returning to the senate-chamber, the presi- dent delivered his inaugural address, and then proceeded with the whole assembly on foot, to St. Paul's Church, where divine service was celebrated by Dr. Provoost, the Bishop of 'New York, who had been appointed one of the chaplains of Congress.^ * Additional partieulars couccrning Washington's inaugura- OFFICIAL DUTIES. 335 In the evening the city was splendidly illuminated, and all joined heartily in the general rejoicings. "Washington received the flattering atten- tions which were shown him, with his accus- tomed modesty, and in the midst of these excitements, he wrote to a friend : " I greatly fear that my countrymen will expect too much from me. I fear, if the issue of public measures should not correspond with their sanguine expectations, they will turn the extravagant, and I might almost say, undue praises which they are heaping uj)on me at this moment, into equally extravagant, though I will fondly hope, unmerited censure." The President devoted what little leisure he could command to the study of all the records that had passed between the United States and foreign governments, since the treaty of peace in 1783 ; and as his office was a new one, he was anxious to take the first stejDS with propriety and dignity. Such throngs of com- pany beset him, that he could be sure of no time for rest, until in self-defence, certain tion are contained in the Life of Bishop Provoost, published by the Church Book Society. 336 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. hours and forms for the reception of visitors had been established. Every Friday after- noon, Mrs. Washington entertained her nu- merons friends, and once a week there was a large dinner-party, to which heads of depart- ments, strangers of distinction, and others, were invited. " The residence provided by Congress for the President, was nmnber three Cherry-street, now known as the corner of Cherry-street and Franklin Square. It was regarded as "up town," and was a considerable distance from the most fashionable quarter, which was in the neighborhood of Wall and Broad streets, though the houses of several of the more re- spectable families were in the vicinity. It was large, and its rooms generally of such ample dimensions as were necessary in the home of a public character apt to be surrounded by numerous visitors. Before the arrival of "Washington, Mr. Osgood was requested, by a resolution of Congress, to " put the house and the furniture thereof in proper condition for the residence and use of the President of the United States," and a part of the preparation thus authorized, was the removal of the parti- tion between two of the large apartments to STYLE OF LIVING. 337 make a drawing-room sufficiently capacious for the President's receptions and public au- diences. The furniture was extremely j)lain, but " in keeping, and well disposed, and the whole arrangements," according to a corre- sj)ondent of Mr. Hancock, were such as to "give promise of substantial comfort." Mrs. Washington had sent on by sea from Mount Yernon many articles of taste and luxury, including a few pictures, vases, and other ornaments, which had been presented to the general by his European friends. " The fami- ly plate was melted soon after it was brought to the city, and reproduced in more elegant and harmonious forms." * Washington declined receiving any compen- sation for his services, but the salary of the j)resident was fixed by law at twenty-five thousand dollars. Although his style of living was very plain, it was supposed that this sum would not more than defray his necessary expenses. ~~ Soon after his inauguration, Washington, wearied by labor and excitement, was seized with a violent illness which lasted for six * Griswold's Kepublican Court, p. 166. 29 838 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. weeks. One day, being alone with Dr. Bard, his physician, he requested to be told, without hesitation, what would be the probable result of this dangerous attack. " Do not flatter me with yain hopes," he said, " I am not afraid to die, and therefore can bear the worst." The doctor's answer, while it expressed hope, acknowledged his apprehensions. The President replied, " Whether to-night, or twen- ty years hence, makes no difference ; I know that I am in the hands of a good Providence." As soon as his health was sufficiently restored, he made a tour through 'New Eng- land, travelling in his own chariot, and attend- ed on horseback by his secretaries. His route took him through New Haven, Hartford, Worcester, Boston, Salem, and Kewburyport, to Portsmouth in New Hampshire, — great enthusiasm being shown wherever he went. From incidental references in his letters, it appears that nothiog was allowed to prevent his regular attendance at church. While passing through a part of Connecticut, where the roads were extremely rough, Washington was overtaken by night on Saturday, not being able to reach the town where he design- ed to spend Sunday. Next morning, by sun- KEEPING THE LOEd's DAY. 339 rise, his coach was ready, and he was hastening onward to a tavern near the place of worship which he proposed to attend, when the informing officer, as he was called, came out of his house, and asked the driver whether there was any urgent reason for his travelling on the Lord's day. The general ordered the coachman to stop, and with great civility explained the circumstances to the officer, commending his fidelity, and assuring him that nothing was further from his intention, than to show disrespect to the laws of Connec- ticut in regard to the observance of the Lord's day. It was an established rule that no visitors should be admitted to the President's house on Sunday, and the only exception to the rule was in the case of Mr. Trumbull, Speaker of the House of Eepresentatives ; and so entirely was this privilege confined to him, that it was usual with the house-servant, when he heard the door-bell ring on Sunday evening, to call it the " Speaker's bell." In August, 1789, Dr. Griffith, minister of Fairfax parish, Alexandria (then Bishop elect of the Diocese of Virginia), died in Philadel- phia. Dr. William Smith remarked, in the 34:0 LIFE OF WxiSIlINGTON. sermon preaclied at the funeral : " In the ser- vice of his country, during our late contest for liberty and independence, he was near and dear to our illustrious commander-in-chief. He was also his neighbor, and honored and cherished by him as a pastor and friend." (pJu^.^ , ~^ On the 25tli of the same month, Wasjiing- I *% ton's venerable mother died, at the age of eighty-three. When he bade her farewell, before setting out for New York, he bowed his head upon her shoulder, and wept, murmur- ing at the same time something of a hope that they should meet again : " ITo, George," she replied, " this is our last parting ; my days to come are few. But go, fulfil your high duties, and may God bless and keep you." ' The following letter which he wrote to his only sister, Mrs. Lewis of Fredericksburg, will attest the filial sensibility with which he re- garded his mother's death. " New York, \%th September, 1789. " My deak sistee : — Colonel Ball's letter gave me the first account of my mother's death. Since that, I have received Mrs. Custis' let- ter, written at your request ; and previously to both, I was prepared for the event, by some DEATH OF HIS MOTHEE. 3:tl advices of her illness, communicated to toui* son Hubert. "Awful and affecting as the death of a parent is, there is consolation in knowing that Heaven has spared onrs to an age beyond which few attain, and favored her with the full enjoyment of her mental faculties, and as much bodily strength as usually falls to the lot of fourscore. Under these considerations, and the hope that she is translated to a happier place, it is the duty of her relatives to yield due sub- mission to the decrees of the Creator. When I was last at Fredericksburg, I took a final leave of my mother, never expecting to see her jnore " Give my love to ^XIi-s. Carter, and thank her for the letter she wrote to me. I would have done this myself, had I more time for private correspondence. ISLrs. Washington joins me in best wishes for her, yourself, and all other friends ; and I am, with the most sin- cere resrard, vour affectionate brother." May one not commend to the youth of our country, this example of persevering and re- spectful filial love ? It began with his child- hood, and distinguished him till its venerated 29 ~ 342 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. object left the world, nor failed to move him with tenderest recollections in contemplating that event. , And surely the wonted blessing attended it. The Divine promise was richly fulfilled in his history. He " lived long upon, the earth, and it was well with him all the days of his life." CHAPTER THIETY- SECOND. Washington selects his Cabinet— The appointing power gives him much trouble — The Church recovering from the effects of the war — The General Convention sends an address to the President — Bishops Provoost and White — Hamilton's plan for paying the debt of the United States — The seat of govern- ment removed to Philadelphia for ten years — District of Co- lumbia — Washington visits Ehode Island — " There comes Washington" — Fault-finders — Eather a sharp letter — The President describes his levees — Joshua and Washington com- pared — Graver matters which occasion some concern — The President worships at Christ Church, Philadelphia — His in- timacy with Bishop White — Party spirit running high — Federalists and Democrats — One hopeful sign. DURIE'G the summer of 1789, Congress divided the business of the nation into departments, and the President appointed his Cabinet. This consisted of Thomas Jefferson, of Virginia, Secretary of State; Alexander Hamilton, of JSTew York, Secretary of the Treasury; General Knox, of Massachusetts, Secretary of War ; and Edmund Randolph, of Virginia, Attorney-General. The power which the President had of ap- pointing to office, gave him much trouble, on account of the numerous and pressing applica- S4A: LIFE OF WASHINGTON. tions; but there was one undeviating course which he endeavored to pursue, viz., to select the best men for every place, and to suffer no influence of friendship or any private motive to bias his judgment in the least. "While the new Republic was creeping on slowly and carefully during the days of its in- fancy, the Church of which Washington was a devoted member had begun to recover from the prostrating effect which the Revolution had upon it, and was now fully organized. While the ignorant might suppose that the Episcopal Church was merely a creature of the English government, and therefore to be over- thrown when the authority of the king was cast off, all well-instructed persons recognized it as a true branch of God's Kingdom, which was established by Chkist and His Apostles, and adapted to the wants of all ages and na- tions. The first General Convention of the Church, after Washington's election as president of the United States, was held in Philadelphia, in 1789, when an appropriate address was sent to him by that body, signed by Bishop White of Pennsylvania, Bishop Provoost of ^New York, and clerical and lay delegates from seven dif- NATIONAL C>1PITAL. 345 ferent States. Had tlie President been living as a private citizen at Mount Yernon, instead of being the head of a great nation, he would undoubtedly have been sent as a delegate from Virginia to this council of the Church. A few days after receiving the address just referred to, he returned a gracious answer, thanking the members of the convention for their affec- tionate congratulations on his election to the chief magistracy of the United States, and wishing prosperity to Zion.* When Congress met, in 1Y90, Mr. Hamilton, the secretary of the treasury, j)roposed a plan for paying the debts of the United States, w^hich called forth much angry and intemper- ate discussion. The iJ^orth and the South held conflicting views on the subject, and sectional jealousies were aroused, but Mr. Hamilton's proposal was finally adopted. The choice of a suitable place for the nation- al capital was also a difficult point to settle, but it was at last agreed that Congress should meet for the next ten years in Philadelphia, and that, during that period, a convenient spot * These interesting documents are preserved in Bioren's col- lection of the General Convention Journals, page 99. 34:6 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. Oil the Potomac River should be selected, and the necessary buildings erected. A territory, ten miles square, was ceded by Maryland and Virginia to the United States for the purpose. This is the present District of Columbia, within the boundaries of which the city of Washington stands. In the summer of 1790, the President made a short visit to Phode Island, which had been received into the Union since his last trip to the Eastern States. He was cordially welcomed by the inhabitants, and returned to Kew York after an absence of ten days. We are happy to avail ourselves of the de- scription given by an eye-witness, to see Wash- ington as he appeared at that period of his life : " In the year of our Lord 1790, 1 stood upon the door-step of the counting-house of which I was then but the youngest clerk, when the companion beside me hurriedly said, ^ There he comes! There comes Washington!' I looked up Pearl-street, and saw approaching, with stately tread and open brow, the Father of my country. His hat was off, for the day was sultry, and he was accompanied by Colo- nel Page and James Madison, l^ever have I forgotten, nor shall I to my dying day forget, APPEARANCE AND J^IANNEES. 347 the serene, tlie benign, the godlike expression of the countenance of that man of men. His lofty mien and commanding figure, set off to advantage by an elegant dress, consisting of a blue coat, buff small-clothes, silver knee and shoe buckles, and white vest; his powdered locks, and powerful, vigorous look (for he was then in the prime and strength of his manhood), have never faded from my mind during the many years which, with all their chances and changes, have rolled between."* Although Washington was so good a man, and had done so much for his country, it must not be supposed that his political views met with universal approbation, and that nothing was ever said or done which gave him pain. His military life had rendered his manners somewhat precise and stately, and some per- sons considered this an evidence of pride, and a few declared that his bows were as stiff as those of a king, and that his levees were too showy for the president of a republic. Such things were even said in Virginia, his own na- tive State, and when he heard of the ridiculous * Personal Eecollections of tlie American Eevolution, edited by Sidney Barclay. 348 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. reports wliicli were in circulation, lie was very mucli annoyed, and thus expressed liimself in a letter : ^ " That I have not been able to make boAvs to the taste of poor Colonel B. (who, by the by, I believe, never saw one of them), is to be regretted, especially, too, as, upon these occa- sions, they were indiscriminately bestowed, and the best I was master of. Would it not have been better to throw the veil of charity over them, ascribing their stiffness to the eifects of age, or to the unskilfulness of my teachers, rather than to pride and the dignity of office, which God knows has no charms for me ? For I can truly say, I had rather be at Mount Yer- non with a friend or two about me, than to be attended at the seat of government by the offi- cers of state and the representatives of every power in Europe." He then goes on to give a sketch of his levees, and the little ceremony that prevailed there. " As to the visits made on those occa- sions to the presidential mansion, they were optional, and made without invitation. Be- tween the hours of three and four, every Tues- day, I am prepared to receive them ; gentle- men, often in great numbers, come and go, EECEPTIONS AND DUTIES. 349 chat with each other, ajid act as they please ; a porter shows them into the room, and they retire from it when they please, and without ceremony. At their first entrance they salute me, and I them, and as many as I can talk to, I do. What pomp there is in all this, I am un- able to discern. Perhaps it consists in not sit- ting. To this, two reasons are opposed ; first, it is unusual ; secondly, which is a more sub- stantial one, because I have no room large enough to contain a third of the chairs which would be sufficient to admit it. Similar to the above, but not of a more sociable kind, are the visits every Friday afternoon to Mrs. Wash- ington, where I always am. These public meetings, and a dinner once a week, to as many as my table will hold, with the references to and from the diff'erent departments of state, and other communications with all j)arts of the Union, are as much, if not more, than I am able to undergo ; for I have already had, with- in less than a year, two severe attacks, — the last worse than the first. A third, more than prob- ably, will put me to sleep with my fathers."* * The liito Dr. Chalmers of Scotland, in his comments on the nineteenth chapter of Joshua, compared that distinguished 30 350 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. Besides the petty annoyances just spoken of, there were graver matters which occasioned Washington some concern. It was suspected by some that the British authorities secretly encouraged the Indians living northwest of the Ohio river to trouble the inhabitants of the frontiers, and there was reason to fear that a serious difficulty would spring up with Spain, from the fact that she then owned Florida and Louisiana, and discouraged the trade down the Mississippi, which the people of the "West found a very profitable one. leader of ancient Israel to General Washington. Let all dis- nnionists or promoters of disunion, tinder whatever plausible guise, know assuredly, that no Christian historian of future times will ever compare them to Joshua of old, hut will he much more likely to compare them to Judas Iscariot. Says Dr. Chal- mers : "He [Joshua] was the General Washington of Palestine, and was well entitled to a choice portion in the land that he had subdued. What a deal of most deeply interesting history has vanished from the world ! One should have liked to know the diary of his remaining life, his habits and enjoyments, of the grateful veneration in which he was held, and whether the Tim- nath-Serah of Mount Ephraim was not eyed and resorted to with the same feelings of affectionate patriotism which still glow in the bosoms of the Americans when they visit Mount Vernon. On the principle of the identity of human nature in all ages, we should imagine, or rather believe, that it must have been so. Joshua was a good man, and occupies a high place among tha worthies of Israel." BISHOPS PEOYOOST AND WHITE. 351 All such cases had to be watched and pro- vided for. ^ In December, 1790, Congress met at Phila- delphia, and the President, of course, removed there. While he resided in E'ew York, ho was a constant worshipper at Trinity Church and St. Paul's Chapel, and he highly esteemed Bishop Provoost, the rector of Trinity parish, not only as a clergyman, but because he had taken such a bold stand for his country during the Kevolution. On going to Philadelphia, Washington became intimate with Bishop "White,* whom he had quite as much reason to respect as a Christian and a patriot. The old pew in Christ Church, which the President occupied, is still preserved in Independence Hall, Philadelphia. Bishop White used often to recur with grateful remembrance to the kindly intercourse which subsisted between himself and his illustrious parishioner. He was a frequent and honored guest at the man- sion of the President, always sharing his marked attentions with those of Mrs. Washington. * For some pleasant recollections concerning the friendship between Washington and the first bishop of Pennsylvania, see Life of Bishop White, published by the Church Book Society, chapter xi. 352 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. Party spirit ran high during the Congress of 1790, not only affecting the members them- selves, bnt extending to their constituents in every part of the Union. Those who wished to strengthen the general government were called Federalists, while the people who de- sired to have the rights of the individual States increased were known as Republicans or Dem- ocrats. The Democrats sympathized with France, and the Federalists more with England. There was one hopeful sign, however, amidst all this confusion and strife, and this was, quarrel as the parties might about such subjects as taxes, trade, and banks, all agreed in cherishing tlie highest regard for Washington, whose unblem- ished integrity and disinterested love for his country were beyond dispute.* * A curious circumstance is mentioned by a traveller in Nic- aragua, in 1857, which shows the estimation in which Washing- ton is everywhere held. " There is a church at Stivas, over the principal portal of which is a very well executed bust of the leader of the American Eevolution, and on inquiring of a native of the town, I was informed that it was a bust of the ' good saint, George Washington.' I confess, that as I passed this church, I felt like taking off my hat, and I did it, not because of custom, but because I could not help it." CHAPTEE THIETY-THIKB. Tour through the Southern States — "Washington's care for his horses — A stirrup-leather used for improving a bad memory — More troubles with the Indians — The first minister sent from the United States to Great Britain — A portrait which Sir Joshua Eeynolds did not have to paint — Washington's correspondence with Lafayette — Party spirit increases in bit- terness — Jefferson and Hamilton become unfriendly — Wash- ington re-elected president — A bloody revolution in France — Sympathies excited in this country — President takes a decid- V ed stand — Mr. Genet comes over, and behaves rather impu- dently — He is recalled at Washington's request — Troubles with England — Mr. Jay sent over as an envoy of peace — More troubles — Washington's Farewell Address — A dinner-party which ends in tears. Washington meets the two Houses of Congress for the last time — A touching scene. I]N" March, 1791, WashiDgton started on a tour through the Southern States, having carefully marked out his route beforehand. He proposed to pass througli Fredericks- burg, Richmond, "Wilmington, Charleston, and Savannah ; thence to Augusta, Columbia, and the interior towns of North Carolina and Yirginia. He was absent twelve weeks, and travelled nineteen hundred miles with the same horses. " Indeed," he writes, " so highly 30* 354 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. were we favored, that we arrived at each phice where I proposed to make any halt, on the very day I fixed upon before we set out. The same horses performed the whole tour; and although much reduced in flesh, kept up their full spirits to the last day." Washington was always very careful of his horses, and looked after them himself, in order that they might be well provided for. It is said he once tried the stirrup-leather on the shoulder of a groom who had left a favorite horse uncared for, after he had been ridden pretty hard on the previous evening. The servant thought that he would be up in ample time to prevent his master from discovering his neglect, but he was mistaken, for Wash- ington rang the stable-bell while the delin- quent was sound asleep. The President was fond of travelling, and these long tours enabled him to become personally acquainted with the condition of the country, and as soon as he found himself in a region which was new to him, he began at once to devise plans for increasing its natural advantages, or removing its defects. Even the Dismal Swamp was indebted to him for surveys and improvements. INDIAN TROUBLES. 355 Washington was much pleased with his visit to the Southern States, and wrote, after his return : " Industry has there taken the place of idleness, and economy of dissipation. Two or three years of good crops, and a ready market for the produce of their lands, have put every one in good humor, and in some instances, they even impute to the govern- ment what is due only to the goodness of Providence." The Indians northwest of the Ohio had long been so troublesome, that the govern- ment was obliged to send troops against them, in the summer of 1791. The war was a very expensive one, and at first the whites were not at all successful in their contests with the red men. Congress assembled at Philadelphia on the 24:th of October, and the next day the Presi- dent delivered his opening speech. Of course, the Indian troubles were spoken of at large, and valuable suggestions made. One of the most important subjects brought before Congress was the raising and drilling of national militia, and the question became much more interesting when reports arrived of St. Clair's defeat, and other painful disasters. 356 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. In January, 1792, tlie first minister was sent from this country to Great Britain. Our younger readers must remember that we do not mean a clergyman. A minister from one country to another is the authorized agent of the government to attend to any business of importance, in which his country's interests are concerned. As soon as two nations make war, the ministers are sent home. Mr. Thomas Pinckney, of South Carolina, was chosen for this important office. The King of England must have felt strangely enough in receiving an ambassador from a people who had once been his own subjects, and whom he had been so unwilling to give up.* Washington continued to keep up an active correspondence with his friend Lafayette, and * While the contest was going on between England and America, many influential men in England were so firmly per- suaded that the Colonists must finally yield, that Sir Joshua Eeynolds, the great painter (who did not agree with them in their opinions), received five guineas each from several gentle- men, under a promise to pay them in return one thousand pounds if lie ever painted the portrait of General Washington, in England (as a captive, of course), and which he was not to refuse to do, in case the general should be brought to him for that purpose. This curious incident is vouched for by his pupil Northcote. PARTY SPIRIT. 357 the troubled scenes tlirongh wliich France was passing, rendered the letters of the marquis unusually interesting. The President kept him informed of what was transpiring in America, and remarks, in a letter written in June, 1792 : " The affairs of the United States still go on in a prosperous train. "We increase daily in number and riches, and the people ai-e blessed with the enjoyment of those rights which alone can give security and happiness to a nation. Hamilton, Knox, Jay, and Jefferson are well, and remember you with affection." We have referred several times to the preva- lence of party sj)irit throughout the country. This occasioned "Washington much uneasiness, and it was especially distressing to him when he discovered the discord which it produced among the members of his cabinet. Jeffer- son, as leader of the Republicans, and Hamil- ton as the acknowledged head of the Federal- ists, held conflicting views on almost every point of government, and at last their tempers became so ruffled by frequent discussions and disputes, that they were almost ready to quar- rel with each other. The President made every effort to bring about a better state of 358 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. feeling between them, and altliongli lie was not altogether successful, he had the satisfac- tion of knowing that he had done his duty, and he enjoyed the respect of both. lie had hoped and expected to retire to private life, at the close of his four years' term of office, and had already begun to prepare a farewell address to the people, but all parties united in urging him to consent to serve again. "The confidence of the whole Union," says Jefferson, " is centred in you." Hamilton closes a labored argument to show him that he ought to continue in office, by re- marking: "I trust and pray God that you will determine to make a further sacrifice of your tranquillity and happiness to the public good." Gouverneur Morris writes : " It will be time enough for you to have a successor when it shall please God to call you from this world." Washino'ton a^'ain showed how unselfish he was, by giving up home and comfort at the call of his country, and having been unanimous- ly re-elected President, he took the oath of office for the second time, on the 4th of March, 1793. It was well for the Union that he had consented to do so. Hardly had he taken his FRENCH REVOLUTION. 359 place again at the head of the nation, before war broke out between England and France. A bloody revolution was going on in the lat- ter country, and Louis XVI., who had been so true a friend to America during the revolu- tionary struggle, was beheaded. Lafayette, and many other good men, had hoped, at first, that a free government might be established in France ; but soon the power fell into the hands of the desperate and depraved, and horrible cruelties were committed in the name of Liberty. There was no real government at all, and discord and confusion prevailed. Washington felt a deep sympathy for the former allies of his country, but he made up his mind that, as things were, it would not be proper for the American government to join with the French in a war against Great Brit- ain. At this distance of time it is easy to see that he judged wisely. Then, however, when people were carried away by the wild en- thusiasm of the moment, many were disposed to respond to the first call of the French lead- ers, and thus involve our infant Kepublic in serious difficulties. Thousands in America loved the French, and hated the English, and these were quite 360 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. indignant at tlie course which Washington recommended to be pursued. The newspapers were extremely violent, and, for the first time, his personal character was assailed. His feel- ings at this distressing period may be gath- ered from a letter to Governor Lee, of Yirgin- ia, who will be remembered as " Light-horse Harry" of the Eevolution. "Li what will all this abuse terminate? For the result, as it respects myself, I care not ; for I have a consolation within that no earthly efforts can dej^rive me of, and that is, that neither ambitious nor interested motives have influenced my conduct." To make matters worse, when Mr. Genet, the French minister, reached this country, he was received with marked attention at Charles- ton, where he landed, and public meetings were held in various places to express sympa- thy with France. Washington gave Mr. Genet a kind welcome, but it was very evi- dent that he had no idea of permitting the United States to be drawn into a war. T]ie French minister being disappointed at this, began to arm and send out vessels from Amer- ican ports to capture British vessels, a meas- ure which our government could not allow ; SEAMEN IMPRESSED. 361 and when lie was told that he must do so no more, he became exceedingly angry, and said and wrote offensive things. He even ventured to declare that he would appeal from the President to the people. This audacious con- duct began to open the eyes of the people, and they fully justified Washington when he sent a request to France that Mr. Genet might be re- called. A new minister was appointed in his place, who behaved with great propriety. It could hardly be supposed that the minis- ter of the British government could have ob- served the conduct of Mr. Genet, and the favor which was shown him by many Ameri- cans, without feeling that England was hardly treated with justice by the United States. A British trading-vessel having been captured by a French frigate, within the capes of the Delaware, the Americans complained on their part that our sailors were sometimes taken out of merchant-vessels, and made to serve in English ships-of-war, under the pre- tence that they were lawful subjects of the king. Instead of going to war to settle these difficulties, "Washington sent Mr. Jay to Lon- don to endeavor to bring the question in dis- pute to a peaceful end. ISTo better agent 31 362 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. could have been appointed for the purpose; but the measures were by no means generally approved of. ISTotwithstanding the nomina- tion of the envoy, a resolution passed the House of Representatives to cut off all inter- course with Great Britain, and was only lost in the Senate by the casting vote of the vice- president. Indeed, the commercial treaty which Mr. Jay effected caused so much dissat- isfaction, that when it became necessary to apply to the House of Representatives to car- ry it into effect, that body demanded that certain papers should be laid before it, as a condition of its action in the matter. Wash- ington refused to comply, and being sustained by his legal advisers, he stood firm through a fierce storm of abuse, and came off triumph- ant at last. His health, however, received a good deal of injury from these harassing cares, and when a third presidential term was spoken of, he refused so decidedly that it was evident that no persuasions could induce him again to change his purpose. In the autumn of 1705, George Washington Lafayette, — the son of the marquis, who had now been a long time in prison, — reached America ; and although Washington, as Presi- FAREWELL ADDRESS. 363 dent, was in prudence obliged to avoid show- ing too much interest in his behalf, as a man, he furnished means for his support and educa- tion. He also sent money to the wife of the marquis, and exerted himself to the utmost to j)rocure the release of his friend. The excitement respecting the treaty with Great Britain, whicli Mr. Jay had brought about, had hardly begun to subside before the French government took up the subject, and a cloud of war darkened the horizon, but through the mercy of an overruling Provi- dence it soon disappeared. In September, 1796, Washington published his Farewell Address to the people of the United States, containing counsels of wisdom which should be written in characters of gold, and diligently studied by every friend of his country. It was received with the greatest respect by all the States. On the day before President Washington retired from office, a large company dined with him. Among them were the foreign ministers and their ladies, Mr. and Mrs. Adams, Mr. Jefferson, and other conspicuous persons of both sexes. During the dinner much hilarity prevailed, but on the removal 364 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. of the cloth it was j)iit an end to by the Pres- ident, certainly without design. Having filled his glass, he addressed the company, with a smile, in the following or similar words : '' Ladies and gentlemen, this is the last time I shall drink your health as a pnblic man. I do it with sincerity, wishing you all possible happiness." There was an end of all pleas- antry. Bishop White, who tells this story, happened to look at the wife of the British minister, Mrs. Listen, and saw tears running down her cheeks. On the 7th of December he met the two Houses of Congress for the last time, and took leave of them in an appropriate speech. One who was present thus describes the scene: "When General Washington delivered his Farewell Address, in the room at the south- east corner of Chestnut and Sixth streets, I sat immediately in front of him. It was in the room the Congress had occupied. The table of the Speaker was between the two windows on Sixth-street. The daughter of Dr. C , of Alexandria, the physician and intimate friend of Washington, Mrs. H-^ , whose husband was the auditor, was a very dear friend of mine ; her brother Washing- TAKING LEAVE OF CONGRESS. 365 ton was one of the secretaries of General "Washington — young Dandridge, a nephew of Mrs. Washington, was the other. I was included in Mrs. H 's party to witness the august, the solemn scene. E" C declined going with Mrs. H , who had determined to go so early as to secure the front bench. It was fortunate for N C (afterwards Mrs. L ) that she would not trust herself to be so near her honored grandfather. My dear father stood very near her; she was terribly agitated. There was a narrow passage from the door of entrance to the room, which was on the east, dividing the rows of benches. General Washington stop- ped at the end to let Mr. Adams pass to the chair. The latter always wore a full suit of bright drab, with slash, or rather loose cuiFs. He also wore wrist-ruffles. He had not chang- ed his fashions. He was a short man, with a good head. With his family he attended our church twice a day. "General Washington's dress was a full suit of black. His military hat had the black cockade. There stood the Father of his Country, acknowledged by nations ' the first in war, first in peace, first in the hearts of his 31- 366 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. countrymen.' 'No marshals, with gold scarfs ; no cheering. The most profound stillness greeted him, as if that great assembly desired to hear him breathe and catch his breath, — the homage of the heart. Mr. Adams covered his face with both his hands. The sleeve of his coat and his hands were covered with tears. Every now and then there was a sob. I cannot describe Washington's appearance as I felt it. Perfectly composed and self-possessed till the close of his address. Then, when strong men's sobs broke loose, when tears covered their faces, then the great man was shaken. I never took my eyes from his face. Large drops came from his eyes. He looked to the grateful children who were parting with their father, their friend, as if his heart was with them, and would be to the end." CHAPTER THIRTY-rOURTH. A base forgery whicli was skilfully contrived, but whicli did little harm — An important record — The inauguration of a new president — A silent benediction — Departure for Mount Ver- non — Former course of life resumed— Letter to Secretary Wolcott — Kural pursuits — The sixty-fifth year of life — Picture of e very-day doings — An assistant called in, to help in entertaining visitors — A young gentleman gains a good wife in this way — Preparations for war with France — "Wash- ington appointed commander-in-chief— Goes to Philadelphia to attend to important business— A new system of warfare to be adopted — The French government begins to hesitate — Washington's last concern for the army. AMONG the base and insidious artifices for injuring the character of "Washington, there was one which had been resorted to, in 1777, which was certainly very skilfully con- trived. A series of letters were published in England, purporting to have been written by the commander-in-chief to different members of his family, and to his overseer at Mount Yernon, which, if genuine, would have proved that he was faithless to the cause he was pre- tending to support. The pamphlet was re- printed in New York, and extensively circu- lated. His political enemies had brought 308 LIFE OF WASHINGTOK. forth tliese documents again, during liis ad ministration in 1Y96, hoping to injure liis character, but the attempt was vain. This infamous publication (the author of which never was discovered), was referred to by Washington in private letters to his friends, but no public notice was taken of it, until the 3d of March, 1797, the last day of his official career. Then he thought it right to leave on record a vindication of his character, and he accordingly addressed a letter to the Secretary of State, pronouncing those letters a base forgery, and desiring that this communication might be kept on file, as a testimony to the truth to the present generation, and to pos- terity. On the 4th of March, "Washington saw Mr. Adams take the oath of office as president of the United States, and Mr. Jefferson as vice- president. The new officers were warmly re- ceived, but the attention shown to the retiring chief-magistrate was most enthusiastic. At the close of the inauguration ceremonies, as Washington moved towards the door to depart, the crowd rushed after him, and when, in the middle of the strcet, he waved his hat in return for the cheers of the multitude, his ONCE MORE AT HOME. 369 countenance radiant with benignity, and his gray hairs streaming in the wind. The people followed him to his door, and as he stood on the steps, and turned towards them for the last time, his eyes were filled with tears, and it was only by a silent gesture that he could express his thanks and convey his final bless- ing. The same night, the citizens of Phila- delphia gave him a public banquet in the Amphitheatre, at which they spared neither pains nor expense to do him honor. The next day he set out on his journey to Mount Yernon, desiring to make it as private as possible, but the people lost no opportunity of manifesting their gratitude and love. Once more he entered upon the sweet enjoyments of home, and his former course of life was resumed. The repairing of his buildings, and the improvement of his farm, afi'orded him ample employment. Multitudes of letters poured in upon him, and the visitors to Mount Yernon were not a few. In Avriting to his friend, Oliver Wolcott, then secretary of the treasury, he thus exultingly refers to his deliverance from the burden of public cares : " For myself, having 370 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. turned aside from the broad walks of political into the narrow paths of private life, I shall leave it with those whose duty it is to consider subjects of this sort, and, as every good citizen ought to do, conform to whatsoever the ruling powers shall decide. To make and sell a little flour annually, to repair houses going fast to ruin, to build one for the security of my papers of a public nature, and to amuse myself in agriculture and rural pursuits, will constitute employment for the few years I have to remain on this terrestrial globe. If, also, I could now and then meet the friends I esteem, it would fill the measure, and add zest to my enjoy- ments ; but, if ever this happens, it must be under my own vine and fig-tree, as I do not think it probable that I shall go beyond twenty miles from them." And again to another friend (Win. Heath), he indulges in pleasant anticipations : " Ketired from noise myself, and the responsibility at- tached to public employment, my hours will glide smoothly on. My best wishes, however, for the prosperity of our country will always have the first place in my thoughts ; while to repair buildings and to cultivate my farms, which require close attention, will occupy the HIS DAILY OCCUPATIONS. 371 few years, perhaps days, I may be a sojourner here, as I am now in the sixty-fifth year of my peregrination through life." A letter to his friend James McHenry, sec- retary of war, furnishes a picture of his every- day life. " I am indebted to you," whites he, " for several unacknowledged letters ; but nev- er mind that ; go on as if you had answers. You are at the source of information, and can find many things to relate, while I have noth- ing to say that could either inform or amuse a secretary of war in Philadelphia. I might tell him that I begin my diurnal course with the sun ; that, if my hirelings are not in their places at that time, I send them messages of sorrow for their indisposition ; that, having put these wheels in motion, I examine the state of things further; that, the more they are probed, the deeper I find the wounds which my buildings have sustained, by an absence and neglect of eight years ; that, by the time I have accomplished these matters, breakfast (a little after seven o'clock, about the time I presume you are taking leave of Mrs. McHen- ry) is ready ; that, this being over, I mount my horse and ride round my farms, which employs me until it is time to dress for dinner, at which 372 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. I rarely miss seeing strange faces, come, as tliey say, out of respect to me. Pray, would not the word curiosity answer as well ? And Low different this from having a few social friends at a cheerful board ! The usual time of sitting at table, a walk, and tea bring me within the dawn of candlelight ; previously to which, if not prevented by company, I resolve that, as the glimmering taper supplies the place of the great luminary, I will retire to my wi'iting- table, and acknowledge the letters I have re- ceived ; but when the lights are brought I feel tired and disinclined to engage in this work, conceiving that the next night will do as well. The next night comes, and with it the same causes for postponement, and so on. Having given you the history of a day, it will serve for a year, and, I am persuaded, you will not require a second edition of it." As the stream of visitors at Mount Yernon continued steadily to increase, "Washington felt it necessary to have some one at home to re- lieve him from a part of the duty of entertain- ing them ; and for this purpose, he invited his nephew, Lawrence Lewis, to take up his abode there. One consequence of this excellent arrange- WAE ANTICIPATED. 373 ment was that an attacliment sprang np be- tween the young gentleman and Mrs. Wash- ington's grand-daughter, the lovely and attract- ive l^elly Custis, which ended in marriage. In 1Y98, the American government felt obliged to prepare for war with France, and in July, President Adams appointed General Washington commander-in-chief of the army of the United States. It was a sad disaj)point- ment to find his dream of repose so soon dis- turbed, but he loved' his country too well to draw back from duty, come how and when it might. He accepted the commission, on con- dition that he should not be called into the field until his presence was really important. Early in November, however, he left home, and repaired to Philadelphia, to make arrange- ments respecting the forces about to be raised. It was no easy thing to organize a new army, and Washington was beset with aj)plications for rank which he sometimes found it difficult to settle. The officers who had served in the Pevolution naturally expected good positions, but he thought that younger men should be se- lected for the approaching contest, as the sys- tem which he j)roposed to adopt was one of rapid marches, and brilliant, dashing attacks, 374: LIFE OF WASHINGTON. and his endeavors would be to prevent tlie en- emy from effecting a landing on our shores. These active preparations produced a very per- ceptible effect upon the policy of the French government, and in December, 1799, war had not been declared. Washington's last concern about the army was to give instructions to have the soldiers protected by huts from the blasts of winter, according to an idea which Hamilton had suggested," and which had been adopted in the Kevolutit)nary war. CHAPTEE THIETY-FIFTH. Winter weather— Wasliington continues liis daily rides and his in-door employments — Arrangements for a new vault — A complete system for the management of his estate — " A large circle round the moon" — Writes his last letter — A ride in the rain— More thoughtful for a servant than himself— Sitting by the cheerful parlor-fire reading the newspapers — "I never take any thing for a cold"— An alarm in the night— Dr. Craik sent for— An unfortunate bleeding— The two wills— "I find I am going" — Consideration for others — " I am not afraid to go" — Wishes to be alone — Directions about his burial — A last effort worthy of himself— The death-chamber— A note worth reading— Touching evidence of affection— Why Washington did not communicate in his last hours— Proofs of a gracious state. ALTHOUGH winter had now set in, witli occasional wind, and rain, and frost, Wash- ington continued, as nsnal, to spend a part of ahnost every day on horseback, attending to his out-door business, while the rest of his time was well employed within. He had recently been walking about the grounds with a favorite nephew, pointing out the improvements which he intended to make, mentioning ^particularly the building of a new family vault, in place of the old one which had 376 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. gone to decay. "This cliange," said lie, "I sliall make the first of all, for I may require it before tlie rest." The general was then in full health and vig- or, and there seemed no prospect of his speedy death. Like a wise man, however, he wished to be always ready. " When I parted from him," adds the neph- ew, " he stood on the steps of the front door, where he took leave of myself and another. . . . It was a bright, frosty morning ; he had taken his usual ride, and the clear, healthy flush on his cheek and his sprightly manner brought the remark from us both that we had never seen the general look so well. I have some- times thought him decidedly the handsomest man I ever saw ; and when in a lively mood, so full of pleasantry, so agreeable to all with whom he associated, I could hardly realize he was the same Washington whose dignity awed all who approached him.""^ Washington had been engaged, for some time past, in arranging a complete system on which his estate was to be managed for several succeeding years, all neatly written out in his * Paulding's Life of Washington, vol. ii., p. 196. EXPOSURE TO WEATHEE. 3Y7 clear, bold hand, and filling thirty folio pages. This was finished on the 10th of December, and on the same day he wrote a letter to his manager. " My greatest anxiety,'^ he remarked, not long before, " is to have all these concerns in such a clear and distinct form, that no re- proach may attach itself to me when I have taken my departure for the land of spirits." The day after the completion of these in- structions to his steward, he describes in his journal as having been marked by wind and rain, and " at night a large circle ronnd the moon." The cold, threatening morning of the 12tli should have kept a man of sixty-eight under the comfortable shelter of his own roof, and Mrs. Washington suggested to her husband that he had better remain at home. 'But hav- ing something particular to attend to, he mounted his horse and set off on his usual ride. That very morning, he had written a letter to Hamilton, heartily approving of a plan for the establishment of a mnlitary acade- my, which the latter had submitted to the sec- retary of war. Washington then laid down his pen forever. About one o'clock it began to snow and hail, 32* 378 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. and tlien it clianged to rain. Having on liis overcoat, Washington paid no attention to tlie weather, and did not return from his ride till after three. Mr. Lear, his secretary, brought him some letters to be franked, in order that they might be taken to the post-office, but although the general attended to his request, he remarked that the weather was too bad to send a servant out with them. He was cold and weary, and the snow-flakes hung on his white locks. Mrs. Washington was concerned to see this, and begged him to make some change in his dress, but he said that it was unnecessary, as his great-coat had kept him dry. He spent the evening as usual, reading aloud to his family, although he was observed to be a little hoarse. As the snow was three inches deep on the next morning, and still falling, he did not venture out for his usual ride. He complained of a sore throat, and had evidently taken cold. The sun coming forth in the afternoon, he went out to mark some trees, not far from the house, which were to be cut down, and although his hoarseness became worse towards night, he thought little of it. Sitting by the cheerful fire in the parlor, he amused himself with the SERIOUS ILLNESS. 379 newspapers, occasionally reading alond some entertaining item. On retiring to bed, Mr. Lear advised that lie should take something to relieve his cold, but he answered : " 'No : you know I never take any thing for a cold ; let it go as it came." About three in the morning, he awoke Mrs. Washington, saying that he had a chill, and felt very unwell, but he would not allow her to get up to call a servant, lest she should take cold. At daylight, when the colored woman came to make the fire, she was sent to summon Mr. Lear, who found the general breathing with difficulty, and hardly able to speak a word intelligibly. "Washington requested that Dr. Craik might be brought from Alexandria, and that, in the mean time, Rawlins, one of the overseers, should bleed him, before the physician could arrive. The practice of bleeding, then so common for all sorts of diseases, and now almost as much condemned, was seriously objected to by Mrs. Washington, and it was probably the worst remedy which could have been tried in the case of the general — an old man, and ex- tremely temperate in his habits. 380 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. The overseer hesitated and opened a vein timidly, but Washington insisted, saying, though with difficulty : '' Don't be afraid, the orifice is not large enough." Dr. Craik arrived before nine, and two other physicians. Doctors Dick and Brown were called in. Yarious remedies were tried, but all to no 23urpose. "About half past four," writes Mr. Lear, " he desired me to call Mrs. Washington to his bedside, when he requested her to go down into his room and take from his desk two wills, which she would find there, and bring them to him, which she did. UjDon looking at them he gave her one, which he observed was use- less, as being superseded by the other, and desired her to burn it, which she did, and took the other and put it into her closet. " After this was done, I returned to his bed- side and took his hand. lie said to me : ' I find I am going ; my breath cannot last long. I believed from the first that the disorder would prove fatal. Do you arrange and record all my military letters and papei'S. Arrange my accounts, and settle my books, as you know more about them than any one else; and let Mr. Eawlins finish recording LAST HOURS. 381 my other letters, which he has begun.' I told him this should be done. He then asked if I recollected any thing which it was essen- tial for him to do, as he had but a very short time to continue with us. I told him that I could recollect nothing, but that I hoped he was not so near his end. He observed, smil- ing, that he certainly was, and that, as it was the debt which we must all pay, he looked to the event with perfect resignation." In the course of the afternoon, he appeared to be in great pain and distress from the dif- ficulty of breathing, and frequently changed his position in the bed. Mr. Lear endeavored to raise him and turn him with as mucli care as possible. " I am afraid I fatigue you too much," the general would say. Upon being assured to the contrary, " Well," observed he, gratefullj^, "it is a debt we must pay to each otlier, and I hope when you want aid of this kind, you will hnd it." His servant, Christopher, had been in the room during the day, and almost the whole time on his feet. The general noticed it in the afternoon, and kindly told him to sit down. About live o'clock, his okl friend Dr. Craik 382 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. came again into the room, and approached the bedside. " Doctor," said the general, " I die hard, but I am not afraid to go ; I be- lieved from my first attack that I shonld not survive it ; my breath cannot last long." The doctor pressed his hand in silence, retired from the bedside, and sat by the fire absorbed in grief. Between five and six, the other physician came in, and he was assisted to sit up in his bed. "I feel I am going," said he ; "I thank you for your attentions, but I pray you to take no more trouble about me : let me go off quietly ; I cannot last long." He lay down again : all retired excepting Dr. Craik. The general continued uneasy and restless, but without complaining, frequently asking what hour it was. Further remedies were tried, without avail, in the evening. He took whatever was ofier- ed him, did as he was desired by the physicians, and never uttered a sigh or complaint. Once or twice he was heard to say : '' I should have been glad, had it pleased God, to die a little easier; but I doubt not it is for my good." Some hours before his departure, he request- DYING WORDS. 383 ed that every person would leave the room, that he might be alone for a short time. Who can doubt how these solemn moments were occu- pied ? Prayer had been a confirmed habit of his life. From youth to old age, he had never omitted the duty ; and now, while on the very threshold of eternity, he desired to be alone with God. It had always been his custom to pray in an audible voice ; and to avoid the ap- pearance of ostentation, he now made the re- quest just mentioned. " About ten o'clock," writes Mr. Lear, " he made several attempts to speak to me before he could effect it. At length he said : ^ I am just going : have me decently buried, and do not let my body be put into the vault in less than three days after I am dead.' I bowed assent, for I could not speak. He then look- ed at me again, and said: ^Do you under- stand me?' I replied ^Yes.' "Tis well,' said he." The last effort of the expiring Washington was worthy of himself. Raising himself up foi a moment, and casting a look of benignity on all around him, as if to thank them for theii kind attentions, he composed his limbs, closed his eyes, and folding his arms upon his bosom. 384: LIFE OF WASHINGTON. breathed out his soul with the whispered pray- er : " Father of mercies, take me to thyself!" " Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright, for the end of that man is j)eace." Psalm xxxvii. 37. " While we were fixed in silent grief," con- tinues Mr. Lear, "Mrs. Washington, who was seated at the foot of the bed, asked, with a firm and collected voice, 'Is he gone?' I could not speak, but held up my hand as a signal that he was no more. ' 'Tis well,' said she, in the same voice. 'All is now over; I shall soon follow him ; I have no more trials to pass through.' "^ * A notice of Mrs. Wasliington's death, wliicli appeared in the Alexandria Advertiser of May, 1802, will not be inappropriate here. "On Saturday, the 23d of May, at 12 o'clock, p. m., Mrs. Washington terminated her well-spent life. Composure and resignation were uniformly displayed during seventeen days' depredations of a severe fever. From the commencement, she declared that she was undergoing the final trial, and had long been prepared for her dissolution. She took the Sacrament from Dr. Davi.s (Kector of Christ Church, Alexandria), impart- ed her last advice and benediction to her weeping relations, and sent for a white gown, which she had previously laid by for her last dress. Thus, in the closing scene, as in all preced- ing ones, nothing was omitted. The conjugal, maternal, and domestic duties had all been fulfilled in an exemplary manner. She was the worthy partner of the worthiest of men, and those who witnessed their conduct could not determine which ex- EXPIRED IN PEACE. 885 On the sad night of the general's death, when attendants were about to prepare his body for the grave, a miniature likeness of Mrs. Washington was found on his breast, where it had hung by a ribbon from his neck^ for more than forty years. It has sometimes been said, why did not so devout a Christian as Washington send for a clergyman, and receive the Holy Communion in his last hours ? But while we know the piety, the reverence, the deep devotion of his public and his private life, and his practice of communicating regu- larly when the opportunity was aifordecl, let us remember that his " short and painful illness would have forbidden it" now ; but his death was not without proofs of a gracious state. " He told to surrounding friends that it had no terrors for him, — that all was well. The Bible was on his bed ; he closed his own eyes, and, folding his arms over his breast, expired in peace." * celled in their different characters ; both were so well sustained on every occasion. They lived an honor and a pattern to their country, and are taken from us to receive the rewards promised to the faithful and just." * Old Churches of Virginia, vol. ii., p. 255. 33 CHAPTER THIRTY-SIXTH. Opeuing the old family vault — The crowd begins to gather to do houor to the illustrious dead — Order of the procession — The burial-service — The Kev. Thomas Davis — Honors paid to the memory of "Washington throughout the nation — Eng- land and France show their respect for real worth — Traits of character, as sketched by Chief-justice Marshall — Washing- ton's opinions concerning profane swearing and duelling — Teaching the army to reverence the name of the Most High — "I thought that we all supposed ourselves gentlemen !" — A home-thrust which was felt long afterwards — Washington shows his heroism by making an apology — His interference prevents Lafayette from fighting a duel — The hope of the nation — Our only safeguards — The majestic march of Wash- ington. THE funeral of Washington took place on Wednesday the 18th of December, his death having occurred on Saturday night, the 14:th of the month. The old family vault had been opened, the rubbish cleared away, and preparations made for depositing the remains there, until the new tomb could be prepared, for which the general had left directions in his will.* * Over the door of the tomb, upon a stone panel, are cut the words : " I am the resurrection and the life ; he that bclieveth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live !" The old vault le^UNERAL. 887 Althougli the funeral was appointed for three o'clock in the afternoon, by eleven tl\e referred to was upon the brow of a declivity, in full view of the river, about three hundred yards south of the mansion, on the left of the present pathway from the tomb to the summer-house on the edge of the lawn. It is now in utter ruin. The door- way is gone, and the cavity is partly filled with rubbish. Therein the remains of Washington lay imdisturbed for thirty years, when an attempt was made by some Vandal to carry them away. The insecure old vault was entered, and a skull and some bones were taken ; but these composed no part of the remains of the illustrious dead. The robber was detected and the bones were recovered. The new vault was then immediately built, and all the family remains were placed in it. Mr. William Strickland, of Philadelphia, who designed the composition on the lid of Washington's coffin, and accompanied Mr. Struthers when the remains of the patriot were placed in it in 1837, has left a most interesting account of that event. On entering the vault they found every thing in confusion. Decayed fragments of cof- fins were scattered about, and bones of various parts of the hu- man body were seen promiscuously thrown together. The de- cayed wood was dripping with moisture. " The slimy snail glist- ened in the light of the door-opening. The brown centipede was disturbed by the admission of fresh air, and the mouldy cases of the dead gave a pungent and unwholesome odor." The coffins of Washington and his lady were in the deepest recess of the vault. They v/ere of lead, inclosed in wooden cases. When the sarcophagus arrived, the coffin of the chief was brought forth. The vault was first entered by Mr, Strickland, accompanied by Major Lewis (the last survivor of the first exe- cutors of the will of Washington), and his son. When the decayed wooden case was removed, the leaden lid was perceived to be sunken and fractured. In the bottom of the wooden ease was found the silvQ^ coffin-plate in the form of a shield, which was placed upon the leaden coffin wlien Washington was first 388 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. people of the neighborhood began to assemble. At a later hour the corporation of Alexandria, entombed. " At the request of Major Lewis," says Mr. Strick- land, " the fractured part of the lid was turned over on the lower part, exposing to view a head and breast of large dimen- sions, which appeared, by the dim light of the candles, to have suiFered but little from the effects of time. The eye-sockets were large and deep, and the breadth across the temples, together with the forehead, appeared of iinusual size. There was no appearance of grave-clothes ; the chest was broad, the color was dark, and had the appearance of dried flesh and skin adhering closely to the bones. We saw no hair, nor was there any offensive odor from the body ; but we observed, when the coffin had been removed to the outside of the vault, the drip- ping down of a yellow liquid, which stained the marble of the sarcophagus. A hand was laid upon the head and instantly removed ; the leaden lid was restored to its place, the body, raised by six men, was carried and laid in the marble coffin, and the ponderous cover being put on and set in cement, it was sealed from our sight, on Saturday, the 7th day of October, 1887. . . . The relatives who were present, consisting of Major Lewis, Lorenzo Le^jvis, John Augustine Washington, George Washington, the Kev. Mr. Johnson and lady, and Mrs. Jane Washington, then retired to the mansion. On the east side of the tomb, beneath neat marble monuments, lie the remains of Mrs. Eleanor Parke Lewis and her daughter, Mrs. M. E. Con- rad. The former was the grand-daughter of Mrs. Washington, and adopted daughter of the general. In front of the tomb are two stately obelisks of marble. The one on the right commem- orates the eminent Judge Buslirod Washington, nephew of the general, who inherited Mount Vernon ; the one on the left, John Augustine Washington, a nephew of the judge, and father of the present proprietor of the estate. These are all the family monuments that stand by the tomb of the patriot."— ifoz-jj^r's Magazine, March, 1859. BURIAL SERVICE. 389 with the militia and Freemasons of the place, and eleven pieces of cannon arrived ; a schoon- er was also stationed off Mount Yernon to fire minnte gnns. About thi^e, the procession left the house ; the troops, both horse and foot, forming the escort ; then came four of the clergy, and then the geperal's horse, led by two grooms in black. The body was borne by the Free- masons, and officers; several members of the family, and Dr. Craik, and other attached friends, followed as chief moij|||ers. The cor- poration of Alexandria, and^F long train of private ^persons closed the procession. ^The sublime burial-service of the Episcopal Oiurch was read at the vault, by the Rev. Thomas Davis,* rector of Christ Church, Alexandria, to, whose parish General Wash- ington belonged. * Thifi clergyman " was admitted to orders in England, in September, 1773, and on coming to this country settled in Norfolk Parish, Va. ; in 1792 he was in St. Stephen's Parish ; and in 1795 he had become the rector of Christ Church, Alex- andria, in Fairfax Parish. He died there some time before 1810." — Spi-ague's Annals^ vol. v., p. 406. Bishop Meade remarksf in a letter to the author, that Mr. Davis "was one of those who had espoused the cause of the Eevolution at an early ^period, and took part in some public services at Williamsburg." 33«^ 390 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. The same holy Church which, as a tender mother, had received the infant in her arms, sixty-seven years before, now committed the lifeless remains to the silent tomb, with devont prayers, and the cheering hope of a resurrec- tion unto eternal bliss. A deep and heartfelt sorrow pervaded the nation, on hearing of the death of Washington. Both Houses of Congress immediately ad- journed for the day, the chair of the Sj)eaker was shrouded with black, and it was resolved that the members and officers should wear mourning during the session. On the 26th of January, 1800, a special com- memoration of the virtues of the illustrious dead was held at Washington, by direction of Congress, when the religious services were conducted by Bishop White, and an appro- priate and eloquent oration delivered by Gen- eral H. Lee."^ The whole country broke forth into heart felt lamentations, and funeral processions and eulogies were the sj)ontaneous offering of the humblest village. Like affectionate children 9 * The prayers used by Bishop White on this solemn occasion, may ba found in the appendix to his Life, by Dr. Wilson, page 357. POSTHUMOUS HONORS. 391 at tlie grave of an honored parent, the United States wept over the tomb of him to whom, under God, they owed their liberty. Nor were these sentiments and emotions confined to one continent alone. When the tidings of AVash- ington's decease reached England, Lord Bridg- port, who had command of a large fleet, low- ered his flag half-mast, — every ship following his example ; and ^Napoleon, then first consul of France, on announcing his death to the ar- my, ordered that black crape should be hung from all the flags throughout the public ser- vice for ten days. " ISTo man has ever appeared upon the thea- tre of public action," remarks Chief-justice Marshall, ''whose integrity was more incor- ruptible, or whose principles were more per- fectly free from the contamination of those selfish and unworthy passions which find their nourishment in the conflicts of party. Having no views which required concealment, his real and avowed motives were the same ; and his whole corres^Dondence does not furnish a single case from which even an enemy would infer that he was capable, under any circumstances, of stooping to the employment of duplicity. No truth can be uttered with more confidence 392 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. tlian tliat his ends were always upright, and his means always pure. He exhibits the bare example of a politician to whom wiles were absolutely unknown, and whose professions to foreign governments and to his own country- men were always sincere. In him was fully exemplified the real distinction which forever exists between wisdom and cunning, and the importance as well as truth of the maxim, that * honesty is the best policy.' "If Washington possessed ambition, that passion was, in his own bosom, so regulated by principles, or controlled by circumstances, that it was neither vicious nor turbulent. In- trigue was never employed as the mean of its gratification, nor was personal aggrandizement its object. The various high and important stations to which he was called by the public voice were unsought by himself; and in con- senting to fill them, he seems rather to have yielded to a general conviction that the inter- est of his country would be thereby j)romoted, than to his particular inclination. " Neither the extraordinary partiality of the American people, the extravagant praises which were bestowed upon him, nor the in- veterate opposition and malignant calumnies 393 which he experienced, had any visible influ- ence upon his conduct. The cause is to be looked for in the texture of his mind. " In him, that innate and unassuming mod- esty which adulation would have offended, which the voluntary plaudits of millions could not betray into indiscretion, and which never obtruded upon others his claims to superior consideration, was happily blended with a high and correct sense of personal dignity, and with a just consciousness of that respect which is due to station. Without exertion, he could maintain the happy medium between that ar- rogance which wounds, and that facility which allows the office to be degraded in the person who fills it. "Endowed by nature with a sound judg- ment, and an accurate, discriminating mind, he feared not that laborious attention which made him perfectly master of those subjects, in all their relations, on which he was to de- cide ; and this essential quality was guided by an unvarying sense of moral right, which would tolerate the employment only of those means that would bear the most rigid examination ; by a fairness of intention which neither sought nor required disguise ; and by a purity of vir- 394: LIFE OF WASHINGTON. tue which was not only untainted, but unsus- pected." It could hardly be expected that a public man, like "Washington, so large a portion of whose life was spent amidst the excitements of the camp, should have found time to mature those Christian graces which flourish best in scenes of retirement; but enough has been said to show that many, in far more favorable circumstances, do not attain to his standard of holiness. In the hope that the example of the Father of his Country may exert an influence upon the young men of the rising generation, we shall briefly refer to his views on two points, which are too often made light of: the sin of profane swearing, and duelling. So far back as 1756, we find him endeavor- ing to impress upon the soldiers under his command a profound reverence for the name and the majesty of God, and repeatedly, in his public orders during the Revolution, the inexcusable ofl'ence of profaneness was re- buked. On a certain occasion he had invited a num- ber of ofiicers to dine with him. While at ta- ble, one of them uttered an oath. General ON PROFANITY AND DUELLING. "^5 "Wasliington dropped his knife and fork in a moment, and in his deep "undertone, and char- acteristic dignity and deliberation, said, "I thought that we all supposed ourselves gentle- men." He then resumed his knife and fork, and went on as before. The remark struck like an electric shock, and, as was intended, did execution, as his observations in such cases were apt to do. JSTo person swore at the table after that. When dinner was over, the oJSicer re- ferred to said to a companion, that if the gen- eral had given him a blow over the head with his sword, he could have borne it, but that the home-thrust which he received was too much, — it was too much for a gentleman ! It is to be hoj)ed that he never exposed him- self to such a rebuke afterwards. Washington's opinions in regard to the bar- barous practice of duelling are also well worth remembering. In the year 1754, — when about twenty-two years of age, he was stationed in Alexandria, as colonel of a regiment of Vir- ginia troops. During his stay in that town, an election for members of the House of Bur- gesses took place. The candidates were Colo- nel George Fairfax and a Mr. Elzey. His warm friendship for Colonel Fairfax brought 396 LIFE OF WASHINGTON-. him in collision with a Mr. Payne, the friend of Mr. Elzey. In consequence of some offen- sive language into which he was betrayed to- wards Mr. Payne, that individual struck him with a stick, and so violent was the blow, that it knocked him down. There being a great excitement among the officers and men belong- ing to his regiment, because of this indignity offered their beloved commander, he forthwith employed his influence in allaying the tumult, and then retired to his lodgings in a j)iiblic house. From there he wrote a note to Mr. Payne, requesting that he would meet him next morning at the tavern, as he wished to see him in reference to their late disagreement. Payne, in expectation of an unpleasant inter- view, repaired accordingly to the appointed place, and instead of a hostile meeting, found Washington prepared to acknowledge his fault, and solicit pardon for the offence given in an unguarded m^oment. It is needless to say that Payne witnessed with admiration this triumph of princij)le over passion, and that a friendship was kindled in his bosom which he did not cease to cherish as long as he lived. How noble and becoming was this conduct ! It was es^^ecially admirable in a youthful AKOTHER EXHIBITION OF PPONCIPLE. 39T soldier, whose very profession exposed liim to peculiar temptations on such an occasion. How many would have been driven, by the fear of reproach and dread of unfavorable insinuations, to incur the hazards of a duel, thus offering up at the shrine of honor the costly sacrifice of human life ! It is not possi- ble that a man like Washington, so endowed with moral courage and regard for virtue, should be moved by the fear of man to such a course. He dreaded not the charge of coward- ice from the mouths of fools. In his own bosom he had its ample refutation. An incident attending the history of Gen- eral Lafayette, during the Revolutionary War, afforded another occasion for evincing his principles in reference to this pernicious cus- tom. Having in view to send a challenge to Lord Carlisle, President of the Board of British Commissioners, on account of offensive lan- guage towards France, sanctioned by him in an address to Congress, Lafayette, as in duty bound, wrote to General Washington, request- ing his opinion on the propriety of the pro- posed course, and received the following re- 34 398 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. "FisHKiLL, Uh October, 1778. " My dear Marquis : — I have had the pleas- ure of receiving, by the hands of Monsieur de la Colombe, your favor of the 28th ultimo, accompanied by one of the 24th, which he overtook somewhere on the road. The leave requested in the former, I am as much inter- ested to grant, as to refuse my approbation of the challenge proposed in the latter. The generous spirit of chivalry, exploded by the rest of the world, finds a refuge, 'my dear friend, in the sensibility of your nation only. But it is in vain to cherish it, unless you can find antagonists to support it; and, however well adapted it might have been to the times in which it existed, in our days it is to be feared that your opponent, sheltering himself behind modern opinions, and under his present public character of commissioner, would turn a virtue of such ancient date into ridicule. Besides, supposing his lordship accepted your terms, experience has proved that chance is often as much concerned in deciding these matters as bravery, and always more than the justice of the cause. I would not, therefore, have your life, by the remotest possibility, exposed, when it may be reserved for so many coNCLrsiON". 399 greater occasions. His excellency, the admi- ral, I flatter myself, will be in sentiment with me; and as soon as he can spare you, will send you to head-quarters, where I anticipate the pleasure of seeing you." The hope of this nation depends upon the young who are now coming forward to occupy their fathers' places. May God of His mercy raise up other Washington s to preserve the liberties which were so dearly bought ! Mo- rality and religion are our only safeguards. '' Let the statesman and the legislator hang up in the temple of his heart, the tablets of God's law, written in golden capitals. Let him bind them for a sign upon his hand, and for frontlets between his eyes ; let him write them upon the door-posts of his house and of his gates; let them be the avowed and known, and only principles of his conduct, and he shall always be furnished with a ready rule of action ; he will put to flight the tricks of diplomacy and the intrigues of low ambition ; he will stand with a clear space about him, able to see where he is, and where he is going ; he will march, as in triumphal progress, along the far-stretching avenue of time, lined and 400 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. crowded with successive generations, amid the cheers and smiles of admiring nations ! Such is the majestic march of Washington." * * Addresses and Lectures on Public Men and Public Affairs, By the Kev. C. M. Butler, D. D., p. 212. I Nuv. 3 iseoni ss H 45 89 k ,^r»^, >^ ... 4^ * V e lV^. ; ^^-^^^ ^•^^^IK>^ .^^^-^ -jEI^.^ ^^^^ ^^r.->. v^\!iikf>. 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