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LIFE 
 
 OF 
 
 GEORGE WASHINGTON , 
 
 FIRST PRESIDENT, 
 
 AND 
 
 COMMANDER IN CHIEF 
 
 OF THE 
 
 ARMIES 
 
 or THE 
 
 United States of America; 
 
 INTERSPERSED WITH 
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL ANECDOTES 
 
 MOST EMINENT MEN WHO EFFECTED 
 THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION 
 
 BY JOHN v CORRY 
 
 TV applause oflist'ning- senates to command, 
 The threats of pain and ruin to despise; 
 To scatter plenty o'er a smiling land, 
 And read his hi'sfry in a nation's eyes ! 
 
 GltAY 
 
 NEIV-YORK: 
 
 rBINTED AND PUBLISHED BV m'cART.Y & WHITE. 
 KG. 36, CEDAR-STREET. 
 
 1809. 
 

 M 
 
 *15 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 in 
 
 THE following biography is a simple nar- 
 rative of facts. The virtues of Washington 
 require no adventitious embellishment ; like 
 the sun, they are visible by their own lus- 
 tre. Yet, if on some occasions, the author 
 has been led by enthusiasm to panegyric, 
 those effusions of a heart enamoured of virtue 
 were involuntary, for he is convinced that 
 the achievements of his hero are 
 
 V Above all Greek, above all Roman fame." 
 
 The virtues and errors of the American 
 hero, are pourtrayed by the pencil of truth ; 
 and it has been the author's study to give an 
 impartial history of this eminent character, 
 .such as in point of veracity will endure the 
 strictest investigation of the reader. 
 
 This work is diversified with several anec- 
 dotes of men who were eminent for their ta- 
 lents and virtues. Among those, the principal 
 hero will be found magnanimous in the most 
 discouraging circumstances, and unassuming 
 in the moment of victory and exaltation. ) Ic 
 will be found during an arduous contest, to 
 have behaved with the valour of the warrioi 
 and the equanimity of the philosopher, 
 
*V PREFACE. 
 
 This history is presented to the public eye 
 as a detail of the actions of a great man ; and 
 though it may not bear the ordeal of criti- 
 cism, yet the author feels pleasure in having 
 aspired to be the biographer of a Wash- 
 ington. 
 
 The elaborate eulogiums which have al- 
 ready been lavished on the virtuous Ameri- 
 can, though inadequate to his merit, may be 
 useful as an Incitement to other public char- 
 acters to pursue the path of integrity ; but 
 in other respects such praises are superfluous. 
 
 " To gild refined gold, to paint the lily, 
 
 To throw a perfume on the violet, 
 
 To smooth the ice, or add another liua 
 
 Unto the rainbow, or with taper light, 
 
 To seek the beaulious eye of heav'nto garnish, 
 
 Js wasteful and ridiculous excess." 
 
 Skakstcare. 
 
THE 
 
 LIFE 
 
 OF 
 
 GEORGE WASHINGTON. 
 
 I 
 
 N the history of man, we contemplate with 
 particular satisfaction those legislators, he- 
 roes, and philosophers, whose wisdom, val- 
 our, and virtue, have contributed to the hap- 
 piness of the human species. We trace the 
 luminous progress of those excellent beings 
 with secret complacency y our emulation is 
 roused, while we behold them steadily puiv 
 sue the path of rectitude in defiance of every 
 obstruction ; we rejoice that we are of the 
 same species, and thus self-love becomes the 
 hand-maid of virtue. 
 
 The authentic pages of biography unite the 
 most grateful amusement with instruction. 
 Truth supports the dignity of the historic 
 muse, who will not admit of either fulsome 
 
6 THE LIFE OF 
 
 panegyric, or invidious censure. — She des- 
 cribes her hero with genuine simplicity $ men- 
 tions his frailties, his characteristic peculiari- 
 ties, and his shining qualities. In short, she 
 gives a faithful and lively portrait of the man, 
 investigates the latent motives of his actions, 
 and celebrates those virtues which have rais- 
 ed him to an enviable pre-eminence above 
 h is cotemporaries. 
 
 We sympathize in the sufferings, and par- 
 ticipate the triumphs of those illustrious men 
 who stand 
 
 " Majestic y mid the monuments of time" 
 and the approbation of excellence in others 
 naturally leads the mind to imitate the object 
 ot its admiration. 
 
 Among those patriots who have a claim to 
 our veneration, George Washington appears 
 in a conspicuous place in the first rank. The 
 ancestors of this extraordinary man, in the 
 year 1657, emigrated from England to A- 
 merica, and settled in the colony of A irgi- 
 Jiia : here, by unremitting industry, they 
 became opulent and respectable, and gave 
 their name to the parish or Washington, in 
 Westmoreland county. 
 
 George Washington, the hero of the fol- 
 low ing history, was the fruit of a second mar- 
 :, and was born in the settlement of Che- 
 
WASHINGTON. 7 
 
 tank, in the above-mentioned county, on the 
 1 1th of February, 1732. It is to be regret- 
 ted, that we have so few documents of his 
 education and pursuits during his juvenile 
 years ; even the slightest trait of the character 
 of a man who was the principal instrument 
 in effecting a great revolution, is interesting. 
 The extensive settlement ofChotank was 
 originally purchased by the Washington fam- 
 ily; the extreme fertility of the soil induced 
 those settlers to cultivate tobacco in several 
 plantations ; for this purpose they purchased 
 a number of negro slaves, and consequently 
 population was rapidly increased. At the 
 time our hero was born, all the planters 
 throughout this extensive settlement were his 
 relations; hence his youthful years glided a- 
 way in all the pleasinggaiety of social friend- 
 ship, lie received a private education, but 
 it was by no means so limited as a tourist* in- 
 sinuates. Indeed the question, whether a 
 public or a private education be preferable;, 
 has been so ably discussed by the most emi- 
 nent writers, that little remains to be said on 
 that subject. Mr. Locke observes, that a 
 youth " will, perhaps, be more innocent at 
 home, but more ignorant of the world, and 
 more sheepish when he comes abroad." 
 
 * Vide Smyth's Tour in the United States of America, vol. 
 ii page 1-18. 
 
$ TJTE LIFE OF 
 
 Washington, however, is an illustrious in- 
 stance of the superior advantages of a domes- 
 tic education. He was initiated in the ele- 
 ments of religion, morality, and science, by 
 a private tutor; and, from the tenor of his 
 actions, it is manifested, that uncommon 
 pains were taken to cherish the best propen- 
 sities of human nature in his heart. In the 
 tenth year of his age he had the misfortune to 
 lose an excellent father, who died in 1742,, 
 and the patrimonial estate devolved on an el- 
 der brother. This young gentleman had 
 been an officer in the colonial troops sent in 
 the expedition against Carthagena. On his 
 return he called the family mansion Mount 
 VERNON,in honor of the British admiral, and 
 destined his brother George to serve in the 
 navy. 
 
 Accordingly, in his fifteenth year, our he- 
 ro was entered as a midshipman on board a 
 British frigate, stationed on the coast of Vir- 
 ginia; he prepared to embark with all the 
 alacrity of youth, but his nautical career was 
 stopped by the interposition of maternal love. 
 Ever obedient to an affectionate mother, 
 young Washington relinquished his desire of 
 going to sea; the energies of his mind were 
 to be exerted on a more stable element. 
 
 He remained at home during four subse- 
 
WASHINGTON. 9 
 
 quent years, employed in useful and elegant 
 studies, with a pleasing alternation of busi- 
 ness ; and in the delightful fields and groves 
 of Mount Vernon he gradually obtained a 
 knowledge of agriculture. Rural avocations 
 appear to have been congenial with his dis- 
 position, even at this early period of life ; yet 
 he afterwards convinced the world, that mar- 
 tial ardour often animates the breast of the 
 husbandman. 
 
 The first proof that he gave of his propen- 
 sity to arms, was in the year 1751, when the 
 office of adjutant- general of the Virginia mi- 
 litia became vacant by the death of his broth- 
 er, and Mount Vernon, together with a large 
 estate, came into his possession. At this 
 time the extensive boundaries, and increas- 
 ing population of the colony, made it expe- 
 dient to form the militia corps into three di- 
 visions, and Washington, in his twentieth 
 year, was appointed major. He attended to 
 his duty as an officer, with exemplary pro- 
 priety and vigilance; w T as indefatigable in 
 the discipline of the troops; and generally 
 beloved, both by his brother officers and the 
 private men, for his mildness and generosity, 
 
 In the year 1753, the incroachments of the 
 French upon the western boundaries of the 
 British colonies excited a general alarm in 
 
10' THE LIFE OF 
 
 Virginia, insomuch that Governor Dinwid- 
 die deputed Washington to ascertain the truth 
 of those rumours: he was also empowered to 
 enter into a treaty with the Indians, and re- 
 monstrate with the French on the injustice of 
 their proceedings. On his arrival at the back 
 settlements he found the colonists in a very 
 unpleasant situation from the depredations of 
 the Indians, who were incessantly instigated 
 by the French to the commission of new ag- 
 gressions. He found that the French them- 
 selves had also committed several outrages a- 
 gainst the defenceless settlers; nay, that they 
 had proceeded so far as to establish posts 
 within the boundaries of Virginia. Wash- 
 ington strongly remonstrated against those 
 acts of hostility, and warned the French to 
 desist from their incursions. On his return, 
 his report to the governor was published, and 
 it evinced that he performed this honorable 
 mission with superlative prudence. 
 
 It is not improbable that Washington now 
 began to entertain a presentiment of his fu- 
 ture eminence ; and that, as his faculties ex- 
 panded, he felt himself incited to perform 
 some patriotic atchievment, that would ren- 
 der him estimable in the eyes of his country- 
 men, and dear to posterity. 
 
 The repeated inroads of the French and 
 
WASHINGTON. 1 1 
 
 Indians on the frontiers of Virginia made it 
 necessary to increase the military establish- 
 ment; and early in the spring of 1754, a new 
 regiment was raised, of which professor Fry, 
 of the college, was appointed colonel, and 
 Washington, lieutenant-colonel. Mr. Fry 
 died soon after the regiment was embodied, 
 and was succeeded by our hero, who paid 
 unremitting attention to the discipline of this 
 new corps. He established magazines of 
 provisions and ammunition, and opened the 
 roads to the frontiers in order to pre-occupy 
 an important post at the confluence of the 
 Monongahela and Allegany rivers. His re- 
 giment was to have been reinforced by a de- 
 tachment of regulars from the southern colo- 
 nies, and a corps of provincials from North- 
 Carolina and Maryland; but impelled by the 
 urgency of the occasion, he advanced with- 
 out the expected succours, in the Month of 
 May. The troops proceeded by forced march- 
 es towards the defile, and their command- 
 er dispatched two scouts to reconnoitre; but 
 though his rapid march was facilitated by the 
 fine weather, yet, when he ascended the 
 Laurel Hills, fifty miles distant from the place 
 of destination, he was met by his scouts, who 
 returned with intelligence, that the enemy 
 were in possession of the post, and built a 
 
12 THE LIFE OE 
 
 fcrt, and stationed a large garrison there. 
 Washington now held a council of war with 
 the other officers ; but while they were delib- 
 erating, a detachment of the French came in 
 sight, and obliged them to retreat to a savan- 
 na called the Great Meadows. 
 
 The fortitude of Washington was put to a 
 severe test on this occasion : he retired with 
 the troops to an eminence in the savanna, and 
 about noon began to erect a small fortifica- 
 tion. He called his temporary defence Fort 
 Necessity, and encouraged the regiment, both 
 by his voice and example, to raise a redoubt, 
 on which they planted two field pieces. They 
 surrounded the campw T ith an entrenchment, 
 in which they toiled with unremitting exer- 
 tions during the subsequent night. Thus 
 fortified, they prepared to resist the meditat- 
 ed attack of the enemy; and about sun-rise, 
 on the following morning, were joined by 
 Captain M'Kay, with a company of regu- 
 lars. The little army now amounted to about 
 four hundred men. On the approach of the 
 advanced guard of the French, the Ameri- 
 cans sallied forth, attacked and defeated them; 
 but the main body of the army, amounting 
 to fifteen hundred men, compelled them to 
 retire to the intrenchment. The camp was 
 now closely invested, and the Americans suf- 
 
WASHINGTON. 13 
 
 re red severely from the grape-shot of the ene- 
 my, and the Indian riflemen, Washington, 
 however, defended the works with such skill 
 and bravery, that the besiegers were unable 
 to force the entrenchments. At length after 
 a conflict of ten hours, in which one hundred 
 and fifty of the Americans were killed and 
 wounded, they were obliged to capitulate. 
 They were permitted to march out with the 
 honours of war, and lay down their arms in 
 front of the French lines; but they were af- 
 terwards plundered by the hostile Indians, 
 during their return to Virginia. 
 
 This defeat excited a strong emotion of sor- 
 row in the breasts of their countrymen ; and 
 though several persons censured the precipi- 
 tance of Washington in this affair, yet the 
 general conviction of his integrity prevented 
 those murmurs from doing him any injury. 
 Indeed, his conduct was liable to censure; 
 he ought to have waited for the neetasary re- 
 inforcements, a junction with whom would 
 probably have crowned his enterprize with 
 success. His inexperience and the active ar- 
 dour of a youthful mind, may afford some pal- 
 liation for his imprudence ; but his rashness in 
 this instance was so different from his subse- 
 quent prudence, that probably this inauspi- 
 cious commencement of his military career, 
 
 E 
 
14 T#E LIFE OF 
 
 was the origin of the circumspection and vi- 
 gilance which afterwards marked his con- 
 duct in a successful defensive war. 
 
 Let us for a moment enquire into the cause 
 of those unprovoked hostilities of the French 
 against the British colonies. As France, for 
 many centuries had been the professed rival of 
 England, she beheld the rapid prosperity of 
 these colonies, and the consequent aggran- 
 dizement of the mother country, with envi- 
 ous apprehension. The French government 
 also made settlements in North America, and 
 divided this vast continent into two Provin- 
 ces; the northern was called Canada, and the 
 southern Louisiana. But as the principal 
 part of this territory was comparatively bar- 
 ren and uncultivated, the French formed the 
 ambitious project of obtaining possession of 
 the British settlements by force. For this 
 purpose they erected a chain of forts, which 
 extended throughout an immense tract of 
 country. These fortifications were garrison- 
 ed by troops well supplied with military stores ; 
 but the vast circumjacent regions were total- 
 ly uninhabited, except by hunting parties of 
 the wandering Indians. 
 
 The French engaged these savages in their 
 interest, by supplying them with arms and 
 ammunition, in exchange for rich furs. Thus 
 
WASHINGTON. 15 
 
 they obtained the alliance of a formidable and 
 enterprizing race, who naturally hated the 
 British colonists, whom they considered as 
 the original invaders of their country. 
 
 In the summer of 1754, the French having 
 built several forts within the boundaries of 
 the British settlements, an army of veterans 
 was sent from France to support those unjus- 
 tifiable encroachments. We have alreadv 
 mentioned their victory over the troops com- 
 manded by Washington, and that they had 
 erected a fort at an advantageous post, which 
 it had been his determination to secure. They 
 named this fortress Du Quesne, in which 
 they stationed a strong garrison, well provi- 
 ded with military stores. These hostile mea- 
 sures on the part of France, excited the in- 
 dignation of the English government, and 
 orders were issued to make general reprisals 
 in Europe and America. 
 
 In the year 17 55, General Braddock was 
 sent to America, at the head of two veteran 
 regiments from Ireland, to reduce the forts 
 on the Ohio. On his arrival, he was joined 
 by the independent and provincial corps of 
 America : but when the army was ready to 
 march against the enemy, the want of wag- 
 gons for the conveyance of stores, had almost 
 proved an insurmountable obstacle to the ex- 
 
16 THE LIFE OF - 
 
 pedition. In this emergency, a patriotic A- 
 rnerican stepped forward, and removed the 
 difficulty; this was the celebrated Benjamin 
 Franklin, whose extraordinary talents had 
 already contributed to the diffusion of know- 
 ledge and happiness. This benign philoso- 
 pher exerted his influence so effectually with 
 his countrymen, that, in a short time, he col- 
 lected one hundred and fifty waggons, which 
 proved an ample supply for the army. 
 
 As in consequence of a military regulation, 
 " no officer who did not derive his commis- 
 sion from the king, could command one who 
 did," Washington resigned ; but, strongly- 
 attached to a military life, and emulous to 
 defend his country with distinguished zoal, 
 he voluntarily served under General Brad- 
 dock, as an extra aid-de-camp. That gene- 
 ral marched against Fort Du Quesne ; but 
 soon after he crossed the river Monongahela, 
 the van division of his army was attacked by 
 an abuscade of French and Indians, and to- 
 tally defeated. The thickness of the woods 
 prevented both the European and provincial 
 troops from being able to defend themselves 
 with effect-; they could neither keep their 
 ranks, nor charge the enemy with the bayo- 
 net, while the Indians; who were expert at 
 bush-fighting, and were widely scattered. 
 
WASHINGTON. 17 
 
 fired at them in all derections, from behind 
 trees, where they were concealed from their 
 foes, and took a fatal aim. Washington had 
 cautioned General Braddock in vain ; his ar- 
 dent desire of conquest made him deaf to the 
 voice of prudence ; he saw his error when too 
 late, and bravely perished in his endeavours 
 to save the division from destruction. The 
 gallant but unfortunate general had four 
 horses shot under him, before he was slain, 
 and almost every officer whose duty obliged 
 him to be on horseback, was either killed or 
 wounded except Washington. Amid the 
 carnage, the presence of mind, and abilities 
 of our hero, were conspicuous ; he rallied 
 the troops, and at the head of a corps of gre- 
 nadiers, covered the retreat of the division, 
 and secured their passage over the ford of 
 Monongahela. Anxious for the preservation 
 of the troops, and unmindful of the fatigues 
 he had undergone, during a sultry day in Ju- 
 ly, in #hieh he had scarcely a moment of 
 rest, he hastened to concert measures with 
 Colonel Dunbar, who commanded the rear 
 division, which had not been engaged. Nei- 
 ther the wilderness, through which he wasob- 
 liged to pass, the innumerable dangers that 
 surrounded him in his progress, nor his ex- 
 hausted state, could prevent him from pursu- 
 
18 THE LIFE OF 
 
 ing the line of his duty. He travelled during 
 the night, accompanied by two guides, and 
 reached the British camp in safety. Thus 
 his perseverance and wisdom saved the resi- 
 due of the troops. Colonel Dunbar now as- 
 sumed the chief command ; he with consi- 
 derable difficulty effected a retreat, but was 
 obliged to destroy his baggage, to prevent 
 it from falling into the hands of the enemy. 
 Washington received the most flattering 
 marks of public approbation ; but his best re- 
 ward was the consciousness* of his own integ- 
 rity. 
 
 Soon after this transaction, the regulation 
 of rank, which hadjustly been considered as 
 a grievance by the colonial officers, was 
 changed in consequence of a spirited remon- 
 strance of Washington ; and the governor of 
 Virginia rewarded the services of this brave 
 officer, by appointing him to the command 
 of all the troops of that colony. The natural 
 energy of his mind was now called into ac- 
 tion ; and his thoughts were continually em- 
 ployed in forming new plans for the protec- 
 tion of the frontiers. 
 
 We may form some idea of his increasing 
 popularity, and the high estimation in which 
 he was held by his countrymen, from the fol- 
 lowing curious prediction. It was publish- 
 
WASHINGTON. 19 
 
 ed in the notes of a sermon preached by Sam- 
 uel Davies, on the 17th August, 1755, to 
 Capt. Overton's independent company of vo- 
 lunteers, raised in Hanover county, Virginia. 
 " As a remarkable instance of patriotism, 
 I may point out to the public that heroic youth, 
 Colonel Washington, whom I cannot but 
 hope Providence has hitherto preserved in so 
 signal a manner, for some important service 
 to his country. " What renders this prophecy 
 the more worthy of notice, is its having been 
 delivered about twenty years prior to the 
 commencement of the war, which termina- 
 ted in the American Independence. 
 
 In the year 1758, Washington command- 
 ed the van brigade of the army under Gen- 
 eral Forbes, and distinguished himself by 
 the capture of Fort Du Quesne. During 
 this successful campaign, he acquired a per* 
 feet knowledge of tactics. His frequent 
 skirmishes with the French and Indians, in 
 the woody regions along the frontiers, taught 
 him vigilance and circumspection, and rous- 
 ed that spirit of enterprize, which is ever 
 ready to seize the crisis that leads to victory. 
 The troops under his command were gradu- 
 ally inured in that most difficult kind of war- 
 fare called bush- fighting, while the activity 
 of the French, and ferocity of the Indians, 
 
20 THE LIFE OF 
 
 were overcome by his superior valour. After 
 the enemy had been defeated in several bat- 
 tles, and compelled to retreat far beyond the 
 colonial boundaries, General Forbes left a 
 sufficient garrison in the different forts which 
 he had captured along the banks of the Ohio, 
 and returned with the army into winter quar- 
 ters. 
 
 In the course of this decisive campaign, 
 which restored the tranquillity and security of 
 the middle colonies, Washington had suffered 
 many hardships, which impaired his health. 
 He was afflicted with an inveterate pulmona- 
 ry complaint, and extremely debilitated, in- 
 somuch that in the spring of 1759, he resign- 
 ed his commission, and retired to Mount 
 Vernon. The Virginia line expressed their 
 high sense of his merit, by an affectionate ad- 
 dress on this occasion ; and his answer was 
 marked with that modesty and magnanimity, 
 which were the most prominent traits of his 
 mind. 
 
 By a due attention to regimen, in the quiet 
 and salubrious bowers of Mount Vernon, he 
 gradually recovered from his indisposition. 
 But as during the tedious period of his con- 
 valescence, the British arms had been victori- 
 ous, his country had no further occasion for 
 the exertion of his military talents. In the 
 
WASHING TDK. 21 
 
 year 1761, love invaded his retirement. The 
 object of his choice was an amiable young 
 widow, whose maiden name was Dandridge. 
 She was descended from a reputable family, 
 and two of her brothers were officers in the 
 British navy. This lady was the widow of 
 Colonel Custis, who had left her sole execu- 
 trix to his extensive possessions, and guardian 
 to his two children. The union of Washing- 
 ton with this accomplished woman*, was pro- 
 ductive of their mutual felicity ; and as he in- 
 cessantly pursue.; agricultural improvements, 
 he embellished and enriched the fertile fields 
 around Mount Vernon. Meanwhile he was 
 appointed a magistrate, a member of the as- 
 sembly of that state, and a judge of the court. 
 These honourable avocations kept the powers . 
 of his mind in a state of activity ; he attended 
 to his civil duties with exemplary propriety $ 
 and gave a convincing proof, that the sim- 
 plicity of the farmer is homogenea] with the 
 more dignified views of the senator. 
 
 But the moment approached, in which 
 Washington was to relinquish those honour- 
 able civil avocations, and one of the most re- 
 markable events recorded in history, obliged 
 him to act a conspicuous part on the great 
 theatre of the world. The American revo- 
 
 * Mrs. Washington was born in the year 17 32. 
 
*22 THE LIFE OF 
 
 lution originated in the errors of a few British 
 politicians, and the joint exertions of a num- 
 ber of public spirited men among the colo- 
 nists, who incited their countrymen to re- 
 sist parliamentary taxation. A more re- 
 mote and obscure cause, however, contri- 
 buted to rear the edifice of this new republic. 
 In order to trace this secret spring of action 
 to its source, it will be necessary to take a 
 cursory retrospective view of the coloniza- 
 tion, improvement and state of North Amer- 
 ica, previous to the commencement of hos- 
 tilities with Great Britain. 
 
 The first emigrants from England to North 
 America, especially those who settled in 
 New-England, had left their native country 
 to avoid persecution. Supported by enthusi- 
 asm, they relinquished all the endearing de- 
 lights and comrorts of society, and braved 
 every hardship incident to a worse climate, 
 an uncultivated soil, hunger, and the ex- 
 tremes of heat and cold. Besides these mi- 
 series, they had the sanguinary ferocity of 
 the ancient inhabitants to contend with. — 
 Their perseverance and fortitude surmount- 
 ed those numerous obstacles, and they esta- 
 blished themselves in a countrv where they 
 enjoyed that political and religious libertv so 
 dear to them, and which had been violated 
 
WASHINGTON. 23 
 
 in their native country, by the tyranny of the 
 house of Stuart. 
 
 The principles that animated the first emi- 
 grants from Great Britain had been carefully 
 transmitted to their posterity, who, though 
 they had d.vested themselves of their religious 
 enthusiasm, yet their ardent zeal for repub- 
 licanism remained in full vigour. 
 
 The mother country in planting her colo- 
 nies in North America, had endowed them 
 with every privilege employed by her sub- 
 jects at home. She left them at full liberty 
 to govern themselves by whatever laws the 
 wisdom of their own provincial assemblies 
 might think expedient; and she empowered 
 them to pursue their respective interests, but 
 claimed the exclusive benefit of their trade 
 and their allegiance to the same sovereign. 
 _ The Americans on the other hand, cher- 
 ished the most tender veneration for the mo- 
 ther country; the name of an Englishman 
 gave them an idea of every thing that was 
 great and estimable in human nature, and 
 they considered the rest of mankind as bar- 
 barous, compared with the people from whom 
 they were descended. The colonists had of- 
 ten experienced the protection of Britons, 
 and witnessed their valour with admiration • 
 as the contest with France had beenbe^un 
 
24 THE LIFE OF 
 
 on their account, they considered themselves 
 bound to assist their protectors with unre- 
 mitting ardour. . We have already mention- 
 ed their determined and successful co-opera- 
 tion with the British army ; and it is worthy 
 of observation, that their commerce, agricul- 
 ture, and population, continued to increase, 
 though surrounded by the evils of war. 
 
 By a succession of the most brilliant vic- 
 tories by sea and land, Great Britain effec- 
 tually subdued the united powers of France 
 and Spain, and acquired possession of a vast 
 extent of territory in both the Indies. The 
 peace of Paris in 1763, terminated a war 
 which exalted Great Britain to the zenith of 
 military glory ; by this treaty she remained 
 sole mistress of North America, and her co- 
 lonies were relieved from the fears of their 
 ambitious French neighbours. 
 
 The termination of hostilities was a most 
 joyful event to the British colonies. From 
 their enterprizing disposition, especially those 
 of New England, they were continually en- 
 gaged in new projects. They had carried 
 their trade to almost every port in the Ameri- 
 can hemisphere, and were indefatigable in 
 agricultural improvements. Among other 
 things they had been particularly attentive to 
 the education of youth. Their polity was re- 
 
WASHINGTON. 25 
 
 gulated with the greatest propriety and pru- 
 dence ; they were blest with the necessaries 
 of life in abundance, and being unacquaint- 
 ed with the luxurious refinements Gf more 
 polished communities, their undepraved 
 minds were alive to the moral duties that 
 constitute the strength and the happiness of 
 society. On the auspicious return of peace, 
 the American farmer looked forward with 
 hope to the security and future prosperity of 
 Jbis children ; the mechanic was certain of 
 encouragement in a rising nation ; and the 
 merchant was incited to enterprize by the 
 prospect of successful commerce. 
 
 Such was the state of the British colonies 
 at the conclusion of a war, in which they had 
 been more than conquerors. Indeed the 
 cession of Canada had placed them in a state 
 of perfect security from the French ; and the 
 Indians were too contemptible an enemy to 
 excite much apprehension. 
 
 The colonies had for ages been accustom- 
 ed to look to the mother country for aid 
 against the French, from a consciousness of 
 their inability to cont< nd alone against that 
 powerful nation. Protection on the one side 
 naturally implies obedience on the other; and 
 her colonies would have continued to view 
 Great Britain with an eye of filial reverence, 
 c 
 
26 THE LIFE OF 
 
 while the menaces of an ambitious neigh- 
 bour kept them in awe. But when the ces- 
 sion of the French territory in America to 
 the British crown removed a formidable and 
 ambitious rival from the western hemisphere, 
 the colonies began to view their situation in 
 another light, and to cherish ideas of their 
 future greatness. 
 
 Soon after the aforementioned pacification, 
 the French ministry, jealous of the grandeur 
 of Britain, and conscious of their inability to 
 lessen it by force, sent emissaries to North 
 America, to disseminate discontent among 
 the colonists, and thus effect a separation. — 
 By the disunion of these colonies, which were 
 one great source of wealth and aggrandize- 
 ment of her rival in arts and arms, France 
 hoped to regain the ascendancy which she 
 had formerly assumed in the politics of Eu- 
 rope. Her machinations were successful in 
 America ; a spirit of disaffection to the mo- 
 ther country was gradually diffused through- 
 out the colonies, and they began to investi- 
 gate those prerogatives which had been so 
 long exercised over them by the British go- 
 vernment. 
 
 The national debt of Great Britain had 
 been much encreased by the late war, a mul- 
 titude of new taxes were levied at home, and 
 
WASHINGTON. 2? 
 
 as the war had originated on account of the 
 colonies, and they had derived the principal 
 advantages from the peace, it was thought 
 equitable that they should contribute to the 
 
 common exigencies. 
 
 In March, 1764, a bill was passed in the 
 British Parliament, laying heavy duties on 
 all articles imported into the colonies from 
 the French, and other islands in the West- 
 Indies, and ordering these duties to be paid 
 in specie into the exchequer of Great Britain. 
 In the same session another bill was formed, 
 to restrain the currency of paper money in 
 the colonies. 
 
 These acts excited the surprize and dis- 
 pleasure of the North Americans. They 
 sent warm and energetic remonstrances to 
 the mother country, and laid every argument 
 before the ministry, that ingenuity could sug- 
 gest, but in vain. As they had hitherto fur- 
 nished their contingent in men and money, 
 by the authority of their representatives in 
 the colonial assemblies, they asserted, that 
 not beings represented in the British Parlia- 
 ment, it could have no right to tax them. — 
 Finding, however, that all their arguments 
 were ineffectual to remove their grievances, 
 they formed associations to prevent the use 
 of British manufactures, till they should ob- 
 tain redress. 
 
28 THE LIFE OF 
 
 The animosity of the colonists was farther 
 increased, by the advice which they receiv- 
 ed, that the British ministry had it in con- 
 templation to establish stamp duties in Amer- 
 ica, similar to those in Great Britain. In 
 the spring of 1765, the stamp act, after a vio- 
 lent opposition in parliament, was passed ; 
 and the following description of its reception 
 in America, is given by an impartial histo- 
 rian.* 
 
 " This famous act has justly been consid- 
 ered as the prelude and occasion of all the 
 subsequent storms that raged not only in 
 North America, but extended their horrors 
 to almost every other quarter of both hemis- 
 pheres. 
 
 " Its arrival in America threw immediate- 
 ly the whole continent into flames. Boston, 
 the capital of New England, where the news 
 first arrived, expressed its resentment in a 
 manner perfectly suitable to the violent spir- 
 it with which its inhabitants have always op- 
 posed whatever they have deemed injustice 
 and oppression. The colours of the shipping 
 of the harbour were hoisted half mast, the 
 bells of the churches were muffled, and tolled 
 a funeral peal ; the act was printed with a 
 death's head affixed to it, in lieu of the king's 
 * Vide Andrew's History of the late War, yoK 1, p. 4 1 . 
 
WASHINGTON. 29 
 
 arms ; it was cried about the streets, and stif- 
 led "The folly of England, and the ruin of 
 America. 
 
 " Emblems of the most hostile significa- 
 tion were at the same time adopted by sun- 
 dry newspapers : one of them in particular, 
 exhibited the figure of a snake, cut in thir- 
 teen pieces, each one inscribed with the 
 name of some colony. The motto above 
 them was, " Join or die !" 
 
 " Ships that arrived with stamped papers 
 on board were obliged to deliver them up 
 into the custody of persons appointed to pre- 
 vent their being used ; or to enter into an 
 engagement that they would not land them, 
 The only places were they could be effectu- 
 ally protected from the fury and insolence of 
 the multitude, were men of war and garri- 
 sons. 
 
 " The persons who were commissioned to 
 distribute these papers, were all, without ex- 
 ception, compelled to resign their office, and 
 solemnly promise never to resume it. 
 
 " Bat their chief resentment was directed 
 against such of their own countrymen as si- 
 ded with government, and were active in as- 
 serting its authority. They plundered their 
 houses, destroyed their property, and used 
 their persons with the greatest indignity, 
 C 2 
 
30 THE LIFE OF 
 
 " While these outrages were perpetrated 
 by the lower classes, the better sort did not 
 interfere in the least to prevent them. They 
 saw, with secret pleasure, how well they 
 would be supported in the determination 
 they had formed to resist the designs of Great 
 Britain. Some of them did not scruple to 
 signify, in a public manner, that they would 
 pay no taxes but such as were laid upon them 
 by the legislature of their respective provinces, 
 
 " The assemblies themselves connived, in 
 fact, at these tumultuous proceedings. They 
 soon proceeded farther ; and from silent spec- 
 tators, became the principal actors in the 
 more interesting and important scenes that 
 succeeded to these popular commotions. " 
 
 The General Assembly of Virginia was 
 the first that openly and formally declared a- 
 gainst the right of Britain to lay taxes on A- 
 merica. Of this assembly, Washington was 
 a member; he most zealously opposed what 
 he considered an encroachment on the liber- 
 ties of his countrymen : and the example of 
 this legislative body was followed by those of 
 the other colonies. 
 
 In June, 1765, the Assembly of Massa- 
 chusetts, from a conviction of the expediency 
 of a continental Congress, passed a resolution 
 in favour of that measure, and sent circular 
 
WASHINGTON. 51' 
 
 letters to the several assemblies, requesting 
 their concurrence. 
 
 Accordingly a deputation from ten of the 
 colonies met at New- York ; and this was the 
 first Congress held in North America. 
 
 In consequence of a petition from this Con- 
 gress to the King and both Houses of Parlia- 
 ment, the stamp act was repealed, to the uni- 
 versal joy of the colonists, and the general 
 satisfaction of the English, whose manufac- 
 tures had suffered a considerable depression 
 in consequence of the American associations 
 against their importation. 
 
 But the Parliament, by repealing this ob- 
 noxious act, did not relinquish the idea of 
 their right to tax the colonies, and the bill for 
 laying a duty on tea, paper, and painters' co- 
 lours, and glass, was passed, and sent to A- 
 merica in 1768. This act occasioned new 
 discontents in the colonies, especially at Bos- 
 ton ; and though Parliament thought proper, 
 in 1770, to take off those duties, except three 
 pence a pound on tea: yet even this trifling 
 impost kept alive the jealousy of the colonists, 
 who denied the supremacy of the British le- 
 gislature. The troops quartered in Boston 
 was another cause of offence to the inhabi- 
 tants, and on all occasions they manifested 
 an inclination to quarrel with men whom 
 they considered inimical to their liberties. 
 
32 THE LIFE OF 
 
 In the beginning of March, 1770, a quar- 
 rel happened in Boston between a private of 
 the 29th regiment and one of the townsmen -, 
 and a few days afterwards a more fatal dis- 
 pute occurred. The soldiers, when on pa- 
 rade, were insulted by a mob, who pelted 
 them with snow-balls; at the same time they 
 were dared to fire. Exasperated by such 
 treatment, six of the military fired upon the 
 populace, by which three persons were kil- 
 led, and five dangerously wounded. The 
 town was immediately in commotion, and 
 nothing but the timely removal of the troops, 
 and the expostulations of moderate men, pre- 
 vented the people from proceeding to open 
 hostilities. The whole province of Massa- 
 chusetts rose in arms, and the soldiers were 
 obliged to retire to Castle William for protec- 
 tion. 
 
 By a series of concurrent circumstances, 
 the flame of discontent was revived in the 
 province of Massachusetts, after it had visi- 
 bly abated in the other provinces. The ani- 
 mosity of the people of that colony against 
 their Governor, Mr. Hutchinson, was in- 
 creased by the accidental discovery, that he 
 had written letters to people in power in 
 England, which contained a misrepresenta- 
 tion of the state of public affairs, and recom- 
 
WASHINGTON. 3S 
 
 mended coercive measures in order to secure 
 the obedience of the province. These let- 
 ters fell into the hands ot Dr. Franklin, agent 
 of the province, who transmitted thein to 
 Boston. The House of Assembly passed" a 
 petition to his Majesty, by a large majority, 
 in which they declared their Governor and 
 Lieutenant-Governor enemies to the Colo- 
 nies, and prayed for their dismission from of- 
 fice. This petition was not only rejected, 
 but declared to be groundless and scandalous. 
 
 About this time, Dr. Franklin was dismis- 
 sed from the office of deputy post-master- 
 gcneralof America, which he held under the 
 crown. But it was not merely by his trans- 
 mission of the letters above mentioned, that 
 he bad offended the British ministry ; he had 
 written two pieces in favour of America, 
 which excited public attention en both sides 
 of the Atlantic. The one was entitled, " An 
 edict from the king of Prussia for taxing the 
 inhabitants of Great Britain, as descendants 
 of emigrants from his dominions ;" and the 
 other, " Rules for reducing a great empire 
 to a small one." These essays were both 
 written with his peculiar simplicity of style, 
 and abounded with the most poignant satire. 
 
 The disputes between Great Britain and 
 her colonies had now existed above ten years, 
 
84 THE LIFE OP 
 
 with intervals of tranquillity. The reservation 
 of the duty on tea, the stationing a standing 
 army in Massachusetts, the continuance of a 
 board of commissioners in Boston, and the ap- 
 pointing the governor and judges of the pro- 
 vince, independent of the people, were the 
 causes of that irritation which pervaded all 
 ranks of the community. 
 
 In the year 1773, the American contro- 
 versy was recommenced, in consequence of 
 tea being sent to the colonies by the East In- 
 dia Company. The Americans now per- 
 ceived that the tax was likely to be enforced, 
 and were determined to oppose the revenue 
 system of the British Parliament. They con- 
 sidered this attempt of the East India Com- 
 pany as an indirect mode of taxation, and 
 took measures to prevent the landing of the 
 teas. One universal spirit of opposition ani- 
 mated the colonists from New Hampshire to 
 Georgia. The province of Massachusetts 
 distinguished itself by the most violent and 
 decisive proceedings. Three ships from 
 England, laden with tea, lav in the harbour 
 of Boston ; and the townsmen resolved to 
 destroy it, rather than suffer it to be landed — ! 
 For this purpose, a number of men, disguised 
 like Indians, on the 18th December, 773, 
 entered the ships, and threw overboard three 
 
WASHINGTON, 35 
 
 hundred and forty-two chests of tea, bein<* 
 the whole of their cargoes. 
 
 The ministry now resolved to enforce their 
 authority, and as Boston had been the princi- 
 pal scene of outrage, it was determined to 
 punish that town in an exemplary manner. 
 On the 25th March, 1774, an act was passed, 
 called the Boston Port Bill, " to discontinue 
 the landing, and discharging, lading and 
 shipping of goods, wares and merchaudizes, 
 at the town of Boston, or within the har- 
 bour." 
 
 The news of this bill was was received by 
 the Bostonians with the most extravagant to- 
 kens of resentment ; and during the ferment, 
 their new Governor, Gen. Gage, arrived 
 from England. This gentleman had been 
 appointed on account of his being an officer 
 of reputation, and a man esteemed by the 
 Americans, among whom he had resided ma- 
 ny years. The first official act of his govern- 
 ment was the removal of the Assembly to 
 Salem, a town seventeen miles distant. 
 
 Virginia again took the lead in a public 
 avowal of its sentiments. The first day of 
 June had been appointed for the Boston 
 Port Act to take place, and on that day the 
 General Assembly or Virginia enjoined a 
 public supplication to Heaven. The style of 
 
5-6 THE LIFE OF 
 
 this injunction was remarkable: the people 
 were directed to " beseech the Deity to give 
 them one heart and one mind, firmly to op 
 pose every invasion of the American rights." 
 The Assembly of Virginia also recommend- 
 ed to the colonies to appoint a Congress of 
 Delegates to deliberate on the critical state 
 of their affairs. 
 
 Meanwhile the Bostonians were not inac- 
 tive. They framed an agreement, which 
 they called a solemn league and covenant, by 
 which the subscribers engaged, in the most 
 religious manner, " to discontinue all com- 
 m rcial intercourse with Great Britain, after 
 the expiration of the month of August, till 
 the late obnoxious acts were repealed, and 
 the colony re-possessed of its charter." Re- 
 solutions of a similar nature were entered into 
 by the other provinces; and when General 
 Gage attempted to counteract the covenant by 
 a proclamation, the Americans retorted, by 
 insisting that the law allowed subjects to as- 
 sociate in order to obtain redress for their 
 grievances. 
 
 In the month of Scptc mber, 1771, the gen- 
 era: Congress of all the colonies met at Phil- 
 adelphia. That bod) consisted of fifty-one 
 d •! :gates, ( ' o.en by the representatives of 
 each province. 
 
 I 
 
WASHINGTON. 37 
 
 The first act of the continental Congress 
 was their approbation of the conduct of the 
 Bostonians, and an exhortation to them to 
 persevere in their opposition to government, 
 till the restoration of their charter. They 
 avowed their allegiance to his Majesty, and 
 drew up a petition, in which they entreated 
 him to grant them peace, liberty, and safety. 
 After several resolutions, tending to recom- 
 mend unanimity to the provinces, and after 
 having resolved that another Congress should 
 meet in Philadelphia on the 10th of May fol- 
 lowing, if their grievances should not be re- 
 dressed, they recommended to the people the 
 speedy nomination of new delegates, and 
 then separated. 
 
 Meanwhile a reinforcement of British 
 troops arrived in Boston, which increased the 
 general dissatisfaction to such a degree, that 
 the people were ready to rise at a moment's 
 warning. The colonists now began serious- 
 ly to prepare for war ; they embodied and 
 trained their militia; and, to render them- 
 selves independent of foreigners for the sup- 
 ply of military stores, they erected mills and 
 manufactories for gun-powder, both in Phil- 
 adelphia and Virginia. 
 
 These hostile preparations induced Gen- 
 eral Gage to fortify the neck of land which 
 
38 THE LIFE OF 
 
 joins the town of Boston to the continent. — 
 But though this measure of security was jus- 
 tifiable on the principle of self-defence, the 
 Americans remonstrated against it with the 
 greatest vehemence. Instead of paying any 
 attention to these invectives, the General 
 seized the provincial ammunition and mili- 
 tary stores at Cambridge and Charlestown. 
 This act of hostility excited the popular rage 
 to such a degree, that it was with the utmost 
 difficulty the inhabitants of Massachusetts 
 could be restrained from marching to Bos- 
 ton to attack the troops. 
 
 From these hostile dispositions it was evi* 
 dent, that the ensuing spring would be the 
 commencement of a war, of which even the 
 most resolute dreaded the consequences. The 
 utmost diligence, however, was used by the 
 colonists to be provided against any attack of 
 the British army. A list of the men able to 
 bear arms was made out in each province, and 
 the Assemblies were animated with the most 
 lively hopes on finding that two-thirds of the 
 men who had served in the former war were 
 .alive, and zealous in the cause. 
 
 Washington was among the most active in 
 raising troops. His well known intrepidity 
 and generosity obtained him a numerous 
 -corps of volunteers - r he was appointed their 
 
WASHINGTON. 39 
 
 commander, and soon perfected their disci- 
 pline. The following is the account given 
 by a man of veracity, who was both an eye- 
 witness and an enemy :* " It was at Alex- 
 andria where George Washington first step* 
 ped forth as the public patron and leader of 
 sedition and revolt, having subscribed fifty 
 pounds to these purposes, when others sub- 
 scribed only five, and having accepted the 
 command of the first company of armed as- 
 sociators against the British government, 
 which he had clothed in his old uniform of 
 the Virginia regiment last w r af, viz. blue and 
 buff, a dress he has continued to wear until 
 this time ; and being likewise the first en- 
 courager of sedition from the British army, by 
 publicly abetting and advising it, and pro- 
 moting a large subscription to Johnson, a 
 deserter from the fourteenth regiment, for the 
 purpose of teaching the inhabitants tactics 
 and military exercises." Washington had 
 also been elected a delegate from Virginia 
 to the General Congress, and exerted all hh 
 influence to encourage a decisive opposition 
 to Parliamentary taxation. 
 
 The awful moment now approached which 
 was to involve Great Britain and her colonies 
 
 * Vide Smyth's Tour in the United States of Amer- 
 ica, vol. ii. p. 204 — 5. 
 
4:0 THE LIFE Ol- • 
 
 in all the horrors of a civil war. In Febru- 
 ary, 1775, the Provincial Congress of Massa- 
 chusetts met at Cambridge. Several milita- 
 ry institutions for the protection of the pro- 
 vince were enacted. Among the most re- 
 markable of which was the minute-men. A 
 number of the most active and expert of the 
 New England militia were selected, who 
 were obliged.to hold themselves in readiness 
 to obey the first summons of their officers; 
 and indeed their subsequent vigilance and in- 
 trepidity fully entitled them to the above- 
 mentioned appellation. 
 
 A regular correspondence was now settled 
 between Congress and the provincial meet- 
 ings, by which the motions of all the colonies 
 were directed. 
 
 General Cage having been informed that 
 a large quantity of military stores were col- 
 lected at Concord, about twenty miles from 
 Boston, he sent a detachment to that place to 
 destroy, them. The troops had orders to 
 seize Messrs. Hancock and Adams, the tw T o 
 leading men of the Provincial Congress, 
 which was then sitting at Concord. On the 
 1 9th of April, 1775, the detachment march- 
 ed from Boston early in the morning. They 
 proceeded with the utmost silence, and secu- 
 red every person they met, to prevent the 
 
WASHINGTON. 41 
 
 country from being alarmed ; but notwith- 
 standing these precautions, they soon found, 
 by the continual firing of guns and ringing of 
 bells, that they were discovered by the min- 
 ute-men. About five o'clock they arrived at 
 Lexington, fifteen miles distant from Boston. 
 The militia were exercising on a green near 
 the town. Major Pitcairn, who was at the 
 head of the British detachment, called out, 
 " Disperse, you rebels ; throw down your 
 arms and disperse. "" They still continued in 
 a body, on which he commanded the regu- 
 lars to fire, and they discharged a volley, by 
 which several of the Americans were killed 
 and wounded. The troops then proceeded 
 to Concord, where they destroyed the stores, 
 and engaged in a skirmish with the pro- 
 vincials, in which a number were killed on 
 both sides. In the retreat of the British 
 troops from Concord to Lexington, a space 
 of six miles, they were pursued with the ut- 
 most fury by the Americans, who fired at 
 them from behind stone walls, high enough 
 to cover them from the fire of men, who 
 were marching with the greatest expedition. 
 At Lexington, the British were joined by a 
 detachment under Lord Percy, with two 
 field pieces. As the cannon were managed 
 with the greatest skill and activity, they re- 
 D 2 
 
42 THE LIFE OF 
 
 pressed the ardour of the Americans, other- 
 wise the regulars would have been entire- 
 ly cut to pieces, or made prisoners. They ef- 
 fected their retreat to Boston, with the loss 
 oftwo hundred and fifty killed and wound- 
 ed ; the loss of the provincials was about 
 forty. 
 
 This victory animated the courage of the 
 Americans to the highest degree, insomuch 
 that in a few days they assembled an army of 
 twenty thousand men. This formidable body 
 of troops were joined by a corps from Con- 
 necticut, under General Putnam, a veteran 
 officer. The Americans now completely 
 blockaded the town of Boston, which, how- 
 ever, was so strongly fortified by Gen. Gage, 
 that they did not venture to attack it. 
 
 Meanwhile Congress met at Philadelphia, 
 on the 10th of May, 1775, and a few days 
 afterwards, when their venerable President, 
 Peyton Randolph, resigned, John Hancock 
 was unanimously elected his successor. This 
 gentleman had eminently signalized himself 
 in his country's cause, and had expended the 
 principal part of his fortune in its support. — 
 He had been Colonel of the company of ca- 
 dets in Boston, and when deprived of his 
 commission by General Gage, the corps in 
 disgust disbanded themselves. "The provin- 
 
WASHINGTON. 43 
 
 cial Assembly of Massachusetts had appoint- 
 ed him President; and afterwards, when he 
 was proscribed by a proclamation issued at 
 Boston in the month of June, the General 
 Congress, in order to shew the world that 
 they were not to be intimidated by menaces, 
 immediately conferred on him the highest 
 honor which it was in their power to bestow, 
 by appointing him President. 
 
 Towards the close of May, reinforcements 
 of British troops arrived at Boston, under the 
 command of Generals Howe, Burgoyne, and 
 Clinton, officers of reputation. The town of 
 Boston stands on a peninsula, divided from 
 Charlestown by a river between three quar- 
 ters of a mile and a mile wide. Eastward of 
 Charlestown there is an eminence called 
 Bunker's Hill, which commands the whole 
 town of Boston. A party of provincials took 
 possession of this hill in the night of the 16th 
 ofSune, and worked with such diligence and 
 silence, that before the dawn they had near- 
 ly completed a redoubt and strong entrench- 
 ment, which extended half a mile. When 
 they were discovered by the British troops, 
 they were plied with an incessant cannonade 
 from the ships and floating batteries, besides 
 the cannon that could reach the place from 
 Boston. The provincials, however, contin- 
 
44 THE LIFE OF 
 
 bed their work, which they completed about 
 noon, when a considerable body of infantry 
 was landed at the foot of Bunker's Hill, un- 
 der the command of General Howe and 
 G< neral Pigot. The first was to attack the 
 provincial lines, the second the redoubt. The 
 British troops ascended the hill with the 
 greatest inntrepidiy : but on their approach 
 to the entrenchments of the enemy, they 
 were received with a fire that poured down 
 a full half hour upon them like & torrent. — 
 The execution it did was terrible, insomuch 
 that some of the oldest officers dec hired it 
 was the hottest service they had ever seen 5 
 General Howe, whose fortitude was remark- 
 able on this trying occasion, stood for a few 
 moments almost alone, the greatest part of 
 his officers and soldiers being either killed or 
 wounded. Meanwhile, General Pigot was 
 engaged with the provincials on the left, 
 where he met so warm a reception, that his 
 troops were thrown into disorder ; but Gen. 
 Clinton coming up with a reinforcement, 
 they quickly rallied, ahd attacked the works 
 with such fury, that the Americans were 
 driven beyond the neck that leads to Charles- 
 town. The British troops having been an- 
 noyed by the fire of the enemy from the hou- 
 ses of this town, they set it on fire, and con- 
 sumed it to ashes. 
 
WASHINGTON. 4'3 
 
 In this engagement, the carnage was 
 greater in proportion to the number of troops', 
 than in any other during the war. The loss 
 of the British army amounted, in killed and 
 wounded, to upwards of a thousand, includ- 
 ing eighty-nine officers; but the Americans, 
 according to their own account, lost only five 
 hundred men. This disparity of numbers 
 may be accounted for by the provincials hav- 
 ing fought behind entrenchments, winch 
 sheltered them from the cannon of the ene- 
 my, and where their marksmen could take 
 aim with precision. 
 
 The British troops justly claimed this dear- 
 bought victory. On the American side, the 
 Joss most regretted was General Warren.* 
 This gentleman was a physician, and had 
 
 * A Monument has been raised at Charlestown, to pcrpetu^ 
 ate the fame of those Americans who bled at Bunker's Hjli — 
 It is twenty-eight feet high, of which a Tuscan column forms 
 en feet, a-ul its square brick pedestal ten feet. On the top 
 of the column is a gilt urn, inscribed '* I. VV. aeed 35," entwin- 
 ed in Masonic emblems. The inscription on the south side of 
 the pedestal is as follows : 
 
 Bfcccted, A. I). 1794, 
 By King Solomon's Lod$e of Free Masons ; 
 Constituted in Cliailestown, 1783, 
 In memory of 
 Major-General Joseph Wauren, 
 Ar.d his Associates, 
 Who were slain on tins memorable spot, 
 June 17th, 1775. 
 * : None but they who set a just value on the blessings of Li- 
 berty, are worthy to enjoy her. In vain we toiled ; in vain we 
 fought ; we bled in vain; if you, our offspring, want valour to 
 repel the assaults of her invaders." 
 
 Charleston-!! settled, 1528— Burnt, 1775— Rebuilt 1776. 
 
46 THE LIFE OF 
 
 rendered himself conspicuous by his elo- 
 quence; he had been one of the most active 
 members of the Continental Congress in the 
 preceding year, and was at this time Presi- 
 dent of the Provincial Congress of Massa- 
 chusetts. He commanded the lines of Bun- 
 ker^ Hill on that memorable day, and took 
 his station in the redoubt facing Gen. Pigot. 
 While in the act of pointing to, and remind- 
 ing his men of the motto, " An Appeal to 
 Heaven" inscribed on their colours planted 
 on the entrenchments, he received a mortal 
 wound, and his death hastened the defeat of 
 the American army. 
 
 Warren was extolled by his countrymen 
 as the Hamden of the day ; and the follow- 
 ing encomium of him was published at Phi- 
 ladelphia : 
 
 " He is not dead ; so excellent a citizen, 
 so worthy a man, can never die. His me- 
 mory will be everlastingly present, everlast- 
 ingly dear to all men of principle- — to all 
 lovers of their country. In the short period 
 of thirty-five years of life, he displayed the 
 abilities of a statesman, the qualifications of 
 a senator, the soul of a hero ! All you that 
 are interested in the cause for which he bled, 
 approach his bleeding remains, wash his 
 honourable wounds with your tears, and from 
 
WASHINGTON. 47 
 
 the contemplation of his lifeless body, hasten 
 to your homes, and there teach your children 
 .to detest the deeds of tyranny ; Jay before 
 them the horrid scene you have beheld ; let 
 their hair stand on end ; let their eyes spar- 
 kle with fire ; let resentment kindle every 
 feature , let their lips vent threats and indig- 
 nation ; then—then— put arms into their 
 hands, send them to battle, and let your last 
 injunction be, to return victorious, or to die 
 like Warren." 
 
 Such were the means employed to animate 
 the Americans in their contest with the pa- 
 rent state ; and indeed a more illustrious ex- 
 ample of patriotism than Warren, could not 
 have been held up to them for imitation.— 
 He had sacrificed his ease and the endearing 
 ties of social tranquillity; he had, in short, 
 devoted himself to the cause of his countrv, 
 and fell respected even by his enemies. 
 
 " Let laurels, dreneh'd in pure Parnassian dews, 
 Reward his mem'ry, dear to every muse, 
 Who with a courage of unshaken root, 
 In honour's field advancing his firm foot, 
 Plants it upon the line that justice draws, 
 Resolv'd to die, or triumph in her cause;" 
 
 After the battle of Bunker's HilttliTpro- 
 vmciais erected fortifications on a height op- 
 posite Charlestown ; their activity and bold- 
 ness astonished the British officers, who had 
 
48 THE LIFE OF 
 
 considered them as a contemptible enemy. — 
 The garrison of Boston w ere soon reduced to 
 extreme distress, lor want of provisions, and 
 their necessities obliged them to attempt 
 to carry off the remaining cattle from the 
 islands before the town, which produced fre- 
 quent skirmishes; but the provincials being 
 better acquainted with the navigation of the 
 bay, not only prevented them from obtaining 
 supplies from those islands, but destroyed or 
 carried off whatever could be of any use. — 
 Meanwhile to remedy the distress both of 
 the garrison and shipping, armed vessels 
 were- sent out, that made prizes indiscrimi- 
 nately, of all the coasting vessels laden with 
 necessaries, that came in their way. 
 
 During these transactions at Boston, Con- 
 gress continued to act with all the vigour 
 which its constituents had expected. They 
 resolved onthe establishment of an army, and 
 a large paper currency , for its support; and 
 they nominated a General to the supreme 
 command of the provincial forces. 
 
 Washington] who was a delegate from 
 Virginia, was by their unanimous vote ap- 
 pointed to that important post, and his subse- 
 quent conduct she wed him every way worthy 
 of their confidence. They also \ored him 
 as ample a salary as was in their power to 
 
WASHINGTON. 4# 
 
 bestow, but he generously declined all pecu- 
 niary emoluments. His reply to the Presi- 
 dent of Congress, on his nomination to the 
 supreme command of the army, was in the 
 following words : 
 "Mr. President, 
 
 " Though I am truly sensible of the high 
 honour done me in this appointment, yet I 
 feel great distress, from a consciousness that 
 my abilities and military experience may not 
 be equal to the extensive .and important-trust ; 
 however, as the Congress desire it, I will cu- 
 ter upon the momentous duty, exert every 
 power I possess in their service, and for sup- 
 port of the glorious cause. I beg they will 
 accept my most cordial thanks for this dis- 
 tinguished testimony of their approbation. 
 
 M But, lest some unlucky event should hap- 
 pen unfavorable to my reputation, I beg it 
 may be remembered by every gentleman in 
 the room, that I this day declare with the 
 utmost sincerity, I do not think myself equal 
 to the command I am honoured with. 
 
 " As to my pay, sir, I beg leave to assure 
 the Congress, that as no pecuniary consider- 
 ation could have tempted me to accept this 
 arduous employment, at the expenee of my 
 domestic ease and happiness, I do not wish 
 to make any profit from it. I will keep an 
 
 E 
 
50 THE LIFE OF 
 
 act account of my expences; those, I 
 doubt not, they will discharge, and tills is all 
 I de.ire." 
 
 This speech is a proof of that disinterested- 
 ness and modesty, which were the distin- 
 guished characteristics of Washington 'smind. 
 in private life he was affable, hospitable, and 
 friendly. These social virtues, together with 
 his tried valour, made him truly estimable in 
 the eyes of his countrymen. His election to 
 the supreme command was accompanied by 
 no competition : every member ot Congress, 
 especially those of New-England, were con- 
 vinced of his integrity, and chose him as the 
 man best qualified to raise their expectations 
 and fix their confidence. 
 * The appointment of Washington was at- 
 tended with other promotions, namely, four 
 major-generals, one adjutant-general, and 
 eight brigadier-generals. 
 
 On the day following, a special commission 
 was presented to Washington, by Congress. 
 At the same time they resolved unanimously, 
 in a full meeting, " That they would main- 
 tain and assist him, and adhere to him with 
 their lives and fortunes, in the cause of Amer- 
 ican liberty." In their instructions, they au- 
 thorized him M to order and dispose of the 
 army under his command as might be most 
 
WASHINGTON. j( 
 
 advantageous for obtaining the end for which 
 it had been raised, making it his special care 
 in discharge of the great trust committed to 
 him, that the liberties of America receive no 
 detriment." 
 
 Washington's diffidence on the acceptance 
 of his commission was extremely natural.- — 
 His comprehensive mind anticipated the nu- 
 merous difficulties which must attend his 
 employment 5 and he would gladly have pre- 
 ferred the pleasures of a rural life to all the 
 " pride, pomp, and circumstance of glorious 
 war." 
 
 His taking the command of the American 
 army was, 'herefore, a strong exertion of self- 
 denial to an unambitious man, who enjoyed 
 all the real blessings of life in the bosom of 
 independence. Let us for a moment turn 
 our attention to his private affairs, and we will 
 behold him blest with the rational pleasures 
 of a philosophic retirement, with his table 
 overspread with plenty, and his pillow 
 smoothed by the hand of conjugal love. — ■ 
 Could man desire more? Was not this the 
 summit of human happiness? But now, 
 when the voice of his country demands his 
 aid, he takes the field in her defence with 
 filial attachment. 
 
 Yet the most virtuous line of conduct is 
 
512 THE LIFE OF 
 
 liable to misrepresentation ; the benign and 
 magnanimous asserter of American freedom 
 is thus aspersed by a tourist,* who must have 
 laboured under the malignant influence of 
 prejudice. 
 
 " Mr. Washington has become somewhat 
 distinguished for being at the head of an in- 
 active, timid army, which never performed a 
 gallant exploit, yet they have succeeded in 
 their pursuits beyond even their most san- 
 guine expectations. 
 
 " The command of the American army 
 was offered to him for two reasons ; first, be- 
 cause he was the only public man then 
 known, cither calculated to command, or 
 proper to be entrusted therewith ; and the 
 next reason was, because thereby they secur- 
 ed the attachment of the whole colony of 
 Virginia, the most extensive, the richest, and 
 the most powerful of all the provinces. 
 
 *' Mr. Washington has uniformly cherish- 
 ed, and steadfastly pursued, an apparently 
 mild, steady, but aspiring line of conduct, 
 and views of the highest ambition, under the 
 most specious and effectual of all cloaks, that 
 of moderation, which he has invariably ap- 
 peared to profess. This has been evinced by 
 
 • Vidp Smyth's Tour in the United States of America, vol. 2, 
 p. 247, 151. ' 
 
WASH IMC TON. 53 
 
 a multitude of instances, but particularly by 
 his accepting the continuance of the chief 
 command of the American army, after the 
 Congress had suddenly declared for indepen- 
 dence, of which measure he always before 
 affected to disapprove, and on that account 
 pretended to be inclined to resign the com- 
 mand ; an intention, of all others, the most 
 distant from his mind. 
 
 " His total want of generous sentiments, 
 and even of common humanity, has appeared 
 notoriously in many instances, and in none 
 more than his sacrifice of the meritorious, but 
 unfortunate Major Andre. 
 
 " As a general, he is equally liable to cen 
 sure, which is well known even to every in- 
 telligent Frenchman who has been in Ameri- 
 ca, as well as to every person whatsoever, who 
 has had an opportunity of observing his mili- 
 tary operations ; nor during his life has he 
 ever performed a single action that could en*- 
 title him to the least share of merit or praise, 
 much less of glory. 
 
 " But as a politician he has certainly dis- 
 tinguished himself; having by his politicai 
 manoeuvres, and his cautious, plausible man- 
 agement, raised himself to a degree of emi- 
 nence in his own country unrivalled, and ' 
 considerable stability. 
 
 *e 2 
 
TllK LIFE OF 
 
 u However, in his private character he has 
 always been respectable, and highly esteem- 
 ed ; and has supported a name fair and wor- 
 thv." 
 
 In the beginning of July, Washington set 
 out tor the camp at Cambridge, in order to 
 assume the command of the army. On his 
 way thither, he was treated with every de- 
 monstration of respect ; escorted by detach- 
 ments of gentlemen, who had formed volun- 
 teer associations, and honoured with public 
 addresses of congratulation from the Provin- 
 cial Congress of New-York and Massachu- 
 setts. 
 
 In answer to these addresses, Washington, 
 alter declaring his high sense ot the regard 
 shewn him, added, " Be assured, that every 
 exertion of my worthy colleagues and myself 
 will be extended to the re-establishment of 
 peace and harmony between the mother 
 country and these colonies. As to the fatal, 
 but necessary operations of war, when we as- 
 sumed the soldier, we did not lay aside the 
 citizen, and we shall most sincerely rejoice 
 with you in that happy hour, when the re-es- 
 tablishment ot American liberty, on the most 
 firm and solid foundations, shall enable us to 
 return to our private stations, in the bosoms 
 of a free, peaceful; and happy country." 
 
WASHINGTON. 6 5 
 
 On bis arrival at the camp, be was receiv- 
 ed with the joyful acclamations of the Amer- 
 ican army. Me found the British troops en- 
 trenched on Hunker's Mill, and defended by 
 three floating batteries in Mystic river, while 
 the Americans were entrenched on Winter 
 Hill, Prospect Mill, and Roxbury," with a 
 communication by small posts over an extent 
 ot ten miles. As the provincial soldiers had 
 repaired to the camp in their ordiiwy cloth- 
 ing, the hunting shirt was adopted for the 
 sake of uniformity. Washington found a 
 large body of men indifferently disciplined, 
 and but badly provided with arms and am- 
 munition. Besides they had neither engi- 
 neers nor sufficient tools for the erection of 
 fortifications. He also found uncommon 
 difficulties in the organization of his army. — 
 Enterprizing leaders had distinguished them- 
 selves at the commencement of hostilities, 
 and their followers, from attachment, were 
 not willing to be commanded by officers 
 who, though appointed by Congress, were 
 strangers to them. To subject the licentious- 
 ness of freemen to the controul of military* 
 discipline, was both an arduous and delicate 
 task. However, the genius of Washington 
 triumphed over all difficulties. In his letter 
 to Congress, after he had reviewed the troops, 
 
56 THE LIFE OF 
 
 he says, " I find here excellent materials for 
 an army ; able-bodied men of undoubted 
 courage, and zealous in the cause." In the 
 same letter, he complains of tne want of am- 
 munition, camp equipage, and many other 
 requisites of an army. 
 
 Washington, at the head of his troops, pub- 
 lished a declaration, previously drawn up by 
 Congress, expressive of their motives for tak- 
 ing up arms. It was written in energetic 
 language, and contained the following re- 
 markable passages : 
 
 " Were it possible for men who exercise 
 their reason, to believe that the Divine Au- 
 thor of our existence intended a part of the 
 human race to hold an absolute property in, 
 and unbounded power over others, marked 
 out by his infinite goodness and wisdom as 
 the objects of a legal domination, never 
 rightfully resistible, however severe and op- 
 pressive, the inhabitants of these colonies 
 might, at least, require from the Parliament 
 of Great Britain some evidence, that this 
 dreadful authority over them has been grant- 
 ed to that body. But a reverence for our 
 great Creator, principles of humanity, and 
 the dictates of common sense, must convince 
 all those who reflect upon the subject, that 
 government was instituted to promote the 
 
 
WASHINGTON. 57 
 
 welfare of mankind, and ought to be admin- 
 istered for the attainment of that end. 
 
 " The Legislature of Great Britain, how- 
 ever, stimulated by an inordinate passion for 
 power, not only unjustifiable, but which they 
 know to be peculiarly reprobated by the ve- 
 ry constitution of that kingdom, and despair- 
 ing of success in any mode of contest where 
 regard should be had to truth, law or right, 
 have at length, deserting those, attempted to 
 effect their cruel and impolitic purpose of en- 
 slaving these colonies by violence, and have 
 thereby rendered it necessary for us to close 
 with their last appeal from reason to arms.' — • 
 Yet however blinded that assembly may be, 
 by their intemperate rage for unlimited do- 
 minion, so to slight justice and the opinion 
 of mankind, we esteem ourselves bound, by 
 obligations of respect to the rest of the world, 
 to make known the justice of our cause. " 
 
 The declaration then proceeds to describe 
 the manner in which the first colonists left 
 Great Britain, the mutual friendly intercourse 
 that had subsisted for ages between that 
 country and her colonists, and the unconsti- 
 tutional manner in which Parliament had 
 acted for the last ten years towards the 
 Americans. It then continues : 
 
 u We have for ten years incessantly be- 
 sieged the throne as supplicants ; we reason- 
 
38 THE LIFE OF 
 
 ed, we remonstrated with Parliament in the 
 most mild and decent language ; but admin- 
 istration, sensible that vve should regard 
 those measures as freemen ought to do, sent 
 over fleets and armies to enforce them. 
 
 " We are reduced to the alternative of 
 choosing an unconditional submission to ty- 
 ranny, or resistance by force. The latter is 
 our choice. We have counted the cost of 
 this contest, and find nothing so dreadful as 
 voluntary slavery. Honour, justice, and hu- 
 manity, forbid us tamely to surrender that 
 freedom which we received from our gallant 
 ancestors, and which our innocent posterity 
 have aright to receive from us. W T e cannot 
 endure the infamv and guilt of resigning suc- 
 ceeding generations to that wretchedness 
 which inevitably awaits them, if we basely 
 entail hereditary bondage upon them. 
 
 " Our cause is just, our union is perfect, 
 our internal resources are great ; and if ne- 
 cessary, foreign assistance is undoubtedly at- 
 tainable. 
 
 " W fight not for glory or conquest ; we 
 exhibit to mankind the remarkable spectacle 
 of a people attacked by unprovoked enemies. 
 They boast of their privileges, and yet prof- 
 fer no milder conditions than servitude or 
 death. 
 
WASHINGTON. 59 
 
 " In our own native land, in defence of 
 the freedom that is our birth-right ; for the 
 protection of our property, acquired by the 
 honest industry of our forefathers and our 
 own; against violence actually offered, we 
 have taken up arms : we shall lay them down 
 when hostilities shall cease on the part of the 
 aggressors, and all danger of their being re- 
 newed shall be removed, and not before." 
 
 This bold and explicit manifesto was dated 
 at Philadelphia, the 6th of July, 1775, and 
 subscribed by John Hancock, President of 
 Congress, and Charles Thompson, Secretary. 
 A general spirit of unanimity pervaded the 
 Colonies at this momentous period. Men of 
 all ranks and ages were animated with mar- 
 tial ardour, and even religious prejudices 
 
 were overcome by patriotic enthusiasm. 
 
 Several young men of the Quaker persuasion, 
 joined the military associations; and the 
 number of men in arms throughout the colo- 
 nies was very considerable. 
 
 Nor was this zeal for the common cause 
 confined to the men ; even the fair sex evin- 
 ced their patriotism. At a meeting of the 
 women of Bristol county, in Pennsylvania, 
 a large sum of money was subscribed to raise 
 and equip a regiment. When the men were 
 embodied, a lady was deputed by the rest to 
 
60 THE LIFE OF 
 
 present the regiment with a magnificent suit 
 of colours, which had been wrought for them 
 and embellished with mottos and devices. She 
 made a very animated speech on the occa- 
 sion, and concluded with an injunction to 
 the officers and soldiers, "never to desert the 
 colours of the ladies, if they wished that the 
 ladies should enlist under their banners." 
 
 Notwithstanding these warlike prepara- 
 tions, the Americans unanimously protested 
 that they took up arms only to obtain a re- 
 dress of grievances ; and a separation from 
 the parent state was an object foreign to 
 their wishes. The rancour, however, that 
 accompanies a civil war, was productive of 
 mutual reproaches, and the slightest proof of 
 enmity was keenly felt as proceeding from 
 those who were once friends. 
 
 An instance of this nature happened at 
 Boston, while invested with the provincial 
 army, and produced the memorable corres- 
 pondence between the respective command- 
 ers. The last letter, written by General 
 Washington to General Gage, exhibited a 
 lively portrait of his character and principles, 
 as well as those of his countrymen. It con- 
 tained the following striking passages: 
 
 " Whether British or American mercy, 
 fortitude and patience are most pre-eminent ; 
 
WASHINGTON. 61 
 
 whether our victorious citizens, whom the 
 hand of tyranny has forced into arms to de- 
 fend their property and freedom, or the mer- 
 cenary instrument of lawless domination, 
 avarice and revenge, best deserve the appel- 
 lation of rebels, and the punishment of that 
 cord, which your affected clemency has for- 
 born to inflict ; whether the authority under 
 which I act, is usurped, or founded upon the 
 genuine principles of liberty ; such consider- 
 ations are altogether foreign to the subject of 
 our correspondence. I purposely avoid all 
 political disquisition ; nor shall I avail myself 
 of those advantages which the sacred cause 
 of my country, of liberty, and of human na- 
 ture, give me over you ; much less shall I 
 stoop to retort any invective. 
 
 " You affect, sir, to despise all rank not 
 derived from the same source with your own. 
 I cannot conceive one more honourable than 
 that which flows from the uncorrupted choice 
 of a brave and free people, the purest source 
 and original fountain of all power. Far from 
 thinking it a plea for cruelty, a mind of true 
 magnanimity, and enlarged ideas, would 
 comprehend and respect it." 
 
 This celebrated letter was by the Ameri- 
 cans represented as the most perfect model 
 of the style becoming the Commander in 
 
 F 
 
62 THE LIFE OF 
 
 Chief, and the occasion to which it was 
 adapted ; nay, it was commended in differ- 
 ent parts of Europe, and even in England, as 
 the most proper answer he could make. 
 
 In September, Gen. Gage sailed for Eng- 
 land ; and the command of the British army 
 devolved on Gen. Howe. 
 
 Meanwhile the army under Washington 
 continued the blockade of Boston, so closely 
 as to prevent all intercourse between that 
 town and the country. The provincial for- 
 tes was formed in three grand divisions, of 
 which General Ward commanded the right 
 wing, General Lee the left, and the centre 
 was commanded by Washington. The ar- 
 my was arranged by Gen. Gates, by whose 
 exert; ns military discipline was gradually 
 and successfully introduced ; the officers and 
 privates were taught the necessity of a due 
 subordination, and became expert in the dif- 
 ferent manoeuvres that constitute the regu- 
 larity of an army. 
 
 One insuperable obstacle to the provincial 
 army's arriving at perfect discipline, was the 
 shortness of the time tor which the men had 
 been eniisted. It had been limited to six 
 months, and no part of the troops were en- 
 gaged longer than till the first day of Janua- 
 ry, 1776. To prevent the Englsh general 
 
WASHINGTON. 63 
 
 from taking advantage of this circumstance, 
 Washington was obliged occasionally to call 
 in the militia, when the disbanded men left 
 the camp, in order that the works should be 
 properly defended. 
 
 When Congress sent their second petition 
 to the king, they also sent an address to the 
 people of Great Britain, and another to the 
 inhabitants of Ireland. At the same time 
 they wrote to the Canadians, exhorting them 
 to assert their righrs, and enter into a treaty. 
 As the British ministry had endeavoured to 
 engage the Indians in an alliance against the 
 colonies, and had sent agents among them 
 for that purpose, Congress resolved to coun- 
 teract this measure. In order to conciliate 
 the friendship of the Indians, and obviate the 
 dangers that would ensue from then enmity, 
 commissioners were deputed by Congress to 
 secure their adherence to the colonics. 
 
 When the British agents arrived among 
 the Indians, with large presents to their 
 Chiefs, they met with a very cool reception. 
 The Sachems told them, " they w r ere sur- 
 prised to see Englishmen ask their assistance 
 against one another, and advised them to be 
 reconciled. They,, paid more respect to the 
 commissioners from Congress ; they agreed 
 to remain neuter ; and thus the colonists were 
 
64 THE LIFE OF 
 
 freed from their apprehensions of a very dan- 
 gerous enemy. 
 
 The six confederate nations that border on 
 the colonies, consist of the Mohawks, Onei- 
 das, Tuscaroras, Onondagas*, Cayugas, and 
 Senecas. A solemn conference was held be- 
 tween the deputies from Congress and these 
 tribes at Onondaga; and the style of the 
 speech made to them on that occasion, is a 
 most curious specimen of the manner and 
 form of the polical intercourse between the 
 colonists and the original natives of Ameri- 
 ca. The following extracts will probably 
 be amusing to the reader : 
 u Brothers, Sachems, and Warriors ! 
 
 " We, the delegates from the twelve Unit- 
 ed Provinces, now sitting in General Con- 
 gress at Philadelphia, send their talk to you, 
 our brothers. 
 " Brothers and friends, now attend : 
 
 " "When our fathers crossed the great wa- 
 ter, and came over to this land, the King of 
 England gave them a talk, assuring them that 
 they and their children should be his chil- 
 dren ; and that, if they would leave their na- 
 tive country and make settlements and live 
 here, and buy and sell, and trade with their 
 brethren beyond the water, they should still 
 keep hold of the same covenant chain, and 
 
WASHINGTON. 65 
 
 enjoy peace, and it was covenanted that the 
 fields, houses, goods and possessions which 
 our fathers should acquire, should remain to 
 them as their own, and be their children's 
 forever, and at their sole disposal. 
 
 " Brothers and friends, open a kind ear ! 
 
 " We will now tell you of the quarrel be- 
 twixt the counsellors of King George, and 
 the inhabitants and colonies of America. 
 
 " Many of his counsellors have persuaded 
 him to break the covenant chain, and not to 
 send us any more good talks. They have 
 prevailed upon him to enter into a covenant 
 against us, and have torn asunder, and cast 
 behind their backs the good old covenant, 
 which their ancestors and ours entered into 
 and took strong hold of. 
 
 "They now tell us, they will put their 
 hands into our pockets without asking, as 
 though it were their own : and at their plea- 
 sure they will take from us our charters, our 
 written civil constitutions, which we love as 
 our lives; also our plantations, our houses, 
 and goods, whenever they please, without 
 asking our leave. They tell us that our ves- 
 sels may go to that or this island in the sea, 
 but to this or to that particular island, we 
 shall not trade any more j and in case or 
 f 2 
 
66 THE LIFE OF. 
 
 our non-compliance with these new orders,, 
 they shut up their harbours. 
 
 w Brothers, thus stands the matter betwixt 
 Old England and America. 
 
 " Notwithstanding all our entreaties, we 
 have but little hope the King will send us 
 any more good talks by reason of his evil 
 counsellors. They have persuaded him to 
 send an army of soldiers, and many ships of 
 war to rob and destroy us ; they have shut up 
 many of our harbours, seized many of our 
 vessels : the soldiers have struck the blow ; 
 the blood now runs of the American chil- 
 dren ; they have also burned our houses and 
 towns, and taken much of our goods. 
 
 " Brothers and friends, we desire you will 
 hear and receive what we have now told you, 
 and that you will open a good ear, and listen 
 to what we are now going to say. This is a 
 family quarrel between us and Old England ; 
 you Indians are not concerned in it; we do 
 not wish you to take up the hatchet against 
 the king's troops ; we desire you to remain 
 at home, and join neither side, but let the 
 hatchet be buried deep. 
 
 " In the name and behalf of all our people, 
 we ask and desire of you to love peace, and 
 to maintain it ; and to love and sympathise 
 with us in all our trouble ; that the path may 
 
WASHINGTON. 67 
 
 be kept open with all our people and yours, 
 to pass and re-pass without molestation. 
 
 " Brothers, we live on the same ground 
 with you ; the same island is our common 
 birth place. We desire to sit down under 
 the same tree of peace with you ; let us wa- 
 ter its roots, and cherish its growth, till the 
 large leaves and flourishing branches shall 
 extend to the setting sun and reach the skies. 
 " Brothers, observe well : 
 
 " What is it we ask of you ? Nothing 
 but peace. And if application should be 
 made to you by any of the king's ministers to 
 join on their side, we advise you to look for- 
 ward to the consequences of a compliance; 
 for if the king's troops take away our proper- 
 ty, and destroy us, who are of the same blood 
 with themselves, what can you, who are In- 
 dians, expect from them afterwards? 
 
 " Therefore we say, brothers, take care 1 
 hold fast to your covenant chain : you know 
 our disposition towards you, the six nations 
 of Indians, and your allies. Let this our 
 good talk remain at Onondaga, your central 
 council-house. We depend upon you to 
 send and acquaint your allies to the north- 
 ward, the seven tribes on the river St. Law- 
 rence, that you have this talk of ours at the 
 great council-fire of the six nations. And 
 
0t8 THE LIFE OF 
 
 when you return, we invite your great men 
 to come and converse further with us at Al- 
 bany, where we intend to rekindle the coun-~ 
 cil-fire, which your and our ancestors set 
 round in great friendship. Brothers and 
 friends, we greet you all. Farewell. " 
 
 Ticonderogo had been taken by Colonel 
 Arnold on the 10th of May. This import- 
 ant fortress is situated on a promontory, 
 formed at the junction of Lake George and 
 Lake Champlain, and consequently it is the 
 key of communication between New -York 
 and Canada. Arnold, Mushed with success, 
 wrote a letter to Congress, in which he of- 
 fered to reduce the whole province of Cana- 
 da with two thousand men. From the im- 
 petuosity of his disposition, he advised the 
 adoption of an offensive war, but as Congress 
 did not wish to widen the breach between 
 Great Britain and the colonies, and an ac- 
 commodation was their wish, they deterred 
 the invasion of Canada. 
 
 Sir Guy Carleton, the Governor of that 
 province, planned a seheme for the recovery 
 of Tieonderoga, and Crown Point, another 
 fort which had been taken by the Ameri- 
 cans. He had been invested with full pow- 
 ers to embody the Canadians, and march 
 them against the enemy j however, they 
 
WASHINGTON. 69 
 
 were very unwilling to engage in the contest, 
 but he hoped, on t) e arrival of reinforcements, 
 to compel them to act. Meantime, he had 
 collected a numerous body of Indians ; his 
 troops, though few, were well disciplined, 
 and the United Colonies had reason to dread 
 a man of his intrepidity and abilities. 
 
 When Congress were informed of these 
 exertions in Canada, they thought it expedi- 
 ent to make a vigorous attack upon that pro- 
 vince, in order to prevent the invasion of 
 their north western frontier. In consequence 
 of this determination, an army of three thou- 
 sand men, under the command of Generals 
 Schuyler and Montgomery, were sent to ef- 
 fect the conquest of Canada. They proceed- 
 ed to Lake Champlain, and thence by water 
 to St. John's, the first British post in Canada. 
 The Americans landed and besieged the for- 
 tress, which was bravely defended by the 
 garrison under Major Preston. Illness obli- 
 ged Gen. Schuyler to retire to Albany 3 and 
 the sole command of the troops devolved on 
 Montgomery, who prosecuted the siege with 
 such vigour, that in a few days he became 
 master of the place. After the reduction of 
 Sr. John's, Montgomery advanced to Mont- 
 real with his victorious army. On his ap- 
 proach to that town, the few British forces 
 
70 THE LIFE OF. 
 
 which composed the garrison repaired for 
 safety on board the shipping, in hopes of es- 
 caping down the river, but they were pre- 
 vented by a body of continental troops, un- 
 der the command of Colonel Easton, who 
 was stationed at the point of Sorel River. — 
 Gen. Prescot, with several officers, and one 
 hundred and twenty privates, surrendered 
 themselves prisoners, on terms of capitula- 
 tion ; and the American general, after leav- 
 ing a garrison at Montreal, advanced with a 
 rapid march towards the capital of Canada. 
 
 While Montgomery was thus pursuing the 
 career of victory, the province of Canada 
 was invaded in another quarter by an enemy 
 no less enterprising and intrepid than him- 
 self. A detachment of one thousand men 
 was sent by General Washington, from the 
 American army at Cambridge. This expe- 
 dition was conducted by Colonel Arnold, 
 who led his trcops by an unexplored route 
 through a wilderness. The difficulty en- 
 countered by this detachment, during thirty- 
 one days, were almost insurmountable. — 
 They proceeded in boats by the river Ken- 
 nebeck, and were obliged to work upwards 
 against its impetuous current. After suffer- 
 ing various hardships, and losing ab ye one 
 third of his men, by sickness and desertion, 
 
WASHINGTON. 71 
 
 Colonel Arnold arrived at the inhabited part 
 of Canada, after a march of six weeks. 
 
 The Canadians were astonished to behold 
 an army emerging from the bosom of the wil- 
 derness; they gave them the same welcome 
 that had been shewn to their countrymen in 
 other parts of the province, and supplied 
 those half-famished adventurers with all kinds 
 of necessaries. 
 
 Arnold published a declaration, in the 
 name of General Washington. It invited 
 the Canadians to accede to the union of the 
 colonies, and fight like them, for American 
 freedom! 
 
 The appearance of Colonel Arnold before 
 Quebec, threw the inhabitants into the great- 
 est consternation ; but as in his march it had 
 been impossible to bring any cannon, he 
 could only seize the avenues that led to the 
 city, in order to cut off supplies and provi- 
 sions, and await the arrival of the troops un- 
 der Montgomery. 
 
 That General had many obstacles to over- 
 come. The principal of these was the licen- 
 tiousness of his army, which was composed of 
 men who, accustomed to act from the im- 
 pulse of their own minds, were averse to the 
 restraints of discipline. It required all the 
 vigilance, the affability, and eloquence of 
 
7"2 THE LIFE OF 
 
 Montgomery to manage bis licentious sol- 
 diers in their march towards Quebec. His 
 magnanimity and prudence prevailed ; and 
 the fair sex in that province had reason to 
 bless the hero who preserved their social se- 
 curity and honour. 
 
 On the 5th oi December, 1775, Montgo- 
 mery arrived in sight of Quebec. He sum- 
 moned it in due form, but the garrison fired 
 at his flag of truce, and refused to admit his 
 message. As the depth of winter approach- 
 ed, he was convinced of the necessity of 
 either raising the siege, or taking the city by 
 escalade. 
 
 General Carleton made such exertions as 
 evinced the most determined resistance, and 
 his example animated the courage of the gar- 
 rison. The town was remarkably strong 
 both from nature and art, and the number of 
 the besiegers was inconsiderable ; besides, 
 the vigilance of the Governor was such, that 
 every part was guarded with the greatest cir- 
 cumspection. 
 
 Montgomery on the other hand, possessed 
 all those romantic ideas of military glory 
 which prevailed in the days of chivalry ; and 
 this love of enterprize was cherished by an in- 
 trepidity which made him overlook all pe- 
 •rils 3 he was conscious that his troops would 
 
WASHINGTON. T.T 
 
 follow with alacrity wherever he should lead, 
 and he determined to take the city by storm, 
 or perish in the attempt. 
 
 On the 31st of December, 1775, he ad- 
 vanced to the attack by break of day. In 
 order to incite emulation among the provin- 
 cial troops, there were two attacks, one by 
 the New-England men, headed by Arnold, 
 and the other by the New- York men, whom 
 the general led in person. 
 
 The way through which Montgomery and 
 his party had to pass, was narrow, and, as 
 he knew the most desperate exertions of va- 
 lour would be required, he had selected a 
 number of his most resolute men for this en- 
 terprize. lie advanced amid a heavy show- 
 er of snow, and having forced the first bar- 
 rier, he rushed forward at the head of his 
 party, and hastened to close in with the ene- 
 my. The second barrier, which led directly 
 to the gates of the lower town, was defend- 
 ed by a strong body of the garrison, who were 
 posted there with several pieces of cannon 
 ready loaded. Montgomery advanced with 
 rapid movement, and v. as received with a 
 volley of musketry and grape-shot, that, in an 
 instant, killed and wounded almost the whole 
 of his party. He fell himself, with the 
 principal officers. The troops were so 
 
 G 
 
+4 THE LIFE OF 
 
 much disconcerted by the loss of their gen- 
 eral, that they retreated. In the mean time, 
 Colonel Arnold was engaged in a furious as- 
 sault on the opposite side of the town. He 
 attacked and carried a barrier defended with 
 cannon, but this success was attended with a 
 great loss of men, and he received a wound 
 himself, which made it necessary to carry 
 him 68 the field of battle. The officers on 
 whom the command devolved, continued the 
 assault, and took possession of another bar- 
 rier; but the besieged, who now perceived 
 the inconsiderable number of the assailants, 
 sallied from a gate that opened towards their 
 rear, and attacked them in turn. The pro- 
 vincials were now hemmed in from all pos- 
 sibility of retreat, and exposed to a tremen- 
 dous fire from the walls; yet in this dreadful 
 situation they maintained the contest three 
 hours before they surrendered. 
 
 This signal discomfiture of the Americans 
 put an end to all apprehensions for the satety 
 of Canada. 
 
 No man that ever fell in battle during a 
 Civil war was more universally regretted than 
 Montgomery. That general was born in 
 
 land in the vcar 1737, He had served in 
 the British army under (km. Wolfe ; and, in 
 1756, had been victorious on the very spot 
 where he now fell At the conclusion of 
 
WAS HI KG TON. It 
 
 the war he married an American lady, and 
 settled near New-York, where he was as 
 much beloved and respected as if he had been 
 a native of the first consequence. Mis repu 
 tation for integrity induced Congress to hon- 
 or him with a commission of Brigadier Gen- 
 eral ; and his conduct justified their high 
 opinion of his abilities and integrity. 
 
 While he lived to act in their service, no 
 man rendered them of more importance, or 
 did their cause more honor. He had enga 
 ged in the service of America from princi 
 pie ; he had sacrificed the enjoyment of an 
 easy fortune, and the endearments of connu- 
 bial love to the defence of the community, of 
 which he was an adopted member, and lie 
 sealed Ins attachment to their cause with h\> 
 blood. He had the singular felicity of being 
 esteemed by both parties ; and when tin-. 
 news of his death arrived in England, those 
 who had been his fellow soldiers in the hit- 
 war, shed tears at his untimely fate. His re 
 mains were treated with all due respect b\ 
 Gen. Carleton, and interred in Quebec, on 
 the 1st day of January, 1776, with the mi- 
 litary solemnities becoming his rank. 
 
 Congress gave a testimony of their grati- 
 tude by the following resolution : 
 
 " Resolved, that to express the veneration, 
 of the United Colonies for their late Gener- 
 
76 THE LIFE OF 
 
 al, Richard Montgomery, and the decpsens'e 
 they entertain for the many signal and im- 
 portant services of that gallant officer, who 
 after a series of successes, amidst the most 
 discouraging difficulties, fell, at length, in a 
 gallant attack upon Quebec, the capital of 
 Canada ; and to transmit to future ages, as 
 examples truly worthy of imitation, his pa- 
 triotism, conduct., boldness ot enterprize, in- 
 superable perseverance, and contempt of 
 danger and death, a Monument be procured 
 from Paris, or other part of France, with an 
 inscription sacred to his memory, and expres- 
 sive of his amiable character and heroic at- 
 chievemcnts, and that the continental trea- 
 surer be directed to advance a sum, not ex- 
 ceeding JpSOO sterling, to Doctor Benjamin 
 Franklin, who is desired to see this resolution 
 properly executed, for defraying the expence 
 thereof." 
 
 An elegant monument of white marble, 
 adorned with emblematic devices, was sculp- 
 tured by a French artist. The inscription 
 was given by Doctor Franklin in the follow- 
 ing words : 
 
 THIS MONUMENT 
 Is erected by the order of Coxgrbss, 25th January, 1776, to 
 transmit to posterity a grateful remembrance of the Patriotism, 
 Conduct, Enterprise and Perseverance of 
 
 Majou-Geniral RICHAKD MOXTGOM EXV : 
 Who after a series of successes, amidst the most discouraging 
 difficulties, fdl in the attack on Quebec. 31st December, 177 : 
 aged 37 years. 
 
WASHINGTON. 77 
 
 This memorial of departed valour and vir- 
 tue is erected in the front of St. Paul's Church, 
 in the city of New-York. 
 
 After this unsuccessful attempt to take 
 Quebec, Arnold, with the remains of the 
 provincials, retired to the distance of three 
 miles from the town, and was enabled to sus- 
 tain the hardships of a winter encampment 
 in that rigorous climate, in consequence of 
 the kindness of the Canadians. 
 
 Though this expedition had failed in the 
 great object, yet it effectually prevented any 
 invasion from that quarter, a circumstance 
 that had been apprehended by Congress. 
 
 The southern provinces now became in- 
 volved in the contest, especially Virginia, 
 where the disputes of the Governor, Lord 
 Dun more, with the Assembly, after repeat- 
 ed aggravations on both sides, terminated in 
 open hostilities. He had retired from Vv r il- 
 iiamsburg to Norfolk, where he was joined 
 by a considerable number of loyalists ; but 
 after several skirmishes, he was obliged to 
 retire to the shipping, that lay in the river ad- 
 jacent to the town. As it was now in the 
 possession of the Americans, they not only 
 refused to supply the people on board with 
 provisions, but annoyed them with a number 
 of riflemen who were placed in houses near 
 
 G 2 
 
78 THE LIFE OF 
 
 the ships, and inhumanly aimed at, and kil- 
 led several persons on board. Exasperated 
 at their conduct, Lord Dunmore ordered a 
 party to land under cover of a man of war, 
 and set fire to the town. Thus Norfolk was 
 reduced to ashes, and the loss was estimated 
 at upwards of ^£300,000 sterling. 
 
 Meantime, the Governors of the twoCa- 
 rolinas were expelled by the people, and 
 obliged to take refuge on board the British 
 men of war. 
 
 Thus, at the conclusion of the year 1775, 
 the whole of the British colonies, except the 
 town of Boston, were united against the 
 mother country. 
 
 The British troops at Boston had endured 
 a tedious blockade with their characteristic 
 fortitude. All communication with the 
 conntry was prevented; and the garrison 
 suffered many inconveniencies from the want 
 of necessaries. They felt the severities of a 
 winter campaign in a rigorous climate, espe- 
 cially those who were stationed at Bunker's 
 Hill, where they lay exposed to winds and 
 snows almost intolerable to a British consti- 
 tution. The provincials in the mean time, 
 were well supplied with necessaries in their 
 encampment before Boston. Here Wash- 
 ington pre.ided, and, by his prudent rejjula- 
 
 
WASHINGTON. 79 
 
 lions, the troops bad all the comforts of good 
 tents, bedding, and fresh provisions. 
 
 An intense frost usually begins throughout 
 New-England about the latter end of De- 
 cember, when the harbour of Boston, and all 
 the rivers in the environs of that town, are 
 generally frozen to a depth of ice sufficient to 
 bear a great weight. Washington proposed 
 to take possession not only of the town, but 
 also to take or destroy all the shipping in the 
 harbour, and, by this decisive enterprize, put 
 a conclusion to all the hopes of Great Britain 
 in this quarter. His troops were eager to 
 distinguish themselves by this atchievement, 
 and, if requisite, a greater force could soon 
 be collected to second their efforts. This 
 winter, however, was unusually mild, and,, 
 by preventing the operations of the provin- 
 cials, both they and the garrison were obliged 
 to remain inactive. 
 
 In the mean time, Mr. Penn, who had 
 brought over the last petition from Congress, 
 was examined at the bar of the House of 
 Lords. This gentleman had been governor 
 of Pennsylvania; he was personally ac- 
 quainted with most of the members of Con- 
 gress, and was qualified to give the most au- 
 thentic information respecting the temper 
 and inclinations of the Americans; it appear- 
 
80 THE LIFE OF 
 
 ed from his testimonies, that the charge of 
 aiming at independence, which had been 
 imputed to Congress, was unfounded. They 
 had been fairly elected, were men of charac- 
 ter and abilities ; the colonies had the high- 
 est confidence in their integrity, and were 
 governed by their decisions. 
 
 From his account it appeared that Penn- 
 sylvania alone, was able to raise sixty thou- 
 sand men, twenty thousand of whom had ac- 
 tually enrolled themselves to serve without 
 pay, and were armed and embodied before 
 his departure from the continent. Besides, 
 they had, in imitation of the colony of Mas- 
 sachusetts, instituted a corps of minute- men, 
 amounting to five thousand. 
 
 After a tedious debate in both Houses of 
 Parliament, the petition of Congress was 
 rejected, all attempts to reconciiiate were sus- 
 pended, the standard of defiance seemed 
 now to be raised, and both parties seemed 
 to be determined to make the last appeal to 
 'arms. 
 
 When the news of this rejection of the 
 American petition reached the camp before 
 Boston, the troops expressed the greatest in- 
 dignation. As Georgia had joined the con- 
 federacy, the Americans now changed their 
 colours froap a plain red ground, to thirteen 
 
WASHINGTON. 81 
 
 stripes, alternately red and white, to denote 
 tl. number of the United Colonies. 
 
 Washington exerted his skill and activity 
 in order to compel the British army, either to 
 surrender or evacuate Boston before any 
 succours could arrive from England. On 
 the 2d of March, 1776, he opened a battery 
 on the west side of the town, and bombard- 
 ed it. This attack was supported by a tre- 
 mendous cannonade, and on the 5th, ano- 
 ther battery was opened on the eastern shore, 
 The garrison susta : ned this dreadful bom- 
 bardment with the greatest fortitude ; it last- 
 ed fourteen days without intermission, when 
 Gen. Howe, finding the place no longer ten- 
 able, resolved to embark for Halifax. 
 
 The evacuation of Boston was not inter- 
 rupted by the provincials, lest the British 
 troops should set it on fire. 
 
 When the Americans took possession of 
 Boston, they found a multitude of valuable 
 articles, which were unavoidably left behind 
 by the British army. The principle of these 
 were artillery and ammunition ; but the most 
 valuable booty was a large quantity of wool- 
 lens and linens, of which the provincials stood 
 in the most pressing need. 
 
 Washington now directed his attention to 
 the fortifications of Boston, He employed a 
 
82 THE LIFE OF 
 
 number of foreign engineers to superintend 
 the construction of new works ; and so ea^er 
 were the people in the prosecution of this 
 business, that every effective man in the 
 town, without distinction, devoted two days 
 of the week to its completion. 
 
 As Washington was uncertain of the des- 
 tination of the British fleet and army which 
 had left Boston, and as New-York lay expos- 
 ed to any sudden attack, he detached several 
 of his best regiments, under General Lee, 
 for the defence of that city. 
 
 Meanwhile, a small fleet, under the com- 
 mand of Sir Peter Parker, and a body of 
 troops under Generals Cornwallis, Clinton, 
 and Vaughan, sailed for Charleston, the cap- 
 ital of South Carolina. 
 
 The fleet had some difficulty in passing 
 Charleston bar, being obliged to take out the 
 guns from two of the largest ships, which 
 were, notwithstanding, several times in dan- 
 ger of sticking fast. The next obstacle was 
 a strong fort on Sullivan's Island, six miles 
 east from Charleston ; which, though not 
 completely finished, was very strong. How- 
 ever, the British generals resolved without 
 'Hesitation to attack it • but though an attack 
 was easy from the sea, it was very difficult 
 to obtain a co-operation of the land forces. — 
 
WASHINGTON. 83 
 
 This was attempted by landing them on 
 Long Island, adjacent to Sullivan's Island on 
 the east, from which it is separated by a very 
 narrow creek, said not to be above two feet 
 deep at low water. Opposite to this ford 
 the provincials had posted a strong body of 
 troops, with cannon and entrenchments ; 
 whilst general Lee was posted on the main 
 land, with a bridge of boats betwixt that 
 and Sullivan 's Island, so that he could at plea- 
 sure send reinforcements to the troops in the 
 fort on Sullivan's Island. 
 
 On the part of the British, so many delays 
 occurred, that it was the 28th of June be- 
 fore matters were in readiness for an attack % 
 and by this time the provincials had abun- 
 dantly provided for their reception, On the 
 morning of that day, the bomb-ketch began 
 to throw 7 shells into Fort Sullivan, and about 
 mid-day the two 50 gun ships and the three 
 28 gun frigates came up and began a severe 
 fire. The three frigates were ordered to 
 take their station between Charleston and 
 the fort, in order to enfilade the batteries, and 
 cut off the communication with the main 
 land ; but through the ignorance of the pi- 
 lots they all stuck fast ; and though two of 
 them was disentangled, they were found to 
 be totally unfit for service : the third was 
 
£4 THE LIFE OF 
 
 burnt, that she might not fall into the hands 
 of the provincials. 
 
 The attack was therefore confined to the 
 13ristol, Experiment, the three armed vessels, 
 and the bomb-ketch, between whom and 
 the fort a dreadful fire ensued. The Bristol 
 suffered excessively. The springs on her ca- 
 ble being shot away, she was for some time 
 entirely exposed to the fire of the batteries. 
 As the Americans poured in great quantities 
 of red hot balls, she was twice in flames. — 
 The captain (Mr. Morris,) after receiving five 
 wounds, was obliged to go below deck in 
 order to have his arm amputated. After un- 
 dergoing this operation he returned to his 
 place, where he received another wound, but 
 still refused to quit his station : at last he 
 received a red hot ball in his belly, which in- 
 stantly put an end to his existence. Of all 
 the officers and seamen who stood on the 
 quarter deck of this vessel, not one escaped 
 without a wound, excepting Sir Peter Par- 
 ker alone ; whose intrepidity and presence 
 of mind on this occasion was very remarka- 
 ble. The engagement lasted till darkness 
 put an end to it. Little damage was done 
 by the British, as the works of the Ameri- 
 cans lay so low, that many of the shot flew 
 over; and the fortifications being composed 
 
WASHINGTON. 85 
 
 of palm trees mixed with earth, were ex- 
 tremely well calculated to resist the impres- 
 sion of cannon. Daring the height of the 
 attack, the provincial batteries remained for 
 some time silent, so that it was concluded 
 they had been abandoned; but this was 
 found to proceed only from want of powder ; 
 for as soon as a supply of this necessary arti- 
 cle was obtained, the firing was resumed as 
 before. During this desperate engagement 
 H was found impossible for the land forces 
 to give the least assistance to the fleet. The 
 American works were found to be much 
 stronger than they had been imagined, and 
 the depth of water effectually prevented 
 them from making any attempt. In this un- 
 successful attack, the killed and wounded on 
 the part of the British amounted to about two 
 hundred. The Bristol and Experiment were 
 so much damaged, that it was thought they 
 could not have been got over the bar; how- 
 ever, this was at last accomplished by a very' 
 great exertion of naval skill, to the surprise 
 of the provincials, who had expected to make 
 them both prizes. On the American side, 
 the loss was judged to have been considera- 
 ble, but was reported to be only. ten men kil- 
 led, and twenty-two wounded. Before 
 morning, the ships had retired about two 
 
 u 
 
86 THE LIFE OF 
 
 miles distant from the island; and in a few 
 days more, the troops re-embarked, and the 
 whole sailed for New-York. 
 
 The Americans on this occasion justly 
 boasted of their heroes. Aserjeant, observ- 
 ing the flag staff shot away in the beginning 
 of the action, jumped from one of the embra- 
 sures upon the beach, took up the flag, and 
 fixing it upon a sponge staff, put it in its pro- 
 per place, in the midst of the dreadful fire al- 
 ready mentioned. For this distinguished act 
 of bravery he was presented with a sword by 
 the Congress. Another, whilst exerting 
 himself in a very distinguished manner, was 
 cruelly shattered by a cannon ball : when 
 about to expire, " My friends,'' said he, * I 
 am dying, but don't let the cause of liberty 
 expire with me/' 
 
 The thanks of Congress were given to 
 General Lee, and also to Colonels Moultrie 
 and Thompson, for their good conduct in 
 this memorable action. In compliment to 
 the commanding officer, the fort from that 
 time was called Fort Moultrie. 
 
 This year also, the Americans, having so 
 
 ,:i:cn ly made trial of their valour by land, 
 became desirous of trying it by sea also, and 
 of forming a navy that might in some mea- 
 sure be able to protect their trade, and do es- 
 
WASHINGTON. 87 
 
 sential hurt to the enemy. In the beginning 
 of March, Commodore Hopkins was dis- 
 patched with two ships, two brigs, and a 
 sloop, to the Bahama Islands, where he made 
 himself master of the ordnance and military 
 stores ; but the gun-powder, which had been 
 the principal object, was removed. On his 
 return he captured several vessels ; but was 
 foiled in his attempt on the Glasgow frigate, 
 which found means to escape, notwithstand- 
 ing the efforts of his whole squadron. 
 
 On the 4th of July, 1776, the representa- 
 tives of the United States of America, in 
 Congress assembled, formally renounced ali. 
 connection with Great Britain, and declared 
 themselves in dependent. They also pub- 
 lished a manifesto, stating a list of grievan- 
 ces, which, notwithstanding their repeated 
 petitions, remained unredressed. For these 
 reasons they determined on a final separation 
 from the mother country ; and to hold the 
 people of Great Biitain as the rest of man- 
 kind, " enemies in war, in peace, friends." 
 The striking detail of injuries, the perspicui- 
 ty or' language and simplicity of style of this 
 celebrated declaration, has drawn forth the 
 admiration and respect of the learned of all 
 nations. 
 
 This formal renunciation of allegiance to 
 Great Britain, was followed by the greates 
 
88 *■ THE LIFE OF 
 
 preparations for war throughout the United 
 States. 
 
 Washington took every precaution for de- 
 fensive operations, by erecting forts, and sta- 
 tioning troops at the most vulnerable points. 
 The nature of the country was peculiarly fa- 
 vourable to defence. New-England, espe- 
 cially, presented many natural barriers, con- 
 sisting of hills and mountains, intersected by 
 rivers, and interspersed with trees, rocks, and 
 precipices, several defiles, skirted by impen- 
 etrable woods, while majestic rivers, flow ing 
 with impetuous currents, seemed to preclude 
 the invader. 
 
 By the indefatigable activity of Washing- 
 ton, trie American army was well disciplined, 
 and the best troops were collected at New- 
 York, where every accessible place was 
 strengthened by fortifications. 
 
 General Howe resolved to quit Halifax, 
 and proceed to New- York, where he intend- 
 ed to wait for the reinforcements from Eng- 
 land. He sailed about the middle of June, 
 and at the end of the month arrived at Sandy 
 Hook, a point of land which stands at the 
 entrance of a large body of water formed by 
 the confluence of several rivers, and which 
 is surrounded by New- York, Staten, and 
 Long-Islands. 
 
WASHINGTON. %t) 
 
 About the middle of July, Lord Howe 
 arrived with a fleet and army from England. 
 He sent a circular letter to the Governors 
 who had been displaced by their respective 
 provinces, in which he explained, that he 
 was empowered, in conjunction with his 
 brother, to grant general or particular par- 
 dons, to all those who were willing to return 
 to their allegiance to the King of Great Bri- 
 tain. Congress ordered this letter and de- 
 claration to be published in all the newspa- 
 pers, that every one, as they said, might know 
 the nature of the power with which the com- 
 missioners were invested, and that those who- 
 relied on the justice and moderation of the 
 British ministry, might be fully convinced that 
 they must trust to their valour for the preser- 
 vation of their liberties. 
 
 Lord Howe next sent a letter to the Amer- 
 ican commander in chief; but, as it was di- 
 rected to " George Washington, Esq." the 
 general refused to receive it, as not directed 
 to him agreeable to his station. His con- 
 duct, on this occasion, received the unani- 
 mous approbation or Congress. 
 
 To obviate this difficulty, Adjutant-Gen- 
 eral Patterson was sent by General How 
 with a letter directed to <k Geo. Washington^ 
 &c. &c. &c." lie was politely received^, 
 
 H 2 
 
£0 THE LIFE OF. 
 
 and immediately admitted to the presence of 
 the American general. The Adjutant ex- 
 pressed much concern on account of the dif- 
 ficulties that had arisen from the superscrip- 
 tion of the former letter, and hoped that the 
 el aeteras would remove all obstructions to 
 an intercourse between the commissioners 
 and General Washington. To this he re- 
 plied, " that a letter written to a person in- 
 vested with a public character should specify 
 it, otherwise it could not be distinguished 
 from a letter on private business; true it 
 was, the et aeteras implied every thing, but 
 it was no less true, that they implied any 
 thing." 
 
 The most interesting part of the conversa- 
 tion, was that respecting the power of the 
 commissioners, whom, the Adjutant said, 
 were ready to exert themselves to the utmost 
 to effect a reconciliation. The General re- 
 plied, that it did not appear that these pow- 
 ers consisted in any more than granting par- 
 dons ; but as America had committed no of- 
 fence, she asked no iorgiveness, and was only 
 defending her unquestionable rights. 
 
 From this conference, it was evident that 
 nothing but a decided superiority in the field, 
 could induce the Americans to relax the re- 
 solutions which they had taken with so-much 
 deliberation and solemnity. 
 
WASHINGTON. 91 
 
 The firmness of Congress had inspired the 
 provincials with enthusiasm. That resolute 
 body had declared America independent in 
 the very face of the British fleet and army, 
 while the first was casting anchor in sight of 
 New-York, and the reinforcements from 
 England were making the second landing on 
 Staten-Island. 
 
 An attack on Long-Island being deter- 
 mined on by the British commanders, the 
 fleet covered the descent of the army, which 
 effected a landing without any opposition, on 
 the 22d of August, 1776. General Putnam, 
 with a large body of troops, lay encamped, 
 and strongly fortified, on a northern peninsu- 
 la on the opposite shore, with a range of hills 
 between the armies, the principal pass of 
 which was at a village called Fiat Bush. 
 
 Large detachments of the American army 
 occupied the hulls and passes. The right of 
 the British army was commanded by Gen. 
 Clinton, Lord Percy, and Lord Cornwallis ; 
 the centre, composed of Hessians, under 
 General Heister, was posted at Fiat Bush; 
 and the left, under General Grant, was sta- 
 tioned at the sea-shore. 
 
 Early in the morning of the 27th, the en- 
 gagement was begun by the Htssians, and a 
 heavy fire of cannon aed musquetry was con- 
 
0S THE LIFE OF 
 
 tinucd on both sides for several hours. One 
 ot the passes, which lav at a distance, had 
 been neglected by the Americans, which 
 gave an opportunity to the tight division of 
 the British army to pass the hills, and attack 
 them in the rear. 
 
 The Americans, apprised of their danger, 
 retreated towards their camp, but they were 
 intercepted and driven back into the woods. 
 Here they were met by the Hessians, and 
 thus exposed to the fire of two parties. No 
 way of escaping now remained, but by for- 
 cing their way through the ranks of the ene- 
 my, and thus regaining their camp. This 
 numbers of them effected, but by far the 
 greater part were either killed or taken pri- 
 soners. 
 
 Washington had crossed over from New- 
 York in the height ofthe engagement, but 
 he came too late to retrieve the fortune of the 
 day. He is said to have burst into the most 
 poignant exclamation of grief, when he saw 
 some of his best troops killed or taken, with- 
 out being able to afford them any assistance, 
 but he used his utmost exertions to save 
 those that remained, by a well conducted 
 retreat. 
 
 The victory was complete 5 the Americans 
 lost upwards of three thousand men, includ- 
 
WASHINGTON. 9$ 
 
 ing two thousand killed, and eleven hundred 
 taken prisoners, among whom were three 
 generals. On the side of the British, the loss 
 in killed and wounded was only about three 
 hundred. Among the provincials who fell, 
 . a regiment from Maryland was particularly 
 regretted. It consisted wholly of young 
 men of the best families in that province.— 
 They behaved with the most admirable hero- 
 ism : they were every one killed or wound- 
 ed, and thus perished in the bloom of youth. 
 "In this action, a body of provincials were 
 put to death after they had thrown down their 
 arms, and asked for quarter. The reason as- 
 signed for this piece of severity, was, that they 
 had discharged their pieces belore they had 
 asked for quarter. They were told that if 
 they had expected quarter, they ought to have 
 asked it before they fired ; but now that they 
 had fired, and done all the mischief they 
 could, they had no mercy to expect." 
 
 After this defeat, Washington, though 
 naturally intrepid, and possessed of an un- 
 conquerable fortitude, did not think it expe- 
 dient to risk another action against a numer- 
 ous army of veterans, well provided with ar- 
 tillery, and elated with their recent victory. 
 New-York required to be strengthened, and 
 the emergency did not admit of a moment's 
 delay ; for should the British fleet be able to 
 
94 THE LIFE OF 
 
 station itself between the camp and that city, 
 all would be inevitably lost. 
 
 In this extremity, Washington exerted all 
 his characteristic vigilance, and circumspec- 
 tion. In the night of the 29th of August, 
 favoured by darkness, and in the most pro- 
 found silence, he conveyed his troops on 
 bond the boats, and landed them on the op- 
 posite shore. He also carried off as much of 
 their baggage, military stores, and artillery, 
 as the time would permit. This retreat was 
 conducted with so much secrecy, that with 
 the dawn, the British troops were surprised 
 to see the rear guard of the American army 
 in the boats, and beyond the reach of dan- 
 
 ger. 
 
 When Washington returned with the ar- 
 my to New-York, he ordered batteries to be 
 erected on every spot whence they could an- 
 noy the ships of was, which werenovv station - 
 ed in that part of the river which faces the 
 city. 
 
 The men of war were continually engaged 
 with those batteries, some of which they si- 
 lenced, and enabled the British troops to pro- 
 ceed up the river, to a bay about three miles 
 distant. Here the troops landed, under the 
 cannon of the Meet, and marched directly to- 
 wards the city, on which Washington retreat- 
 

 WASHINGTON. <?5< 
 
 ed with his men to the north of York Island. 
 On this occasion, he lost a great part of his 
 artilLery and military stores, yet he engaged 
 the British troops wherever he could make an 
 advantageous stand. 
 
 Washington had been particularly careful 
 to fortify the pass called King's Bridge, and 
 had chosen this position for his army, with 
 the greatest judgement. He could advance 
 or retire at pleasure, without any danger of 
 being cut offin a case of defeat. Though he 
 was determined not to risk a general engage- 
 ment, yet in order to inure his troops to actual 
 service, and at the same time annoy the ene- 
 my, he employed them in continual skirmish- 
 es, in consequence of which they gradually 
 became expert soldiers. 
 
 Their distance from the British encamp- 
 ment was about two miles, and as the situa- 
 tion of the two armies was very inconvenient 
 for the British general, he resolved to compel 
 General Washington to relinquish his strong 
 situation. 
 
 TSie Americans were accused of a design 
 of burning the city of New- York at the 
 time of evacuation ; the precipitation with 
 which .they had been obliged to retreat, pre- 
 vented that measure, but they left some per- 
 sons behind to carry it into execution. In 
 
96 THE LIFE OF 
 
 the dead of the night, those incendiaries took 
 advantage of the dry weather, and a high 
 wind, and set the city on fire in several places 
 at the same time. The conflagration was 
 terrible ; and notwithstanding the activity of 
 the soldiers and sailors, in extinguishing the 
 flames, about one fourth part of the city was 
 destroyed. Several of those who were said 
 to be the incendiaries, were treated without 
 mercy, insomuch that the incensed seamen 
 and soldiers instantly seized and threw them 
 into the fire. 
 
 It was now determined to force the Ameri- 
 cans to a greater distance, lest others of their 
 emissaries should engage in a similar attempt 
 to destroy the city. Accordingly, General 
 Howe left a sufficient garrison at New-York, 
 and embarked his army in flat-bottomed 
 boats, by which they were conveyed through 
 the dangerous passage called Hell Gate, and 
 landed near the town of West- Chester, on 
 the continent. After having received fresh 
 reinforcements, the royal army made such 
 movements as threatened to distress the 
 Americans, by cutting off their supplies ot 
 provisions from Connecticut, and thus force 
 them to an engagement. 
 
 Washington held a council of war with 
 his officers, in which it was resolved to quit 
 
WASHINGTON. 97 
 
 their present position, and extend the army 
 in a long but well secured line. This the gen- 
 eral accomplished, by keeping the Brunx, 
 a river of considerable length, in front be- 
 tween the two armies, with the North River 
 on his rear. 
 
 On the 28th of October, at break of day, 
 the British troops, divided into two columns, 
 advanced towards the White-Plains, an ex- 
 tent of high ground, full of craggy hills and 
 defiles. 
 
 The Americans maintained their ground 
 In front till noon, when they were attacked 
 with such vigour by the British army, that 
 they were compelled to retire to their en- 
 trenchments. 
 
 During the night, Washington, ever intent: 
 on the defence and preservation of his army, 
 ordered several additional works to be thrown 
 up in front of the lines, in consequence of 
 which the English General thought it im- 
 prudent to attack him till the arrival of rein- 
 forcements. 
 
 On mature deliberation, however, Wash- 
 ington thought it advisable to retreat ; his 
 camp was broken up on the first of Novem- 
 ber, and he retired with his army into a 
 mountainous country, called the Township of 
 Newcastle. By these judicious movements, 
 
 i 
 
98 THE LIFE OF 
 
 he avoided a general action. His system 
 was to harrass the enemy, and habituate his 
 men to danger, so that, when the emergency 
 required it, they might be able to act with 
 energy, 
 
 tf The same short sighted politicians, says 
 Dr. Ramsay, who had before censured Gen. 
 Washington, for his cautious conduct, in not 
 storming the British lines at Boston, renewed 
 their clamours against him, for adopting this 
 evacuating and retreating system. Support- 
 ed by a consciousness of his own integrity, 
 and by a full conviction that those measures 
 were best calculated for securing the inde- 
 pendence of America, he, for the good of 
 his country, voluntarily subjected his fame to 
 be overshadowed by a temporary cloud." 
 
 When General Howe found that all hisat- 
 tempts to bring the enemy to an action were 
 ineffectual, he turned his attention to the re- 
 duction of Forts Washington and Lee. A 
 division of his army advanced to KingV 
 Bridge, from which the Americans withdrew 
 into Fort Washington, which was immediate- 
 ]y invested. This fort was situated on the 
 western side of New-York island, in the vi- 
 cinity of the city, and nearly opposite to Fort 
 Lee, which had been lately erected on the 
 other side of the water, in the state of Jcr- 
 
WASHINGTON. 99 
 
 jfiy, Its chief strength was in its situation, 
 and it was defended bv three thousand men, 
 well supplied with artillery. On the 16th 
 of November, this fort was attacked by the 
 British army, in four divisions, after a resist- 
 ance of some hours, the garrison were over- 
 powered and obliged to surrender themselves 
 prisoners of war. 
 
 In order to obtain the full command of the 
 North River, it was also necessary to reduce 
 Fort Lee. For this purpose Lord Cornwal- 
 Jis crossed the river, landed on the Jersey 
 shore, and marched with all possible expe- 
 dition to surprise the garrison. Being ap- 
 prized of his approach, they evacuated the 
 fort, leaving all their artillery and warlike 
 stores to the enemy. Thus both the Jersies 
 were laid open to the incursions of the Bri- 
 tish troops. They penetrated so far that their 
 winter quarters extended from New-Bruns- 
 wick to the river Delaware ; and so great 
 was the consternation of the Americans, that 
 had the British army found a sufficient num- 
 ber of boats to ferry them over the Dela- 
 ware, it is highly probable that Philadelphia 
 would have fallen into their hands. 
 
 Meanwhile, Sir Henry Clinton undertook 
 an expedition to Rhode-Island, and became 
 master of that province without the loss of a 
 
iO(i THE LIFE OF 
 
 man. The affairs of the Americans also 
 wore an inauspicious aspect on their nor- 
 thern frontiers, where General Arnold was 
 defeated by General Carleton, and compel- 
 pelled to retire from Crown Point to Ticon- 
 deroga. 
 
 The American army was now almost en- 
 tirely disbanded. As the time for which the 
 soldiers had enlisted, was only a twelve- 
 month, at the expiration of that period, hav- 
 ing fulfilled their agreement, they returned 
 home, in consequence of which Gen, Wash- 
 ington found his army decreased from thirty 
 thousand to about three thousand men. To 
 assist the commander in chief as much as 
 possible, General Lee had collected a body 
 of forces in the north, but on his way south- 
 ward, having imprudently lodged at some 
 distance from the troops, he was made prison- 
 er by a party of British light dragoons, who 
 brought him to New-"York. 
 
 The capture of General Lee was a heavy 
 joss to the Americans. His professional 
 knowledge was great, both in the theory and 
 practice of tatties ; he was full of activity, 
 fertile in expedients, and of a most intrepid 
 and enterprising disposition. 
 
 Congress now exerted themselves to re- 
 trieve their losses, and to recruit their armv. 
 
WASHINGTON. 101 
 
 They were furnished with a just plea for al- 
 tering their mode of enlisting men ; they 
 ordered a new army to be levied, of which 
 the soldier should be bound to serve three 
 years, or during the continuance of the war. 
 The most liberal encouragement was to be 
 given to recruits. Twenty dollars was al- 
 lowed to every soldier as bounty, besides an 
 allotment of lands, at the end of the war, to 
 all that served, and to the families of those 
 who should lose their lives in the service of 
 their country. 
 
 All the provinces exerted themselves in 
 this season of universal danger, and hastened 
 to send whatever reinforcements could be 
 raised, to their army that lay in the vicinity of 
 Philadelphia. 
 
 Exclusive of the dread of being exposed 
 to a victorious enemy, the Americans were 
 particularly apprehensive of the Hessians,. 
 and other Germans, who had on every occa- 
 sion committed the most barbarous outrages. 
 Those ferocious mercenaries appropriated 
 to themselves every thing they could lay their 
 hands upon, and plundered a people who not: 
 on!y detested but despised them. 
 
 As the British troops lay cantoned on the 
 banks of the Delaware, and only waited ti r 
 the frost would enable them to cross it, the 
 i 2 
 
102 THE LIFE OF 
 
 Americans thought it advisable to remove 
 their Congress to Baltimore, in Maryland. — • 
 Meanwhile General Washington continued 
 to watch over the safety of his country, his 
 mind was continually occupied with new 
 plans, for the protection of his beloved Amer- 
 ica, and he beheld, with filial solicitude, the 
 dangers that threatened her liberties. 
 
 1 he British army now occupied a chain 
 of towns and villages through the heart of 
 the Jerseys, and had extended their quarters 
 into several places in the vicinity of Philadel- 
 phia. Gen. Washington resolved to make 
 some attempts on those divisions of the ene- 
 my that lay nearest that city, and, if possible, 
 relieve it from the danger to which it was 
 exDosed. 
 
 i 
 
 A corps of Hessians lay at Trenton ; ano- 
 ther at Bordenton, some miles lower, and a 
 third at Burlington. Those towns were on 
 the opposite bank of the Delaware, and the 
 last within twenty miles of Philadelphia. — ■ 
 The Hessians, from a confidence in their 
 military superiority, became inattentive to 
 the motions of the Americans, and were 
 wholly engaged with those licentious outra- 
 ges that had rendered them particularly odi- 
 ous. 
 
 Washington prepared to surprize the ene- 
 my in their quarters- Accordingly he form- 
 
WASHINGTON. 103 
 
 ed his army into three divisions ; the first 
 was to cross the Delaware at Trenton ferry ; 
 the second below Bordenton ; and the third 
 he commanded in person, accompanied by 
 Generals Sullivan and Greene. This divi- 
 sion consisted of three thousond of the best 
 men in the American service ; with a train of 
 twenty field pieces. On the 25th of Decem- 
 ber, Washington marched at the head of his 
 division, to a ferry some miles above Tren- 
 ton, with an intention to pass it at midnight, 
 which would enable him to arrive at Tren- 
 ton, with the dawn. 
 
 It is impossible to contemplate the pro- 
 gress of this little army of patriots without 
 emotion. As they march in solemn silence, 
 without one friendly ray to guide their foot- 
 steps, what must be their sensations? On 
 the success of their enterprize depends the 
 freedom and happiness of innumerable mil- 
 lions yet unborn; on its failure awaits every 
 evil that can appal the heart. The virtuous 
 matron, the innocent child, the chaste virgin, 
 all depend lor protection on this heroic band. 
 As they proceed, their bosoms throb with anx- 
 iety, while all the ardour of the soldier arises to 
 overcome apprehension ; neither the rigour 
 of a winter's night, nor the certainty of the 
 perils they must face, can deter them trom 
 
J04 THE LIFE OP 
 
 their purpose. Their leader, who, like an 
 eagle driven from the nest, still hovers about 
 its young, what are his thoughts ? his noble 
 heart forebodes success ; he anticipates vic- 
 tory; and while he feels the glow of hero- 
 ism, his fortitude is prepared to brave even 
 defeat itself. 
 
 In consequence of the delay occasioned by 
 the difficulty of breaking the ice, it was four 
 o'clock in the morning before Washington 
 could land his troops, with their artillery, on 
 the Jersey shore. He then formed his men 
 into two divisions : one of which he ordered 
 to proceed by the lower road, and he Jed the 
 other by the upper road, to Trenton. Though 
 it was now eight o'clock, the enemy did not 
 discover the approach of the Americans, tiil 
 they were attacked by General Washington's 
 division, and in three minutes afterwards the 
 lower part of the town was assailed by the 
 other detachment. Col. Ralle, who com- 
 manded the Hessians, made every effort that 
 could be expected from a brave veteran ; he 
 was mortally wounded, and his troops were 
 completely surrounded, and to the number 
 of one thousand men, laid down their arms. 
 
 This victory may be considered as one of 
 the most fortunate events thatbefel the Amer- 
 icans during the war. The capture of those 
 
WASHINGTON. 105* 
 
 foreign mercenaries, who had done them so 
 much mischief, removed all the fears they 
 were in for their favourite city. Religious 
 individuals attributed this success to the in- 
 terposition of Divine Providence, that had 
 suffered America to be reduced to the ex- 
 treme of distress, in order to teach them not 
 to place their reliance on their own strength, 
 but to look to an Omnipotent Power for pro- 
 tection. 
 
 Washington repassed the Delaware, and 
 his return to Philadelphia with such a consi- 
 derable number of prisoners, was both pleas- 
 ing and unexpected. To surprize a body of 
 veterans, and defeat them in their own quar- 
 ters, was an atchievement that excited the 
 liveliest emotions of admiration in the breasts 
 of the Americans. They were now emu- 
 lous to second the efforts of a general, who 
 had so nobly effected their defence: men of 
 energy and influence were dispatched in all 
 directions to rouse the militia, and about four- 
 teen hundred of the American troops, whose 
 engagement was nearly expired, agreed to 
 serve six weeks longer for a gratuity of ten 
 dollars to each. 
 
 When the Hessian prisoners were secured, 
 Washington again crossed the Delaware, and 
 took possession of Trenton. Several de- 
 
106 THE LIFE OF 
 
 tachments of the British assembled at Prince- 
 ton, when they were joined by the army 
 from Brunswick, commanded by Lord Corn- 
 wallis. This general now marched to Tren- 
 ton, and attacked the Americans on the 2d 
 of January, 1777, at four o'clock in the af- 
 ternoon. The van -guard of the Americans 
 was compelled to retreat, but the pursuing 
 enemy was checked by some field-pieces 
 which were posted on the opposite bank of 
 Sanpink Creek. Thus two armies, on which 
 the success or failure of the American revolu- 
 tion depended, were crowded into the village 
 of Trenton, and only separated by a creek, 
 in many places fordable. The British army 
 discontinued their operations, and lay on their 
 arms in readiness to make another attack 
 next morning. Meanwhile Washington or- 
 dered the baggage to be silently removed, 
 and having left tires and patroles in his camp 
 to deceive the enemy, he led his army during 
 the obscurity of the night, and by a circuitous 
 route reached Princeton. 
 
 Washington had held a council of war 
 with his officers, in which this movement had 
 been determined on, as the most likely way 
 to preserve the city of Philadelphia From be- 
 ing captured by the British army. H re di- 
 ed Princeton early in the morning, and would 
 
WASHINGTON. 107 
 
 have surrounded three regiments of British 
 infantry that were stationed there, had not a 
 detachment that was marching to Trenton 
 descried his troops, and dispatched couriers 
 to alarm their fellow-soldiers. 
 
 On their approach to Princeton, the cen- 
 tre of the Americans was charged by a party 
 of the British troops, and compelled to re- 
 treat; In this emergency, Washington rode 
 forward; he placed himself between his fly- 
 ing troops and the enemy. The Americans, 
 encouraged by his exhortations and example, 
 rallied and attacked the British in turn: and 
 though Washington was for some moments 
 between two fires, he providentially escaped 
 without a wound. During this contest, the 
 British troops displa)ed the most invincible 
 valour. One of the three regiments, com- 
 manded by CoJ. Mawhood, undismayed by 
 the superiority of the Americans in point of 
 numbers, charged them with their bayonets, 
 forced their way through their ranks, and 
 marched forward to Maidenhead ; the other 
 two regiments retired' in excellent order, and 
 retreated to Brunswick. 
 
 1 he British general was so much discon- 
 certed at these unexpected manoeuvres of 
 Washington, that he evacuated Trenton, 
 and retired with his whole force to Bruns- 
 wick. 
 
108 THE LIFE OF 
 
 Thus, in the space of a month, all that part 
 of Jersey which lies between Brunswick and 
 Delaware, \* as overrun by the British troops, 
 and recovered by the Americans. Wash- 
 ington stationed troops in all the important 
 places which he had regained, and the cam- 
 paign of 1776 closed, with few advantages 
 to the British arms; except the acquisition of 
 of New- York. 
 
 During these hostile operations, both ar- 
 mies had suffered great hardships. Many of 
 the American soldiers were destitute of shoes, 
 and their naked feet were often wounded by 
 the inequalities of the frozen ground, inso- 
 much that their footsteps were marked with 
 blood. Their clothing was too slight for the 
 rigorous season ; there was scarcely a tent in 
 the whole army, yet so enthusiastically were 
 they attached to their general, that they un- 
 derwent those hardships without repining. — 
 Washington merited this generous confi- 
 dence ; his benignity to his troops, the cheer- 
 fulness with which he participated in their in- 
 conveniencies and dangers, and the heroism 
 which he displayed in the heat of action, 
 commanded their veneration. In the actions 
 at Trenton and Princeton, he united the stra- 
 tagem of Ilanni .a] with the intrepidity of 
 Cgesar; while his success animated the hope$, 
 
WASHINGTON. 109 
 
 and roused the energies, of the friends of 
 American independence. 
 
 In the month of March, 1777, General 
 Howe sent a party of five hundred men, un- 
 der Colonel Bird, who destroyed the Ameri- 
 can stores at Peekskill, about fifty miles from 
 New- York. Washington had in vain cau- 
 tioned the commissaries not to collect lar"-e 
 quantities of provisions in places accessible to 
 shipping ; but they neglected his prudent ad- 
 vice, and discovered their error when too 
 late. Soon after this incursion, Gen. Tryon 
 embarked at New- York with a detachment 
 of two thousand men to destroy the stores at 
 Danbury, in Connecticut. The British ac- 
 complished their object, but it cost them 
 dear, for they were attacked by the Ameri- 
 cans, who harrassed them in their retreat to 
 the ships. 
 
 Though the spring was now far advanced, 
 the British army was prevented from taking 
 the field, through the want of camp equip- 
 age. This delay gave Washington leisure 
 to make the requisite preparations for the 
 ensuing campaign. 
 
 Though vested with extraordinary powers 
 to raise troops, he found it very difficult to 
 keep those he had, together. A few were 
 influenced by the persuasion of their officers, 
 
110 THE LIFE OF 
 
 to remain and defend the common cause, 
 but the major part of the army were induced 
 to serve, by their attachment to their general. 
 Indeed, the high estimation in which he was 
 held by his countrymen, was of the greatest 
 efficacy on many occasions, and now it ab- 
 solutely prevented the troops from disband- 
 ing themselves. 
 
 The recruits supplied by the several pro- 
 vinces, fell short of the intended number; 
 yet, while the British troops were detained at 
 New-York, Washington received numerous 
 reinforcements. He now moved from his 
 winter encampment at Morristown, to the 
 highlands around Middle-Brook, in the vi- 
 cinity of Brunswick. In this strong posi- 
 tion, he threw up works along the front of his 
 lines, but his principal advantage was the 
 difficulty to approach his camp, the ground 
 being so judiciously occupied as to expose 
 the enemy to every kind of danger in an at- 
 tack. On the one side he covered the Jer- 
 sies, and on the other he observed the mo- 
 tions of the British army at Brunswick, of 
 icb he commanded a full prospect. 
 
 Many stratagems were employed by the 
 
 British general to draw Washington from 
 
 this strong situation, but without effect, so 
 
 that it was found necessary to make an at- 
 
 pt on Philadelphia by sea. 
 
WASHINGTON. j]/ 
 
 On the 23d of July the British fleet sailed 
 from Sandy Hook with thirty-six battalions of 
 British and Hessian infantry, a regiment of 
 Jight dragoons, and a corps of American loy- 
 alists on board. After a tedious navigation, 
 the fleet entered Chesapeak Bay, and was 
 conducted as far up the river Elk as was prac- 
 ticable. Here the army landed without op- 
 position on the 25th of August. Part of the 
 troops was left to guard the stores, while 
 General Howe proceeded with the maia 
 body to the head of the Elk. 
 
 When Washington received the informa 
 tion that the British fleet had sailed up the 
 Chesapeak, he marched with all possible 
 
 expedition to the defence of Philadelphia. 
 
 His army, amounting to fourteen thousand. 
 passed through that city to meet the British 
 
 forces, which consisted of fifteen thousand. 
 
 He encamped on the Brandy wine Creek, 
 about midway from the Elk to Philadelphia, 
 and sent detachments to harrass the British 
 army on their march. 
 
 On the approach of the enemy, Washing- 
 ton retired to the side of the Creek, next 
 Philadelphia, with a determination to dispute 
 the passage. On the 1 1th of September, 
 ♦he royal army advanced to the attack at day 
 break, and after a well contested battle, 
 
W2 THE LIFE 01- 
 
 which lasted till night, the Americans were 
 defeated with the loss of one thousand killed 
 and wounded, besides four hundred taken 
 prisoners. On the side of the conquerors, 
 the loss did not exceed five hundred. The 
 victory was so complete, that darkness alone 
 prevented the pursuit, and consequent des- 
 truction or capture of the whole provincial 
 army. The greatest valour had been dis- 
 played by the officers and soldiers on both 
 sides. Among the American troops who 
 distinguished themselves most, were the Vir- 
 ginians, who, from their affection to Wash- 
 ington, had, on all occasions, evinced the 
 greatest intrepidity and enthusiasm. 
 
 Immediately after the battle, the Ameri- 
 cans retired to Chester, whence Washington 
 wrote an account of his defeat to the Presi- 
 dent of Congress. His letter is dated at 
 twelve o'clock at night, and is, perhaps, the 
 most faithful picture ever given of the reflec- 
 tions of a great mind amid disaster and diffi- 
 culty. His troops, though defeated, were 
 not dispirited, and they considered their mis- 
 fortune rather as the consequence of superior 
 skill on the side of their enemies, than as pro- 
 ceeding from any defect of valour on theirs. 
 
 General Howe continued his march to 
 Philadelphia, while Washington retired to- 
 
WASHINGTON. US 
 
 wards Lancaster, an inland town at consider- 
 able distance from that city. When the Bri- 
 tish general was apprised of this movement, 
 he advanced with a determination to compel 
 him to another action, but a heavy fall of rain 
 prevented him, and enabled the provincials 
 to avoid the danger. 
 
 Meanwhile, Washington posted several 
 detachments in such a manner as to com- 
 mand all the roads to the British encamp- 
 ment. An ambuscade, consisting of fifteen 
 hundred men, commanded by Gen. Wayne, 
 lay concealed in the depth of a forest that 
 stood at a small distance, in the rear of the 
 British camp. When Gen. Howe received 
 intelligence of this ambuscade, he dispatched 
 Gen. Grey with a party to surprise it. This 
 enterprise was conducted with singular ad- 
 dress and intrepidity. The General ordered 
 his men not to fire a single shot ; he advan- 
 ced in silence to the out-posts of the enemy, 
 which were secured without noise. It w ? as 
 now between tw 7 elve and one ; the main 
 body were retired to rest. On the approach 
 of the British, however, they were alarmed, 
 ran to arms, and incautiously paraded in the 
 light of their fires, by which they were ex- 
 posed to the enemy. The British party rush- 
 ed upon them with their bayonets, and klU 
 K 2 
 
114 THE LIFE OF 
 
 and wounded three hundred, with the loss 
 of only eight men. Darkness favoured the 
 escape of the rest, but they lost almost the 
 whole of their arms and baggage. 
 
 Congress, which had returned from Balti- 
 more to Philadelphia, were now obliged to 
 retire a second time. They went first to 
 Lancaster, and afterwards to York -Town. 
 
 General Howe, at the head of the van- 
 guard ot his army, entered Philadelphia in 
 triumph on the 26th of September, and the 
 main body of the British army encamped in 
 the vicinity of that city. The American ar- 
 my was posted at Skippatch Creek, sixteen 
 miles distant. When Washington received 
 intelligence that the British army was divi- 
 ded, he resolved to surprise the camp of the 
 principal division at German-Town. Ac- 
 cordingly, on the 3d of October, in the even- 
 ing, he marched in great silence, and about 
 three o'clock in the morning he reached the 
 British camp, and immediately made the re- 
 quisite dispositions for an attack. The pa- 
 troles discovered his approach, and the troops 
 were called to arms. 
 
 The Americans assailed the camp with the 
 greatest intrepidity, but they were received 
 with such bravery, that after a very hot ac- 
 tion, they were repulsed, and compelled to 
 retreat with considerable loss. 
 
WASHINGTON. 115 
 
 When the news that Philadelphia was in 
 the possession of the royal army reached the 
 northern colonies, they sent a reinforcement 
 of four thousand of their best men to Wash- 
 ington. On their arrival, he advanced with- 
 in fourteen miles of the city, and fixed him- 
 self in a strong entrenchment at White- 
 Marsh. The British general marched out of 
 Philadelphia in the beginning oi December, 
 to afford Washington an opportunity of com- 
 ing to a general engagement ; but he was 
 determined to act merely on the defensive. 
 Finding that he could not provoke the ene- 
 my to engage, General Howe returned to 
 the city on the 8rh of December, and his ar- 
 my went into winter quarters. 
 
 Washington now removed his camp to 
 Valley Forge, on the banks of the Schuylkill, 
 about fifteen miles from Philadelphia. In 
 this strong position, he could observe every 
 motion of the British army. Huts were 
 erected, in order to protect his army from the 
 rigour of winter. The willingness with 
 which the troops consented to undergo the 
 various hardships of so uncomfortable a situa- 
 tion, was a proof of the warmth of their at- 
 tachment to their general, and their determi- 
 nation to defend their country. 
 
 While the British army were thus success- 
 ful in the middle states, more importaut and 
 
116 THE LIFE OF 
 
 decisive events happened in the northern 
 provinces. General Burgoyne was sent at 
 the head of a veteran army, to make a vigor- 
 ous campaign upon the Lakes, and the ad- 
 joining provinces. He first took possession 
 of Ticonderoga, then crossed Lake George, 
 and encamped on the banks of Hudson, near 
 Saratoga. Here his progress was checked by 
 the Americans under General Gates ; and, 
 after two severe actions, he was breed to 
 surrender on the 17th October, 1777. This 
 event diffused an universal joy throughout the 
 United States. The European nations, and 
 French in particular, who, from prejudice or 
 envy, had so long been desirous of the down- 
 fall of British grandeur, received this news 
 with open exultation. Indeed, several indi- 
 viduals in France had exerted themsemselves 
 in favour of the Americans. A number of 
 brave and experienced officers of the Irish 
 brigade, volunteered in the c ause of the Bri- 
 tish colonists against their parent state ; and 
 even some of the young nobility of France 
 were emulous to distinguish themselves on 
 this occasion. The most conspicuous of these 
 were the Marquis de la Fayette ; Roche du 
 Fermoy, who served in the army that acted 
 against General Burgoyne ; De Coudray, a 
 French officer of rank, who was drowned in 
 the Schuvlkill ; and Baron St. Ovary. 
 
WASHINGTON. 117 
 
 M. de la Fayette at the age of nineteen, 
 espoused the American cause. He was in- 
 cited by that enthusiastic ardour which arises 
 from a liberal education, native generosity of 
 sentiment, and a passion for glory. In the 
 beginning of the year 1777, when the affairs 
 of the United States were in the greatest dis- 
 order, he fitted out a frigate at his own ex- 
 pence, and set sail for America, accompanied 
 by some officers who had been engaged by 
 the agents of Congress. 
 
 He landed at Charleston in April, and re- 
 paired to Philadelphia, when he presented 
 himself before Congress, and told them he 
 had come to request two favours. The first 
 was, " that he might be permitted to serve 
 in their army as a common soldier ; and the 
 second, " that he might receive no pay." — 
 Congress conferred on him the rank of ma- 
 jor-general. When he joined the American 
 army, Washington, who perceived in his 
 modest cofidence the presage of his future re- 
 putation, treated him with the greatest po- 
 liteness, and supplied him with the accom- 
 modations suitable to his rank. At the battle 
 of Brandywine, where La Fayette behaved 
 with the greatest gallantry, his brigade was 
 repulsed, and he received a dangerous wound 
 in the thigh. 
 
118 THE LIFE OF 
 
 He was afterwards sent to join General 
 Greene, in New-Jersey, and obtained the 
 command of a corps of militia to reconnoitre 
 the enemy. On his march, he fell in with a 
 detachment of Hessians, whom he defeated. 
 Though La Fayette served as a volunteer, yet 
 it appears from the following extract of a let- 
 ter, dated November the 1st, 1777, from- 
 Washington to the President of Congress, 
 that the young Frenchman was ambitious to 
 obtain the command of a division. " I feel 
 myself in a delicate situation with respect to 
 the Marquis de la Fayette. He is extreme- 
 ly solicitous of having a command equal to 
 his rank, and professes very different ideas as 
 to the purpose of his appointment, from those 
 Congress have mentioned to me : he cer- 
 tainly did not understand them. I do not 
 know in what light they will view the mat- 
 ter ; but it appears to me, from a considera- 
 tion of his illustrious and important connec- 
 tions, the attachment he has manifested for 
 our cause, and the consequences which his re- 
 turn in disgust might produce, that it will be 
 advisable to gratify him in his wishes ; and 
 the more so, as several gentlemen from 
 France, who came over under some assuran- 
 ces, have gone back disappointed heir 
 expectations. His conduct with respect to 
 
WASHINGTON. 119. 
 
 tthem, stands in a favourable point of view, 
 |having interested himself to remove their un- 
 easiness, and urged the impropriety of their 
 making any unfavourable representations 
 upon their arrival at home, and in all his let- 
 ters he has placed our affairs in the best sit- 
 uation he could. Besides, he is sensible, 
 discreet in his manners, has made great pro- 
 ficiency in our language ; and, from the dis- 
 position he discovered at the battle of Bran- 
 dywine, possesses a large share of bravery 
 and military ardour." This letter had the 
 desired effect ; and the subsequent conduct 
 of La Fayette justified the recommendation 
 of his friend. 
 
 When France acknowledged the indepen- 
 dence of the United States, M. La Fayette 
 returned home to procure aid for the Ameri- 
 cans. Fie was received by his countrymen 
 with applause; but as soon as he obtained 
 the object of his voyage, he again set sail for 
 America. 
 
 In the subsequent campaign, he distin- 
 guished himself by several brilliant atchiev- 
 mejhts, and was instrumental to the capture 
 of the British under Lord Cornwallis. Soon 
 after that event he returned to France. His 
 integrity and abilities were evinced in the 
 beginning of the French revolution , and his 
 
120 THE LIFE OF 
 
 misfortunes since have excited the sympathy 
 of every generous mind. During his impri- 
 sonment in the castle of Olmutz, Washing- 
 ton, with the munificence of a true friend, 
 sent him ^£1000 as a present. 
 
 The state of Pennsylvania, as a monument 
 of gratitude for the services of this distin- 
 guished hero, has called a particular tract of 
 land Fayette ; and the state of Virginia 
 has testified a high sense of his merit by a 
 marble bust, with appropriate inscriptions. 
 
 By the assistance of these auxiliaries, the 
 Americans daily improved in discipline, and 
 the successful close of the campaign on the 
 frontiers of Canada, cheered them with the 
 pleasing expectations respecting the issue of 
 the war. 
 
 On the 6th of February, 1778, a treaty of 
 alliance between France and America was 
 signed by the contracting parties. Wash- 
 ington appointed a day for the whole army 
 to celebrate this event; and it was observed 
 with the greatest military pomp. 
 
 In May, General 1 [owe took his departure 
 for England, and the chief command of the 
 British army devolved on Sir Henry Clinton. 
 
 The English commissioners appointed by 
 the British minis y, to attempt a reconcilia- 
 tion with the colonists, arrived at New- York 
 
WASHINGTON. 121 
 
 m the beginning of June ; but before they 
 could receive an answer from Congress, Gen, 
 CJinton evacuated Philadelphia, after the 
 British army had kept possession of it for nine 
 months. This event took place on the 18th 
 of June ; and it was considered by the 
 Americans as the harbinger of their indepen- 
 dence. They asserted, that the strength of 
 Britain was broken on the American conti- 
 nent ; and that the army retreated towards 
 the sea, to be in readiness to embark if the 
 exigencies of Britain required its assistance. 
 
 The British army marched out of Phila- 
 delphia at three o'clock in the morning, and 
 crossed the Delaware before noon, with all 
 its baggage. 
 
 Washington had been apprised of this 
 movement, and dispatched expressesses into 
 the Jerseys to collect troops. . He passed the 
 Delaware with the main body of his army, 
 and was hourly joined by reinforcements of 
 regular troops and militia. 
 
 General Clinton retreated across the coun- 
 try towards Sandy Hook, whence a passage 
 to New-York might be easily effected. In 
 the meantime, Washington pursued the Bri- 
 tish army, he sent the Marquis de la Fayette 
 with a detachment of chosen troops to bar- 
 rass the rear of the enemy; General Lee, 
 
 L 
 
122 THE LIFE OF ? 
 
 who had lately been exchanged, followed 
 with a division to support him; and Wash- 
 ington himself moved with the main body to 
 sustain the whole. 
 
 On the 27th of June, the British army en- 
 camped in a strong position at Monmouth, 
 near Freehold ; and, on the morning of the 
 28th, the van-division of the Americans, un- 
 der Gen. Lee, commenced the attack by a 
 severe cannonade ; but Sir Henry Clinton, 
 had made such judicious arrangements of his 
 troops, that the enemy were unable to make 
 any impression on his rear. The British 
 grenadiers and light infantry engaged the 
 Americans with such vigour that their first 
 line, commanded by General Lee, was com- 
 pletely broken ; their second line was also 
 defeated; they both rallied, however, and 
 posted themselves with a morass in their 
 front. They were again charged by the Bri- 
 tish troops, and were with difficulty preserv- 
 ed from a total defeat by the junction of their 
 main body under Washington. 
 
 In this action, the bravery and discipline 
 of the British troops was conspicuous. They 
 had forced an enemy superior in number 
 from two strong positions, and had endured 
 excessive fatigue both from the intense heat 
 of ':: e day and unremitting toil. The loss 
 
WASHINGTON. 123 
 
 ©f the royal army was about three hundred 
 men, and that of the Americans much more 
 considerable. 
 
 , The conduct of Washington on this occa- 
 sion was highly praise-worthy. His timelv 
 interposition with the main body had pre. 
 served his army from being entirely cut off, 
 and by his subsequent movements, he placed 
 it so advantageously, as to secure it from an 
 attack. Confiding in superiority of numbers, 
 he now resolved to act offensively : his troops 
 lay on their arms in the field, and he reposed 
 himself in his cloak under a tree, that he 
 might be ready to renew the action next 
 morning. He was disappointed en rinding 
 that the British troops had resumed their 
 march during the nighr. On their arrival at 
 Sandy Hook, they embarked on board the 
 fleet, and soon afterwards arrived at New- 
 York. 
 
 General Lee, who commanded the van- 
 division of the American army in the action 
 at Monmouth, was, in consequence of his 
 misconduct, put under arrest, tried by a court 
 martial, and sentenced to a temporary sus- 
 pension from his command. 
 
 Charles Lee was the third son of John 
 Lee, Esquire, of Dernhall, in the county of 
 Chester. This gentleman was a colonel oi ; 
 
124 THE LIFE OF 
 
 a regiment of infantry, and his son Charles 
 was an officer at eleven years of age, he may 
 be considered as born in the army, From 
 his early youth he was ardent in the pursuit 
 of knowledge, and his fondness for travel 
 gave him an opportunity of obtaining several 
 languages. 
 
 Tactics, however, became his favourite 
 Study. He was appointed captain of a com- 
 pany of grenadiers in the 44th regiment, and 
 was at the battle of Ticonderoga, where 
 General Abercrombie was defeated. In the 
 year 1762, he bore a Colonel's commission, 
 and served under General Burgoyne in Por- 
 tugal. 
 
 During the years 1771, 1772, and to the 
 beginning of autumn, 1773, he travelled 
 over the principal parts of the continent of 
 Europe. On his return to London, in Au- 
 gust, 1773, he embarked on board the pack- 
 et for New- York, where he arrived the lOth 
 of November following. 
 
 As Lee had ever professed himself a friend 
 of America, he was received with enthusiasm 
 by the most active political characters in that 
 country. He now blazed forth a w T hig of 
 the first magnitude ; his company and cor- 
 respondence were courted ; many ingenious 
 political pieces, the production of his pen 3 
 
WASHINGTON. 125 
 
 were much admired ; and, from his populari- 
 ty, he looked forward in expectation of be- 
 ing advanced to the first military rank. 
 
 On the 21st of June, 1775, having receiv- 
 ed a commission of the rank of major gen- 
 eral from Congress, he accompanied Wash- 
 ington to the camp at Cambridge. General 
 Lee served in this and the subsequent cam- 
 paign with distinguished activity, zeal, and 
 valour, till, on the 13th of December, 1776, 
 he was surprised and captured by a party of 
 British light-horse. He remained a prisoner 
 of war till the capture of General Burgoyne 
 at Saratoga, when he was exchanged. The 
 battle of Monmouth terminated his military 
 career. In consequence of his behaviour at 
 this action, he was tried at Brunswick, on the 
 4th of Julv following. The charges against 
 him were, 
 
 " 1st. For disobedience of orders in not 
 attacking the enemy on the 28th of June, 
 agreeable to repeated instructions. 
 
 " 2ndiy. For niisbehavour before the ene- 
 my on the same day, by making an unneces- 
 sary, disorderly, and shameful retreat. 
 
 " Sdly. For disrespect to the commander 
 in chief in two letters, dated the 28th ' 
 June, and 1st of Julv." 
 
126 iHE LIFE OF 
 
 Lee was found guilty, and sentenced to be 
 suspended from any command in the army 
 of the United States for one year. He re- 
 tired to his plantation in Berkely county, 
 Virginia, where he gave vent to the bitterness 
 of his feelings, bywriting " Queries, Politi- 
 cal and Military." 
 
 He now lived in a style peculiar to him- 
 self; his house was more like a barn than a 
 palace ; but a few select and valuable books 
 assuaged the anguish of his ardent mind. — 
 In the year 1782, he came to a determination 
 to sell his estate, and settle near some sea- 
 port town, where he might renew his inter- 
 course with mankind. He left Berkely, 
 came to Baltimore, where he spent a week 
 with a few old friends ; he then proceeded to 
 Philadelphia. 
 
 On his arrival in that city, he took lodg- 
 ings at an inn, where, at the end of four days, 
 he was seized with a fever, which terminat- 
 ed his life on the 2d of October, 1782. — 
 During his delirium, he expressed several in- 
 coherent sentences ; and his last words were, 
 41 Stand by me, my brave grenadiers." 
 
 His funeral was attended by a large con- 
 course o\ people, the clergy of different de- 
 nominations, and several persons of distinc- 
 tion. 
 
WASHINGTON. 127 
 
 Charles Lee was well informed, above the 
 middle size, and his remarkable aquiline nose, 
 rendered his face somewhat disagreeable. — 
 He was eccentric in his manners, rather lax 
 in his morals, witty, brave, and an enthusias- 
 tic admirer of liberty. His envy of the pre- 
 eminence of Washington was the cause of 
 his disgrace, and his life affords another proof, 
 that the most brilliant talents are like fi minine 
 beauty — only valuable while guided by pru- 
 dence. 
 
 His will contains the following curious 
 item — " I desire most earnestly that 1 may 
 not be buried in any church or church-yard, 
 or within a mile of any Presbyterian or Ana- 
 baptist meeting-house ; for, since I have re- 
 sided in this country, I have kept so much 
 bad company when living, that I do not 
 chuse to continue it when dead." 
 
 Count d'Estaigne, who had sailed from 
 Toulon with twelve sail of the line and three 
 frigates, with six thousand soldiers on board, 
 arrived on the coast of Virginia in the begin- 
 ning of July. In August, General Sullivan 
 made an unsuccessful attempt to take posses- 
 sion of Rhode-Island. 
 
 In the meantime, Colonel Campbell was 
 sent on an expedition against Georgia. He 
 embarked at New- York, with a competent 
 
128 THE LIFE OF 
 
 force, under convoy of a British squadron, 
 commanded by commodore Parker. This 
 fleet arrived at the entrance of the river Sa- 
 vannah, about the end of December; the 
 troops were landed, and, after defeating the 
 Americans, they took possession of the capi- 
 tal of the province, together with its fort, its 
 military stores, and all the shipping that lay in 
 the river. 
 
 Washington, after the retreat of the British 
 army, marched to White Plains, near Kings- 
 Bridge, where he encamped. He remained 
 in this position till the latter end of autumn, 
 when he retired to Middlebrook, in Jersey. 
 Here his army erected huts similar to those 
 they hed made at Valley Forge, and went 
 into winter quarters. 
 
 In May, 1779, General Clinton sent a 
 division of the British army to take Stoney- 
 Point, a strong fort on the western side o) the 
 North River. This expedition was success- 
 ful, as the distance to which Washington lay 
 xvith his army prevented him from giving any 
 assistance to the garrison. The British gen- 
 eral fortified Stoney Point in the strongest 
 manner, and encamped at Philiipsburgh, half 
 way between that fortress and New -York, 
 to be in readiness to compel Washington to 
 an engagement, if he should leave his station 
 in Jersey. 
 
WASHINGTON". 129 
 
 In order to counteract these operations, 
 Washington advanced towards the British 
 army. He took a strong position at West- 
 Point, oh the banks of the North River, and 
 formed a design to recover Stoney Point by 
 surprise. He sent General Wayne, one of 
 the most intrepid officers in his army, to con- 
 duct this enterprise. Wayne, at the head of 
 a detachment of chosen men, arrived in the 
 evening of the 15th of July within sight of 
 Stoney Point. He formed his men in two 
 columns, with orders to use the bayonet only. 
 The right column was commanded by him- 
 self in person, the left by Major See wart, a 
 bold and active man. At midnight the two 
 columns marched to the attack on the oppo- 
 site sides of the works, which were surround- 
 ed with a morass and two rows of abbatis, 
 well provided with artillery. The Ameri- 
 cans were opposed by a tremendous fire of 
 musquetry and grape shot, but they pressed 
 forward with the bayonet, and both columns 
 met in the centre of the works, where the 
 garrison, amounting to five hundred men, 
 were obliged to surrender prisoners of war. 
 
 When the British general received intelli- 
 gence of the surprise of Stoney Point, he 
 marched with his army to retake it, and as 
 Washington did not consider the posession 
 
130 THE LIFE OF 
 
 of that fortress of sufficient importance to 
 risque a general action, he demolished as 
 much of the works as time would permk, 
 and carried off the artillery. The British 
 troops retook it three days after it was sur- 
 prised. 
 
 During these transactions in the province 
 of New- York, Governor Tryon, and Sir 
 George Collier, made an incursion into Con- 
 necticut ; where they burnt the towns of 
 Fairfield and Norwalk, and destroyed a num- 
 ber of shipping. 
 
 Washington was unable to prevent these 
 devastations. He was obliged to keep pos- 
 session of West-Point, in order to protect the 
 middle colonies, and this post was considered 
 of such importance, that General Parsons, 
 instead of pressing the commander in chief 
 for a large detachment, wrote to him as fol- 
 lows : Ci The British may probably distress 
 the country exceedingly, by the ravages they 
 will commit 5 but I would rather see all the 
 towns on the coast of my country in flames, 
 than that the enemy should possess West 
 Point." At this important position, Wash- 
 ington fixed his winter quarters, and the Bri- 
 tish general turned his attention to the con- 
 quest of the southern colonies. 
 
 Towards the end of the year 1779, Gen. 
 Clinton sailed from New-York with a consi- 
 
WASHINGTON. 131 
 
 derable body of troops to attack Charleston, 
 South-Carolina, where General Lincoln com- 
 manded. After a close siege of six weeks, 
 the town surrendered to the British general, 
 and the whole American garrison made pri- 
 soners. 
 
 In August, 1780, General Gates was in 
 North Carolina to take the command of the 
 southern army. In the second week of Au- 
 gust, Earl Cornwallis having received intelli- 
 gence at Charleston, that Gates was advan- 
 cing with his army, and that Sumpter was 
 e. deatfouring to cut oft the communication 
 between that city and the army ; that the 
 whole country between the Pedee and the 
 Black River had revolted ; and that Lord 
 Xtawdon was collecting his whole force at 
 Camden — he immddiately set off for that 
 place. On his arrival he had no small diffi- 
 culties to encounter. Gates was at hand 
 with a great superiority of force ; and the 
 position of Camden, convenient in other res- 
 pects, was a bad situation for an attack. He 
 could indeed have made good his retreat to 
 Charleston, but he must have left eight hun- 
 dred sick men and a vast quantity or. valua- 
 ble stores to fall into the hands of the pro- 
 vincials. He likewise Foresaw, that except- 
 ing Charleston and Savannah, a retreat would 
 
132 THE LIFE OF 
 
 occasion the loss of the two provinces of 
 Carolina and Georgia. In his own words, 
 there was " Jittle to lose by a defeat, and 
 much to gain by a victory." The intelligence 
 which he had received that General Gates 
 was encamped in a bad situation at Clermont 
 about thirteen miles from Camden, no doubt 
 confirmed his determination. Fie accord- 
 ingly marched from Camden about 10 o'clock 
 at night with an intention to surprise Gen. 
 Gates; and making his dispositions in such 
 a manner, as that his best troops and greatest 
 force should be directed against the continen- 
 tal regiments, laying little stress on the mili- 
 tia, if these were sufficiently provided against. 
 It was very singular that the very same 
 hour at which Lord Cornwallis set out from 
 Camden to surprise General Gates, that gen- 
 eral, ignorant of Cornwallis' arrival at Cam- 
 den, should set out from Clermont to surprise 
 him. About half an hour after two in the 
 morning, the advanced parties of both armies 
 met in the woods, and a firing commenced. 
 Some of the cavalry of Armand's legion, 
 wounded by the first fire of the enemy, threw 
 others into disorder, and the whole recoiled 
 so suddenly, that the first Maryland regiment, 
 in the front of the column, was broken, and 
 the whole line of the army thrown into a 
 
WASHINGTON. 133 
 
 general consternation. This first impression 
 struck deep. The light infantry, however, 
 executed their orders ; particularly those un- 
 der Colonel Pottersfield, who behaved with 
 such spirit, that the enemy were no less sur 
 prised at this unexpected meeting. A few 
 prisoners were taken on both sides, by whose 
 information the respective commanders de- 
 rived a knowledge of circumstances, of 
 which both till then were ignorant. Colonel 
 Pottersfield, in whose abilities and activity 
 Gates had placed great dependence, received 
 a musket ball which shattered the bones of 
 his leg, in this first encounter. The Ameri- 
 can army soon recovered its order. Corn- 
 wallis also kept his ground ; and frequent 
 skirmishes ensued, with scarcely any other 
 effect than to discover the situation of the 
 armies, to evince the intention of the gener- 
 als, and to serve as a prelude to what was to 
 occur in the morning. 
 
 The action began at break of day, in a sit- 
 uation very advantageous for the British 
 troops, but very unfavourable to the Ameri- 
 cans. The latter were much more numer- 
 ous ; but the ground on which both armies 
 stood was narrowed by swamps on the right 
 and left, so that the Americans could not 
 properly avail themselves of their superior 
 numbers. 
 
 M 
 
134 THE LIFE OF 
 
 The attack was made by the British troops 
 with great vigour, and in a few minutes the 
 action was general along the whe') line. It 
 was at this time a dead calm, with a little 
 haziness in the air, which, preventing the 
 smoke from rising, occasioned so thick a 
 darkness, that it was difficult to see the effect 
 of a very heavy and well-supported fire on 
 both sides. The British troops either kept 
 up a constant fire, or made use of bayonets, 
 as opportunities offered > and after an obsti- 
 nate resistance of three quarters of an hour, 
 threw the Americans into total confusion, 
 and forced them to give way in all quarters. 
 The continental troops behaved remarkably 
 well, but the militia were soon broken, and 
 left the former to oppose the whole force of 
 the British troops. General Gates did all in 
 his power to rally the militia, but without ef- 
 fect : the continentals retreated in some or- 
 der ; but the rout of the militia was so great, 
 that the British cavalry are said to have con- 
 d the pursuit of them to the distance of 
 twenty-two miles from the place where the 
 action happened; The loss of the Ameri- 
 dans was very considerable ; about one thou- 
 sand prisoners were taken, and more are 
 said to have been killed and wounded, but 
 ber is not very accurately ascertain* 
 
WASHINGTON. 
 
 ed. Eight pieces of brass cannon, two thou- 
 sand stand of arms, a number of colours, 
 and all t i ammunition waggons of the 
 Americans, were also taken. Of the British 
 troops, the killed and wounded amounted to 
 three hundred and twenty-four. Among the 
 prisoners taken was major-general Baron I)e 
 Kalb, who was mortally wounded, having 
 exhibited great gallantry in the course of the 
 action, and received eleven wounds. Be- 
 sides Baron De Kalb, the Americans lost se- 
 veral other officers, among whom were Bri- 
 gadier-General Gregory killed, and General 
 Rutherford taken. The British troops bv 
 which this victory was atchieved, did not 
 much exceed two thousand, while the Ameri- 
 can army is said to have amounted to six 
 thousand ; of which, however, the greatest 
 part was militia. 
 
 During the summer of 1780, the, British 
 troops made frequent incursions from New- 
 York into the Jersies, and an unsuccessful 
 attempt was made by General Knyphausen, 
 with seven thousand men, to surprise the ad- 
 vanced posts of Washington's army. So 
 great were the necessities of the American 
 army, that Washington was obliged to call 
 on the magistrates of the adjacent counties 
 for specified quantities of provisions ; qav, 
 
136 THE LIFE OF 
 
 he was sometimes compelled t© send detach- 
 merits of his troops to take necessaries at the 
 point of the bayonet from the citizens. This 
 scarcity was principally owing to the depre- 
 ciation of the paper currency, which discour- 
 aged the farmers from selling their provisions 
 to hie army. The situation of Washington 
 was peculiarly embarrassing, the army look- 
 ed to him for necessaries, and the people for 
 the protection of their property. His pru- 
 dence surmounted these difficulties; and 
 Congress sent a committee of their own body 
 to his camp, to concert measures for the pay- 
 ment and supply of the troops. As the at- 
 tempt of the British army at New-York 
 against Washington had made no impression 
 of consequence, the Americans began to re- 
 cover from the alarm which the loss of 
 Charleston had excited. Warm exhortations 
 were made to the people by Congress, in 
 which they were called upon by every mo- 
 tive that could animate them to act with 
 spirit and promptitude against Great Britain. 
 The leading nun had recourse to another 
 exoedient to rouse the people. They open- 
 ed a subscription for the relief of the private 
 soldiers in the American army, and for the 
 augmentation of their pay. This fund was 
 patronised in a very liberal manner, by Mrs, 
 
WASHINGTON. 137 
 
 Washington. That amiable woman, who 
 sometimes visited her husband at camp, had 
 been an eye-witness to the deficiency both of 
 food and cloathing in the army ; she sympa- 
 thised with those brave men, and by her ex- 
 ertions and example, large donations were 
 subscribed by all the women in the United 
 States. The citizens of Philadelphia sub- 
 scribed three hundred thousand dollars in a 
 few days for the relief of the troops. By 
 these exertions, the patriotic ardour of the 
 army was revived, and still further invigora- 
 ted by the arrival of succours from France at 
 Rhode-Island on the 11th of July, 1780. — 
 They consisted of seven ships of the line, and 
 four frigates, besides armed vessels and trans- 
 ports, commanded by the Chevalier de Ter- 
 nay, with an army of five regiments of the 
 best troops of France, and a battalion of ar- 
 tillery under Count De Rochambeau. 
 
 The arrival of the French troops occasion- 
 ed a remarkable circumstance in Washing- 
 ton's camp, Hitherto the Americans had 
 worn blue cockades ; but their general now 
 ordered them to wear blue and white, inter 
 mixed, to denote the alliance of the French 
 and American nations. 
 
 Admiral Arbuthnot now proceeded with 
 the British fleet frorri New-York to Rhi 
 
 M 'J 
 
13S THE LIFE OF 
 
 Island, and so completely blocked up the 
 French fleet and army as to prevent their 
 co-operation with the Americans. In the 
 meantime, Sir Henry Clinton returned with 
 his victorious army from Charleston, and 
 General Arnold, who had been entrusted 
 with the command of a very considerable di- 
 vision of the American army at West Point, 
 agreed to deliver up that important post to 
 the Uritish general. As Washington had set 
 out for Hartford to hold a conference with 
 Count De Rochambcau, the negociation be- 
 tween Sir Henry Clinton and Arnold was 
 carried on with the greatest facility during 
 his absence. The agent employed by the 
 British general was Major Andre, a young 
 officer of uncommon merit. To favour the 
 necessary communications, the Vulture sloop 
 of war had been previously stationed in the 
 North River, and a boat was sent at night 
 from the shore to fetch Major Andre, which 
 brought him to the beach, without the posts 
 of either army, where he met Arnold. The 
 Major continued with him during the day 
 following, and at night, the boatmen refusing 
 to conduct him bark to the Vulture, (which 
 had shifted her position, as she lay exposed 
 to the lire of a cannon sent to annoy her) he 
 wa.^ obliged to concert his escape by land,— 
 
WASHINGTON. 139 
 
 He quitted his uniform, which he had hith- 
 erto worn under his surtout, for a common 
 coat. He was furnished with a horse, and, 
 under the name of John Anderson, received 
 a passport from Arnold " to go to the lines 
 of White Plains, or lower if he thought pro- 
 per, he being on public business." 
 
 He pursued his journey alone towards 
 New- York, passed all the guards and posts 
 on the road without suspicion, and was much 
 elated. The next day he travelled without 
 any alarm, and began to consider himself out 
 of danger ; but unhappily for him, though 
 providentially for America, three of the New- 
 York militia were with others on a scouting 
 party between the out posts of the two ar- 
 mies. One of them sprung from his covert, 
 and seized Andre's horse by the bridle. The 
 Major, instead of instantly producing his 
 pass, asked the man where he belonged to, 
 who answered, "To below. " Andre, sus- 
 pecting no deceit, said " So do I." Then 
 declaring himself a British officer, he pres- 
 sed that he might not be detained, being on 
 urgent business. Upon the other two com- 
 ing up and joining their comrade, he disco- 
 vered his mistake. The confusion that fol- 
 lowed was apparent, and they proceeded to 
 search him till they found his papers. He 
 
140 THE LIFE OF 
 
 offered the captors a considerable purse of 
 gold, and a very valuable watch, to let him 
 pass; but they nobly disdained the tempta- 
 tion, besides the fascinating offers of perma- 
 nent provision, and even of future promotion, 
 on condition of their conveying and accom- 
 panying him to New- York. Arnold escaped 
 on board the Vulture, but Major Andre was 
 brought before a board of general officers, by 
 whom he was considered as a spy, and sen- 
 tenced to death. The officers who signed 
 the condemnation of Andre, and even Wash- 
 ington himself, testified the sincerest grief at 
 the necessity they declared themselves under 
 of complying with the rigorous laws esta- 
 blished in such cases. 
 
 Though superior to the terrors of death, 
 the magnanimous but unfortunate Andre, 
 wished to die like a soldier. Accordingly 
 he wrote to Washington, who was deeply af- 
 fected on the occasion, but did not comply 
 with his request. Major Andre walked with 
 firmness and the' most dignified composure 
 to the place of execution, amid his guard. — 
 The way over which he passed was thronged 
 by spectators, many of whom could not re- 
 frain from tears on beholding a graceful man, 
 in the bloom of his years, pass to an untimely 
 grave. When he arrived at the fatal spot, 
 
WASHINGTON. 141 
 
 and beheld the apparatus of death, he ex- 
 claimed, " Must I die in this manner ?" — 
 Being told it was unavoidable, he replied, 
 44 I am reconciled to my fate — but not to the 
 mode; it will be a momentary pang• ,, He 
 ascended the cart with a serenity of aspect 
 that excited the admiration, and melted the 
 hearts of all tne spectators. The moment be- 
 fore his dissolution, he was asked if he had 
 any thing to say ; he answered, " Nothing 
 but to request that you will witness to the 
 world, that I die like a brave man." 
 
 " Thus fell the young, the lovely and the brave, 
 u Strew bays and laurels on his honour* d grave." 
 
 In the whole course of the unnatural con- 
 test between Great Britain and the United 
 States of America, no event happened which 
 excited so universal an emotion as the exe- 
 cution of Major Andre. No plea of neces- 
 sity or expedience can afford a sufficient pal- 
 liation of this severe decision of the Ameri- 
 can officers, and the feeling mind must ever 
 regret the hard fate of a youthful hero, who 
 fell a victim to martial law. 
 
 Arnold, as a reward for his desertion, was 
 made brigadier-general in the King's service, 
 and published an address to the Americans, 
 dated New York, the 7th of October, in 
 which he endeavoured to justify his conduct* 
 
142 THE LIFE OF 
 
 He said, that " when he first engaged in 
 their cause, he conceived the rights of his 
 country to be in danger, and that duty and 
 honor called him to their defence. A re- 
 dress of grievances was his only aim, and 
 therefore he acquiesced unwillingly in the 
 declaration of independence, because he 
 thought it precipitate. But what now in- 
 duced him to desert their cause was, the dis- 
 gust he had conceived at the French alliance, 
 and the refusal of Congress to comply with 
 the terms offered by Great Britain, which he 
 thought equal to all their wishes.'* 
 
 At the close of the year 1780, the American 
 army felt the rigour of the season, with pecu- 
 liar circumstances of aggravation. The troops 
 had been enlisted for three years, which 
 were now expired, and incensed at so long a 
 continuance -of hardships, an insurrection 
 broke out in the Pennsylvania line, which 
 was followed by that ot N^w-Jersey. The 
 complaints of these soldiers being well found- 
 ed, were redressed, and a general amnesty 
 closed the business. That part of the Amer- 
 ican army which was under the immediate 
 command of Washington did not escape the 
 contagion of revolt. He prudently remained 
 in his quarters, where his presence, and the 
 respect and affection for his person, though it 
 
WASHINGTON. 143 
 
 did not prevent murmurs, kept bis men with- 
 in bounds and prevented a mutiny. 
 
 The common soldiers of Pennsylvania were 
 principally natives of Ireland, but though 
 not bound to America by the tie of birth, 
 they had given distinguished proofs of their 
 valour on many occasions, in defence of her 
 independence. This corps had been enlisted 
 for three years or during the war, the time 
 w r as expired, and the privates insisted that the 
 choice of staying or going remained with 
 them, while their officers contended that the 
 decision ought to be left to the state. The mu- 
 tiny began in the night of the 1st of January, 
 1781, and soon became general in the Penn- 
 sylvania line. Upon a signal given, the in- 
 surgents turned out under arms without their 
 officers. They demanded the full arrears of 
 their pay, clothing and provisions ; they had 
 received none of the two first, and but part of 
 the last, and they declared their determination 
 to quit the service, unless their grievances 
 were fully redressed. Several o\ their officers 
 were woilnded. and a captain killed, in their 
 endeavors to quell the mutiny. When Gen. 
 Wayne, who commanded the troops sta- 
 tioned at Morristown, presented his pistols as 
 if about to fire on the mutineers, they i eld 
 their bayonets to his breast, and exclaimed, 
 
144 THE LIFE OF 
 
 " We love and respect you, but if you fire, 
 you are a dead man man ; we are not going 
 to the enemy ; on the contrary, if they were 
 now to come out, you should see us fight un- 
 der your orders with as much alacrity as ever - 9 
 but we will be no longer amused ; we are 
 determined on obtaining our just due. " The 
 whole body then formed, and to the number 
 of thirteen hundred, marched from Morris- 
 town, and proceeded in good order with 
 their arms and six field pieces, to Princeton. 
 Here they elected officers from their own 
 body. General Wayne sent provisions after 
 them to prevent their plundering the country 
 for subsistence ; but they invaded no man's 
 property farther than their immediateneces- 
 sities rendered indispensable. 
 
 Sir Henry Clinton, by confidential messa- 
 ges, offered to take them under the protec- 
 tion of the British government, and made 
 several proposals that were highly advanta- 
 geous. The mutineers, however, to shew 
 their adherence to the cause of America, sent 
 the British agents to General Wayne, and 
 marched from Princeton to Trenton, near 
 Philadelohia. The executive council of that 
 city, sent a letter to the insurgents, in which 
 they promised in the most solemn manner, to 
 redress all their grievances. They returned 
 a favourable answer, and a committee con- 
 
WASHINGTON. 145 
 
 listing of several members of Congress, met 
 them at Trenton, where all matters were en- 
 tirely settled to their satisfaction. President 
 Reed offered them a purse of one hundred 
 guineas, as a reward for their fidelity in de- 
 livering up the spies, but they refused to ac- 
 cept it, saying, " That what they had done, 
 was only a duty they owed their country, and 
 that they neither desired, nor would receive 
 any reward, but the approbation of their 
 country, for which they had so often fought 
 and bled." 
 
 The campaign of 1781, was opened with 
 great vigour by the British army in Carolina. 
 After several skirmishes, with various suc- 
 cesses, the two armies under Lord Comwal- 
 lis and General Greene, met at Guildford, on 
 the 15th of March, 1781, and after a well 
 contested action, the British remained mas- 
 ters of the field. Lord Cornwallis afterwards 
 marched into Virginia, where, notwithstand- 
 ing the advantages he gained over the Amer- 
 icans, his situation became very critical. Sir 
 Henry Clinton was prevented from sending 
 him reinforcements, as he was apprehensive 
 that Washington intended to attack New- 
 York. The American commander-in-chief 
 employed great finesse to deceive the Bri- 
 tish General; and by a variety of judi- 
 
 N' 
 
146 THE l^FT- OF 
 
 cious manoeuvres, kept him in continual 
 alarm. 
 
 In the meantime, Lord Cornvvallis took 
 possession oi York-Town, in Virginia, and 
 he was followed by the Marquis de la Fay- 
 ette, who had been dispatched by Washing- 
 ton with two thousand light infantry to watch 
 the motions of the British army. 
 
 Qn the 30th of August, Count de Grasse 
 anchored in Chesapeak Bay, with twenty- 
 four ships of the line. 
 
 The combined forces proceeded on their 
 way to York-Town, partly by land and partly 
 down the Chesapeajc. The whole, together 
 with a bodv of Virginia militia under the 
 command of General Nelson, amounting in 
 the aggregate to twelve thousand men, ren- 
 | at Williamsburg on the 25th of 
 September, and in five days after, moved 
 down to the investiture o( York-Town- — 
 The French licet at the same time moved to 
 the mouth o\ York River, and took a posi- 
 tion which was calculated to prevent I 
 ComwaHS either from retreating or receiving 
 succours by w ater. Before the army march- 
 ed '.'illuimsburg to York-Town, Gen. 
 \y, ton gave out in general orders as 
 
 ►Hows: ki it the enemy should be tempud 
 on its march, the general 
 
WASHINGTON. 147 
 
 particularly enjoins the troops to place their 
 principal reliance on the bayonet, that they 
 may prove the vanity of the boast which the 
 British make of their peculiar prowess in de- 
 ciding battles with that weapon. " 
 
 The combined army halted in the evening, 
 about two miles from York-Town, and lay 
 on their arms all night. On the next day, 
 Colonel Scammell, an officer of great merit, 
 was mortally wounded and taken prisoner, 
 in approaching the Gut-works of the British. 
 About this time, Earl Cornwallis received a 
 letter from Sir Henry Clinton, announcing 
 the arrival of Admiral Digby with three ships 
 of the line from Europe, and the determina- 
 tions of the general and fla^ officers in New- 
 York to embark five thousand men in a fleer, 
 which would probably sail on the 5th of Oc- 
 tober' — that this fleet consisted of twenty* 
 three sail of the line, and that joint exertions 
 of the navy and army would be made for his 
 relief. On the night after the receipt of this 
 intelligence, Earl Cornwall's quirted his out- 
 ward position, and retired to one more in- 
 ward. On the 9th and 10th of October, the 
 French and Americans opened their batter- 
 ies ; and a tremendous roar of cannon and 
 mortars was continued for six or eight hours 
 without ceasing. Major Cochran was sent 
 
248 THE LIFE OF 
 
 from New-York on the 3d of October, with 
 a duplicate of Sir Henry Clinton's letter.— 
 That gallant officer went in a vessel to the 
 Capes, and made his way to Earl Cornwallis, 
 through the whole French fleet, in ah open 
 boat. He got to York-Town on the same 
 day the Americans opened their batteries - y 
 and soon after his arrival, had his head car- 
 lied or! by a cannon ball. On the 10th and 
 11th, the shells of the besiegers set on fire 
 and burned the Charon, of 44 guns, together 
 with a guard ship and a transport. Earl 
 Cornwallis, it is said, was advised at thisjunc- 
 ture to evacuate York Town, and, alter pas- 
 sing over to Gloucester, to force his way into 
 the country. But had this movement been 
 made, and the royal army been defeated or 
 captured in the interior country, and in the 
 mean time had Sir Henry Clinton reached 
 York-Town with the promised relief, the 
 precipitancy of the noble Earl would have 
 been perhaps more the subject of censure, 
 that his resolution of standing his ground and 
 resisting to the last extremity. 
 
 On the 11th, the besiegers commenced 
 their second parallel, two hundred yards from 
 the works of the besieged. Two redoubts, 
 which were advanced on the left of the Bri- 
 tish, greatly retarded the progress of the be- 
 
WASHINGTON. 149 
 
 siegers 5 it was therefore determined to attack 
 both at the same hour, on the evening of the 
 14th, as soon as it was dark. To accomplish 
 their reduction as soon as possible, as well 
 as to prevent jealousies, the attack of the one 
 was committed to the French, of the other to 
 the Americans. Both detachments having 
 passed the abbatis and palisades, wirh un- 
 loaded muskets, carried them in a few min- 
 utes. The Americans had only eight killed 
 and twenty-eight wounded ; but the French 
 lost a considerable number of men. Lieu- 
 tenant Colonel Laurens, son to the former 
 President of Congress, took the command- 
 ing officer prisoner. His humanity, and that 
 of his associates, so overcame their resent- 
 ment that they spared the British, though 
 they were charged, when they went to. the 
 assault, to remember New-London, and to 
 retaliate by putting the men in the redoubt 
 to the sword. Being asked why they had 
 disobeyed orders by bringing them off as 
 prisoners, they answered, "Vie could not 
 put them to death, when they begged for 
 their lives." About five of the British wer- 
 killed, and the rest were captured. Colonel 
 Hamilton, who conducted the etttejjtfise, in 
 his report to the Marquis de la Fayette, men- 
 tioned to the honor of his detachment,. i( th •. 
 N 2 
 
150 THE LIFE OF 
 
 incapable of imitating examples of barbari- 
 ty, and forgetting recent provocations, they 
 spared every man who ceased to resist." 
 
 The British were so weakened by the fire 
 of the combined armies, but chiefly by sick- 
 ness, that Eari Cornwallis could not venture 
 any considerable number in the making of 
 sallies. The present emergency, however, 
 was such, that he ordered a sortie of about 
 four hundred men, under Lieutenant Colo- 
 nel Abercrombie. He made the attack with 
 such impetuosity, that the redoubts which 
 covered the batteries were forced, and eleven 
 pieces of cannon spiked. The French troops, 
 who guarded that part of the entrenchment, 
 suffered considerably. This successful ex- 
 ploit did honor to the officers and troops en- 
 gaged, but produced no essential benefit. — 
 The cannon, being hastily spiked, were again 
 rendered serviceable ; and the combined for- 
 ces were so industrious, that, about four 
 o'clock in the afternoon of the same day, the 
 batteries were finished, and fired briskly. — 
 Their several batteries were now covered 
 with nearly one hundred pieces of heavy ord- 
 nance, whilst the British works were so des- 
 troyed that they could scarcely shew a single 
 
 gun. 
 
 Lord Cornwallis being now reduced to the 
 necessity of preparing for a surrender, or of 
 
WASHINGTON. 151 
 
 attempting an escape, determined on the lat- 
 ter. Boats were prepared under different 
 pretences, for the reception of the troops by 
 ten at night, in order to pass them over to 
 Gloucester Point. The arrangements were 
 made with the utmost secrecy. The inten- 
 tion was to abandon the baggage, and to 
 leave a detachment behind to capitulate for 
 the town's people, and for the sick and 
 wounded ; his Lordship having already pre- 
 pared a letter on the subject, to be delivered 
 to General Washington after his departure, 
 The first embarkation had arrived at Glouce- 
 ster Point, and the greater part of the troops 
 were already landed, when the weather, 
 which was before moderate and calm, in- 
 stantly changed to a most violent storm of 
 wind and rain. The boats with the remain- 
 ing troops were all driven down the river, 
 and the design of passing over was not only 
 entirely frustrated, but the absence of the 
 boats rendered it impossible to bring back 
 the troops from Gloucester. Thus weaken- 
 ed and divided, the army was in no small 
 danger. However, the boats returned, and 
 the troops were brought back in the course 
 of the forenoon, with very little loss. 
 
 Things were now hastening to a period 
 which could no longer be protracted -, for 
 
152 THE LIFE OF 
 
 the British works were sinking under the 
 weight of the French and American artille- 
 ry. AH hojfcs of relief from New-York 
 were over, and the strength and spirits of 
 the royal arm) were broken down and ex- 
 hausted by their constant and unremitting 
 fatigue. Matters being in this situation, on 
 the 17th of October, Lord Cornwallis sent a 
 letter to General Washington, requesting a 
 cessation of arms for twenty-four hours, and 
 that commissioners might be appointed for 
 digesting the terms of capitulation. Com- 
 missioners were accordingly appointed ; and 
 on the side of the allies were Viscount De 
 Noailles, and Lieutenant-Colonel Laurens, 
 whose father was in close confinement in 
 the Tower of London, whilst the son was 
 drawing up articles, by which an English no- 
 bleman and a British army became prisoners. 
 On the 19th of October, the posts of York 
 Town and Gloucester were surrendered. — 
 The honour of marching out with colours 
 flying, which had been denied to General 
 Lincoln, was now refused to Lord Cornwal- 
 lis, and Lincoln was appointed to receive the 
 submission of the royal army at York Town, 
 precisely in the same way his own had been 
 conducted, about eighteen months before, at 
 Charleston. The troops that surrendered 
 
WASHINGTON. 1 53 
 
 exceeded seven thousand ; but so great was 
 the number of sick and wounded, that there 
 were only three thousand eight hundred ca- 
 pable of doing duty. The officers and sol- 
 diers retained their baggage and effects. Fif- 
 teen hundred seamen shared the same fate as 
 the garrison. The Guadaloupe frigate, of 
 24 guns, and a number of transports, were 
 surrendered to the conquerors. About twen- 
 ty transports had been sunk or burned during 
 the siege, including the ships already men- 
 tioned. The lani forces became prisoners 
 to Congress ; but the seamen and ships were 
 assigned to the French admiral. The Amer- 
 icans obtained a fine train of artillery, con- 
 sisting of seventy-five brass ordnance, and 
 sixty-nine iron cannon, howitzers and mor- 
 tars. The regular troops of France and 
 America employed in this siege, consisted of 
 about seven thousand of the former, and five 
 thousand five hundred of the latter; and 
 they were assisted by about four thousand 
 militia. On the part of the combined army 
 about three hundred were killed or wound- 
 ed. On the part of the British about five 
 hundred ; and seventy were taken in the 
 redoubts which were stormed on the 14th of 
 October. 
 
 Lord Cornwallis tried to obtain an indem- 
 nity for those of the inhabitants who had 
 
3 54 THE LIFE OF 
 
 joined him ; but he was obliged to consent 
 to deliver them up to the unconditional mer- 
 cy of their countrymen. His Lordship ne- 
 vertheless obtained permission for the Boneta 
 sloop of war to pass unexamined to New- 
 York. This gave an opportunity of skreen- 
 ing such of them as were most obnoxious to 
 the Americans. 
 
 A British fleet of twenty-five sail of the 
 line, two fifty gun ships, and eight frigates, 
 having on board Sir Henry Clinton, with 
 seven thousand of his best troops, destined 
 for the relief of Lord Cornwallis, arrived off 
 the Chesapeak on the fifth day after his sur- 
 render ; but on receiving advice of this event, 
 they re(urned\to Sandy II ok. And De 
 Grasse remained in the Chesapeak till the 
 5th of November, when he set sail for the 
 West- In dies. 
 
 Washington felt all the honest exultation 
 of a patriot at this auspicious event. The 
 orders published in his camp, on the 20th of 
 October, was strongly expressive of his sa- 
 tisfaction. He congratulated the officers and 
 soldiers of the combined armies on their suc- 
 cess, and issued a general pardon to all per- 
 sons in the continental army who were un- 
 der arrest, "that every heart might p tr cipate 
 the general joy." Nor did he omit what he 
 
WASHINGTON. 155 
 
 knew would be peculiarly acceptable to the 
 religious turn of many ot his countrymen. — 
 His orders concluded with a particular in- 
 junction, "That a thanksgiving service should 
 be performed," at which it was solemnly re- 
 commended to the troops to assist with that 
 seriousness and sensibibility of heart, which 
 the surprising interposition of Providence in 
 their favour so justly claimed. 
 
 Washington was solicitous that the prison- 
 ers of war should be well treated. By his 
 orders they were distributed in the three pro- 
 vinces of Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsyl- 
 vania ; and their allowance of provisions 
 was the same as that of the American army. 
 
 Congress voted an address of thanks to 
 Washington, Count Rochambeau, Count De 
 Grasse, and all the officers and soldiers of the 
 combined armies for the services they had 
 performed. They also resolved, " That in 
 remembrance of the surrender of the British 
 army, a marble column should be erected at 
 York -Town, Virginia, adorned with emblems 
 of the alliance between France and the Uni- 
 ted States of America, and inscribed with a 
 succinct narrative of the memorable event it 
 was intended to commemorate." 
 
 Washington now returned with the princi- 
 pal part of his army to the vicinity of New- 
 
156 THE LIFE OP 
 
 York, where, as he was unable to reduce 
 that city, he went into winter quarters. — . 
 The only appearance of an existing war were 
 some skirmishes and predatory excursions. 
 
 On the 5th of May, 1782, Sir Guy Carle- 
 ton arrived at New- York, being appointed 
 to command the British army in America.—^ 
 Immediately on his arrival, he acquainted* 
 Washington and Congress, that negotiations 
 for a peace had been commenced at Paris. 
 Meanwhile the British troops evacuated all 
 their posts in South-Carolina and Georgia, 
 and retired to the main army at New-York. 
 
 Preliminary articles of peace were signed 
 at Paris, on the 30th of November, 1782, 
 by Mr. Fitzherbert and Mr, Oswald, on the 
 part of Great Britain, and by Dr. Franklin, 
 Mr. Adams, Mr. Jay, and Mr. Lawrence, 
 on the part of the United States. By this 
 treaty his Majesty acknowledged the Thir- 
 teen United Colonies to be " free, sovereign, 
 and independent States/* 
 
 Benjamin Franklin, the celebrated Ameri- 
 can philosopher, was born at Boston, on the 
 17th of January, 1706. In the year 1720, 
 he went to Philadelphia, and engaged him- 
 self with the only printer then in that city, 
 who taught him the typographic art. In 
 conjunction with some other young men, 
 
WASHINGTON. 157- 
 
 Franklin instituted a book society ; its mem- 
 bers rapidly increased, and similar establish- 
 ments were afterwards formed in Boston^ 
 New-York, and Charleston. 
 
 In the year J 725, Franklin went to Eng- 
 land, and worked for some time in London, 
 as ajourneyman printer .After a residence of 
 some years in the metropolis, he returned to 
 America, when he commenced business for 
 himself in Philadelphia, which he pursued 
 with diligence for several years, till he ac- 
 quired a fortune, which enabled him to de- 
 vote his time to the study of natural philoso- 
 phy. In consequence of his curious and 
 useful discoveries in electricity, the Royal 
 Society of London, on the 30th of Novem- 
 ber. 1753, adjudged Sir Godfry Copeley'ti 
 medal to Franklin. 
 
 In the year 1758, he paid another visit to 
 England, and returned to Philadelphia in 
 1762. His stay in America was short, for 
 he went back to England in 1764, and con- 
 tinued there till the year 1775. 
 
 During his residence in London, he was 
 appointed agent for the House of Represen- 
 tatives of the province of Massachusetts, and 
 in 1773, he presented a petition from that 
 body to his Majesty, praying for the removal 
 of Governor Hutchinson. 
 o 
 
158 THE LIFE OF 
 
 In January, 1774, Dr. Franklin was ex- 
 amined on the subject of this petition before 
 the Privy Council, when the committee made 
 a report on it, in consequence of which his 
 Majesty ordered it to be dismissed the board. 
 
 Dr. Franklin, however, exerted himself to 
 the utmost to prevent a breach between 
 Great Britain and America-, but finding his 
 attempts fruitless, he, in the year 1775, em* 
 barked in the Pennsylvania packet, and re- 
 turned to Philadelphia. In the autumn of 
 1776, he was sent by Congress to Canada^ 
 to effect an alliance with that province. He 
 was unsuccessful, and on his return he was 
 dispatched to France, to finish the negocia- 
 tion, which Mr. Dean had conducted in a 
 very private manner. 
 
 In February, 1777, Dr. Franklin was ap- 
 pointed Plenipotentiary from Congress to the 
 Court of France, where, in 1783, he sign- 
 ed a treaty of peace with the English com- 
 missioners. 
 
 The Dr. acquired the French language af- 
 ter he was turned of seventy. During his 
 embassy he became the ton, and the ladies, 
 for whom he was a strenuous advocate, wore 
 hats a-la- Franklin. Jn the year 1778, he 
 was visited by Voltaire, who conversed with 
 him in English. A gay young lady inter- 
 
WASHINGTON. 159 
 
 fupted them by saying, that Dr. Franklin 
 understood French, and the rest of the com- 
 pany were desirous to learn the subject of 
 their conversation, r Excuse me, my dear/* 
 replied Voltaire, " I have the vanity to shew, 
 that I am not unacquainted with the lan- 
 guage of a Franklin. " 
 
 He enjoyed a good state of health for ma- 
 ny years, but in 1782 he was arBicted with 
 the gout and a nephritic cholic. Having ac- 
 complished the object of his highest ambition 
 by his exertions for the emancipation of his 
 country, he solicited Congress for leave to re- 
 turn. He embarked at Havre on the 24th 
 July, 1785, landed at Southampton, and pro- 
 ceeded to Cowes, where a vessel was ready 
 to convey him to Philadelphia. 
 
 He arrived in that city on the 1.5th of 
 September, and was accompanied to his 
 house by the members of Congress, amid 
 the acclamations of his fellow- citizens. A 
 person who was present, observed, " that he 
 never beheld so affecting a scene. " When 
 the Doctor stepped ashore, all the people 
 exclaimed, " Liberty. " 
 
 He was appointed President of the As- 
 sembly of Pennsylvania, but at the expira- 
 tion of two years, finding his infirmities in- 
 crease, he retired from public business. , 
 
160 THE LITE OF 
 
 •His death was occasioned by the bursting of 
 an imposthume, which had formed itself in 
 his lungs, and he expired on the 7th of April, 
 1790, in the 85th year of his age. His re- 
 mains were interred on the 2 1st, and attended 
 to the grave by thirty clergymen, and a mul- 
 titude of the citizens of Philadelphia, of all 
 ranks, who moved in the greatest order. — 
 All the bells in the city were tolled, muffled, 
 and their sound was accompanied by a dis- 
 charge of artillery. Congress, on this occa- 
 sion, ordered a general mourning for one 
 month throughout the United Slates ; and 
 the National Assembly of France decreed a 
 general mourning of three days. The genius 
 and patriotism of Franklin have justly ren- 
 dered his name illustrious. He had the feli- 
 city to see all his hopes realized, respecting 
 the freedom of America, and his name will 
 be revered by posterity as a philosopher and 
 a legislator. The following item of his will 
 js a sufficient proof of the high estimation in 
 which he held the commander in chief of the 
 American armies. 
 
 " My fine crab-tree walking stick, with a 
 gold head, curiously wrought in the form of 
 the cap of liberty, I give to my friend, and 
 the friend of mankind, General Washing- 
 ton. If it were a sceptre, he has merited it, 
 and would become it." 
 
WASHINGTON. 161 
 
 In this unhappy contest it appears, from 
 the most authentic estimates, that the Ameri- 
 cans lost eighty thousand men, and Great 
 Britain upwards of forty thousand. Such 
 was the termination of a war which exalted 
 the United States of America to an indepen- 
 dent rank among the nations of the earth. 
 
 As military operations were now entirely 
 suspended, it was no longer necessary to 
 keep the American army embodied. The 
 states, however, were unable to pay them 
 the arrears due for their inestimable services, 
 and those men who had spent the prime of 
 their days in defence of their country, were 
 now to be dismissed without a reward. 
 
 An attempt was made by an anonymous 
 paper to incite the officers and soldiers to re- 
 volt. Washington,, who was then in the 
 camp, saw the danger, and exerted his influ- 
 ence to prevent it. At a meeting of the gen- 
 eral and field officers, \\ ith one officer from 
 each company, the commander in chief ad- 
 dressed them in a pathetic speech,, in which 
 he conjured them, "as they valued their 
 honour, as they respected the rights of hu- 
 inanity, and as they regardedthe military and 
 national character of America, to express 
 their utmost detestation of the man who was 
 attempting to open the floodgates of civil 
 
1^2 THE LIFE OF 
 
 discord, and delude their rising empire with 
 blood. " Washington then retired. The of- 
 ficers, softened by the eloquence of their be- 
 Joved commander, entered into a resolution, 
 by which they declared, " that no circum- 
 stance of distress or danger should induce a 
 conduct that might tend to sully the reputa- 
 tion and glory they had acquired ; that the 
 army continued to have an unshaken confi- 
 dence in the justice of Congress and their 
 country, and that they viewed with abhor- 
 rence, and rejected with disdain, the infa- 
 mous propositions in the late anonymous ad- 
 dress to the officers of the army." 
 
 The fortitude and patriotism of Washing- 
 ton, were in no instance, of more essential 
 service to America, than on this momentous 
 occasion. Instead of making the discontent 
 of the army instrumental to his own ambi- 
 tion, and usurping the government, this mag- 
 nanimous patriot soothed the passions of his 
 soldiers, and preserved inviolate the liberties 
 of the country. 
 
 The following character of Washington, is 
 given by M. de la Fayette, in his statement 
 of his own conduct and principles — "The 
 Americans petitioned and remonstrated ; but 
 their petitions and remonstrances were con- 
 temptuously thrownunderthe table. At length 
 
WASHINGTON. 168 
 
 they reluctantly appealed to the sword, as their 
 last resource. Hostilities were commenced ; 
 a national army was raised ; and Col. Wash- 
 ington was appointed commander in chief, a 
 situation which the genius of his country 
 seems designed for him at his birth ; the peo- 
 ple rejoiced at this choice, and placed a most 
 hearty and unreserved confidence in his in- 
 tegrity ; and notwithstanding the many diffi- 
 culties, and embarrassments, and jealousies, 
 that naturally attended his situation during 
 the war, yet in the end he amply proved him- 
 self worthy of that confidence reposed in 
 him. There was a mild serenity in his de- 
 portment and manner, that would give dig- 
 nity even to a rebel ; and so slow and mode- 
 rate were his resentments, that he appeared to 
 have wrested the passion from his nature, as 
 a blemish which degraded the dignity of that 
 degree of excellence which links the divine 
 nature to the human in the universal chain.' — 
 He had an irresistible propensity to justice, 
 and so inflexible was his attachment to that 
 divine attribute, that in all his actions, whether 
 public or private, the leading feature readily 
 discovered the source from which they 
 sprung. If he ha,d faults, he must have been 
 sensible of them, and was very successful in 
 concealing them from the world. 
 
164 THE LIFE OF 
 
 " No character among the ancients was so 
 much admired by him as that of Arislides, 
 and no man ever adopted his political and 
 private principles more correctly, except that 
 he had observed the dictates of justice a de- 
 gree farther, in not wronging himself; he 
 was not philosopher enough to Jose sight of 
 the difference between wealth and poverty. 
 I would not have my meaning perverted into 
 a charge of parsimony. His generosity, as 
 commander in chief, and as President, will 
 obviate any such idea. When merit of any 
 sort presented itself, his purse, patronage, and 
 friendship, were as prompt as his approba- 
 tion. As an officer,, he assumed a pride not 
 natural to him. It was necessary in a loose 
 army to supply the want ot that rigid authori- 
 ty, which gives a settled perfection to disci- 
 pline. In his retirement, he chose rather to 
 assume the active and independent citizen, 
 than what people of common notions may 
 rashly call an ambitious ostentation of pover- 
 ty, which may be looked upon as a perpetual 
 momento to the gratitude of his country. 
 
 "< To judge the merits of this difference in 
 the characters of those illustrious personages, 
 would be presumptuous in any man who did 
 not possess the divine greatness of soul, and 
 elevated genius of Aristides. Washington 
 
WASHINGTON. 16% 
 
 might consider wealth as a great blessing in 
 the hands of a good man, because it enabled 
 him to indulge a kind and generous propen- 
 sity in relieving the cravings of corporeal ne- 
 cessities. Aristides, perhaps, forming a more 
 just idea of the ends we are designed to an- 
 swer in this short life, might think it brutish 
 in man to devote the noble faculties of the 
 mind entirely to the gratification of those ap- 
 petites and passions which brutes possess in 
 common with him, and strove, by example 
 and precept, to exalt the human mind to a 
 sense of its own inherent dignity, in temporise 
 ing with the condition of our fate in this life, 
 and ascertaining the degree of its fortitude, 
 by the degree of poverty allotted to us for 
 the benefit of the experiment. 
 
 " Aristides, born poor, might have ima- 
 gined, that an accumulation of wealth must 
 unavoidable derive some tincture from injus- 
 tice; and Washington, born wealthy, might 
 deem it injustice to die poor. 
 
 "Washington could not see any material 
 difference between the despotism of absolute 
 monarchy and that of licentiousness. In both 
 species, reason and justice are trampled un- 
 der foot, and the life and property of the sub- 
 ject unprotected by any law, lie open to be- 
 come the prey of the robber and the assassin. 
 
i$6 tub i. mi. if 
 
 In Washington's eonduet during the Amcri- 
 ean war, \w m.iv easily see hew tar his ae 
 lions were governed hv his principles, and 
 th< happy Conclusion ptOVtfd their merits. " 
 
 Towards the dote Oi the year 17S.>, Uotv- 
 grew issued a proelamatiom in whuh the ar 
 inies of the United Slates w ere applauded 
 for their 4l lottg, eminent, and faithful servi- 
 
 Congress then declared it to he their 
 
 plcasurej "that such part of their federal ar- 
 
 . as stood engaged to serve during the 
 
 war, should hem and after the third day ol 
 
 November next, he absolutely disel... 
 
 from the said sen ice 
 
 Washington's 4i Farewell orders to the 
 ol the United States, n dated Rocky 
 \\ . near Princeton, November 2di L783> ii 
 hetic exlv rtation, in which the disinter- 
 estedness ol the Patriot is blended with 
 the .wisdom ol the Philosopher, It coa- 
 tams the following interesting and imp, 
 passages : 
 
 * w It only remains for the commander in 
 chiel to address himseli once more, and for 
 
 the last time, to the ainues of the United 
 
 States, and to bid them an affectionate ■ Ions; 
 farewell, 
 
 " It is universally acknowledged, the 
 enlarged prospects of happiness opened by 
 
WASHINGTON. 16,7 
 
 the consideration of our independence and 
 sovereignty, almost exceed the power of des- 
 cription ; and shall not the brave men, who 
 have contributed so essentially to these ines- 
 timable acquisitions, retiring victorious from 
 the field of war to the field of agriculture, 
 participate in all the blessings which have 
 been obtained ? In such a republic, who 
 will exclude them from the rights of citizens, 
 and the fruits of their labours? To these 
 hardy soldiers, who are actuated by the spirit 
 of adventure, the fisheries will afford ample 
 and profitable employments; and the exten- 
 sive and fertile regions of the West will yield 
 a most happy asylum to those, who, fond of 
 domestic enjoyment, are seeking for personal 
 independence. 
 
 " The commander in chief conceives little 
 is now wanting to enable the soldiers to 
 change the military character into that of a 
 citizen, but that steady and decent tenour of 
 behaviour, which has generally distinguished 
 not only the army under his immediate com- 
 mand, but the different detachments and se- 
 parate armies, through the course of the war ; 
 from their good sense and prudenee, he an- 
 ticipates the happiest consequences; and 
 while he congratulates them on the glorious 
 occasion which renders their services in the 
 
ItS8 THE LIFE OF 
 
 field no longer necessary, he wishes- to ex- 
 press the strong obligations he feels himself 
 under, for the assistance he has received from 
 every class, and in every instance. To the 
 various branches of the army, the general 
 takes this last and solemn opportunity of pro- 
 fessing his inviolable attachment and friend- 
 ship. He wishes more than bare professions 
 were in his power ; that he was really able to 
 be useful to them all in future life. And be- 
 ing now to conclude these his last public or- 
 ders, to take his ultimate leave, in a short 
 time, of the military character, and to bid a 
 final adieu to the armies he has so long had 
 the honor to command, he can only again of- 
 fer, in their behalf, his recommendations to 
 their grateful country, and his prayers to the 
 God of armies. May amplejusticebedone 
 them here, and may the choicest of Heaven's 
 favours, both here and hereafter, attend those, 
 who, under the Divine auspices, have secured 
 innumerable blessings for others ! With 
 these wishes, and this benediction, the com- 
 mander in chief is about to retire from ser- 
 vice. The curtain of separation will soon 
 be drawn, and the military scene to him will 
 be closed forever I" 
 
 To this address the army that remained at 
 West-Point, on the banks of the Hudson, 
 
WASHINGTON. 169 
 
 sent a most respectful and affectionate an- 
 swer. After returning thanks to their gene- 
 ral, for his exertions in their favour, they ex- 
 press their feelings in the following bold and 
 figurative language : 
 
 " Regardless of present sufferings, we 
 looked forward to the end of our toils and 
 dangers, to brighter scenes in prospect. — 
 There we beheld the genius of our country, 
 dignified by our sovereignty and independ- 
 ence, supported by justice, and adorned with 
 every liberal virtue. There we saw patient 
 husbandry fearless extend her cultured fields, 
 and animated commerce spread her sails to 
 every wind. There we beheld fair science 
 lift her head, with all the arts attending in 
 her train. There blest with freedom, we 
 saw the human mind expand; and throwing 
 aside the restraints which confined it to the 
 narrow bounds of country, it embraced the 
 world. Those animating prospects are now 
 changed and changing to realities ; and ac- 
 tively to have contributed to their produc- 
 tion, is our pride, our glory.'* 
 
 New-York was evacuated by the British 
 troops about three weeks after the discharge 
 of the American army. Meanwhile, Wash- 
 ington, having finished the great work of the 
 revolution, and founded a republic, he wish- 
 
 p 
 
J 70 THE LIFE OF 
 
 ed to retire from the eye of observation to 
 the peaceful rural shades of his patrimonial 
 inheritance. Accordingly, he took leave of 
 his officers in the most solemn manner. — 
 Having been previously assembled for that 
 purpose, Washington joined them, and cal- 
 ling for a glass of wine, he addressed them 
 in the following words : " AVith a heart full 
 of love and gratitude, I now take leave of 
 you : 1 most devoutly wish that your latter 
 days may be as prosperous and happy, as 
 your former ones have been glorious and 
 honourable*'' The officers were deeplv at- 
 iccted; they came up to him successively. 
 and he took an affecting leave of each. He 
 then left the room, and passed between the 
 ranks of a corps of light infantry that lined 
 his way to the side of the North River. The 
 officers followed him in a solemn silent train ; 
 i heir eyes were suffused with tears. They 
 felt a strong emotion oi regret at parting with 
 a hero who had participated thejr dangers, 
 and so often led them to dory. When 
 
 &■ 
 
 Washington entered the barge, he turned to- 
 wards his fellow-soldiers with a countenance 
 expressive of his feelings, and waved his hat 
 as a iaot adieu. 
 
 lie proceeded to Annapolis to resign his 
 e. >mmission to Congress; and was accompa- 
 
WASHINGTON. 171 
 
 nied by his nephew, Major George Wash- 
 ington, and Colonel Humphries, his aid-de- 
 camp. His progress was marked by public 
 rejoicings ; triumphal arches were erected at 
 the entrance of every town and village 
 through which he passed. A train of beau- 
 tiful young virgins, robed in white, met him 
 with songs of gratulation ; they strewed lau- 
 rels before the benign hero, who moved 
 slowly along, on a white charger. The name 
 of Washington excited an universal emo- 
 tion. W r omen and children thronged the 
 doors and windows, eager to behold the de- 
 liverer of their country ; bands of music fil- 
 led the air with sprightly melody, while the 
 men who had fought under the banners of 
 liberty, hailed their general with acclama- 
 tions. Washington received this tribute of 
 public gratitude with his characteristic benig- 
 nity, while his bosom participated the general 
 happiness. 
 
 On his arrival at Annapolis, he informed 
 Congress of his intended resignation ; thev 
 resolved it should be in a public audience, 
 and on the day appointed, numbers of distin- 
 guished persons attended, to behold the in- 
 teresting scene. General Washington ad 
 dressed the President in the following 
 words; 
 
i7J THE LIFE OF 
 
 € * Mr. President, 
 
 " The great events on which my resigna- 
 tion depended, having at length taken place, 
 I have now the honour of offering my sin- 
 cere congratulations to Congress, and of pre- 
 senting myself before them to surrender into 
 their hands the trust committed to me, and 
 to claim the indulgence of retiring from the 
 services of my country. 
 
 " Happy in the confirmation of our inde- 
 pendence and sovereignty, and pleased with 
 the opportunity afforded the United States of 
 becoming a respectable nation, I resign with 
 satisfaction, the appointment I accepted with 
 diffidence ; a diffidence in my abilities to 
 accomplish so arduous a task, which, how- 
 ever, was superceded by a confidence in the 
 rectitude of our cause, the support of the Su- 
 preme Power of the Union, and the patron- 
 age of Heaven. 
 
 " The successful termination of the war 
 has verified the most sanguine expectations, 
 and my gratitude for the interposition of Pro- 
 vidence, and the assistance I have received 
 from my countrymen, increases with every 
 review of the momentous contest. 
 
 " While I repeat my obligations to the ar- 
 my in general, I should do injustice to my 
 feelings, not to acknowledge, in this place, 
 
WASHINGTON. 173 
 
 the peculiar services and distinguished merits 
 of the persons who had been attached to my 
 person during the war ; it was impossible the 
 choice of confidential officers to compose my 
 family should have been more fortunate.' — - 
 Permit me, sir, to recommend in particular 
 those who have continued in the service to 
 the present moment, as worthy of the favour- 
 able notice and patronage of Congress. 
 
 " I consider it as my indispensable duty to 
 close this last solemn act of my official life, 
 by commending the interests of our dearest 
 country to the protection of Almighty God, 
 and those who have the superintendance of 
 them to his holy keeping. 
 
 "Having now finished the work assigned 
 me, I retire from the great theatre of action ; 
 and bidding an affectionate farewell to this 
 august body, under whose orders I have long- 
 acted, I here offer my commission, and take 
 my leave of all the employments of public 
 life." 
 
 To this the President returned the follow- 
 ing answer : 
 " Sir, 
 
 " The United States, in Congress assem- 
 bled, receive, with emotions too affecting for 
 utterance, the solemn resignation of the au- 
 thorities under which you have led thefT 
 1> 2 
 
174 THE LIFE OF 
 
 with success, though a perilous and doubtful 
 war. 
 
 " Called upon by your country to defend 
 its invaded rights, you accepted the sacred 
 charge before it had formed alliances, and 
 whilst it was without funds or a government 
 to support you. 
 
 " You have conducted the great military 
 contest with wisdom and fortitude, invaria- 
 bly regarding the rights of the civil power 
 through all disasters and changes : you have, 
 by the love and confidence of your fellow- 
 citizens, enabled them to display their mar- 
 tial genius, and transmit their fame to poste- 
 rity ; you have persevered, till these United 
 States, aided by a magnanimous king and 
 nation, have been enabled, under a just Pro- 
 vidence, to close the war in freedom, safety, 
 and independence ; on which happy event, 
 we sincerely join you in congratulations. 
 
 " Having defended the standard of liberty 
 in this new world ; having taught a lesson 
 useful to those who reflect, and to those who 
 feel oppression ; you retire from the great 
 theatre of action, with the blessings of your 
 fellow-citizens : but the glory of your virtues 
 will not terminate with your military corn- 
 command : it will continue to animate re- 
 motest ages. We feel, with you, our obliga- 
 
WASHINGTON. 175 
 
 tions to the army in general, and will parti- 
 cularly charge ourselves with the interests of 
 those confidential officers, who have attend- 
 ed your person to this affecting moment. 
 
 " We join you in commending the inter- 
 ests of our dearest country to the protection 
 of Almighty God, beseeching him to dispose 
 the hearts and minds of its citizens to improve 
 the opportunity afforded them, of becoming 
 a happy and respectable nation ; and for 
 you, we address to him our earnest prayers, 
 that a life so beloved may be fostered with 
 all his care : that your days may be happy 
 as they have been illustrious; and that he 
 will finally give you that reward which this 
 world cannot give/' 
 
 Washington now hastened to Mount Ver- 
 non, where he was welcomed by his affec- 
 tionate consort, neighbours, and domestics, 
 with every demonstration of joy ; and di- 
 vesting himself of the military robe, he once 
 more assumed the plain garb of the farmer. 
 
 Agriculture was his favourite pursuit.—- 
 His estate at Mount Vernon particularly en- 
 gaged his attention, which was productive of 
 large quantities of wheat, Indian corn, pota- 
 toes, and flax, besides flocks of sheep and 
 herds of cattle. Under his eye his domes- 
 tics manufactured linen and woollen cloth, 
 
Il6 THE LIFE OF 
 
 sufficient for his household, which consisted 
 of nearly one thousand persons. He was vi- 
 sited by all foreigners who travelled in North 
 America; and his hospitality and politeness 
 ensured their esteem. He kept a pack of 
 hounds, and generally hunted once a week, 
 accompanied by a party of gentlemen from 
 Alexandria. 
 
 His life was regulated by temperance ; he 
 rose early, and after spending the day in a 
 variety of rural pursuits, he retired to rest 
 about nine o'clock. This was his invariable 
 rule, except when visitors required his polite 
 attention. His table was overspread with 
 the most wholesome viands and pure wines, 
 but he commonly dined on a single dish, 
 which, with a few glasses of wine, formed 
 his repast. His liberality patronised an acad- 
 emy at Alexandria, encouraged the interior, 
 navigation of the Potomac : he was the ben- 
 efactor of the poor, and in short, like the sun 
 to vegetation, his cheering influence and ex- 
 ample promoted the happiness of society 
 where he resided. 
 
 And here it may not be improper to give 
 a description of the spot that was consecrated 
 by the presence of a patriotic hero. Mount 
 Vernon is situated on the Virginia bank of 
 the Potomac, where it is nearly two miles 
 
WASHINGTON. 177 
 
 wide. The sloping mount rises two hundred 
 feet above the surface of the river ; the sum- 
 mit is about ten acres in extent, in the cen- 
 tre of which the mansion appears in majes- 
 tic simplicity. The front next the river is 
 embellished by a portico ninety-six feet long, 
 and twenty feet high, supported by eight 
 Doric columns. The wings are adorned 
 with groves of various flowering shrubs and 
 forest-trees, skirted by two large gardens, 
 and the whole is terminated by the stables at 
 one extremity, and a green house, school- 
 house, and servant's hall for the negro me- 
 chanics at the other. The prospect from 
 the front is inexpressibly beautiful. A small 
 wood park, that stretches along the banks 
 of the Potomac, presents to the eye hc„rds 
 of the English deer and American wild 
 deer, bounding among the thickets, or feed- 
 ing on the herbage ; these objects, together 
 with the vessels that glide along the river, 
 enliven the picturesque scene. Beyond a 
 small creek, towards the north, an extensive 
 plain exhibits corn-fields and pastures, with 
 numerous flocks and herds; while the broad 
 expanse of water, and the distant wood- 
 lands, cultured hills and vallies on the Ma- 
 ryland shore, present a rich variety of rural 
 scenery, which form an admirable landscape, 
 
178 THE LIFE OF 
 
 In these peaceful scenes, Washington en- 
 joyed the rational delights of rural life, from 
 the year 1783, till the summer of 1787, when 
 he was elected a delegate to the federal con- 
 vention which met at Philadelphia to form 
 the new Constitution, and was chosen Pre- 
 sident thereof. Whatever difference of sen- 
 timent there might have been amongst the 
 citizens with regard to the principle^ struc- 
 ture, or adoption of the new Constitution, 
 there appeared but one sentiment as to the 
 man who should sit at the helm of its admin- 
 istration. General Washington, after the 
 adoption of the Federal Constitution, was on, 
 the 6th of April, 1789, unanimously elected 
 President of the United States — whereupon 
 the citizens testified with becoming joy their 
 confidence and approbation at his appoint- 
 ment to the office of chief magistrate, and 
 innumerable addresses reiterated his praise 
 from every part of the union. 
 
 His triumphal entrv into Philadelphia on 
 his way to New-York, the seat of govern- 
 ment, to assume the duties of this important 
 office, merit a minute description. Early on 
 the morning of the 20th of April, his Excel- 
 lency Thomas Mifflin, Esquire, Governor of 
 the state, the honourable Richard P * •< • Es- 
 quire, speaker of the legislature of the state, 
 
WASHINGTON. 17$ 
 
 the old city troop of horse, and another troop 
 from the city commanded by captain Bing- 
 ham, waited the arrival of their beloved 
 Washington, at the line between the states 
 of Pennsylvania and Delaware, to which 
 place they had proceeded on the evening be- 
 fore. 
 
 After paying him the tribute of military 
 honour due to his rank and exalted character, 
 by proper salutes and otherwise, they escort- 
 ed him into Chester, where they breakfasted., 
 and rested a couple of hours. 
 
 This great and worthy man, finding he 
 could not possibly elude the parade which 
 necessarily must attend manifestations of joy 
 and affection, when displayed by a grateful 
 people, to their patriot benefactor, ordered 
 his carriages into the rear of the whole line, 
 and mounted an elegant horse, accompanied 
 by the venerable patriot, Charles Thompson, 
 Esquire, and his former aid-de-camp, the 
 celebrated Colonel Humphreys; both of 
 whom were also on horseback. 
 
 On their way to the city, they were joined 
 by detachments from the Chester and Phila- 
 delphia troops of horse, and also by a num- 
 ber of respectable citizens, at whose head was 
 the worthy citizen and soldier, his Excelled 
 cy Arthur St. Clair, Esquire, Governor of 
 
180 THE LIFE OF 
 
 the Western Territory. Thus they proceed- 
 ed to Gray's Ferry, on the Schuylkill ; observ- 
 ing the strictest order and regularity during 
 the march. But here such a scene present- 
 ed itself, that even the pencil of a Raphael 
 could not delineate. 
 
 The bridge was highly decorated with lau- 
 rel and other evergreens, by Messrs. Gray, 
 the ingenious Mr. Peale, and others, and in 
 such a style, as to display uncommon taste in 
 these gentlemen, At each end there were 
 erected magnificent arches, composed of 
 laurel, emblematical of the ancient triumphal 
 arches, used by the Romans, and on each side 
 of the bridge, a laurel shrubbery; which seem- 
 ed to challenge even nature itself, for simpli- 
 city, ease, and elegance. And as Washing- 
 ton passed the bridge, a lad, beautifully or- 
 namented with sprigs of laurel, assisted by 
 certain machinery, let drop, above the hero's 
 head, unperceived by him, a civic crown of 
 laurel. There was also a very elegant dis- 
 play of variegated flags on each side of the 
 bridge, as well as other places, which alter- 
 nately caught the eye, and filled the specta- 
 tor's soul with admiration and delight. 
 
 But who can describe the heart felt con- 
 gratulations of mire than twenty thousand 
 free citizens, who lined every fence, field, 
 
WASHINGTON. 1 81 
 
 and avenue between the bridge and city ? — « 
 The aged sire, the venerable matron, the 
 blooming virgin, and the ruddy youth, were 
 all emulous in their plaudits — nay, the lisp- 
 ing infant did not withhold its innocent smile 
 of praise and approbation. 
 
 In short, all classes and descriptions of citi- 
 zens discovered (and they felt what they dis- 
 covered) the most undisguised attachment and 
 unbounded zeal for their dear chief, and I 
 may add, under God, the Saviour of their 
 country. Not all the pomp of majesty, not 
 even imperial dignity itself, surrounded with 
 its usual splendour and magnificence, could 
 equal this interesting scene. 
 
 On approaching near the city, our illustri- 
 ous chief was highly gratified with a further 
 military display of infantry, and artillery, who 
 joined in the procession, and thousands of 
 freemen, whose hearts burned with patriotic 
 fire, also fell into the ranks almost every 
 square they marched, until the column swel- 
 led beyond credibility itself, nnd having con- 
 ducted the man of their hearts to the city ta- 
 vern, he was introduced to a very grand and 
 plentiful banquet, which was prepared for 
 him by the citizens. The pleasures and fes- 
 tivity of the day being over, they were suc- 
 ceeded by a handsome display of fire- works 
 
182 THE LIFE OF 
 
 in the evening ; this may give a faint idea of 
 this glorious procession, and of the universal 
 joy which inspired every heart upon this in- 
 teresting, this important occasion. 
 
 His progress from Philadelphia to New- 
 York is thus described by an elegant writer, 
 and presents an animated picture of public 
 gratitude : 
 
 " When Mr. Washington crossed the Del- 
 aware, and landed on the Jersey shore, he 
 was saluted with three cheers by the inhabi- 
 tants of the vicinity. When he came to the 
 brow of the hill, on his way to Trenton, a tri- 
 umphal arch was erected on the bridge, by 
 the direction of the ladies of the place. The 
 crown of the arch was highly ornamented 
 with imperial laurels and flowers, and on it 
 was displayed in large figures, December 
 <26th 9 1116. On the sweep of the arch, be- 
 neath, was this inscription : The Defender of 
 the Mothers xcill also protect their Daughters. 
 On the north side were ranged a number of 
 young girls, dressed in white, with gari 
 lands of flowers on their heads, and bas- 
 kets of flowers on their arms; in the second 
 row stood the young ladies, and behind them 
 the married ladies of the town. The instant 
 he passed the arch, the young girls began to 
 sing the following ode : 
 
WASHINGTON. 18$ 
 
 ** Welcome, mighty chief once more", 
 " Welcome to this grateful shore ; 
 " Now no mercenary foe 
 " Aims again the fatal blow, 
 " Aims at thee the fatal blow. 
 
 " Virgins fair, and matrons grave, 
 *« These thy conq'ring arm did save* 
 *' Build lor thee triumphal bowers, 
 V Strew ye fair, his way with flowers, 
 <c Strew your hero's way with flowers." 
 
 As they sung the last lines, they strewed 
 their flowers on the road before their beloved 
 deliverer. His situation on this occasion, 
 contrasted with what he had, in December, 
 1776, felt on the same spot, when the affairs 
 of America were at the lowest ebb of depres- 
 sion, filled him with sensations that cannot be 
 described. He was rowed across the bay 
 from Elizabeth-Town to New- York in an 
 elegant barge, by thirteen pilots. All the 
 vessels in the harbour hoisted their flags. Ori 
 his landing, universal joy diffused itself 
 through every order of the people, and he was 
 received and congratulated by the Governor 
 of the state, and officers of the corporation.— 
 In the evening the houses of the inhabitants 
 were brilliantly illuminated. " 
 
 On the 50th of April, he was inaugurated 
 President of the United States, and took the 
 oath enjoined by the constitution, in the fol- 
 lowing words : u I do solemnly swear, that I 
 
181 THE LIFE OF 
 
 will faithfully execute the office of President 
 of the United States, and will, to the best of 
 my abilities, protect and defend the constitu- 
 tion of the United States." An universal 
 and solemn silence prevailed among the spec- 
 tators during this part of the ceremony. The 
 Chancellor then proclaimed him President of 
 the United States, and was answered by the 
 discharge of cannon and the acclamation of 
 ten thousand citizens. An eye-witness to 
 this interesting scene, describes his emotions 
 in the following words : — " It seemed, by 
 the number of witnesses, to be a solemn ap- 
 peal to Heaven and earth at once. Upon the 
 subject of this great and good man, I may 
 perhaps be an enthusiast : but I confess, I 
 was under an awful and religious persuasion, 
 that the gracious ruler of the universe was 
 looking down at that moment, with peculiar 
 complacency, on an act which, to a part of 
 his creatures, was so very important. Under 
 this impression, when the Chancellor pro- 
 nounced, in a very feeling manner, " Long 
 live George WasJ&ngton" my sensibility was 
 wound up to such a pitch, that I could do no 
 more than wave my hat with the rest, with- 
 out the power of joining in the repeated ac- 
 clamations which rent the air." After this 
 ceremony, Washington retired to the Senate 
 
 
WASHINGTON. 183 
 
 Chamber, where he delivered the following 
 inaugural address to both Houses of Con- 
 gress : 
 " Gentlemen, 
 
 " Among the vicissitudes incident to life, 
 no event could have filled me with greater 
 anxieties, than that, of which the notification 
 was transmitted by your order, and received 
 on the fourteenth day of the present month: 
 on the one hand, I was summoned by my 
 country, whose voice I can never hear but 
 witli veneration and love, from a retreat 
 which I had chosen with the fondest predilec- 
 tion, and, in my flattering hopes, with an im- 
 mutable decision, as the asylum of my de- 
 clining years; a retreat which was rendered 
 every day more necessary, as well as more 
 dear to me, by -the addition of habit to incli- 
 nation, and of frequent interruptions in health, 
 to the gradual waste committed on it by 
 time. On the other hand, the magnitude 
 and difficulty of the trust, to which the 
 voice of my country called me, being 
 sufficient to awaken in the wisest apd 
 most experienced of her citizens, a distrust- 
 ful scrutiny into his qualifications, could not 
 but overwhelm with despondence^ one who, 
 inheriting infeiior endowments from nature, 
 and unpractised in the duties of civil adi 
 
1S6 THE LIFE OF 
 
 istration, ought to be peculiarly conscious of 
 his own deficiencies. In this conflict of emo- 
 tions, all I dare aver, is, that it has been my 
 faithful study to collect my duty from a just 
 appreciation of every circumstance, by which 
 it might be effected. All I dare hope, is, 
 that if, in executing this task, I have been 
 too much swayed by a grateful remembrance 
 of former instances, or by an affectionate sen- 
 sibility to this transcendent proof of the con- 
 fidence of my fellow-citizens; and have 
 thence too little consulted my incapacity as 
 well as disinclination for the weighty and un- 
 tried cares before me — my error will be pal- 
 liated by the motives which mislead me, and 
 its consequences be judged by my country, 
 with some share of the partiality in which 
 they originated. 
 
 " Such being the impressions under which 
 I have, in obedience to the public summons, 
 repaired to the present station— it would be 
 peculiarly improper to omit in this first official 
 act, my fervent supplications to that Al- 
 mighty Being who rules over the universe, 
 who presides in the councils of nations — and 
 whose providential aids can supply every hu- 
 man defect, that his benediction may conse- 
 crate to the liberties and happiness of the 
 le of the United States, a government 
 
WASHINGTON. 187 
 
 Instituted by themselves for these essential 
 purposes ; and may enable every instrument, 
 employed in its administration, to execute 
 with success the functions allotted to his 
 charge. In tendering this homage to the 
 great Author of every public and private 
 good, I assure myself that it expresses vour 
 sentiments not less than my own, nor those 
 of my fellow-citizens at large, less than either. 
 No people can be bound to acknowledge and 
 adore the invisible hand, which conducts the 
 affairs of men, more than the people of the 
 United States. Every step, by which they 
 have advanced to the character of an inde- 
 pendent nation, seems to have been distin- 
 guished by some tokens of providential agen- 
 cy. And in the important revolution just 
 accomplished in the system of their united 
 government, the tranquil deliberations and 
 voluntary consent of so many distinct com- 
 munities, from which the event has resulted, 
 cannot be compared with the means by 
 which most governments have been establish- 
 ed, without some return of pious gratitude, 
 along with an humble anticipation of the 
 futnre blessings which the past seem to pre- 
 sage. These reflections, arising out of the 
 present crisis, have forced themselves too 
 strongly on my mind to be suppressed. You 
 
188 THE LIFE OF 
 
 will join with me, I trust, in thinking, that 
 there are none under the influence or which, 
 the proceedings of a new and Tree govern- 
 ment can more auspiciously commence. 
 
 " By the article establishing the executive 
 department, it is made the duty of the Presi- 
 dent " to recommend to your consideration, 
 such measures as he shall judge necessary and 
 expedient." The circumstances under which 
 I now meet you, will acquit me from enter- 
 ing into that subject, farther than to refer to 
 the great constitutional charter under which 
 you are assembled ; and which, in defining 
 your powers, designates the objects to which 
 your attention is to be given. It will be 
 more consistent with those circumstances, 
 and far more congenial with the feelings 
 which actuate me, to substitute in place of a 
 recommendation of particular measures, the 
 tribute that is due to the talents, the rectitude,, 
 and die patriotism which adorn the charac- 
 ters selected to devise and adopt them. In 
 these honourable qualifications, 1 behold the 
 surest pledges, that as, on one side, no local 
 prejudices or attachments — no separate views 
 — nor party animosities, will misdirect the 
 comprehensive and equal eye which ought 
 to watch over this great assemblage of com- 
 munities and interests : so, on another, that 
 
WASHINGTON, 189 
 
 the foundations of our national policy will be 
 laid in the pure and immutable principles of 
 private morality ; and the pre-eminence of 
 free government, be exemplified by all the 
 attributes which can win the affections of its 
 citizens, and command the respect of the 
 world. I dwell on this prospect with every 
 satisfaction which an ardent love for my 
 country can inspire; since there is no truth 
 more thoroughly established, than that there 
 exists in the economy and course of nature 
 an indissoluble union between virtue and 
 happiness, between duty and advantage, be- 
 tween the genuine maxims of an honest and 
 magnanimous policy, and the solid rewards 
 of public prosperity and felicity: since we 
 ought to be no less persuaded, that the pro- 
 pitious smiles of heaven can never be ex- 
 pected on a nation that di regards the eternal 
 rules of order and right, which Heaven itself 
 has ordained : and since the preservation of 
 the sacred lire of liberry, and the destiny of 
 the republican model of government, are 
 justly considered as deeply, perhaps as finally 
 staked, on the experiment entrusted to the 
 hands of the American people. 
 
 " Besides the ordinary objects submitted 
 to your care, it will remain with your judg- 
 ment to decide, how far an exercise of the 
 
190 THE LIFE OF 
 
 occasional power delegated by the fifth arti- 
 cle of the constitution is rendered expedient 
 at the present juncture, by the nature of ob- 
 jections which have been urged against the 
 system, or by the degree of inquietude which 
 has given birth to them. Instead of under- 
 taking particular recommendations on this 
 subject, in which I could be guided by no 
 lights derived from official opportunities, I 
 shall again give way to my entire confidence 
 in your discernment and pursuit of the public 
 good : for I assure myself that whilst you 
 carefully avoid every alteration which might 
 endanger the benefits of an united and effec- 
 tive government, or which ought to await the 
 future lessons of experience ; a reverence 
 for the characteristic rights of freemen, and 
 a regard for the public harmony, will suffi- 
 ciently influence your deliberations on the 
 question, how far the former can be more 
 impregnably fortified, or the latter be safely 
 and advantageously promoted. 
 
 " To the preceding observations I have one 
 to add, which will be more properly addres- 
 sed to the House of Representatives. It con- 
 cerns mvself, and will therefore be as brief 
 as possible. When I was first honoured 
 with a call into the service of my cou try, 
 then on the eve of an arduous struggle for its 
 
WASHINGTON. , 191 
 
 liberties, the light in which I contemplated 
 my duty, required that I should renounce 
 every pecuniary compensation. From this 
 resolution I have in no instance departed. — 
 And being still under the impressions which 
 produced it, I must decline, as inapplicable 
 to myself, any share in the personal emolu- 
 ments, which may be indispensably included 
 in a permanent provision for the executive 
 department; and must accordingly pray that 
 the pecuniary estimates for the station in 
 which I am placed,' may, during my contin- 
 uance in it, be limited to such actual expen- 
 ditures as the public good may be thought to 
 require. 
 
 " Having thus imparted to you my senti- 
 ments, as they have been awakened by the 
 occasion which brings us together, I shall 
 take my present leave; but not without re- 
 sorting once more to the benign parent of the 
 human race, in humble supplication, that 
 since he has been pleased to favour the Amer- 
 ican people, with opportunities for deliber- 
 ating in perfect tranquillity, and dispositions 
 for deciding with unparalleled unanimity on 
 a form of government, for the security of 
 their union, and the advancement of their 
 happiness ; so his divine blessing may be 
 equally conspicuous in the enlarged views, 
 
192 THE LIFE OF 
 
 the temperate consultations, and the wise 
 measures on which the success of this 20- 
 verni^ent must depend. • 
 
 « G. WASHINGTON." 
 Soon after his appointment to the chief 
 magistracy, he visited the Eastern States 
 with a view to promote agriculture, and ex- 
 plore the means of national improvement. — 
 The French revolution, which had excited 
 the attention of mankind, proved a severe 
 test to the prudence of Washington. Though 
 he secretly disapproved of the violent mea- 
 sures of the French Republic, yet he saw 
 that it was necessary for America to preserve 
 a mutual good understanding with that na- 
 tion. With this conviction, he received Mr. 
 Genet, whose altercations with the govern- 
 ment excited the anxiety of every good 
 mind. The moderation of Washington tri- 
 umphed over every difficulty ; and though 
 his authority was insulted by anonymous li- 
 bels; though his confidential ministers were 
 accused of being seduced to betray their 
 trust; nay, though the populace were insti- 
 gated to insurrection, his prudent measures 
 restored peace and harmony. 
 
 Washington was twice elected President, 
 and during his eight years administration, he 
 performed the duties of his arduous office 
 
WASHINGTON. 193 
 
 with all the zeal of an honest patriot. His 
 principal residence was in Philadelphia, 
 where Mrs. Washington was treated with 
 the distinction which her own amiable vir- 
 tues and the dignified station of her husband 
 claimed. 
 
 The President occasionally visited Mount 
 Vernon,* where in his fragrant bowers he 
 found a pleasing relaxation from the cares of 
 government. 
 
 In April, 1796, he had the satisfaction to 
 sign the commercial treaty with Great Bri- 
 tain, an event which was facilitated by his 
 exertions. After having spent forty-five years 
 of his life in the service of his country, he, 
 in September, 1796, announced his determi- 
 nation to retire, in an address, expressive of 
 his gratitude and affection. 
 
 This treasure of instruction cannot fail to 
 make a favourable impression on the mind of 
 the reader, and it exhibits a lucid view of the 
 state and resources of America. 
 
 * '* I was struck with awe and veneration when I recollected 
 that I was now in the presence of one of the greatest men upon 
 earth. The great Washing-ton, the noble and wise benefactor 
 of the world ! as Mirabeau stjles him— the advocate of human 
 nature, the friend of both worlds Whether we view him as a 
 general in the field, \ested with unlimited authority and power, 
 at the head of a victorious army ; or in ihe cabinet, as the Pre- 
 sident of the United States ; or as a private gentleman, cultivat- 
 ing- his ownfui m, he is still the same great'man— anxious onlv 
 to discharge with propriety the duties of his relative situation."" 
 Wansey's Excursions to the U. States of North America. 
 R 
 
J 94 THE LIFE OF 
 
 Address of President Washington to the 
 
 People of America. 
 " ^Friends and Fellozv- Citizens, 
 
 " The period for the new election of a 
 citizen, to administer the executive govern- 
 ment of the United States being not far dis- 
 tant, and the time actually arrived, when 
 your thoughts must be employed in designat- 
 ing the person who is to be clothed with 
 that important trust, it appears to me proper, 
 especially as it may conduce to a more dis- 
 tinct expression of the public voice, that I 
 should now apprise you of the resolution I 
 have formed, to decline being considered 
 among the number of those out of whom a 
 choice is to be made. 
 
 " I beg you at the same time to do me the 
 justice to be assured, that this resolution has 
 not been taken without a strict regard to all 
 the considerations appertaining to the rela- 
 tion which binds a dutilul citizen to his coun- 
 try; and that, in withdrawing the tender of 
 service, which silence in mv situation mi^ht 
 imply, I am influenced by no diminution of 
 zeal for your future interest, no deficiency of 
 grateful respect for your past kindness, but 
 am supported by a full conviction, that the 
 step is compatible with both. 
 
 " The acceptance of, and continuance 
 hjtherto in, the office to which your suffrages 
 
Washington. 195 
 
 have twice called me, have been an uniform 
 sacrifice of inclination to the opinion of duty, 
 and to a deference to what appeared to be 
 your desire. I constantly hoped, that it 
 would have been much earlier in my power, 
 consistently with motives which I was not at 
 liberty to disregard, to return to that retire- 
 ment from which I had been reluctantly 
 drawn. The strength of my inclination to do 
 this, previous to the last election, had even 
 led to the preparation of an address to de- 
 clare it to you, but mature reflection of the 
 then perplexed and critical posture of our 
 affairs with foreign nations, and the unani- 
 mous advice of persons entitled to my confi- 
 dence, impelled me to abandon the idea. 
 
 " I rejoice that the state of your concerns, 
 external as well as internal, no longer renders 
 the pursuit of inclination incompatible with 
 the sentiment of duty or propriety; and am 
 persuaded, whatever partiality may be re- 
 tained for my services, that in the present cir- 
 cumstances of our country, you will not dis- 
 approve of my determination to retire. 
 
 " The impressions with which I first un- 
 dertook the arduous trust, were explained on 
 the proper occasion. In the discharge of 
 this trust, I will only say, that I have, with 
 good intentions, contributed towards the or- 
 
196 THE LIFE Uf 
 
 ganization and administration of government, 
 the best exertions of which a very fallable 
 judgment was capable. Not unconscious in 
 the outset, of the inferiority of my qualifica- 
 tions, experience, in my own eyes, perhaps 
 still more in the eyes of others, has strength- 
 ened the motives to diffidence of myself: and 
 every day the increasing weight of years ad- 
 monishes me more and more that the shade 
 of retirement is as necessary to me as it will 
 be welcome. Satisfied that if any circum- 
 stances have given peculiar value to my ser- 
 vices, they were temporary. I have the con- 
 solation to believe, that while choice and pru- 
 dence invite me to quit the political scene, 
 patriotism does not forbid it. 
 
 " In looking forward to the moment which 
 is intended to terminate the career of my 
 public life, my feelings do not permit me to 
 suspend the deep acknowledgment of that 
 debt of gratitude which I owe to my beloved 
 country, for the many honours it has confer- 
 red upon me, or still more for the sedfast con- 
 fidence with which it has supported me ; and 
 for the opportunities I have thence enjoyed of 
 manifesting my inviolable attachment, by ser- 
 vices useful and persevering, though in use- 
 fulness unequal to my zeal. If benefits have 
 resulted to our country from these services, 
 
WASHINGTON. 197 
 
 let it always be remembered to your praise, 
 and as an instructive example in our annals, 
 that under circumstances in which the pas- 
 sions, agitated in every direction, were most 
 liable to mislead, amidst appearances some- 
 times dubious, vicissitudes of fortune often 
 discouraging, in situations in which not 
 unfretmently want of success has counten- 
 anced the spirit of criticism, the constan- 
 cy of your support was the essential prop 
 of the efforts, and a guarantee of the plans by 
 which they were effected. Profoundly pen- 
 etrated with this idea, I shall carry it with 
 me to my grave, as a strong incitement to un- 
 ceasing vows, that Heaven may continue to 
 you the choicest tokens of his beneficence — • 
 that your union and brotherly affection may 
 be perpetual — that the free constitution, 
 which is the work of your hands, may be sa- 
 credly maintained- — that its administration in 
 every department may be stamped with wis- 
 dom and virtue — that, in fine, the happiness 
 of these states under the auspices of liberty-, 
 may be made complete, by so careful a pre- 
 servation and so prudent a use of this bles- 
 sing as will acquire to them the glory of re- 
 commending it to the applause, the affection 
 and adoption of every nation which is yet at 
 
 stranger to it. 
 
 R 2. 
 
198 THE LIFE OF 
 
 " Here, perhaps, I ought to stop. But 
 solicitude for your welfare, which cannot 
 end but with my life, and the apprehension 
 of danger, natural to such solicitude, urge me 
 on an occasion like the present to offer 
 to your solemn contemplation, and to re- 
 recommend to your frequent review, some 
 sentiments, which are the result of much 
 reflection, of no inconsiderable observation, 
 and which appear to me all important 
 to your felicity as a people. These will 
 be offered to you with the more freedom, 
 as you can only see in the disinterested warn- 
 ings of a parting frienol, who can possibly 
 have no personal motive to bias his counsel. 
 Nor can I forget, as an encouragement to it, 
 your indulgent reception of my sentiments on 
 a former and not dissimilar occasion. 
 
 " Interwoven as is the love of liberty with 
 every ligament of your hearts, no recommen- 
 dation of mine is necessary to fortify or con- 
 firm the attachment. 
 
 " The unity of government which consti- 
 tutes you one people is also now dear to you. 
 It is justly so ; for it is a main pillar in the 
 edifice of your real independence, the sup- 
 port of your tranquillity at home, and your 
 peace abroad ; of your safety, of your pros- 
 perity, of that very liberty which you so high- 
 
WASHINGTON. 199 
 
 ]y prize. But as it is easy to foresee, that 
 from different causes and from different quar- 
 ters much pains will be taken, many artifices 
 employed, to v\ eaken in your minds the con- 
 viction of this truth (as this is the point in 
 your political fortress which, against the bat- 
 teries of internal and external enemies, will 
 be most constantly and actively, though often 
 covertly and insidiously directed) it is of infi- 
 nite moment that you should properly estimate 
 the immense value of your national union to 
 your collective and individual happiness ; that 
 you should cherish a cordial, habitual, and 
 immoveable attachment to it, accustoming 
 yourselves to think and speak of it as of the 
 palladium of your political safety and prosper- 
 ity; watching tor its preservation with jeal- 
 ous anxiety ; discountenancing whatever may 
 suggest even a suspicion that it can in any 
 event be abandoned ; and indignantly frown- 
 ing upon every attempt to alienate any por- 
 tion of our country from the rest, or to enfee- 
 ble the saered ties which now link together 
 the various parts. 
 
 " For this you have every inducement of 
 sympathy and interest. Citizens by birth or 
 choice of a common coin try, that country 
 has a right to concentrate your affections. — ■ 
 The name of American, which belongs to 
 
200 THE LIFE OF 
 
 you in your national capacity, must always 
 exalt the just pride of patriotism more than 
 any appellation derived from local deriva- 
 tions. With light shades of difference, you 
 have the same religion, manners, habits, and 
 political principles. You have, in common 
 cause, fought and triumphed together ; the 
 independence and liberty you possess are the 
 work of your counsels and joint efforts, of 
 common dangers, sufferings and successes. 
 
 " But these considerations, however pow- 
 erfully they address themselves to your sen- 
 sibility, are greatly outweighed by those which 
 apply more immediately to your interest. — ■ 
 Here every portion of our country finds the 
 most commanding motivesfor carefully guard- 
 ing and preserving the union of the whole. 
 
 " The North, in an unrestrained inter- 
 course with the South, protected by the equal 
 laws of a common government, finds in the 
 productions of the latter great additional re- 
 sources of maritime and commercial enter- 
 prises, and precious materials of manufactur- 
 ing industry. The South, in the same inter- 
 course, benefiting by the agency of the North, 
 sees its agriculture grow, and its commerce 
 expand. Turning partly into its own chan- 
 nels the seamen of the North, it finds its par- 
 ticular navigation invigorated ; and while it 
 
WASHINGTON. 4 J0i 
 
 contributes in different ways to nourish and 
 increase the general mass of the national na- 
 vigation, it looks forward to the protection of 
 a maritime strength, to which itself is une- 
 qually adapted. The East, in a like inter- 
 course with the West, already finds, and in 
 the progressive improvement of interior com- 
 munication by land and water, will more and 
 more find, a valuable vent for the commodi- 
 ties which it brings from abroad, or manu- 
 factures at home. The West derives from 
 the East supplies requisite to its growth and 
 comfort— and what is, perhaps, ofstilJ great- 
 er consequence, it must of necessity owe the 
 secure enjoyment of indispensible outlets for 
 its own productions to the weight, influence, 
 and the future maritime strength of the At-" 
 lantic side of the union, directed by an indis- 
 soluble community ot interests as one nation. 
 Any other tenure by which the West can hold 
 these essential advantages, whether derived 
 from its own separate strength, or from an 
 apostate and unnatural connection with any 
 foreign power, must be intrinsically precari- 
 ous. 
 
 " While then every part of our country 
 thus feels an immediate and particular inter- 
 est in union, all the parts combined cannot 
 fail to find in the united mass of means and 
 
202 THE LIFE OF 
 
 efforts greater strength, greater resource, pro- 
 portionally greater security from external 
 danger, less frequent interruption of their 
 peace by foreign nations, and, what is of in- 
 estimable value, they must derive from union 
 an exemption from those broils and wars 
 among themselves, which so frequently af- 
 flict neighbouring countries, not tied together 
 by the same government ; which their own 
 rivalship alone would be sufficient to pro- 
 duce, but which opposite foreign alliances, 
 attachments, and intrigues, would stimulate 
 and imbitter. Hence likewise they avoid 
 the necessity of those overgrown military es- 
 tablishments, which under any form of go- 
 vernment are inauspicious to liberty, and 
 which, are to be regarded as particularly hos- 
 tile to republican liberty ; in this sense it is 
 that your union ought to be considered as a 
 main prop of your liberty, and that the love 
 of the one ought to endear to you the preser- 
 vation of the other. 
 
 " These considerations speak a persuasive 
 language to every reflecting and virtuous 
 mind, and exhibit the continuance of the 
 union as a primary object of patriotic desire. 
 Is there a doubt whether a common govern- 
 ment can embrace so large a system ? Let 
 experience solve it. To listen to mere spe- 
 
WASHINGTON, 20S 
 
 dilations in such a case were criminal. We 
 are authorised to hope that a proper organi-, 
 zationofthe whole, with the auxiliary agen- 
 cy of governments for the respective subdi- 
 visions, will afford a happy issue to the ex- 
 periment. *Tis well worth a fair and full 
 experiment. With such powerful and obvi- 
 ous motives to union, affecting all parts of 
 our country, while experience shall not have 
 demonstrated its impracticability, there will 
 always be reason to distrust the patriotism of 
 those who in any quarter may endeavour tp 
 weaken its bands. 
 
 " In contemplating the causes which may 
 disturb our union, it occurs as matter of very 
 serious concern, that any ground should have 
 been furnished for characterising parties by 
 geographical discriminations, Northern and 
 Southern — -Atlantic and Western ; whence 
 designing men may endeavour to excite a 
 belief that there is a real difference of local 
 interests and views. One of the expedients of 
 party to acquire influence within a particular 
 district, is to misrepresent the opinions and 
 aims of other districts. You cannot shield 
 yourselves too much against the jealousies 
 and heart-burning&\vhich spring from these 
 misrepresentations ; they tend to render alien 
 to each other those who ought to be bound to- 
 
204 THE LIFE OF 
 
 gether by fraternal affection. The inhabitants 
 of our western country have lately had a useful 
 lesson on this head j they have seen, in the 
 negociation by the executive, and in the 
 unanimous ratification by the senate, of the 
 treaty with Spain, and in the universal satis- 
 faction at the event throughout the United 
 States, a decisive proof how unfounded were 
 the suspicions propagated among them, of a 
 policy in the general government, and in the 
 Atlantic States, unfriendly to their interests 
 in regard to the Mississippi ; they have been 
 witnesses to the formation of two treaties, 
 that with Great Britain and that with Spain, 
 which secure to them every thing they could 
 desire, in respect to our foreign relations, to- 
 wards confirming their prosperity. Will it 
 not be their wisdom to rely for the preserva- 
 tion of these advantages on the union by 
 which they were procured ? Will they not 
 henceforth be deaf to those advisers, if such 
 there are, who would sever them from their 
 brethren and connect them with aliens ? 
 
 " To the efficacy and permanence of your 
 union, a government for the whole is indis- 
 pensable. No alliance, however strict, be- 
 tween the parts, can be an adequate substi- 
 tute ; they must inevitably experience the 
 infractions and interruptions which all allian- 
 
WASHINGTON.- 205 
 
 ces in all times, have experienced. Sensible 
 *of this momentous truth, you have improved 
 upon your first essay, by the adoption of a 
 -constitution of government better calculated 
 than your former by an intimate union, and 
 for the efficacious management of your com- 
 mon concerns. The government, the off- 
 spring of our own choice, uninfluenced and 
 tinawed, adopted upon full investigation and 
 mature deliberation, completely free in its 
 principles, in the distribution of its powers, 
 uniting security with energy, and containing 
 within itself a provision for its own amend- 
 ment, has a just claim to your confidence and 
 to your support. Respect for its authority, 
 compliance with its laws, acquiescence in its 
 measures, are duties enjoined by the funda- 
 mental maxims of true liberty. The basis 
 of our political system is the right of the peo- 
 ple to make and to alter their constitutions 
 of government ; but the constitution which 
 at any time exists, till changed by an explicit 
 and authentic act of the whole people, is sa- 
 credly obligatory upon all. The very idea of 
 the power and the right of the people to es- 
 tablish government, presupposes the duty of 
 every individual to obey the established go- 
 vernment. 
 
 " All obstructions to the execution of the 
 taws, all combinations and associations, un- 
 
206 THE LIFE OP 
 
 der whatever plausible character, with the 
 real design, to direct, controul, counteract, or 
 awe the regular deliberation and action of 
 the constituted authorities, are destructive of 
 this fundamental principle, and of fatal ten- 
 dency. They serve to organize faction, to 
 give it an artificial and extraordinary force — 
 to put in the place of the delegated will of the 
 nation, the will of the party, often a small 
 but artful and enterprising minority of tht 
 community ; and, according to the alternate 
 triumphs of different parties, to make the 
 public administration the mirror of the ill- 
 concerted and incongruous projects of a fac- 
 tion, rather than the organ of consistent and 
 wholesome plans digested by common coun- 
 cils, and modified by mutual interests. 
 
 " However constitutions or associations of 
 the above description may now and then an- 
 swer popular ends, they are likely, in the 
 course of time and things, to become potent 
 engines, by which cunning, ambitious and 
 unprincipled men will be enabled to subvert 
 the power of the people, and to usurp for 
 themselves the reigns of government ; destroy- 
 ing afterwards the very engines which have 
 lifted them to unjust dominion. 
 
 "Towards the preservation of your govern- 
 ment, and the permanency of your present 
 
WASHINGTON. 207 
 
 happy state, it is requisite not only that you 
 steadily discountenance irregular opposition 
 to its acknowledged authority, but also that 
 you resist with care the spirit of innovation 
 upon its principles, however spacious the 
 pretexts. One method of assault may be to 
 effect in the form of the constitution, altera- 
 tions which will impair the energy of the sys- 
 tem, and thus to undermine what cannot be 
 directly overthrown. In all the changes to 
 which you may be invited, remember that 
 time and habit are at least as necessary to 
 fix the true character of government as of 
 other human institutions — that experience is 
 the surest standard by which to test the real 
 tendency of the existing constitutions of a 
 country — that facility in changes upon the 
 credit of mere hypothesis and opinion, ex- 
 poses to perpetual change, from the endless 
 variety of hypothesis and opinion ; and re- 
 member, especially, that for the efficient man- 
 agement of your common interests, in a 
 country so extensive as ours, a government 
 of as much vigour as is consistent with the 
 perfect security of liberty is indispensible. — 
 Liberty itself will find in such a government, 
 with powers properly distributed and adjust- 
 ed, the surest guardian. It is 3 indeed little 
 else than a name, where the government is 
 
208 THE LIFE OF 
 
 too feeble to withstand the enterprises of 
 faction, to confine each member of the socie- 
 ty within the limits prescribed by the laws, 
 and to maintain all in the tranquil and secure 
 enjoyment of the rights of person and pro- 
 perty. 
 
 " I have already intimated to you the dan- 
 ger of parties in the state, with particular re- 
 ference to the founding of them on geogra- 
 phical discriminations. Let me now take a 
 more comprehensive view, and warn you in 
 the most solemn manner against the baneful 
 effects of the spirit of party generally. 
 
 " This spirit, unfortunately, is inseparable 
 from our nature, having its root in the strong- 
 est passions of the human mind. It exists 
 under different shapes in all governments, 
 more or less stifled, controuled, or oppressed: 
 but in those of the popular form it is often in 
 its greatest rankness, and is truly their worst 
 enemy. 
 
 " The alternate domination of one faction 
 over another, sharpened by the spirit of re- 
 venge natural to party dissention, which in 
 different ages and countries has perpetrated 
 the most horrid cruelties, is itself a most hor- 
 rid despotism. The disorders and miseries 
 which result, gradually incline the minds of 
 men to seek security and repose in the abso- 
 
WASHINGTON. 209 
 
 lute power of an individual ; and, sooner or 
 later, the chief of some prevailing faction, 
 more able or more fortunate that his competi- 
 tors, turns this disposition to the purposes of 
 his own elevation, on the ruins of public li^ 
 berty. 
 
 " Without looking forward to an extremi- 
 ty of this kind (which, nevertheless, ought 
 not to be entirely out of sight) the common 
 and continued mischiefs of the spirit of party 
 are sufficient to make it the interest and duty 
 of a wise people to discourage and restrain if„ 
 
 <c It serves always to distract the public 
 councils, and enfeeble the public adminis- 
 tration. It agitates the community with ill- 
 founded jealousies and false alarms ; kindles 
 the animosity of one part against another ;. 
 foments occasionally riot and insurrection. — 
 It opens the door to foreign influence and 
 corruption, which find a facilitated access to 
 the government itself through the channels of 
 party passions. Thus the policy and the will 
 of one country are subjected to the policy 
 and will of another. 
 
 " There is an opinion that parties in free 
 countries are useful checks upon the admin- 
 istration of the government, and serve to 
 keep alive the spirit of liberry. This within. 
 •ertain limits is probably true ; and in go. • 
 
 s 
 
210 THE LIFE OF 
 
 vern merits of a monarchial cast, patriotism 
 may look with indulgence, if not with fa- 
 vour, upon the spirit of party. But in those 
 of the popular character, in governments 
 partly elective, it is a spirit not to be encour- 
 aged. From their natural tendency, it is 
 certain there will always be enough of that 
 spirit for every salutary purpose. And there 
 being constant danger of excess, the effect 
 ought to be by force of public opinion to 
 mitigate and assuage it. A fire not to be 
 quenched ; it demands an uniform vigilance 
 to prevent its bursting into a flame, lest, in- 
 stead of warming, it should consume. 
 
 " It is important, likewise, that the habits 
 of thinking, in a free country, should inspire 
 with caution those entrusted with its admin- 
 istration, to confine themselves within their 
 respective constitutional spheres, avoiding, 
 in the exercise of the powers of one depart- 
 ment to encroach upon another. The spirit 
 of encroachment tends to consolidate the 
 powers of all the departments in one, and 
 thus to create, whatever the form of govern- 
 ment, real despotism. A just estimate of 
 that love of power, and pronenessto abuse it, 
 which predominates in the human heart, is 
 sufficient to satisfy us of the truth of this po* 
 sition. The necessity of reciprocal checks 
 
WASHINGTON. 21 i 
 
 in the exercise of political powers, by divid- 
 ing and distributing it into different repositor- 
 ies, and constituting each the guardian of 
 the public weal against invasions by the 
 others, has been evinced by experiments an- 
 cient and modern : some of them in our 
 country, and under our own eyes. To pre- 
 serve them must be as necessary as to insti- 
 tute them. If, in the opinion, of the people, 
 the distribution and modification of the con- 
 stitutional powers be in any particular wrong, 
 let it be corrected by an amendment in the 
 way which the constitution designates. But 
 let there be no change by usurpation , for 
 though this, in one instance, may be the in- 
 strument of good, it is the customary weapon 
 by which free governments are destroyed.— 
 The precedent must always greatly overbal- 
 ance in permanent evil any partial or tran- 
 sient benefit which the use can at any time 
 yield. 
 
 "Of all the dispositions and habits which 
 lead to political prosperity, religion and mo- 
 rality are indispensible supporters. In vain 
 would that man claim the tribute of patriot- 
 ism, who should labour to subvert these great 
 pillars of human happiness, these firmest 
 props of men and citizens. The mere poli- 
 tician, equally with the pious man, ought to 
 
212 THE LIFE OF 
 
 respect and to cherish them. A volume 
 could not trace all their connections with 
 private and public felicity. Let it be simply 
 asked, where is the security for property, for 
 reputation, for life, if the sense of religious 
 obligation desert the oaths which are the in- 
 struments of investigation in courts of jus- 
 tice ? And let us with caution indulge the 
 supposition, that morality can be maintained 
 without religion. Whatever may be conced- 
 ed to the influence of refined education on 
 minds of peculiar structure -, reason and ex- 
 perience both forbid us to expect that nation- 
 al morality can prevail in exclusion of reli- 
 gious principle. 
 
 " Tis substantially true, that virtue or 
 morality is a necessary spring of popular go- 
 vernment. The rule, indeed, extends with 
 more or less force to every species of free 
 government. Who, that is a sincere friend 
 to it, can look with indifference upon at- 
 tempts to shake the foundation of the fabric r* 
 
 " Promote, then, as an object of primary 
 importance, institutions for the general effu- 
 sion of knowledge. In proportion as the 
 structure of government gives torce to pub- 
 lic opinion, it is essential that public opinion 
 should be enlightened. 
 
 " As a very important source of strength 
 and security, cherish public credit. One 
 

 ^WASHINGTON. 2 13 
 
 method of preserving it is to use it as sparing- 
 ly as possible ; avoiding occasions of ex- 
 pence by cultivating peace, but remember- 
 ing also, that timely disbursements, to pre- 4 
 pare for danger, frequently prevent much 
 greater disbursements to repel it, avoiding 
 likewise the accumulation of debt, not only 
 by shunning occasions of expence, but by 
 vigorous exertions in time of peace to dis- 
 charge the debts which unavoidable wars 
 may have occasioned, not ungenerously 
 throwing upon posterity the burthen which 
 we ourselves ought to bear. The execution 
 of these maxims belongs to your representa- 
 tives, but it is necessary that the public opin- 
 ion should co-operate. To fecilitate to them 
 the performance of their duty, it is essential 
 that you should practically bear in mind, that 
 towards the payment of debts there must be 
 a revenue ; that to have a revenue there must 
 be taxes ; that no taxes can be devised which 
 are not more or less inconvenient and un- 
 pleasant : that the intrinsic embarrasment 
 inseparable from the selection of the proper 
 objects (which is always a choice of difficul- 
 ties) ought to be a decisive motive for a can- 
 did construction of the conduct of the gov- 
 ernment in making it, and for a spirit of 
 acquiescence in the measures for obtaining 
 

 214 THE LIFE OF 
 
 revenue, which the public exigencies may at 
 any time dictate. 
 
 " Observe good faith and justice towards 
 
 * all nations; cultivate peace and harmony 
 with all. Religion and morality enjoin this 
 conduct ; and can it be that good policy does 
 not equally enjoin it ? It will be worthy of 
 a free, enlightened, and, at no great distant 
 period, a great nation, to give to mankind 
 the magnanimous, and too novel, example of 
 a people always guided by an exalted justice 
 and benevolence. Who can doubt that in 
 the course of time and things the fruits of 
 such a plan would richly repay any tempora- 
 ry advantages which might be lost by a stea- 
 dy adherence to it ? Can it be that Provi- 
 dence has not connected the permanent feli- 
 city of a nation with its virtue ? The experi- 
 ment, at least, is recommended by every 
 sentiment which ennobles human nature. — 
 Alas ! is it rendered impossible by its vices? 
 " In the execution of such a plan, nothing 
 is more essential than that permanent, inve- 
 
 >• terate antipathies against particular nations, 
 and passionate attachments for others, should 
 be excluded ; and that in place of them, just 
 and amicable feelings towards all should be 
 cultivated. The nation which indulges to- 
 wards another an habitual hatred, or an ha- 
 
WASHINGTON. 215 
 
 bitual fondness, is in some degree a slave.— 
 It is a slave to its animosity or to its affection, 
 either of which is sufficient to lead it astray 
 from its duty and its interest. Antipathy in 
 one nation against another disposes each more 
 readily to offer insult and injury, to lay hold 
 of slight causes of umbrage and to be haugh- 
 ty and intractable, when accidental or trifling 
 occasions of dispute occur. Hence frequent 
 collisions, obstinate, envenomed, and bloody 
 contests. The nation prompted by ill-will 
 and resentment, sometimes impels to war the 
 government, contrary to the best calculations 
 of policy. The government sometimes par- 
 ticipates in the national propensity, and 
 adopts through passion what reason would 
 reject ; at other times it makes the animosi- 
 ty of the nation subservient to projects of hos- 
 tility, instigated by pride, ambition, and other 
 sinister and pernicious motives. The peace 
 often, sometimes perhaps the liberty of na- 
 tions, has been the victim. 
 
 " So, likewise, a passionate attachment of 
 one nation for another produces a variety of 
 evils. Sympathy for the favourite nation, 
 facilitating the illusion of an imaginary com- 
 mon interest, in cases where no real com-. 
 men interest exists, and infusing into one the 
 enmities of the other, betrays the former into 
 
216 THE LIFE OP 
 
 a participation in the quarrels and wars ot 
 the latter, without adequate inducement or 
 justification. It leads also to concessions to 
 the favourite nation of privileges denied to 
 others, which is apt doubly to injure the na- 
 tion making the concessions; by unneces- 
 sarily parting with what ought to have been 
 retained ; and by exciting jealousy, ill-will, 
 and a disposition to retaliate, in the parties 
 from whom equal privileges are withheld^ 
 and it gives to ambitious, corrupted, or delu* 
 ded citizens, (who devote themselves to the 
 favourite nation) facility to betray or sacrifice 
 the interests of their own country, without 
 odium, sometimes even with popularity^ 
 gilding with the appearance of a virtuous 
 scene of obligation, a commendable defer- 
 ence for public opinion, or a laudable zeal 
 for public good, the base or foolish compli- 
 ances of ambition, corruption or infatuation. 
 " As the avenue to foreign influence in in- 
 numerable ways, such attachments are par- 
 ticularly alarming to the truly enlightened 
 and independent patriot. How many op- 
 portunities do they afford to tamper with do- 
 mestic factions, to practice the arts of seduc- 
 tion, to mislead public opinion, to influence 
 or awe the public councils ! Such an 
 attachment of a small or weak, towards a 
 great and powerful nation, dooms the former 
 to be the sattellite of the latter. 
 
WASHINGTON. 217 
 
 *' Against the insidious wiles of foreign in- 
 fluence, (I conjure you to believe me, fellow- 
 citizens) the jealousy of a free people 
 ought to be constantly awake ; since history 
 and experience prove that foreign influence 
 is one of the most baneful foes of a republi- 
 can government. But that jealousy, to be 
 useful, must be impartial ; else it becomes 
 the instrument of the very influence to be 
 avoided instead of a defence against it. Ex- 
 cessive partiality for one nation, and exces- 
 sive dislike of another, cause those whom 
 they actuate to see danger only on one side, 
 and serve to veil, and even second the arts of 
 influence on the other. Real patriots who 
 may resist the intrigues of the favourite, are 
 liable to become suspected and odious ; while 
 the tools and dupes usurp the applause and 
 confidence of the people, to surrender their 
 interests. 
 
 " The great rule of conduct for us, in re- 
 gard to foreign nations, is, in extending our 
 commercial relations, to have with them as 
 little political connection as possible. So 
 far as he we have already formed engage- 
 ments let them be fulfilled with perfect good 
 faith. Here let us stop. 
 
 " Europe has a set of primary interests, 
 which to us have none, or a very remote rela- 
 
 T 
 
218 THE LIFE OP 
 
 tion. Hence she must be engaged in fre- 
 quent controversies, the causes of which are 
 essentially foreign to our concerns. Hence, 
 therefore, it must be unwise in us to impli- 
 cate ourselves by artificial ties in the ordinary 
 vicissitudes of her politics, or the ordinary 
 combinations and collisions of her friendships 
 or enmities. 
 
 " Our detached and distant situation in- 
 vites and enables us to pursue a different 
 course, if we remain one people, under an 
 efficient government, the period is not far off 
 when we may defy material injury from ex- 
 ternal annoyance ; when we may take such 
 an attitude as will cause the neutrality we 
 may at any time resolve upon, to be scrupu- 
 lously respected : when belligerent nations, 
 under the impossibility of making acquisi- 
 tions upon us, will not lightly hazard the giv- 
 ing us provocation ; when we may choose 
 peace or war, as our interest, guided by jus- 
 tice, shall counsel. 
 
 " Why forego the advantages of so pecu- 
 liar a situation ? Why quit our own to stand 
 upon foreign ground ? W r hy by interweav- 
 ing our destiny with that of any part of Eu- 
 rope, entangle our peace and prosperity in 
 the toils of European ambition, rivalship, in- 
 terest, humour, or caprice ? 
 
 to L 
 
WASHINGTON. 219 
 
 " It is our true policy to steer clear of per- 
 manent alliances with any portion of the for- 
 eign world ; so far, I mean, as we are now at 
 liberty to do it ; for let me not be understood 
 as capable of patronizing infidelity to exist- 
 ing engagements. I hold the maxim no less 
 applicable to public than to private affairs, 
 that honesty is always the best policy. I re- 
 peat it, therefore, let those engagements be 
 observed in their genuine sense. But, in my 
 opinion, it is unnecessary, and would be un- 
 wise to extend them. 
 
 " Taking care always to keep ourselves, 
 by suitable establishments, on a respectable 
 defensive posture, we may safely trust to 
 temporary alliances for extraordinary emer- 
 gencies. 
 
 " Harmony, liberal intercourse with all 
 nations, are recommended by policy, human- 
 ity, and interest. But even our commercial 
 policy should hold an equal and .impartial 
 hand ; neither seeking nor granting exclu- 
 sive favours or preferences ; consulting the 
 natural course of things ; diffusing and di- 
 versifying by gentle means the streams of 
 commerce, but forcing nothing: establish- 
 ing, with powers so disposed, in order to give 
 trade a stable course, to define the rights oJP 
 our merchants, and to enable the govern- 
 
220 ihE LIFE OF 
 
 ment to support them, conventional rules of 
 intercourse, the best that present circumstan- 
 ces and mutual opinion will permit, but tem- 
 porary, and liable to be from time to time 
 abandoned or varied, as experience and cir- 
 cumstances shall dictate ; constantly keeping 
 in view, that it is folly in one nation to look for 
 disinterested favours from another ; that it 
 must pay with a portion of its independence 
 for whatever it may accept under that char- 
 acter : that by such acceptance, it may place 
 itself in the condition of having given equi- 
 valents for nominal favours, and yet of being 
 reproached with ingratitude for not giving 
 more. There can be no greater error than 
 to expect, or calculate upon real favours from 
 nation to nation. It is an illusion which ex- 
 perience must cure, which a just pride ought 
 to discard. 
 
 " In offering to you, my countrymen, 
 these counsels of an old and affectionate 
 friend, I dare not hope they will make the 
 strong and lasting impression I could wish; 
 that they will controul the usual current of 
 the passions, or prevent our nation from run- 
 nine: the course which has hitherto marked 
 the destiny of nations. But if I may even 
 flatter myself that they may be productive of 
 some partial benefit, some occasional good ; 
 
WASHINGTON. 221 
 
 that they may now and then recur to moder- 
 ate the fury of party spirit, to warn against 
 the mischiefs of foreign intrigue, to guard 
 against the impostures of pretended patriot- 
 ism : this hope will be a full recompence for 
 the solicitude for your welfare, by which they 
 have been dictated. 
 
 " How far in the discharge of my official 
 duties I have been guided by the principles 
 which have been delineated, the public re- 
 cords ; and other evidences of my conduct, 
 must witness to you and to the world. To 
 myself, the assurance of my own conscience 
 is, that I have at least believed myself to be 
 guided by them. 
 
 " In relation to the still subsisting war in 
 Europe, my proclamation of the 22d of April, 
 1793, is the index to my plan. Sanctioned 
 by your approving voice, and by that of your 
 representatives in both houses of Congress, 
 the spirit of that measure has continually gov- 
 erned me ; uninfluenced by any attempts to 
 deter or to divert me from it. 
 
 " After deliberate examination, with the 
 aid of the best lights I could obtain, I was 
 well satisfied that our country, under all the 
 circumstances of the case, had aright to take, 
 and was bound in duty and interest to take a 
 neutral position. Having taken it, I dele> 
 
 T 2 
 
'222 THE LIFE OF 
 
 mined, as far as should depend upon me, to 
 maintain it with moderation, perseverance, 
 and firmness. 
 
 " The considerations with respect to the 
 right to hold this conduct, it is not necessary, 
 on this occasion, to detail. I will only ob- 
 serve, that according to my understanding of 
 the matter, that right, so far from being de- 
 nied by any of the belligerent powers, has 
 been virtually admitted by all. 
 
 " The duty of holding a neutral conduct 
 may be inferred, without any thing more 
 from the obligation which justice and hu- 
 manity impose on every nation in cases in 
 which it is free to act, to maintain inviolate 
 the relations of peace and amity towards 
 other nations. 
 
 " The inducements of interest for observ- 
 ing that conduct will best be referred to your 
 own reflections and experience. With me a 
 predominate motive has been to endeavour to 
 gain time to our country to settle and mature 
 its yet recent institutions, and to progress 
 without interruption to that degree of strength 
 and consistency which is necessary to give 
 it, humbly speaking, the command of its own 
 fortunes. 
 
 " Though in reviewing the incidents of ad- 
 ministration, I am unconscious of intentional 
 
WASHINGTON. 225 
 
 error ; I am nevertheless too sensible of my 
 defects not to think it probable that I may 
 have committed many errors. Whatever 
 they may be, I fervently beseech the Almigh- 
 ty to avert or mitigate the evils to which they 
 may tend. I shall also carry with me the 
 hope that my country will never cease to view 
 them with indulgence ; and that after forty- 
 five years of my life dedicated to its service, 
 with an upright zeal, the faults of incompe- 
 tent abilities will be consigned to oblivion, 
 as myself must soon be to the mansions of 
 rest. 
 
 " Relying on its kindness in this as in other 
 things, and actuated by that fervent love to- 
 wards it, which is so natural to a man who 
 views in it the native soil of himself and his 
 progenitors for several generations ; I antici- 
 pate, with pleasing expectation, that retreat, 
 in which I promise myself to realise, without 
 alloy, the sweet enjoyment of partaking, in 
 the midst of my fellow-citizens, the benign 
 influence of good laws under a free govern- 
 ment, the ever favourite object of my heart 
 and the happy reward, as I trust, of our mu- 
 tual cares, labours, and dangers. 
 
 "GEO: WASHINGTON." 
 
 United Slates, September 17, 1796. 
 
 Washington once more retired to his fa- 
 vourite seat, with the hope of devoting the 
 
£24 THE LIFE OF 
 
 remainder of his life to the calm duties of re- 
 ligion. From March, 1797, to July, 1798, 
 he enjoyed the pleasures arising from the 
 practice of virtue. The aggressions of France 
 now alarmed the Americans, and that they 
 might be prepared to resist open hostility, 
 they found it expedient to embody their ar- 
 my. Convinced of the abilities and integrity 
 of that venerable man, whose valour had 
 been instrumental to the emancipation of his 
 country, Congress appointed Washington 
 commander-in-chief of the American armies. 
 He accepted the appointment, and his letter 
 to the President on that occasion is marked 
 with the perspicuity which distinguishes all 
 his writings. 
 
 But the moment now approached in which 
 this illustrious character was to be removed to 
 another state of existence. On the 12th of 
 December, 1799, he rode out to one of his 
 plantations, and the day being rainy, he 
 caught cold, which brought on an inflamma- 
 tory sore throat. This disease became 
 alarming on Friday, and when his physician 
 arrived on Saturday morning, medical aid 
 was inefficacious. A few minutes before he 
 expired, he enquired, " Doctor, how long 
 am I to remain in this situation ?" The phy- 
 sician replied "not long, sir." 
 
WASHINGTON. 225 
 
 We have now attended Washington to his 
 death bead, where he lies surrounded by his 
 weeping friends aud domestics. With what 
 calmness and resignation does he bear his 
 pains. Intent on the contemplation of a bet- 
 ter world, death has no terrors for the vener- 
 able hero. He has long been familiarised to 
 danger, and considers the dissolution of his 
 frame as one of the necessary operations of 
 nature. Piety to his Creator, and love of his 
 country, were the motives of his actions, and 
 he considered a life of beneficence as the best 
 proof he could give of his veneration for the 
 father of man. Now, like a traveller, who 
 had explored various regions, and who, hav- 
 ing experienced the alterations of adversity 
 and prosperity, has arrived at his journey's 
 end, he lays down his head to repose, with 
 the hope of rising to a happy immortality. 
 
 His last scene corresponded with the whole 
 tenor of his life. In the full possession of his 
 reason he breathed his last, without a groan 
 or a struggle, on Sunday, the 14th of D. cem- 
 ber, 1799, in the 68th year of his age. 
 
 On Wednesday, the 1 8th ot December, the 
 remains of Washington were interred in the 
 family vault at Mount Vernon. The funeral 
 was attended by a multitude of persons of 
 both sexes who came to pay the last sad hon- 
 ours to their benefactor. 
 
226 THE LIFE OF 
 
 The following is a correct account of his Inter- 
 ment at Mount Vernon. 
 On Wednesday last the mortal part of 
 Washington the Great, the father of his 
 country and the friend of man, was consigned 
 to the tomb, with solemn honours and funeral 
 pomp. 
 
 Between three and four o'clock the corpse 
 was moved, a band of music, with mournful 
 melody, melted the soul in all the tenderness 
 of woe. 
 
 The procession was formed, and moved in 
 the following order : 
 
 Cavalry — — Infantry Guards, 
 
 (With arms reversed.) 
 Music. 
 Clergy. 
 The General's horse, with his saddle, hols- 
 ters and pistols. 
 Colonel Simms, H Colonel Gilpin, 
 
 Ramsay, n> Marsteller, 
 
 m Payne, W Little. 
 
 Mourners. 
 
 Masonic Brethren. 
 
 Citizens. 
 
 When the procession had arrived at the 
 
 bottom of the elevated lawn, on the banks of 
 
 the Potomac, where the family vault is placed T 
 
WASHINGTON. 227 
 
 the cavalry halted, the infantry marched to- 
 wards the Mount, and formed the lines -, the 
 clergy, the Masonic Brothers, and the citi- 
 zens, descended to the vault, and the funeral 
 service of the church was performed. -* 
 
 Three general discharges by the infantry, 
 the cavalry, eleven pieces of artillery, which 
 lined the banks of the Potomac, and from a 
 vessel that lay in the river, paid the last tri- 
 bute to the entomed commander-in-chief of 
 the armies of the United States, and to the 
 venerable departed hero. 
 
 The sun was now setting. Alas ! the 
 Sun of Glory was set forever. No — the 
 name of Washington, the American Pre- 
 sident and General, will triumph over death : 
 the unclouded brightness of his glory, will 
 illuminate future ages. 
 
 Congress have decreed, that the remains 
 of the American hero should be removed to 
 the capitol in the City of Washington, and 
 interred under a column, insculptured with 
 an account of his principal atchievements. — 
 The President has written to Mrs. Washing- 
 ton for her concurrence, and that amiable 
 woman has reluctantly consented. The fol- 
 lowing letters were on the 8th of January, 
 3 800, sent to Congress by the President o£ 
 the United States. 
 
228 THE LIFE OF 
 
 " Gentlemen of the Senate^ and 
 " Gentlemen of the House of Representatives > 
 " In compliance with the request in one 
 of the resolutions of Congress of the 21st of 
 December last, I transmitted a copy of those 
 resolutions by my secretary, Mr. Shaw, to 
 Mrs. Washington, assuring her of the pro- 
 found respect Congress will ever bear to her 
 person and character — of their condolence in 
 ' the late afflicting dispensation of Providence, 
 and entreating her assent to the interment of 
 the remains of Gen. George Washington, 
 in the manner expressed in the first resolu- 
 tion. As the sentiments of that virtuous la- 
 dy, not less beloved by this nation, than she 
 is at present greatly afflicted, can never be 
 so well expressed as in her own words, I 
 transmit to Congress her original letter. 
 
 " It would be an attempt of too much de- 
 licacy, to make any comments upon it — but 
 there can be no doubt that the nation at large, 
 as well as all the branches of the govern- 
 ment, will be highly gratified by any arrange- 
 ment which may diminish the sacrifice she 
 makes of her individual feelings. 
 
 "JOHN ADAMS. 
 
 " United States, January S, 1800." 
 
 "MoiiyjVERN^-,^. 3r, 1799. 
 
 " Sir — While 1 feel with keenest anguish 
 the late dispensation oi Divine Providence , 
 
WASHINGTON. 229 
 
 I cannot be insensible to the mournful tributes 
 of respect and veneration, which are paid to 
 the memory of my dear deceased husband, 
 and, as his best services and most anxious 
 wishes, were always devoted to the welfare 
 and happiness of his country, to know that 
 they were truly appreciated, and gratefully 
 remembered, affords no inconsiderable con- 
 solation. 
 
 " Taught by the great example, which I 
 have had so long before me never to oppose 
 my private wishes to the public will, I must 
 consent to the request made by Congress, 
 which you have had the goodness to transmit 
 to me, and in doing this I need not — lean- 
 not say what a sacrifice of individual feeling 
 I make to a sense of public duty. 
 
 " With grateful acknowledgment and un- 
 feigned thanks for the personal respect and 
 evidences of condolence expressed by Con- 
 gress and yourself, 
 
 wC I remain, very respectfully, sir, 
 " Your most obedient and 
 " Humble servant, 
 « MARTHA WASHINGTON. 
 " The President of the United States" 
 
 The will of this great man displays the 
 same moderation and goodness of heart which 
 actuated him throughout his life. May his 
 
 u 
 
£30 THE LIFE OF 
 
 example excite the emulation of his country- 
 men, who have been too long restrained by 
 interest from yielding to the generous impulse 
 of humanity, and restoring their slaves to 
 that liberty which is the birthright of man. 
 Extracts of the most interesting passages from 
 the ivilt of Washington. 
 
 " In the name of Cod, Amen-— I, George 
 Washington, of Mount Vernon, a citizen of 
 the United States, and lately President of the 
 same, do make, ordain, and declare this in- 
 strument, which is -written with my own 
 hand, and every page thereof subscribed with 
 my name, to be my last will and testament, 
 revoking all others. 
 
 " 1 'm/>rimis.— -All my debts, of which there 
 are but few, and none of magnitude, are to 
 be punctually and speedily paid ; and the 
 legacies hereafter bequeathed are to be dis- 
 charged as soon as circumstances will permit, 
 and in the manner directed. 
 
 " Item. — To my dearly beloved wife, 
 Martha Washington, I give and bequeath 
 the use, profit, and benefit of my whole es- 
 tate, realand personal, forthe termofhernatur- 
 al life, except such parts thereof, as are special- 
 ly disposed of hereafter. My improved lot in 
 the town of Alexandria, situated in Pitt and 
 Cameron-streets, I give to her and her heirs 
 forever, as I also do my household and kitch- 
 
WASHINGTON. 231 
 
 £n furniture of every sort and kind, with the 
 liquors and groceries which may be on hand 
 at the time of my decease, to be used and 
 disposed of as she may think proper. 
 
 " Item. — Upon the decease of my wife, it 
 is my will and desire, that all the slaves which 
 I hold in my own right shall receive their 
 freedom. To emancipate them during her 
 life would, though earnestly wished by me, 
 be attended with such insuperable difficul- 
 ties, on account of their intermixture by mar- 
 riages with the dower negroes, as to excite 
 the most painful sensations, if not disagreea- 
 ble consequences, from the latter, while both 
 descriptions are in the occupancy of the same 
 proprietor ; it not being in my power, under 
 the tenure by which the dower negroes are 
 held, to manumit them. And whereas 
 among those who will receive freedom ac- 
 cording to this demise, there may be some- 
 who, from old age or bodily infirmities, and 
 others who, on account of their infancy, wilT 
 be unable to support themselves, it is my will 
 and desire, that all who come under the first 
 and second description, shall be comfortably 
 clothed and fed by my heirs while they live \. 
 and that such of the latter description as have 
 no parents living, or if living, are unable or 
 unwilling to provide for them, shall be bound 
 by the court till they shall arrive at the age 
 
232 THE LIFE OF 
 
 of twenty-five years; and in cases where no 
 record can be produced whereby their ages 
 can be ascertained, the judgment of the 
 court, upon its own view of the subject, 
 shall be adequate and final. The negroes 
 thus bound, are (by their masters or mistres- 
 ses) to be taught to read and write, and to be 
 brought up to some useful occupation, agreea- 
 bly to the laws of the Commonwealth ot \ ir- 
 ginia, providing for the support of orphan 
 and other poor children. And 1 do hereby 
 expressly forbid the sale, or transportation out 
 of the said Commonwealth, of any slave I 
 may be possessed of, under any pretence 
 whatever. And I do moreover most solemn- 
 I) and most pointedly enjoin it upon my exe- 
 cutors hereafter named, or the survivor of 
 them, to see that this clause respecting slaves, 
 and every part thereof, be religiously fulfilled 
 at the epoch at which it is directed to take 
 place, without evasion, neglect, or delay, af- 
 ter the crops which then may be in the 
 ground are harvested, particularly as it re- 
 spects the aged and infirm ; seeing that a 
 regular and permanent fund be established 
 for their support as long as they are subjects 
 requiring it, not trusting to the uncertain 
 provision to be made by individuals. 
 
 " Item^—To the trustees, (governors, or by 
 whatsoever name they may be designated,) 
 
WASHINGTON. 235 
 
 of the academy in the town of Alexandria, 
 I give and bequeath (intrust) four thousand 
 dollars, or in other words, twenty of the 
 shares which I hold in the Bank of Alexan- 
 dria, towards the support of a free school, es- 
 tablished at and annexed to the said acade- 
 my, for the purpose of educating such orphan 
 children, or the children of such other poor 
 and indigent persons as are unable to accom- 
 plish it with their own means ; and who, in. 
 the judgment of the trustees of the said semi- 
 nary, are best entitled to the benefit of this 
 donation. 
 
 " Item. — I give and bequeath, in perpetuity 
 the fifty shares I hold in the Potomac Com- 
 pany (under the aforesaid acts of the Legisla- 
 ture of Virginia,) towards the endowment of 
 a university, to be established within the 
 limits of the District of Columbia, under 
 the auspices of the general government, if 
 that government should incline to extend a 
 fostering hand towards it; and until such 
 seminary is established, and the funds arising 
 in those shares shall be required for its sup- 
 port, my further will and desire is, that the 
 profit accruing therefrom shall, whenever the 
 dividends are made, be laid out in purchasing 
 stock in the Bank of Columbia, or some other 
 bank, at the discretion of my executors, or 
 u 2 
 
234 THE LIFE OF 
 
 by the Treasurer of the United States for the 
 time being, under the direction of Congress, 
 provided that honourable body should pa- 
 tronize the measure, and the dividends pro- 
 ceeding from the purchase of such a stock, 
 are to be vested in more stock, and so on un- 
 til a sum adequate to the accomplishment of 
 the object is obtained ; of which I have not 
 *he smallest doubt before many years pass 
 *way, even if no aid or encouragement be 
 given by legislative authority, or from any 
 ether source. 
 
 « Jiem, — To my brother, Charles Wash- 
 ington, I give and bequeath the gold-headed 
 cane left me by Doctor Franklin, in his will. 
 ] add nothing to it, because of the ample 
 provision I have made for his issue. To the 
 acquaintances and friends of my juvenile 
 years, Lawrence Washington and Robert 
 Washington, of Chotank, I give my other 
 two gold-headed canes, having my arms en- 
 graved on them 5 and to each, (as they will 
 be useful where they live) I leave one of the 
 spy- glasses, which constituted part of my 
 equipage during the late war. To my com? 
 patriot in arms, and old intimate friend, Dr. 
 Craik, I give my bureau ; or, as the cabinet- 
 makers call it, tambour secretary, and the 
 circular chair, an appendage to my study. — 
 To Dw D.Stuart, I give my large shaving and 
 
WASHINGTON. 2S5 
 
 dressing table, and my telescope. To the 
 Reverend, now Bryan Lord Fairfax, I give a 
 bible, in three large folio volumes, with 
 notes, presented to me by the Right Rever- 
 end Thomas Wilson, Bishop ofSoder and 
 Man. To General de la Fayette, I give a 
 pair of finely wrought steel pistols taken from 
 the enemy in the revolutionary war. To 
 each of my nephews, William Augustine 
 Washington', George Lewis, George Steptoe 
 Washington, Bushrod Washington, and Sa- 
 muel Washington, I give one of the swords or 
 cutteaux, of which I die possessed ; and they 
 are to choose inthe order they they are named. 
 These swords are accompanied with an in- 
 junction not to unsheath them for the purpose 
 of shedding blood, except it be for self-de- 
 fence, or in defence of their country and its 
 rights ; and in the latter case to keep them un- 
 sheathed, and prefer falling with them in their 
 hands to the relinquishment thereof. 
 
 " The family vault at Mount Vernon re- 
 quiring repairs, and being improperly situat- 
 ed besides, I desire that a new one of brick, 
 and upon a larger scale, may be built at the 
 foot of what is commonly calied the Vine- 
 yard Inclosure, on the ground which is mark- 
 ed out ; in which my remains, with those of 
 my deceased relations (now in the old vault,) 
 and such others of my family as may choose 
 
236 THE LIFE OF 
 
 to be entombed there, may be deposited. — 
 And it is my express desire, that my corpse 
 may be interred in a private manner, with- 
 out parade or funeral oration. 
 
 " Lastly, I constitute and appoint my dear- 
 ly beloved wife, Martha Washington, my 
 nephews, William Augustine Washington, 
 Bushrod Washington, George Steptoe Wash- 
 ington, Samuel Washington, and Lawrence 
 Lewis, and my ward, George Washington 
 Park Curtis, (when he shall have arrived at 
 the age of twenty years,) executrix and ex- 
 executors of this will and testament. " 
 
 Washington was tall, erect, and well made, 
 but thin. His eyes eyes were light blue, his 
 nose rather long, and his countenance was 
 expressive of extreme sensibility. His de- 
 meanor was dignified and modest. He was af- 
 fable, generous and conscientious. His valua- 
 ble library, and his correspondence with emi- 
 nent men, furnished him with a rich fund of 
 knowledge, and the productions of his pen 
 are perspicuous and sensible. He was an 
 affectionate husband, a disinterested friend, 
 a benign master, and a benefactor to the in- 
 digent. He practised the social virtues not 
 merely because they were enjoined by reli- 
 gion, but from his innate love of rectitude. 
 
 The similarity between his public virtues 
 and those of Alfred the Great, is admirable. 
 
WASHINGTON. 237 
 
 These extraordinary men were both celebra- 
 ted for their love of justice, their fortitude, 
 patriotism, and piety. When Alfred ex- 
 changed the military garb for that of the 
 peasant, he suffered a greater reverse of for- 
 tune than ever befel Washington, and when 
 in disguise he explored the camp of the 
 Danes, and lulled suspicion by the melody of 
 his harp, he evinced a more enterprising ge- 
 nius than that ofthe American. The capture 
 of the Hessians at Trenton, however, reminds 
 us of the achievements of Alfred, who, by 
 surprising the Danish camp, revived the 
 hopes of his country. Washington founded 
 a republic j he was instrumental to the es- 
 tablishment of its polity, and retired "with 
 all his blushing honours thick upon him >" 
 obedient to the will of his country he again 
 assumed the command of her armies, and 
 died as he had lived, a true patriot. Alrred, 
 by the subjugation of his country's enemies, 
 secured her liberties and peace ; he was " her 
 voice in council, in the field hersw r ord." As 
 a legislator, he immortalised his name by the 
 institution of a trial by jury ; as a magistrate, 
 he presided with unparalleled wisdom ; the 
 sceptre of power was consecrated by his 
 hand, and he was beloved, revered, nay, al- 
 most deified by his countrymen. Washing- 
 ton, in some instances, seems to have been 
 
238 THE LIFE OF 
 
 undecided ; Alfred was energetic and de- 
 termined in every emergency. Though their 
 virtues were homogeneal, Alfred claims the 
 palm for ardour and brilliancy of genius. — 
 Washington excelled him in discretion ; he 
 weighed the consequences of every step, and 
 his prudence triumphed over opposition. In 
 short, Alfred the Great was like the rising 
 sun, which breaking through a dark cloud, 
 illumines and beautifies the creation. His 
 superior mind shone with an effulgence that 
 dissipated the gloom of superstition and ig- 
 norance which surrounded him, and, like the 
 Vicegerent of Heaven, he promoted the hap- 
 piness of the human species. Washington 
 the Great, was like the declining sun that 
 adorns the face of nature with the mildest 
 radiance ; his actions, though not so brilliant 
 as those of Alfred, were more imitable, and 
 the virtuous American will be esteemed by 
 posterity as worthy to stand in the same rank 
 with the more illustrious Englishman. 
 
 Perhaps the only instance in which the 
 public conduct of Washington was censura- 
 ble, was his condemnation of the unfortunate 
 Andre. It must be owned, that he was a 
 slave holder, and his exemplary kindness to his 
 dependants, cannot reconcile us to that incon- 
 sistency in a man who was so strenuous and 
 successful an asserter of liberty. 
 
WASHINGTON. 239 
 
 But these errors of the American hero were 
 concealed by the dazzling lustre of his vir- 
 tues. Our admiration is excited when we 
 contemplate the series of his actions. When 
 we behold him at the head of the army, then 
 President of the United States, and afterwards 
 breathing the pure air of his fields in the shade 
 o\~ retirement, we confess that the venerable 
 philosopher has attained what may be called 
 the sublime of human nature. Just as Aris- 
 tides, we behold him set his seal to that so- 
 lemn engagement, by which he emancipates 
 those slaves who were deprived of their liber- 
 ties by the avarice of his ancestors ; and ac- 
 tuated by the purest beneficence, he endows 
 seminaries for the promotion of knowledge. 
 
 In his comprehensive mind were united 
 the disinterestedness of Cincinnatus ; the 
 munificence of Cyrus the Great ; and the pie- 
 ty of Marcus Aurelius. We may say of him 
 as Augustus did of Cicero, " he was an hon- 
 est man and loved his country." 
 
 He was the brightest luminary of -liberty in 
 the American hemisphere. May his country- 
 men imitate that prudence which exalted 
 them to a dignified place among the nations; 
 may they practice those public and private vir- 
 tues which irradiate the fair fame of W^Abii- 
 
 1 1* G TON. 
 
 THE END. 
 
SUBSCRIBERS NAMES 
 
 A 
 
 John Aymar 
 James Anderson 
 John Aveony 
 Joseph Alden 
 John Adamson 
 Francis Arden 
 Leonard Adams 
 Cornelius Agnew 
 John M'Anaspie 
 P. I. Arcularius, jun. 
 Thomas Addy 
 Abraham Asten 
 Thomas Aspen 
 James Anderson 
 Hugh Atkins 
 William Allison 
 D. Adams 
 Seaman Allaire 
 John Aitken 
 Asa Ainald 
 John Aitfin 
 B 
 William Benson 
 L. Van Buskirk 
 Jones Boweti 
 James Bartow 
 D.wid Bliss, 5 copies 
 Henry Banta 
 Tunis B-ll 
 James Brown 
 JaredJJeach 
 
 John Biles 
 Edward By nde 
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 Elisha D. Baker 
 John P. Bartlett 
 Joseph Burjeau 
 Alexander Boyd 
 Benjamin M . Birdsall 
 Corns. BrinkerhorF 
 William Butler 
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 Nathan Baker 
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 Cyrus Bedle 
 William Batchelor 
 Charles Bruce 
 John G. Bogart 
 James Brown 
 Alexander Burn 
 Edmund Brown 
 William Bampton 
 Henry Bowie 
 James Brooks 
 William Baley 
 William Bound 
 John Binks 
 
SUBSCRIBER'S NAMES. 
 
 Samuel R. Belville 
 William Baker 
 Noah Brown 
 T. Bartholomew 
 William Barker 
 Thomas Brown 
 John Bogg 
 Duncan C. Boill 
 R. S. Badger 
 William Baley 
 John Berry 
 Josiah R. Brady 
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 Wm. Burn 
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 William Ball 
 Peter Barker 
 William Burke 
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 Peter Byrne 
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 George Burrell 
 Stephen Burdett 
 Eben. Brown 
 
 C 
 Jacob Cross 
 
 John T. Cantermen 
 
 Uzziah Codington 
 
 Sutton Croft 
 
 James Coe 
 
 Joseph M. Clark 
 
 Alexander Campbell 
 
 Samuel Carpenter 
 
 William Clarkson 
 
 Solomon Crane 
 
 H. Carhart 
 
 Britain Cooper 
 
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 R. Crommelin 
 
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 Moses Coe, jun. 
 
 Martin Cavanaugh 
 
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 Miles M-Carty 
 Franklin Clark 
 Jane Chear 
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 Jacob Clark, jun. 
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SUBSCRIBER'S NAMES. 
 
 William Carver 
 James D. Camp 
 Thos. Chamberlain 
 Asher Cownover 
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 John Carne 
 Luff Carpenter 
 Joseph Carpenter 
 .fames Carver 
 Joseph Cheesman 
 James Cheetham 
 J no. Crown 
 Benj. Carpenter 
 Coles Covert 
 Elizabeth Campbell 
 Amos Clark 
 Gideon Carstang, jr. 
 John Chandler 
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 Nicholas Cox 
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 R. Commerraw, jim. 
 John II. Carrick 
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 Chs. Crommelin, jr. 
 Joseph Craig 
 fames Crichton 
 Daniel C. Clark 
 Alex. Campbell 
 Abner Cunningham 
 Lambert Cole 
 David Clark 
 John C. Crolius, jr. 
 
 D 
 
 James Davis 
 John Day 
 Richard Dunn 
 Ambrose Dobbs 
 Chas. Deberoise,jr. 
 M. M'Donaugh' 
 | Sewel Dodge 
 j Jacob Downing 
 J Gustavus Desabaye 
 | Patrick Devoy 
 j Frederick Demilt 
 | Ross Duffy 
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 John Day 
 Jacob Day 
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 C. Dusseaussoir 
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 Aristides Dayton 
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 Genet Dyckman 
 
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SUBSCRIBER'S NAMES. 
 
 John Deva 
 Jacob Dubois 
 John Downs 
 Dr. Wm. Drummond 
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 Jacob Dooresmus 
 David J. Demarest 
 William Donald 
 William Decker 
 Louis Doyle 
 Anthony H. Doyer 
 Christian Dederer, jr. 
 John Dixon 
 
 E 
 Charles Eagleson 
 Silvanus S. Ennes 
 Abraham Emmet 
 John Edwards 
 John S. Eagles 
 Abraham Eltin<* 
 James Engle 
 Joshua Evans 
 Jos. Ellesby 
 James Ennis 
 
 F 
 Elijah Fountan 
 Linus Freeman 
 James Farrell 
 James Fielding 
 Smith Freeman 
 James Fisher 
 John Fiynn 
 Jonathan Feeks 
 Richard M. Fern at 
 Job Furman 
 
 Michael Flanagan 
 Nathan Franklin 
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 John Fen ton 
 San ford Free land 
 Samuel Fulton 
 William Foster 
 Simon Fraser 
 Charles Fisher 
 John Farrenton 
 Rhodes French 
 J. Frank 
 
 James Felthousen 
 Nathaniel Freeman 
 .fames Forest 
 Richard Foorde 
 William French 
 
 G 
 John Gardner 
 John Garrison 
 Thomas Gilbert 
 Godfrey Grant 
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 1'h o mas Graham 
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 Sarah Finchett 
 
SUBSCRIBER'S NAMES. 
 
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 i lenry Griffen 
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 Wm. II. De Grushe 
 
 H 
 Francis Hall 
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 Thomas Hanlen 
 
SUBSCRIBE 
 
 Daniel Huestis 
 Davis Hunt 
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 I 
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 K 
 Alexander M'Kibbin 
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 R'S NAMES. 
 
 Thos. Kieran 
 John Kinsey 
 I. Kerr 
 
 Philip S. F. Kemper 
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 Joseph Kelly 
 
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 Thos. A. Leg-get! 
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SUBSCRIBI 
 John F. Lloyd 
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 Henri Mikmak 
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 Henry Miller 
 David Morris 
 William Miller 
 Michael Moore 
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 Rufus Moffit 
 
 :r'S names. 
 
 John Meakens 
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 Eli Miller 
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 Alexander M'Farlin 
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 Calven Mores 
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 Ira Munson 
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 Daniel Martin 
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 Lewis Martin 
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SUBSCRIBER'S NAMES 
 
 Abraham Morris 
 Robert Morton 
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 James Murray 
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 Jas. Morrell 
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 N 
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 Archabald Noble 
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 O 
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 Clot worthy Oneil 
 
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 Benjamin Oliver 
 
 P 
 Augustus Patterson 
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 David Perine 
 Wm. Parscyl 
 Henry Peck 
 Abijah Pear sail 
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 Robert Patterson 
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 Peter Powell 
 
SUBSCRIBER'S NAMES. 
 
 David Pierson 
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 R 
 Jacob Ruckel 
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 S 
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 B. Skaats 
 Marshal! Smith 
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 H. Street 
 Archd. Smith 
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 John bigison 
 Garret Smith 
 John Struck 
 Patrick Smith 
 
SUBSCRIBER'S NAMES. 
 
 G. Shaffer 
 R. Sprowll 
 Morris Selah 
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 John Stewart 
 Frederick R.Shiers 
 Jacob Sim on son 
 John Skidmore 
 Jon a. Shay 
 Charles Smith 
 Nathl. Smith 
 David Schoonmaker 
 John I. Slingeriand 
 I.^aac Storms 
 S. Sainsimon 
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 Zo pher Sam is 
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 Elizabeth Smith 
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 Peter Smith 
 
 Alexander Stewart 
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 B. Sands 
 
 Wm. Standerwick 
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 G.W.Sickels 
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 T 
 Edward Tapp 
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 Smith Thomas 
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 Jacob Tyler, junr, 
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 John Tughes 
 
SUBSCRIBER'S NAMES. 
 
 Jared Thompson 
 Thomas looker 
 Thomas Timpson 
 Absalom B. Timms 
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 ElishaThoall 
 Adam Thomson 
 Christian Truse 
 William Troutwine 
 Allen Taylor 
 Benjamin Townsend 
 Sam del Thompson 
 James Thompson 
 Joseph Taylor 
 Joseph M. Thames 
 
 V 
 Abraham Vincent 
 J. Vredenburgh 
 Thomas Vaughan 
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 Herman Vorsburgh 
 Leonard Videto 
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 Abm. Vanderbeck 
 Staats Vanaulen 
 Leah Varick 
 Jesse Van Clief 
 W. A. Van Deursen 
 Peter Vandervort 
 
 W 
 
 J.L.Wells 
 
 Peter Wright 
 Peter Wear 
 E. L. Whitlock 
 David Wilson 
 Aaron Williams 
 Alex. Williamson 
 Jacob Wheeler 
 Patrick Waiters 
 Timothy S. Wheeler 
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 Dennis Ward 
 Joseph Watson 
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 Robert Wheeler 
 Cornelius Williams 
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 Jonathan Watkins 
 James Willock 
 Martin L. Wiilsea 
 Charles West 
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 Benjamin Wright 
 Marshall Washburn 
 Avery Whipple 
 Jas. Whitherspoom 
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 Peter Waldrom 
 Joseph Watts 
 Wm. Pelham Wood 
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 Arthur Webb 
 James Westerfield 
 
SUBSCRIBER'S NAMES. 
 
 William Wood 
 John Weber 
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 Elijah Whipple, jun. 
 John Wilcox 
 George I. Welsh 
 John Whitaker 
 
 Lewis Wing 
 Amb. Weeks 
 Wm. Wilson 
 Walter Wight 
 Mathew Wallace 
 William Wragg 
 Samuel Winans 
 Joseph Watkens 
 Peter Whalen 
 Siliick Waterbury 
 
 Y 
 Paoli Young 
 Adam Young 
 Charles Youngs 
 
 The following names came too late to be in- 
 serted in their proper places. 
 
 A 
 Jacob B. Angus 
 
 B 
 James Burgess 
 William Baley 
 
 D 
 James C. Dyer 
 
 G 
 AlfredW.DeGrushe 
 Jane De Grushe 
 Fanny De Grushe 
 
 H 
 John Hendricks jun. 
 Stephen Hyde 
 
 Guilliam Johnson 
 
 M 
 Donald M'Donald 
 Cornelius M'Kelriev 
 
 N 
 Charles O'Neil 
 
 S 
 John Sheffield 
 
 T 
 William Thomson 
 Robert Tompkins 
 John Thomas 
 
 V 
 John Vanderbeck 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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