Class .L..\lliu<- _. ,. Tu c/0r>vv OoirY^ !l BIOGRAPHICfAL MEMOIRS OF THE ILLUSTRIOUS JL ^ cFeneral (Peorge cpasftington, VlaTE president of the unit ED STATES 0¥ H AMERICA, Jk ^ AND \'€9mmander in Chief of their Armies, during the \* Revolutionary War. Dedicated to the Youth of Artierica. FORI. C©OKE & CO. BOOK'SELLERS, 41. HAVEN, ^ :181©. 1C73 i5)©©6O©0©©©e)a6©©0©©o©©©a©©©a©©©©» BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF General dPeorge aBaiijmgton. IN the hlilory of Man, we contemplate, with particular fatisfadion, thofe legiflators, heroes, and philofophers, whofe "wifdoni, va- lour, and virtue have contributed to the happi- nefs of the human fpecies. We trace the lumin- ous progress of thofe excellent beings with fecret complacency ; our emulation is roufed, while we behold them fteadily purfue the path of rec- litude, in defiance of every obftiudion ; we re- joice that we were of the fame fpecies, and thus;> Self— love becomes the hand-maid of Virtue. The authentic pages of Biography unite tlie moft grateful amufement with inftrudion. — Truth fupports the dignity of the Hii^nric Mufe who will not admit of either fulfome p^tnegyric, or invidious cenfure. She defcribes her hero with genuine fimplicity — mentions his frailties, his charaderiftic peculiarities, and his fhining qualities. In {hort, fhe gives a faithful and lively portraitof the man,inveftigatesthelaten*. A2 ( 6 ) ] motives of his a(5Hons, and celebrates thofe vir- ' tues which have raifed him to an enviable pre- j eminence above his cotemporaries. t| V/e lympathize in the fuflFerings, and parti.. ^ cipate xhe iriumphs of thofe illuftrious men wh» '^ ftand " Majeftic 'mid the monuments of Time ;" and the approbation of exeellenc« in others, na- j turally leads the mind toimitate the objeft of its i .adoration. ^ Among thofe patriots who have a claim to \ our veneration, George Waftiington appears In \ aconfpicuous placein thefirftrank, Theanceft- i ors of this extraordinary man, in the year 1657» j emigrated from England to Amer ica, and fettled in the colony of Virginia ; here, by unremiting \ induftry they became opulent and refpedable, \ and gave their name to the parifh of Wafliing- J ton, in Weftmoreland county.— George Wafli- \ ington, the hero of the following hiftory, was i the fruit of a fecond marriage, and was born in * the fettlement of Chotank, in the above-mention- j ed county, on the 1 1th of Febuary,(0,S.) 1732. ^ The e -^tenfive fettlement of Chotank was ori- • ginally purchafed by the Waftiington family ; \ the extreme fertility of the foil induced thofe fet^ { tiers to cultivate tobacco infeveral plantations; for this purpofe they purchafed a number of ne- gro l|ave§; and, confequently population was ; { 7 ) rapidly increafed. At the time our hero was bom, all the planters throughout this extenfive fettlement were his relations — hence, his youth- ful years glided away in all the pleafing gaiety of focial friendftiip. He received a private ed- ucation, and was initiated in the elements of Religion, Morality, and Science by a private tutor ; and, from the tenor of his adions it is manifeft, that uncommon pains were taken to cherifti the beft propenfities of human nature in his heart : In the 10th year of his age, he had the misfor- tune to lofe an excellent father, who dieiln 1742, and the patrimonial eftate devolved to an elder brother. — This yoi/hg gentleman had been an officer, in the Colonial troops fent in the expedi- tion againft Cartliagena. On his return he call- ed the family manfion Mount Vernon, in honour of the Britifh Admiral, and deftinedhis brother George to ferve in the navy. Accordingly, in his 1 5th year, our hero was entered as a midfliipman, on board a Britifh fri- gate, ftationed on thecoaft of Virginia. He pre- pared to embark, with all the alacrity of youth ; but his nautical career was (lopped by tlie in- terpofition of maternal love. Ever obedient to an affectionate mother, young Wafliington relin- quifhed his defire of going to fea ; the energies of his mind were to be exerted on a more ftabk element. ( 8 ) j As his patrimonial eftate was by no means 1 ^onfiderable, his youth was employed in ufeful ^ induftry ; and in the pradice of his profeffionas \ a fiirveyor, he had an opportunity of acquiring ] at information refpe^ing vacant lands, and of 1 iormlng thofe opinions concerning their future. value, which, afterwards, greatly contributed to | the increafeofhis piivate fortune, i The firft proof that he gave of his propenfity ■ to arrns was in the year 1751 » when the office i of Adjutant-General of the Virginia militia be- came vacant by the death of his brother, and :] Mount Vernon, together with a large eftate, 1 came into his poffeffion. At this time, the ex-Hi tenfive population of the colony made it expedi- ) ent to form the militia corps into three divifions, i and Wafliinton, in his 20th >,gai, was appoint- ■ ed Major. He attended to his duty, as an olH- ; cer, with exemplary propriety and vigilance — \ was indefatigable in the dicipline of the troops * —and generally beloved, both by his brother'] officers and the private men, for bis mildncfs and generofity. j In the year 1753, the incroachments of th? ! French upon the weftern boundaries of the Brit- \ ifti Colonies excited a general alarm in Virgin- '^ ra, infomuch that Govenor Dinwiddi deputed^ Wafhington to afcertain the truth of thofe lu-'j Riours : he was alfp empowered to enter into z^i ( 9 ) treaty with the Indians, and remonftrate witk the French upon their proceedings. On his ar- rival at the back fettlements, he found the Colo- nifts in a very unpleafant fituation, from the de- predations of the Indians, who were inccefT. antly inftigated by the French to the commiffion of new aggreffions. He foi^nd that the Fiench themfelves had alfo committed feveral outrages againft the defencelefs fettlers ; nay, that they had proceeded fo far as to eftablifli pofts within the boundaries of Virginia. Walhington ftrongly remonftrated againft thofe a<5i:s of hoftility, and warned the French to defift from the incurfions. On his return, his report to the Govenor was publiftied, and it evinced that he performed this honourable miflion with great prudence. The repeated inroads of the French and In- dians on the frontiers of Virginia, made it ne- cefTary to encreafe the military eftablifhment | and early in the fpring of 1754, a new regiment was raifed, of which ProfefFor Fry, of the college was appointed Col. and Walhington lieutenant- colonel. Mr. Fry died foon after the regiment was embodied, and was fueceeded by our hero, »vho paid unremitting attention to the difcipline of this new corps. He eftablifhed magazines d£ provifion and ammunition, and opened the roads to the frontiers in order to pre-occupy an impoi- |ant poft at the confluence of the Monongabels ( w ) and Alleghany rivers. His regiment was t» •have been reinforced by a detachment from the ibuthern colonies, and a corps of provincials from North Carolina and Maryland ; but impelled by the urgency of the occafion, he advanced without the expeded fuccours in the month of May. The troops proceeded by forced marches towards the defile, and their commander difpatched two fcouts to reconnoitre ; but though his rapid march was facilitated by the fine weather, yet, when he afcended the JLauril Hills, fifty miles diftant from the place of deftination, he was met Jjjy his fcouts who returned with intelligence, ihat the enemy were in pofleffion of the poft, had built a fort, and ftationed a large garrifon there. Wafiiington now held a council of war with the other officers, but while they were delibera- ting a detachment of the French came in fight, and obliged them to retreat to a favanna called xhe .Gre<to Meadows. The fortitude of Wafliington was put to a fe- vere teft on this occafion, he retired with the troops to an eminence in the favanna, and about noon began to eredt a fmall fortification. He called his temporary defence Fort Neceffity, and encouraged the regiment both by his voice and example, to raife a redoubt on which they plant- ed two field pieces. They furrounded the camp ^l»5rith an entrenchment in which tliey toiled vrlth C 11 ) trni'emittmg exertions during the fubfequent night. Thus fortified, they prepared to refift the meditated attack of the enemy ; and about funrife, on the following morning, were joined by Capt. M* Kay, with a company of regulars. The little atmy now amounted to about 400 men. On the approach of the advanced guard of the French, the Americans fallied forth, at- tacked and defeated them ; but the main body of the enemy, amounting to 1500 men, com- pelled them to retire to the intrenchments. — The camp was now clofely invefted, and the Americans fuifered feverely from the grape fhot of the enemy, and the Indian riflemen. Wafli- ington however, defended the works with fuch flcill and bravery, that the befiegers were una- ble to force the intrenchments. At length af- ter a conflldt often hours, in which 150 of the Americans v^^ere 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 j but they were afterwards plundered by the hol- tile Indians, during their return to Virginia. This defeat excited a ftrong emotion of for- row in the brealts of their countrymen ; and tho' feveral perfons cenfured the precipitance of Walhington in this affair, yet the general convi(ftion of his integrity prevented thofe mtir- ( 12 ) fnMT5 from doing him any iujury. Indeed his conduct was liable to cenfure ; he ought to have waited for the neceflary reinforcements, a junc- tion with whom would probably have crowned his enterprize with fuccefs. His inexperience and the a6live ardor of a youthful mind, may afford fotne palliation of his imprudence ; but his rafhnefs in this inftance was fo different from his fubfeqiient prudence, that probably this in- aufnicious commencement of his military ca- reer, was the origin of the circumfpeftlon and vigilance v^fhich afterv/ards marked his condufl in a fuccefsful defjnfive war. Let us for d moment enquire into the caufe ofthefe unprovoked hoftilities of the French againli the Eritifh colonies. As France, for many certturies had been the profefTed rivial of England, Oie beheld the rapid profperity of thefe colonies, and the^ confequent aggrandize- ment of the mother country, with envious ap- prehenfion. The French government had made fettlements in North America, and divided thi^ vad continent Into two provinces ; the northern Was called Canada, arid the fouthern Louifiana. But as the principal part of this territory was, comparatively, barren and uncultivated, the French formed the ambitious proje<5t of obtain- ing pofTeffion of the Brltifh fettlements by force For thi^urpofe they ere(5led a chain of fort§ { 13 ) which extended throughout ah immehre tratfl of country. Thefe fortifications were garrifon- ed by troops, well fupplied by military ftores j but the circumjacent regions were totally unin- habited, except by hunting parties of the wan- dering Indians. The French engaged thefe favages in their intereft, by fupplying them with arms and am- munition in exchange for rich furs. Thus they obtained the alliance of a formidable and enter- prizing race, who naturally hated the Britifli colonics, whom they confidered as the original Invaders of their country. In the fummer of I75l<, the French having built feveral forts within the boundaiiesof the Britifh fettlements, an army of veterans was f^iat from France to fupport thofe unjuftifiable encroachments. We have already mentioned their vidlory over the ti'oops comnianded by WaOiington, and that they had ereded a fort at an advantageous poft, which it had been his determination to fecure. They named this for- trefs Du Qiiefne, in which they ftationed at ftrong garrifon well provided with military ftores. Thofe hoftiie meafures on the part cf France, excited the indignation of the Englifh Government, and orders were ilTued to make general reprifals in Europe and Arnerica. In the year 1755, General Braddock wasfent B '( 14 ) to America, at the head of two veteran regi-- ments from Ireland, to reduce the forts on the Ohio. On his -arrival, he was joined by the in-^ dependent and provincial corps of America : but when the army was ready to march againft the enemy, the want of waggons for the convey- ance of (lores, had almoft proved an infur- mountable obftacle to the expedition. In this emergency a patriotic American ftepped for- ward and removed the difficulty ; this was the celebrated Benjamin Franklin, whofe extraoi - dinary talents had already contributed to the difFufion of knowledge and happiaefs. This benign phjlofopher exerted his influence fo efFeftaally with his countrymen, that in a Ihort time he collecT:ed 150 waggons, which proved an ample fupply for the army. As in confequence of a military regulation, "no officer who did not derive his commiffion from -the King could command one who did," Wafhington^ refigned ; but ftrongly attached to a military life, and emulous to defend his country with diftiiiguiflied zeal, he voluntarily ferved under Gen, Braddockasanextra aid-de- eamp. That General marchedagainft Fort Du- Quefne ; but foon after he crofTed the river Monongahela, the van divifion of his army was attacked by an ambufcade of French and In* di^nsy and totally defeated. The thicknefs of ( 15 ) tlie woods prevented both the European and provincial troops from being able to defend themlelves with effed: ; they could neither keep their ranks, nor charg^e the enemy with the bayonet, while the Indians who were expert at bufh fighting, and were widely fcattered, fired at them in all dirediions from behind th'e trees where they were concealed from their foes, and took a fatal aim. Wafliington had cautioned Gen. Braddock in vain ; his ardent defire of conqued made him deaf to the voice of pru- dence ; he faw his error when too late, and bravely perifhed in his endeavours to fave the divifion from deftrudion. The gallant but un- fortunate general had four horfes (hot from un- der him before he was flain, and almoft every officer whofe duty obliged him to be on horfe- back, was either killed or wounded except Wafliington. Amid the carnage, the prefence of mind, and abilities of our hero, were confpi- cuous ; he rallied the troops, and, at the head' of a corps of grenadiers, covered the rear of the divifion, and fecured their retreat over the ford of Mdnongahela. Anxious for the prefervation of the troops, and unmindful of the fatigues he had under- gone, during a fultry day, in which he had f(jarcely a moment of reft, he haftened to con* cert meafures with Colonel Dunbar^ .who com- ( 16 ■) manded the rear divifion, which had not been engaged. Neither the wildernefs thro* which he was obliged to pafs, the innumerable dangers that fourrounded him in his progrefs, nor his exhaufted ftate could prevent him from purfu- ipg the line of his duty. He travelled during the nl ght accompanied by two guides, and reached the Britilh camp in fafety. Thus his* perfever- ance and wifdom {aved the refidue of the troops. Colonel Dunbar now alTumed the chief com- mand ; and with confiderable difficulty effeded a retreat, but was obliged to deflroyhis baggage to prevept it from falling into the hands of the enemy. Wafliington received the moft flatter- ing marks of public approbation ; but his beft reward was the confcioufnefs of his own inte-. gritj. Soon after this tranfadion, the regulation of rank, which bad juftly been confidered as a grievance by the colonial oflicers, was changed in confequence of a fpirited remonflrance of Wafliington ; and the Governor of Virginia re- warded this brave officer with the command of all the troops of that colony. The natural energy of his mind was now called into a<5Hon j and his thoughts were continually employed in ibrming new plans for tke protedion cf the frontiers. v ^ We may forrn fome idea of his increafing { 17 ) popularity, and the high eftimatibn in which he v/as held by his countrymen, from the follow- ing curious predi<5tion. It v%-as publifhed in the notes of a feimon preached by the Rev. Samuel Davies, on the Hth of Auguft, 175.5, to Capt. Overton's independent company of Volunteers, raifed in Hanover county, Virginia. " As a re- markable inftanceofpatriotifrti, I may point out that heroic youch Colonel Wafhington, whom I cannot but hope Providence has liitherto pre- served in fo fignal a manner, for fome impor- tant fervice to his rouniTy. ' What renders this prophecy the more wormy of notice, is its hav- ing been delivered twenty years .prior to the commencement of the war, which terrliinated in American Independence. In the year 1758, Wadiington comn^anded the van brigade of the army under Gen. Forbes, and diftinguifhed himfelf by the capture of Fort du Quefne. During this fuccefsful cam- paign, he acquired a knowledge of tables His frequent fkirmiflies with the French and In^. dians, in the woody regions along the frontiers taught hipi vigilance and circum.fpedion, and roufed that fpiiit of enterprife, which is ever ready to fei:ie the crifis th.it leads to vidory. The troops under his command were gradually inuredia that mofl difficult kind of warfare cal- led b'atl?.- fighting, Yvhile the activity cf the ( 18 ) French and ferocity of the Indians were ovct- ccme by his fuperior valour. After the ene- my had been defeated in fcveral battles, and compelled to retreat far beyond the Colonial boundaries, General Forbes left a fufficient garrifon in the different forts which he had cap- tured along the banks of the Ohio, and returned with the army into winter quarters. In the courfe of this decifive campaign, which reftored the tranquihty and fecurity of the middle colonies, Wafhington had fuiFcred many hardilrips which impaired his heahh. J-ie was afflided with an inveterate pulmonary complaint, and extremely debilitated, infomuch that in the year of 1759, he refigned his com- miflion and- retired to Mount Vernon. The Virginia line exprefied their high fenfe of his merit, by an affedionate addiefs on thisoccafi- on ; and his anfwer w.'is marked with that mo» defty and magnanimity which were the promi- nent traits of his mind. By a due attention to regimes, m the quiet bowers of Mount- Vernon, he gradually reco- veied from his indifpofition^ But, as during the tedious peiiod of his conv.ileAence the Britifh arms had been vidorlous, his country had no more occafion for the exertfpn of his military tiilents. In 1761, he married a^-oung Vr'idov/, whcSj' maiden n^-.me w.ns I")*pdridge. ( 19 ) She was clefcended from a reputable family and two of her brothei'*^ were ofBcers in tlie BritiCi navy. This lady was the v^idow of Colonel Cuftis," who ha'l left her Iple executrix to his extenfive pofleflions, and guardian' to his two children. The union of WaOiingtcn Avith this accomplifhed v/onian was y.rodudive o{ their mutual felicity ; and as he inceifantly purfued agricultural improvements, his taite embellifh- ed and enriched the fertile fields around Mount Vernon. Meanwhile l";e was appointed a ma- giftrate, a member of the affembly of the ft.ue and a judge of the court. Thefe honourable av'ccations kept the powers of his mind in a ilate of adivity ; he attended to his civil duties with exemplary propriety, and gave a convin- cing proof, that the fmipiicity of the Farmer is horriogeneal with the dignified views of the Senator. But the time approached, in which Wafiiing- ton was to relinquifti thofe honoui able civil a- vocations, and one of the m9ft remarkable events recorded in hiftory obliged him to ad a confpicuous part on the great theatre of the world. The American Revolution originated in the errors of a few Biitifh politicians, and the joint exertions of a number of public fpirit- ed men among the Colcnifts, .who incited their ffouatry-:Ticn to refift pariraniffutary taxation. ( 20 ) In March 1Y64', a bill pafTed in die Brltifl* Parliament, laying heavy duties on ail ai tides imported into the Colonies from the French and other iflands in the Weft-Indies, and ordering thefe duties to be paid ip fpecie into the Exche- quer of Great Britain. In the fame feflion, a-* nother bill was formed, to reft rain the currency of paper-money in the Colonies, Thefe a<5ls excited the furprife and difplea- fure of the North Americans. They fent warm and energetic remonftrances to the Mother^ country, and laid every argument before the Miniftiy that ingenuity could fuggeft, but in vain. As they had hitherto furnilbed their contingent in men and money, by the authority of their Repiefentatives in the Colonial Affem- blies, they afferted, that, not being lepicfcnted in the Brltifii Parliament, it could have no right to tax them. — Finding, however, that all their arguments were ineffedual to remove their grievances, they {ormed affociations to prevent the ufe of Britiih manufactures, till they (hould obtain redrefs. The animofity of the Colonifts, was farther increafed, by the advice which they received, that the Britifli Miuiflry had it in contempla- tion to eftablifli fta^np-duiics in Ameiica, fimi- Jar to thofe in Great Britain. The General AiTembly of Virginia 'vns the I 21 ) firft that openly and formally declared againft the right of Britain to lay taxes on America. Of this Aflembly Wafhington was a member ; he moft zealoufly oppofed what he confidered an encroachment on the liberties of his country- men : and theexaniple of this legiflitive body was followed by thofe of the other colonies. In June, i 765, the AfTjmbly of Maffachu- fetts, from the convidion of the expediency of a Continental Concijrers, paffed a lefolution in fovour* of that meafure, and fent circular let* ters to the feveral Alfemblies requeft ing their concurrence. Accordingly, a deputation from 10 of the Colonies met at New- York, and this was the tirft Congrefs held in North America. In confequence of a petition from this Con- grefs to the King and both Houfes of Parlia- ment, the ftamp a6t was repealed, to the uni- verfil joy of the Colon! fts, and the general fa- tisfa<aion of the Eaglifh, whofe manufa<5lares had fufFeted a confiderable deprefllon, in con- fequence of the American aifociations againfl their importation. But, the Parliament, by repealing this obnox- ious ad, did not relinquilh the idea of their right to tax the Colonies ; and the bill for lay- ing a duty on tea, paper, painter s colours, and glafs, was pafTed, and fent to America, in 1768. This (i.^ occafioned new difcontents in th« Col- t 22 ) vnmes, efpecially at Bofton ; and tho' Parlla' STiCnt thought proper, in 1770, to take off thofe duties, except 3cl. a pound on tea, yet even this trifling impoft kept alive the jealoufy of the Colonills, _wht) denied the fupremacy of the Britifh-Legiflature. The troops quartered in Bolton vras another caufe of offence to the in- habitants, and, on all occafions, they marifefted an inclination to quarrel with men whom they ■confidered inimical to their liberties.. The animofity of the people of that Colony, againft their Governor, Hutchinfon, was in- creafed by the difcovery that he had written letters to people in power in England, which /contained a mifreprefentation of the ftate of public affairs, and reconcmended coercive mea- fures, in order to fecure the f bedience of the province. Thcfe letters fell into the hands of Or. Franklin, agent of the province, who trans- mitted them to Bofton. The Affembly paffed a petition to his Majefty, by a large majority, in which they declared their Governor and Lieutenant-Governor enemies to the Colonies, and prayed for their difmiffion from office. This petition was not only rejected, but declared to be groundlefs and fcandalous. About this time, Dr. Franklin was difmiffed from the office of Deputy Poftmafter-General of America, which he held under the Crownc (, 23 ) But It was not meriily by his triinfmiulon oUhe letters abov^e menlloned that he had offended the Britiflr Miniftry ; he-had written two pieces in favour of America, which excited the public attention on both fides ct the Atlantic The one was entitled, " An Edid: from thi; King of Pruffia for taxing the inhabitants of Grcac Britain, as defcendants of emigrants {row. hi:* dominions ;" and tlie other,, '' llules tor ujJii- cing; a great Empire to a fmail c:vc.~' Thefe e ilky s were both wr i tten w i th h I s p ecu i i . i r n m - pllcity of ftyle, and abounded wiili the niort poignant fatire. The difputes between Great Britain and her Colonies had now exiRed ,;hove ten years,, v.'iLii »n»x.'ivals of tranquility. ■ The reiervatlon of Uk; duty on tea, tlie ftationing a ftanding army in MaiTachufetts, the continuance of a Board of Commiffioners in Bofton, and the appointing the* Governors and Judges of the pivvince, inde- pendent of the people, v^'-ere the caufes cv that irritation v/hich pervaded all ranks of the com- munity. In the year 1773) the American controv^-rtV was recommenced, in confequence of tea btinj; fent to tho Colonies by the Eaft India Company. The Americans nov? perceived that the ta^ was likely to be enforced, and v.'ere determined to oppofe the rev^'nue fyftem of the Britiih Par* ( 24 ) llament. They confidered tbis attempt of the? Eaft India Company as an indire(St mode of taxation, and tock meafures to prevent the land- ing of the eeas. One univeifal fpiritof oppofi- tion animated the Colonifts from New Hamp fhireto Georgia. The province of MafTachi fetts diftinguifhed itfelf by the mod violent ar decifive proceedings. Three ihips from En land laden with tea, lay in the harbour of Be ton ; and the townsmen refolved to deftroy / rather than fuifer it to be landed. For this pilr- pofe a number of mendifguifed like Indians Cii- the ISth of Dec. 1773, entered the fhips ard threw overboard 342 chefls of tea, being tl ^ whole of their cargoes. The Mini ft. y now refolved to enforce the authority, and as Bofton had been the princip: fcene of outrage, it was determined to punil that town in an exemplary manner. On th 25th of March 1774^, an ad was paffed calle the Bofton Port Bill, " to difcontinue the lane • ing, and difcharging, lading, and ftiipping o" goods, wares, and merchaiidizes at the town o. Boftcn, or within the harbour." The news of this bill was received by the Boftonians with the moft extravagant tokens ol lefcntment, and during the ferment their new governor, Gen. Cage, arrived from England. This gentleman had been appointed on account ( 25 ) of his being an officer of reputation, and a man efteemed by the Americans, among whom he had refided many years. The firft official ad of his government was the removal of the as- fembly to Salem, a town feventeen miles dift- ant. Virginia again took the lead in a public a- vowal of its fentiments. The flrft day of June had been appointed for the Bofton Port Aft to take place, and on that day the General AfTem- bly of Virginia enjoined a public fupplication to heaven. The ftile of this injunftion was re- markable ; the people were directed " to be- feech the Dieiy to give them one heart and one mind, firmly to oppofe every invafion of the American Rights." The afTembly of Virginia recommended alfo to the colonies, to appoint a Congrefs of Delegates to deliberate on the criti- cal ftate of .their affairs. Meanwhile the Boftonians were not inadive. They framed an agreement, which they called a folemn League and Covenant, by which the fubfcribers engaged in the moft religious man- ner, " to difcontinue all commercial intercourfe with Great Britain, after the expiration of the- m.onth of Augufl, till the late obnoxious afls were repealed, and the colony re-pofTeffed of its charter." Refolutions of a fimilar nature were entered into by the other provinces ; and C ( 26 ) u-hen General Gage attempted to counteradl the covenant b}^ a proclamation, the Americans retorted, by infiding, that the law allowed fub- jeds to afTociate in order to obtain redress of their grievances. in the month of Sept. 177^, the General Congrefs of all the Colonies met at Philadelphia. That body confided of fifty-onfe delegates, cho- fen by the reprefeniatives of 6ach province. The firft aft of the Continental Congress, was their approbation of the condoft of the Boftonians, and an exhortation to them to per- fevere in their oppofitlon to government, till the refiaration of their charter. — They avowed., their allegiance to his IVLijefty, and drew up a- petition, in v^^iiich they intreated him to grant them peace, liberty, and fafety. After feveral refolutions tending to promote unanimity in the provinces, and after having refolved that an- nother Congrefs fliould meet in Philadelphia on the 1 Olh of May following, if their grievances ihould not be redrefled, they recommended to the people the fpeedy nomination of new dele-i gates, and then feparated. Meanwhile reinforcements of Britifli troops arrived at Bofton, which increafed the general difaifeaion to fuch a degree, that the people were ready to rife at a moment's warning. The Golonifts now began ierioufly to prepare for ( 27 ) war : embodied and trained their militia ; and to render themfelves independant of foreigners for the fupply of military ft ores, they eredled mills and manufadories, for gunpov/der, both in Philadelphia and Virginia. Thefe hoftile preparations induced General Gage to fortify the neck of land which joins the town of Bofton to the continent. But tho' this meafure of fecurity was juftifiable on the prin- ciple of felf defence, the Americans remonftrat- ed againft it with the greateft vehemence, • Inftead of paying any attention to thefe invedli- ves, the General feized the provincial aramuni- jion and military ftores at Cambridge and Charle^town. This &fl of hoftiiity excited the popular rage to fuch a degree, that it was with the utmoft difficulty the inhabitants of MafTa- chufetts could be reftrained from marching to Bofton to attack the troops. It was now evident, that the enfuing fpring would be the commencement of a war of which even the moft refoiute dreaded the confequences. The ulnicft diligence, hov/ever, was ufed by the colonifts to be provided againft any attack of the Britifh army. A lift of men able to bear arms was made out in each province, and the aflcmblies v.'ere animated with the moft live- ly hopes on finding that two-thirds of the men who had ferved in the former war, were alive, and zealous in the caufp. ( 28 ) Waftiington was among the moft adive in raifing troops. His well known intrepidity and generofity obtained him a numerous corps of volunteers ; he was appointed their commander, and foon perfe<5led their difcipline. He had al- fo been elected a delegate from Virginia to the General Congrefs, and exerted all his influence to encourage a decifive oppofition to Britifti tax- ation. S/" The awful moment now approached which was to involve Great Britain and her colonies in all the horrors of a civil war. In February, 1775 the Provincial Congrefs of Maffachufetts metat Cambridge. Several military inftitutions for the protedion of the province were enabled; among the remarkable of which was the minute- men. A number of the moft a6tive and expert of the New England militia were felefled, who were obliged to hold themfelves in readinefs to obey the firft fummons of their officers ; and in- deed their fubfequent vigilance and intrepidity, fully entitled them to the above mentioned ap- pellation. We pafs over the battles of Lexington and Bunker's-hill and come to the fubjeft of our pre- fent memoir. Walhington v^i\o was a delegate to Congrefs, from Virginia, was by their unani- mous vote, appointed General in chief of all the American forces. They alfo voted him as am- ( 29 ) pie a falary as was in their power to beftow.— but he generoully declined all pecuniary emolu- ments. — His reply to the Prefident of Congrefs, on his nomit-ation to the fupreme command of the army, was in the following words : " Mr. President, " Though I am truely fenfible of the high honour done me in this appointment, yet I feel great diftrefs from a confcioufnefs that my abil- ities and military experience may not be equal to the extenfive and important truft ; however as the Congrefs defire it, I will enter upon the momentous duty, and exert every power I pof- fefs in their fervice, and for fupport of the^ glo- rious caufe. I beg they will accept my moft cordial thanks for this diftinguiflied teftimony of their approbation, " But left fome unlucky event fhould happen unfavorable to my reputation. I beg it may be remembered by every gentleman in the room, that I this day declare, with the utmoft finceri- ty, 1 do not think myfelf equal to the com- mand I am honored with. " As to my pay, I beg leave to alTure the Congrefs, that, as no pecuniary confideration could have tempted me to accept this arduous employment, at the expence of my domeftic peace and happinefs, I do not wifli to make any profit from it. 1 will keep an exa»5i: ac- C2 ( 3(5 ) runt of my expences — thofe, T doubt not, they will aiicharge, and this is all I defire." Th!s Hieech is a proof of that difinterefted- nefs and modefty which were tho-diftinguiftiing charafteialics of Wafhington's miwd. In pri- vate life he was hofpitable and friendly. — Thcfe fociai virtues, together with his tried va- Iru!, made him truly eftimable in the eyes of his Gountryrnen. His ele<5lion to thefupieme com- mand was attended by no competition — every merr-ber of Congrefs were convinced of his in- tegrity, and chofe him as the man bcft qualifi- ed to raife their expectations and fix their confi- dence. The appointment of Waflilngton was attend- ed with other promotions, namely, four major- generals, one adjutant general, and eight bri- gadier-generals. On the day following, a fpccial commiffion was prefented to Walhington by Congrefs. At the fame time, they refolved unanimoufly in a full meeting, " That they would maintain aiid affift him, and adhere to him with their lives and fortunes, in the caufe of American liber- ty.'' In their inftrudions. they authorifed him «' to order and difpofe of the army under his command as might be moft advantageous for obtaining the end for which it had been raifed, niaking it his fpecial caie, in difcharge of th^ ( 31 ) great trufteommitted to him, that the liberties of Ameiiui received no detriment." Wadiington's diffidence on the acceptance of his commiffion was extremely natural. His comprehenfiVe mind anticipated the numerous difficulties which mufl: attend his employment, and he v/oi;ld gladly have preferred the plea- fu)es of a rural life to all the " pride, pomp, and circumftance of a glorious war.*' His taking the command of the American aimy was therefore a ft rong exertion of felf- denial to an unambitious man, who enjoyed all the real bleffi;igs of life in the bofom of inde- pendence. Let us, for a moment, turn our at- tention to his private affairs, and we will be- hold him bleft with the rational pleafures of a philofophical retiiement, with his table over- fpread with plenty, and his pillow fmothed by the hand of conjugal love. Could man defire more ? — Was not this the fummit of human happinefs ? But now, when the voice of his country demands his aid, he takes the field, in her defence, with fiUial attachment. In the beginning of July, Wafliington fet out for the camp at Cambridge, in order to af- fume the command of the army. On his way thither, he was treated with every demonltra- tion of refpeft, efcorted by detachments of gen- tlemen wljo had formed volunteer affociations, ( 32 ) and honored with public addrefles of congratu- lation from the provincial Csngrefs of New- York and Maffachufetts. In anfwer to thefe addrefTes, Wafliington, after declaring his high fenfe of the regard fliewn him, added, " Be afTured, that every exertion of my worthy colleagues and myfelf will be extended to the re-eftablifhment of peace and harmony between the mother-country and thefe colonies. As to the fatal, but necelTary operations of war, when we affumed the fol- dier, we did^not lay afide the citizen ; and we fhall moft fincerely rejoice Vv^ith you in the hap- py hour, when the re-eftablifliment of Ameri- can liberty, on the moft firm and folid founda- tions, fhall enable us to return to our private ilations, in the bofom of a free, peaceful, and happy country." On his arrival at the camp, he was received with the joyful acclamations of the American army. He found the Britifh troops entrench- ed on Bunker*s-Hill, and defended by three floating batteries in Myftic river, while the Americans were entrenched on Winter-Hill, Profpedt-Kill, and Roxbury, with a commu- nication, by fmall pofts, over an extent of ten miles. As the provincial foldiers had repaired to the camp in their ordinary clothing, the hunting fliirt was adopted for the fake of unU ( 33 ) formity. WafKIngton found a large body of men, indifferently difciplined, and but badly provided with arms and ammunition. Befides, they had neither ingineers, tior fufficient tools for the eredlion of fortifications. He alfo found uncommon difficulties in the organization of his army. Enterprifing leaders had diflin- guifhed themfelves at the commencement of hoftilities, and their followers, from attach- ment, were not willing to be commanded by officers who, the' appointed by Congrefs, were ftrangers to them. To fubje<5t the licentiouf- nefs of freemen to the control of military difci- pline, was both an arduous and delicate tafk. However, the genius of Wafliington triumph- ed over all difficulties. In his letter to €on- grefs, after he had reviewed the troops, he fays, " I find here excellent materials for an army — able body-men, of undoubted courage, and zea- lous in the caufe. In the fame letter, he com- plains of the want of ammunition, camp-equi- page, and many other requifites of an army. Wafhington, at the head of his troops, pub- liflied a declaration, previoufly drawn up by Congrefs, expreffive of their motives for taking up arms. It was written in energetic language, and contained the following remarkable palTk- ges: " Were it pofllble for men, who exercife their ( 34 ) reafon, to believe that the Divine Author of ourexifliencc intended a part of the hunian race to hold an abibhite property in, and unbounded power over others, marked out by his infinite poodnefs and wifdom as the objeds of a legal domination, never rightfully refiftable, how- ever fevere and oppreifive, the inhabitants of ■ efe Colonies might, at ieaft, require from : Parliament of Great Britian fome evidence, that this dreadful authority over them has been granted to that body. But a reverence for our gfreat Creator, principles of humanity, and the didates of common fenfe, muft convince all thofe who refledl upon the fubje*^^, that govern- ment was inftituted to promote the welfae of mankind, and ought to be adminiftered for the attainment of t'nat end. *' The Ligislature of great Britain, however, fti mill? ted by an inordiate paffion for power, not only unjuftifiable. but which they know to be peculiarly reprobated by the Coiiftitution of that kingdom, and defpairing of fuccefs in any mode of conteft where regard fiiouldbe had to trur.i, law, or right, nave at length, defer ting thofe attempted to etTe<5l their cruel and impoli- tic purpofe of enflavng thefe Colonies by vio- lence, and have thereby rendeied it nece-ffary for us to clofe with their laft appeal from Rea- fon to Arms. Yet, however blinded that ?''" ( 35 ) ifembly may be, by their intemperate rage fof unlimited domination, fo to (light juftice and the opinion of mankind, we efteem ourfelves bound by obligations of refpedt to the reft of the world, to make known the juftice of our caufe." This bold and explicit manifefto was dated at Philadelphia, the 6th of July, 1775, and ibbfcribed by John Hancock, Prefident of Con- grefs, and Charles Thomfon, Secretary, A general fpirit of unanimity pervaded the colonies at this momentous period. Men of all ranks and ages were animated with-martial ar- dour, even religious prejudices were overcome by patriotic enthufiafm. Several young men of Vhe Quaker perfuafion joined the military aflbci- ations ; and the number of men in arms through- out the colonies was very confiderable. Notwithftanding tliefe warlike preparations, the Americans unanimoufly protefted that they took up arms only to obtain a redrefs of griev- ances ; and that a feparation from the parent ftate was an obje(5l: foreign to their willies. — • The rancour, however, that accompanies a civ- il war, was productive of mutual reproaches, and the (lighteft proof often was keenly felt as proceeding from thofe who were once friends. An inftance of this nature happened at Bof- ton, while Invefled by the provincial army, and produced the memorable correfoondence be- ■ ( 36 ) tween the refpedive commanders. The 1 letter, written by General Wafliington to G( eral Gage, exhibited a lively portrait of his cl rader and piinciples as well as thofe of his col. trymen, — It contained the following ftrikin^- pafTages : " Whether Britifh or American mercy, for- titude and patience, are mofl: pre-eminent whether our virtuous citizens, whom the har of tyranny has forced into arms to defend their property and freedom, or the marcenary and lawlefs inHruments of domination, avarice, r ' venge, beft deferve the appellation of rebel and the punifliment of that cord, which yoi afFe<fled clemency has foreborne to infii(f> ; wb^ ther the authority under which I ad, is usuri ed, or founded upon the principles of liberty fuch confiderations are altogether foreign v the fubje£t of cur correfpondence — I purpofely- avoid all political difquifition ; ner (hall 1 avaiJ myfelf of thofe advantages, which the facre. caufe of my country, of liberty and human na ture give me over you ; much lefs fiiall I ftoo] to retort any inventive. *' You nizedi Sir, to defpife all rank not de- rived from the ftme fource with your own. cannot conceive one moie honourable than tha wliich flows from the uncorrup ted choice of ; brave and free People, the pureft fource anc ( 37 ) ■ original fountain of all power. * Far from think- ing it a plea for cruelty, a mind of true magna- tilmlty, and enlarged ideas, would comprehend and refped it." This celebrated letter was by the Americans reprefented as the moftperfed model of the ftyle becoming the Commander in Chief, and the oc- cafion to which it was adapted ; nay, it was commended in different parts of Europe, and even in England, as the moft proper anfwer he could make. In September, General Gage failed for Eng- land ; and the command of the Britilh army devolved on General Howe. Meanwhile, the army under Walhington continued the blockade of Bofton fo clofely, as to prevent all intercourfe betvi-een that town and country. The provincial force was formed in- to threegranddivifions, of which General Ward commanded the right wing, General Lee the left, the centre was commanded by Wafhington. The army was arranged by General Gates, by wkofe exertions military difcipliae was gradual- ly and fuccefsfully introduced : the officers and privates v^^ere taught the neceffity of a due fubor- dination, and became expert in the different HiancKUvres that conftitute the regularity of an army. Qne infuperable obRacle to the prGvIucial D ( 38 ) army's arriving at' perfe<5t difclpline was the fliortnefs of the time for which the men had been enlifted. It had been limited to fix months, and no part of the troops were engaged longer than the 1st of Jan, 1776. To prevent the En- glifli General from taking advantage of this cir» cumftance, Wafiiington was obliged occafion- ally to call in the militia when the diibanded rhen lefc the camp, in order that the works Ihould be properly defended. Ticonderoga had been taken by CoFonel Ar- nold on the 10th of May. This important for- trefs is fituated on a promontary, formed at the- jun(5tion of Lake George and Lake Champlain and confequently it is the key of communicatioc . between New York and Canada. Arnold, flurti- ed with fuccefs, wrote a letter to- Congrefs, in which he offered to i educe the whole province of Canada with 2000 men. From the imp«tu- ofity of his dlfpolition, he advifed the adoption cf an oitenfive war, but as Congiefs did not wifh to widen the breach between Great Britain and.the Colonies, and an aceominodation was their wifh, they deferred the invafion of Cana- da. Sir Guy Carleton, the governor of that pro- vince, planned a fcheme for the recovery q{ 'I'icoiidtTCga and Crown Point, another fort ta- k^n bv th^ Americans. He had been invefted ( 39 ) with full powers to embody the Canadians, and march them againft the enemy ; however they were very unwilling to engage in the conteft, but he hoped on the arrival of reinforcements, to compel them to a<3. Meantime he had colled- ed a numerous body of IndiaiiS ; his troops though few, were well difciplined, and the Uni- ted Colonies had reafon to dtead a man of his intrepidity and abilities. When. Congrefs were informed of these ex- ertions in Canada, they thought it expedient to make a vigorous attack upon that 4>rovince, in orider to prevent the invafion of their north- weilern frontier. In confequence of this detei- ifiination, an army of 3000 men under the com- mands of Generals Schuyler and Montgomery, were fent to effed the conqueft of Canada — They proceeded tol^ake Champlain, and thence by water to St. John's the £rft Britifli pod in Canada. The Americans landed and befieged the fortrefs, which was bravely defended by the garrifon under Major Prefton. lUnefs obliged General Schuyler to retire to Albany, and the. fole command of the troops devolved on Mont- gomery, who profecuted the fiege with fuch vi- gotir, that in a few days he became mafter of the place. After the redudion of St. John's, Montgomery advanced to Montreal with his tviclorious ar*ny. Om his approach ta that town. ( 40 ) the few Britifli forces which compofed the gar- lifon, repaired for fafetv on board the Clipping, in hopes of efcaping down the river, but they were prevented by a body of continental troops under the command of Colonel Eafton, who was ftationed at the point of Sore! river. — Gen- eral Prefcot with feveral officers, and 120 pri- vates furrendered themfelves prifoners on terms of capitulation ; and the American General, af- ter leaving a garrifon in Montreal, advanced with a rapid march towards the capital of Can- ada. While Montgomery was thus purfuing the career of vidory, the province of Canada was invaded in another quarter by an enemy nolefs enterprifmg and intrepid than himfelf. A de- tachment of 1000 men was fent by Gen. Wafh- ington, from the American army at Cam- bridge. Tiiis expedition was condu«Sed by Col- onel Arnold, who led his troops by an unexplo- 'red route thro' the wilderncfs. The difficulties encountered by this detachment during 31 days, were almofi; infurmonntable. They proceeded in boats by the river Kennebeck, and were obli- ged to work upwards againft its impetuous cur- rent. After fuifering various hardOiips, and lofmg above l-3d of his men, by ftcknefs and de- fertion, Colonel Arnold arrived at the inhabited part of Canada, after a march of 6 weeks. ( 41 ) Tlie appearance of Colonel Arnold before Quebec threw the inhabitants into the greateft confternation ; but, as in his march it had*been impofllble to» bring any cannon, he could only feize the avenues that led to the city, in order to cut off fupplies and provifions, and await the ar- rival of the troops under Montgomery. On the 5lh of December, 1775, Montgomery arrived in fight of Quebec. He fummoned it in due form, but the garrifon fired at his flag of truce, and refufed to admit his meffage. As the depth of >vinter approached, he was convin- ced of the neceffity of either raifmg the fiege, or taking the city by efcalade. General Carletonmade fuch exertions as evin- ced the moft determined refiftance, and his ex- ample animated the courage of the garrifon. Tlie town was remarkably Ilrong both by nature and art, and the number of the befiegers was in- confiderable ; befides the vigilance of the Gov-' ernor vras fuch, that every part was guarded v/ith the greateft circumfpe«5tion. Montgomery, on the other hand, pofTeffed all thofe romantic ideas of military glory which prevailed in the days of chivalry ; and this love of enterprize was cherifhed by an intrepidity which made him overlook all perils ; he was confcious that his troops would follow with alac- rity v,'herever he fhould lead, and he determined D2 ( *2 ) to take the city by ftorm, orpeiifliin the attempt. On the 31ft of December, 1775, he advanced to the attack by break of day. In order to incite emulation among the Provincial 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 perfon. The way thro' which Montgomery and his paity had to pafs was narrow, and as he knew the moft defjperate exertions of valour would be required, he had fele<Sed a number of his moft refolute men for this enterprize. He advanced amid a. heavy fhower of fnow, and, having feized the firft hairier, he rufhed forward at the head of his party, and haftened to clofe in upon the enemy. The fecond barrier, which led direflly to the gates of the lower town, was defended by a ftrong body of the garrifcn, who were pofted there with feveral pieces of cannon ready load- ed — Montgomery advanced, with a rapid move- ment, and was received with a volley of mufk- etry and grape-fliot, that, in an inftant, killed and wou'nded almoft the whole of his party. He fell himfelf, with his principal officers. The troops were fo difconcerted by the lofs of their General, that they retreated. In the mean time, Colonel Arnold was engaged in a furious afTliult on theoppofite fide of the town. He attacked and carried ^ barrier defended with cannon, but ( 43 ) tliis fnccers was attended with a great lot's of men, and he received a wound himfelf, which made it necefTary to carry him o5' the field of battle. The officers on whom the command devolved continued the aiTauk, and took poilef- fion of another barrier ; but, the befeiged, who ROW perceived the inconfiderable nurtiber of the affailants, fallied from a gate that opened towards their rear, and attacked them in turn. The Provincials were now hemmed in from all poffibility of a retreat, and expofed to a tremen- dous fire from the walls ; yet, in this dreadlul fituation, they maintained the conteft 3 hours before they furrendered. • Tho' this expedition had failed in ti.e great objed, yet it cftectually prevented any invafion from that quarter, a circumftance that had been apprehended by Congrefs. Thefouthern provinces now became involved in the conteft, efpecially Virginia, where thedlf- putes of the governor. Lord Dunmore, with the A/fembly, after repeated aggravations on both fides, terminated in open hoftliities. He had retired from WiHiamfourg to Nortoik, where he was joined by aconfiderahle number of loyalifts , but, aftei feveral fkirmiOies, be was obliged to^ retire to the Ihipping that lay in the river adja- . <:ent to the town. As it v^as now in the poifei- fiojijof.the Americans, they net only refufed to ( 44 ) fiipply the people on board with provifions, but annoyed them by a number of riflemen, v-ho were placed in houfes near the fhips, and who inhumanly aimed at, and killed feveral perfons on board. Exafperated at their condu<5l-, Lord Dunmore ordered a party to land under cover of a man of war, and fee nre to the town. Thus Noifolk was reduced to afnes, and the lofs was eftimated at 300,0';0/. Meantime, the Governors of the two Carolinas were, expelled by the people, and obliged to take refuge on board the Briiifh men of war. Thus at the concluficn of the year 1775, th® whole of the Britilh Colonies, except the town of Boftcn were united againft the Mother-coun- try. The Bricifli troops at Boflon had endured a tedious blockade with their charaderiftic' forti- tude. All communication with the country v^as prevented, and the garrifon fufFered many inconveniences from the want of nece^arie*. They felt the feverities of a winter cam.paign in a rigorous climate, efpeciaily thofe who were fta- tioned at Bunkcr's-Hill, where they lay cxpofed to winds and fnows almofl intolerable to a Brit- iih conRicution. Tlie Provincials, in the m.ean time, Vere well fupplied with necefLiries in their encampment befere Bofton. Here Walhington prefided, and. { 45 ) by his prudent regulations, the troops had all the comforts of good icnts, bedding, and frefli provis- ions. An intenfe frofl ufually begins throughout New England about the latter end of December, when the harbour of Boston, and all the rivers in the environs of that town, are generally frozen to a depth of ice siifFicient to bear a great weight. Washington proposed to take possession net only of the town, but also to take or destroy all tho shipjoing in the harbour, and by this decisive en- tei'piize, put a conchision to f.ll the hopes of Great Britain in this quarter. His troops were eager to distinguish themselves by this achievir.ent, 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 Provincials, both they and the garrison were obliged to remain inactive. In the mean time, Mr. Penn, who had bro't o- ver the last petition (Vom Congress, was examined at tho bar of the House of Lords. This gentle- man had been Governor cA Pennsylvania, he v»as personally acquainted with most of the members of Congress, and was qualified to give the most authentic information respecting the temper and inclinations of the Americans. It appeared from his testimonies, that the charge of amiing at In- dependence, which had been imputed to Con- gress, was unfounded. They hat! been fairly e- iected, were men of character and abilities, the . < 46 ) Colonies had tlie highest confidence in their in- iegrity, and were governed by theh- decisions. From his account, it appeared that Pennsylva- nia, alone, was able to raise (>0,GOO men, 20,000 of whom had already enrolled themselves to serve withoutpay, and were armed and embodied before his departure from the continent. Beside, they had, in imitation of the Colony of Massachusetts, instituted a corps of fiiinute-nien, anaounting to 50(!0. After a tedious debate in both Houses of Parlia- ment, the petitition of Congress was rejected, all attempts to reconciliation were suspended, the standard of defiance seemed now to be raised, and both parties appeared determined to make the iast appeal to arms. When the news of this rejection of the Amer- ican petition reached the camp before Bostonj the troops expressed the greatest indignation. As Georgia had joined the confederacy, the Ameri- cans now changed their colours from a plain red ground, to 1 3 stripes, alternately red and white, to denote the number of the United Colonies. Washington exerted his skill and activity, in order to\ompel the British 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 bombarded it. — This attack was supported by a ^tremendous cannonade ; and, on the 5th, another imtiery was opened on the eastern shore, '^l^he ( *7 ). garriibn sustained this dreadful bombardment: with the greateft fortitude ; itlafted 14; days with- out intermiilioH, when General Howe, finding the place no longer tenable, refolved to embark for Halifax. The evacuation of Bofton was not interrupted by the Provincials, left the Britilh troops Ihould fet it on fire. When the Araei-icans took poffeffion of Bof- ton, they found a multitude of valuable articles which were unavoidably left behind by the Brit- illi army. The principal of thefe were artillery and ammunition j — but the moft valuable booty was a large quantity of woollens and linens, of which. the Provincials ftood in the moft prrffing need. - Wafliington now direded his attention to the fortifications of Bofton. He employed a num- ber of foreign engineers to fuperintend thecon- ftru(5tict) of new woiks, and fo eager were tl>e people" in the profecution of this bufinefs, that every effeftive man in, the town, without dif- tinftion, devoted 2 days of the week to its com- pletion. ^ > As .Wafhington was uncertain of the defti- aatlon of the Bi itrlli ffeet and army which had left ^Bofton, and as New York lay expofed to any fudden attack, he detached feveral of his beft regiments, under General Lee, for the de- fence O'f that ciry. ( 48 ) Mean while, a fmall fleet, under the command of Sir Peter Parker, and a body of troops under Generals Cornwallis, Clinton, and Vaughan, failed for Charlefton> the capital of South-Caro- lina. After a violent, but unfuccefsful attack in which the fleet received confiderable damage the expedition was abandoned. On the -Uh of July, 1776, the Reprefentatives oi the United States of America, in Congrefs aifembled, formally renounced all connexion' with Great Britain, and declared themfelves in- dependent. They alfo publifhed a manifeflo, itating a litl: of grievances, which, notwithftand- ing their repeated petitions, remained unredref- fed. For thefe reafons, they determined on a iinal feparation from the Mother-country, and to hold the people of Great Britain as the reft of mankind, " enemies in war, in peace friends.*'' This celebrated declaration, of Independencr concluded as follows : ** AVE, the Reprefentatives of the United States of America, in general Congrefs affem- b!ed, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the name, and by the authority of the good peo- ple of the Colonies, folemnly publifii and de- clare, that the United Colonies are, and of right ought to be. Free, and Independent States, and that they are abfolved from all allegiance to the ( 49 ) Bntifli Crown, and that all political connexion between them and the State of Great Britain is and ought to be^ totally difTolved ; and that, as Free and Independent States, thev have full power to make war, conclude peace, con trad alliances, eftablifh commerce, and to do alio- ther a6ls and things which Independent States may of right do. And for the fupport of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protec- tion of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes, and our iacred honour." This formal renunciation of allegiance to Great Britain, was followed by the greateft pre- parations for war throughout the United Strtt<=?, Wafhlngton took every precaution for defen- five operations, by erecting forts, and ftationing troops at tlie moft vulnerable points- The na- ture of the country was peculiaily favourable to defence. New-England, efpecially, prefented many natural barriers, confiRing of hilis and mountJans, interfe(5led by rivers, and interfper- fed with woods and precipices — feveral defiles, /kirted by impenetrable forefts — while majes- tic rivers, flowing with impetuous currents, feemed to preclude the invader. General Howe refolved to quit Halifax, and proceed to New-York, where he intended to •wait for the reinforcements from England. H« E ( 50 ) failed about the middle of Jung, and at the en^ of the month arrived at Sandy- Hook, a point of land which (lands at the entrance of a large bo- dy of water, formed by the confluence of feveral rivers, and which is furrounded by New- York, Staten, and Long-Ifland. About the middle of July, Lord Howe arri- ved with a fleet and army from England. He fent a circular letter to the Governors who had been difplaced by their refpeflive provinces, in which he explained, that he was impowered, iuf, conjunftion with his brother, to grant general^ or particular pardons to all thofe who were wils*^ ling to return to their allegiance to the King of Great Britain. Congrefs ordered this letter to be publifiied in all the news -papers, in order, that the people of America might know the ■ terms on which they were to ad:, viz. either;^^! unconditional fubmiffion, or a bold and man- ly refiftance to defpotic power ; and, that thofe who relied on the juftice or moderation of the Britifli Miniffry, might be fully convinced, that they muft truft to their own valour for the pre- fervation of their liberties. Lord Howe next fent a letter to the Ameri- can Commander in Chief, but, as it was dire«fl- ed to *' George Wafhington, Esq." the GenV ral rsfdfed to receive it, as not direfted to him agreeably to his ftatlon His condutfl, on ^h'w- ( 51 ) occafion, received the unanimous appro batioa of Congrefs. ., . To obviate this difficulty, Adjutant- General Paterfon was fent by General Howe with a let- ter directed to ** George Wafliington, &c. &c. &c.'' He was politely* received, and immediate- ly admitted to the prefence of the American General. The Adjutant exprefled much con- cern on account of the difficulties that had arif^ en from the fuperfcription of the former letter, and hoped that the et ceteras would remove all obftrudion to an intercourfe between the Com- miffioneis and General Wafhington. To this he replied, " that a letcer written to a perfon invefted with a public charader fliould fpecify it, otheiwife it could not be diftinguiflied from / a letter on private bufmefs : Irue it was, the et ceteras implied every thing, but it was no lefs true, that they implied any thing." Tlie moft intereiting part of the converfation was that refpedling the power of the Commif- lioners, whom the Adjutant faid, were ready to exert themfelves to the utmoft to effed a re- <:onciliation. The General replied, that it did not appear that thefe powers confided in any more than granting pardons ; but as America I had committed no offence, ffie afked no forgive- ^ nefs, and was only defending her unqueftionable rights. ( 52 ) f'rom this conference, it was evident, that nothing but a decided fuperiority in the field could induce the Americans to relax the refo^ lutions which they had taken with {b moch de- liberation and folemnity. The firmnefs of Congrefs had infpired the pro- vincials wixh enthufiafm. That refolute body had declared America independant in the rery face of the Britifii fleet and army, while the firft was cafting anchor in fight of New- York, and the reinforcemants from England were making the fecond Unding on Staten Ifland. An attack upon Long-Ifland being determin- ed on by the Britifh commanders, the fleet cov- ered the defcent of the army, which effefted a landing without any oppofition, on the 22d of Auguft, 1776. General Putnam, with a large body of troops, lay encamped and ftrongly for- tified, on a northern peninfula on the oppofite fliore with a range of hills between the armies, the principal pafs of which was at a village call- ed Flat Bufli. Large detachments of the American army occupied the hills and pafles. The right of the Britifli army was commanded by General Clin- ton, Lord Percy, and Lord Cornwallls ; the centre, compofed of Heflians, under General Heifter, was pofled at Flat Bufli ; and the left under General Grant, was ftationed near the Tea Ihore. ( S3 ) Eaily m the morning of the 27th, the ea* -gagement was begun by the HefTians, and a Jeavy fire of cannon and mufquetry was con- tinued on both sides ibr sevcfal hours. One of .the passes which lay at a distance, had been ne- glected by the Americans, which ^ve an oppor- tunity to the right division of the British army to pass the hills, and attack them in the rear. The Americans, when apprised of their dan* ger, 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 escape now remained, but by forcing their way >thro' the ranks of the enemy, and thus regaining their camp. This numbers of them effected, but by far the greater part were either killed or taken prisoners. Washington had crossedover from New-York in the height of the engagement, but he came too late to retrive the fortune of the day. He had the mortification to see some of his best troops killed or taken, without beinp; able to af- ford them any assistance, but he used his utmost exertions to save thos<e that remained by a well conducted retreat. The victory wascomplete: the Americans lost upwards of 3000 men, including 2000 killed, and i 000 taken prisoners, among whom were three generals — On the side of the British the loss in killed and wounded was only about 500. Among E2 ( 51 ) the provincials that fell, a regiment from Mary- l^nd was particularly regretted. It consigted wholly of young men of the best families in thiit province. They beliaved with the most admira- ble heroism : they were every one killed or wounded, and thus perished in the bloom of youth. After this defeat, -Washington did not think it expedient to risk another action against a numer- ous army of veterans, well provided with artil- lery, and elated with their recent victory. New- York required to be strenghlened, and the emer- gency did not admit of a moment's delay ; for should the British fieet be able to station itself be- tween tiie camp and that city, all v.'oukl be in- evitably lost. . In this extremjty, Washington exerted all his characteristic \i2rilance and circumspection. In the night of the 29th August, favoured by dark- ])ess, and in the most pi ofouixl silence, he con- veyed his troops on board the boats and landed them on the opposite shave. He also carried off as muG;h of their bag-gage, urilitary stores and ar- tillery, as the time would permit. This retreat was conducted with so much secrecy, that v;ith the dawn, the British troops were surprised .to see the rear guard of the American army in the boats and beyond the reach of danger. When Washington returned with the army to ?Jew-York, he crdei-ed batteries to be erected on evci-y 'spot vdiencc'they could annoy the ships of { 55 ) war, which were now stationed in that part cf the river which faces th.e city. Tiie H^en of war were continually engaged with those batteries some of which they silenced, and enabled the British troops to proceed up the river, to a bay about three miles distant. Here the troops landed under the cannon of the fieet, and marched dn-ectly towards the city, on which Washington retreated 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 v.ith tlie great- est judgment. He could advance or retire at pleasure, without any danger of being cut off in case of a defeat. Though he was determined not to risk a general engagement, yet in cider to inure his troops to actual service, and at the same time annoy the enemy, lie employed them in continual skirmishes, in consecjuenceofwhich they gradually becam.e expert soldiers. It was now determined to force the Amei-icar^s to' a greater distance, lest others of their eniis- saries should engage in an' attempt to destroy the city. — Accordingly, General Howe left " a sufficient garrison at New York, an4 embarked his army in flat bottoramed boats, by which they were ccnvcyed tl:ro' the dangerous. passage call- ( 56 ) ed Hell-Gate and landed near the town of West Chester, on the continent. — After having fresh reinforcements, the Royal army made such pioveraents as threatened to distress the Ame- ricans, by cutting of their supplies of provisions from Connecticut, and thus force them to an en? gagement. ^ Washington held a council of war with his officers, in which it was resolved to quit their present position and extend the army in a long- but a well secured line. This the general accom- plished, by keeping the Prunx, a river of consid- erable depth, in fi-ont, between 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, advan- ced towards the White Plains, an extent 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 th.ey were cpjupelled to retire to their intrenchraents. 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 J^nglish general thought it imprudent to attack him till the arj'ival of reinforcements, On mature de]ii3e ration, however, Washing- ton thought it adviseablc to retreat : his camp Fas broken up on the 1st of November, and hp < 57 ) retired, with his army, into a mountainous coun* try, called the Township of New-castle. By these judicious movements, 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 witli energy. When General Howe found that all his at- temps to bring the enemy to an action were inef- fectual, he turned his attention to the reduce tion of Forts Washington and Lee. A division of his army advanced to King's Bridge, from which the Americans withdrew into Fort Washr ington, which was immediately invested. This fort was situated on the western side of Nevv^ York island, in the vicinity of the city, and near-' ly opposite to Fort Lee, wiiich had been lately erected on the other side of the water, in the province of Jersey. Its chief strength was ii) its situation, it was defended by 3000 men, well supplied with artillery. On the 1 6th of Novem- ber, this fort was attacked by the British ar'yijy, in four divisions, and, after a resistance of some hours, the garrison was overpowered, and obli- ged 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 purpor»e, Lord Cornwallis .crossed the river, landed on the Jersey shore, and marched with all possible expedition to sur- prize the garrison. Being appiizedofhis approach ( 58 ) they evacuated the fort, leaving all their artillery and warlike stores to^ the . enemy. Thus both the Jerseys were laid open to the incursions of the British 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 number of boats "to ferry them over the Delaware, it is high- ly probhble 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 man. The affairs of the Americans also wore an inauspicious aspect on their northern frontiers, where Gene- ral Arnold was defeated by General Carieton, and compelled to retire from Crown-Point to Ticon- deroga. The American army was now almost disband- ed. As the time for which the soldiers had en- listed was only a twelve-month, at the expiration pf that period, having fulfilled their agreement, they returned home, in consequence of which, General Washington found his army decreased from 30,000 to 3,000 men. To assist the Com- mander in Chief as much as possible, General ' Lee had collected a body of forces in the North, but, on his way Southward, having imprudently- lodged at some distance from the troops, he was made prisoner by a party of British light dragoons, )^'ho brought him to NeW'York. ( 59. ) The capture of GFcneral-Lee was a heavy ios^ to the Americans. His profesbional knowledge was great both in the theory and practice of tactics ; he was full of activity, fertile in expe- dients, and of a most intrepid arid enterprising disposition. Congress now exerted themselves to jetrieve tlieir josses, and to recruit their army, 'They were furnished with a just plea for alterirtg their mode of enlisting men : they ordered a ne\y army to be levied, of which the soldier should be bound to serve 3 years, or during the continu- ance of the war. The most liberal encourage- ment was to be given to recruits. — Twenty dol- lars was allowed to every soldier, as bounty^ be- sides 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 thir, 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 particu- larly apprehensive of the Hessians, and other Germans, who had, on every occasion, commit- ted the most barbarous outrages. Those fero- cious mercenaries appropriated every thing they could lay their hands upon, and plundered a peo- ( 60 ) pie who not only detested but despised them fo? their meanness and rapacity. As the British troops lay cantoned on the bank of the Delaware, and only waited till the frost would enable them to cross it, the Americans thought it advisable to remove their Congress to Baltimore, in Maryland. Meanwhile, GeneraV Washington continued to watch over the safety €f his country ; his mind Was continually Occupi- ed with new plans for the protection of his belov- ed America; and he beheld, with filial solicitude, the dangers that threatened her liberties. The British army now occupied a chain of towns and villages throughout the heart of the Jerseys, and had extended their quarters to the banks of the Delaware. General Washington- resolved to make some attempts on those divi- sions of the enemy that lay nearest Philadelphia, and, if possible, relieve it from the danger to which it was exposed. A corps of Hessians lay at Trenton, another at Bordenton, some miles lower down, and a third at Burlington. These towns were on thd opposite bank of the Delaware, and the last with- in 20 miles of Philadelphia. The Hessians, from a confidence in their military superiority, became inattentive to the motions of the Ame- ricans, and were wholly engaged with those li- centious outrages that had rendered them odi- ous to all the inhabitants. Washington prepared to surprize the enemy in their Quarte4's. Accordingly, he form^ hi» ( 61 ) army into three divisions— the first was to crostj tlie Delaware at Trenton ferry — the second be- low Bordenton — and the third he commanded in- person, accompanied by Generals Sullivan and Greene. This division consisted of 3000 of the best men in the American service, with a train of 20 field pieces. On the 25th of Decem- ber, Washington marched at the head of his di- vision, io a ferry some miles above Trenton, with an intention to pass it at midnight, which v.ould enuble him to arrive at Trenton with the dawn. " It is impossible to contemplate the progress of this little army of patriots without emotion. As they march in solemn silence, without one friendly ray to guide their footsteps, what must 1^6 their sensations ? On the success of their en- terprize depends the freedom and happiness of innumerable millions yet unborn — on its failure, awaits every evil that can appal the heart. Th» virtuous matron — the innocent child — the chaste virgin, all depend for protection on this heroic band. As they proceed, their bosoms throb with anxiety, while all the ardomof the soldier arises to overcome apprehension ; neither the ri- gour ef a winter's r.ight, nor the certainty of pe- rifs tliey must face can deter them from their purpose. Their leatlcr, who, like an eagle dri- ven from her nest, still hovers about its young, what are his thoughts ! — his noble heart forbo- dcs success, he iniicipates victorv ; and, while F ( 62 ) he feels the glow of heroism, his fortitude is prepared to brave even defeat- itself. ^ In coQsequenGe of the delay occasioned by the tlifficulty in 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 Ivm grand divisions-^ 'One of which he ordered to proceed by the lower road, and he led 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 till they were attack- ed by Washington's division:, and in three minu- tes afterwards -the lower part of the to\vn was assailed by the other detachment. Colonel Ral- le, who commanded the Hessians, made every effort that could be expected from a brave vet- eran ; but he was mortally wounded, his troops ^vere completely surrounded, and to the number of 1000 rncn laid down their arms. This victory may be considered a<? one of the most fortunate events that befel the Americans during the war. Religious individuals attribut- ed this success to the interposition of Divine Pro- vidence, that had suffered America to be redu- ced to the extreme of distress, in ©rder to teach them not to place their reliance on their own strength, but to look to an Omnipotent Power tor protection. Washington repassed the Delaware, and his icturn to Philadelphia with such a considcrablf ( 63 ) number of prisoners, was both pleasing and un- expected. To surprize a body of veterans, and defeat them in their own quarters, was an at-, chievment that excited the liveliest emotions of admiration in the breasts of the Americans. They were now emulous to second the efforts ©fa General who had so nobly effected their de- fence ; men of energy and influence were dis- patched in all directions to rouze the militia, and about 1500 of the American troops, whose en- gagement was nearly expired, agreed to serve six weeks longer for a gratuity often dollars to each. - When the Hessian prisoners were secured, Washington again crossed the Delaware, and took possession of Trenton. Several detach- ments of the British assembled at Princeton, where they were joined by the ariny from Bruns- wick, commanded by Lord' Cornwallis. This general now marched to Trenton, and attacked the Americans on the I'd of January, 1777, at 4- o'clock in the afternoon. The vanguard of the Americans was compelled to retreat, but the pursuing enemy waschecked by some fieldpieces which were posted on the opposite bank of San- pink Creek. Thus t\Vo armies, on which the success or failure of the American Revolution depended, were crov/ded into the village of Tren- ton, and only separated by a creek in many places fordttble. The Bruish army discontinued their operations, and lay en their" amis ini readiness to ( 61 ) make another attack next morning. — Mean- while Washington ordered the baggage to be si- lently removed, and having left fires and patroles in his eandp to deceive the enemy, he led his army during the obscurity of the night, and by a circuitious 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 pre- s&rve the city of Philadelphia from being cap- tured by the British army. He reached Prince- ton early in the morning, and would have sur- rounded 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 Sioldiers. On their approach to Princeton, the centre of the Americans was charged by a party of the British troops, and compelled to retreat. In this emergency, Washington rode forward ; he plac- ed himself between his flying troops and the enemy. The Americans encouraged by his exhortations and example, rallied and attacked the British in turn ; and tho' Washington was for some moments between two fires, he provi- dentially escaped without a wound. During this contest, the British troops displayed the most invincible valour. One of the three regiments commanded by Colonel Mawhood, undismayed hy the superiority of the Americaiis in point of ( 65 ) numbers charged them with their bayonets, forc- ed their way through their ranks^ and marched forward to Maidenhead ; the other two regi- ments retired in excellent order, and retreated to Brunswick. The British General was so much disconcerted at these unexpected manoeuvres of Washingtort,. that he evacuated Trenton, and retired with his whole force to Brunswick ! Thus, in the space of a month, all that part of the Jerseys which lies between Brunswick and Delaware, was over-run by the British troops, and recovered by the Americans. Washington stationed troops in all the important places which he had regained, and the campaign of \776 clos- ed with few advantages to the British army, ex- cept the acquisition of New-York. During these hostile operations, both armies had suffered great hardships. Many of the Ame- rican soldiers were destitute cf shoes, and their naked feet were often wounded by the inequali- ties of the frozen ground, insomuch that their footsteps were marked with blood. Tiieir Cloth- ing was too slight for the rigorous season ; there was scarcely a tent in the whole army^ yet so enthusiastically were they attached to their gen- eral that they underwent those hardships with- out repining. Wasbingt^cn merited this gene- rous confidence ; his benignity to his troops, the cheerfulness with which he participated their in- r.onvenicncesand dangers, and the heroism which F 2 { 66 ) he displayed in the heat of action, commanded their veneration; In the actions at Trenfon and Princeton, he united the stratagem of Hannibal with the intrepidity of Caesar ; v/hile his success animated the hopes, and roused the energies of the friends of American Independence. Tho' vested with extraordinary powers to raise troops, he found it very difficult to keep those he had together. A few were influenced, by the persuasions of their officers, to remain and deiend the comnnon cause, but the major part of the army were induced to serve by their attach- ment to their general. Indeed, the high estima- tion in v;hicii he was held by his country-men, vras ol the greatest efficacy on many occasions, and r-cw it absolutely prevented the troops from disbardini , themselves. The 'eci aits supplied by the several provinces fell short of the imended number ; yet 'vhile the Bi.'ish troops were detained at N. York, Washr ington received numerous reinlprcements. He now moved from his winter encampment at Mor- ristown, to the high lands about Middle-Brook, in the vicinity of Brunswick. In this strong position he thiew up works along the front of his lines, but his principal advantage was the difficulty to approach his camp, the ground being so judicious- ly occupied as to expose an enemy to every kind of danger in an attack. On the one side he co- vered the Jerseys, and on the other he observed the motions oi the British army at Brunswick ©f whiclii he commanded a full prospect. ( 67 ) Many stratagems were employed by the Brit^ ish General to draw Washington from his strong situation, but without effect, so that it was found necessary to make an attempt on Philadelphia by sea. On the 23d of July, the British fleet sailed from Sandy Hook, with 36 battalions of British and Hessian infantry, a regiment of light dragoons, and a corps of American Loyalists on board, Af-. ter a tedious navigation, they v/ent lap the river Elk as far as was practicable. Here the army landed, without opposition, on the 35th of August. Part of the troops were left to guard the stores, -while General Howe proceeded, with the main body, to the head of the Elk. When W^ashington received information that the British fleet had sailed up the Chesapeake, he marched with all possible expedition to the defence of Philadelphia. His army, amounting to 12,000 men, passed thro' that city to meet the British forces, whicii consisted of 15 000. He encamped on the Brandy wine Creek, about mid- way from the Eik to Philadelphia, and sent de- tach in ents to harass the British army on their march. On the approach of the enemy, Washington retired to the side of the Creek next Philadelphia, with a determination to dispute the passage. On the 1 Ith of September, the royal army advanced to the attack at day -break, and after a well con- tested battle, which lasted till night the Amevi- ( 68 ) eans were defeated with the loss of 1000 killed and wounded, besides 500 taken prisoners. On . the side of the conqiiercrs, the loss did not exceed 509. The victory was so complete, that dark- ness alone prevented the pursuit and consequent destruction or capture of the whole provincial army. The greatest valour had been displayed by the officers and soldiers on both sides. A- mong the American troops who distinguished themselves most, were the Virginians, who, from their affection for Washington^ had on all occa- sions evinced the greatest intrepidity and enthu- siasm. Immediately after the battle the Americans retired to Chester, whence Washington wrote an account of hisdefeatto the presidesit of Congress. His letter is dated 12 o'clock at night, and is per- haps the most faithful picture ever given, of the reflections of a great mind amid disaster and dif- ficulty. His troops tho' defeated were not dis- pirited, and they considered their misfortune rather as the consequtnce of superior skill on the side of their enemies, than as proceeding from any defect of valour on theirs. Congress, which had returned from Baltimore to Philadelphia, were now obliged to retire a sec- ond time. They went first to Lancaster, and af- terwards to York-Town. General Howe, at the head of the vanguard of his army entered Philadelphia in triumph on the 26th of September, and the main body of th« ( 69 ) British army encamped in the vicinity of t^e ci- ty. The American army was posted at Skippach Creek sixteen miles distant. When Washington received the intelligence that the British army was divided, he resolved to surprise the camp of the principal division at German Town — Accor- dingly, on the 3d of October, in the evening, he marclied in great silence, and about 3 o'clock iii the morning he reached the British camp, and immediately made the requisite dispositions for an attack. The patrojes 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 action, they we^-e repulsed, and compelled to retreat with considerable loss. When the news that Philadelphia was in pos- session of the royal army reached the northern colonies, they sent a reinforcement of 4000 of their best men to Washington. On their arriv- al, he advanced within 14 miles of the city, and fixed himself in a strong encampment at White Marsh. The British general marched out of PhiladelpWa in the beginning of December, to afford Washington an opportunity of coming to a general engagement, but he was determined to act merely on the defensive. Finding that he could not provoke the enemy to engage. Gen- eral Howe returned to the city on the 8th of December, and his army went into winter quar- ters. ( 70 ) Washington now removed his camp to Val- ley Forge on the banks of the SchiiylkUl, about 15 miles from Philadelphia. In this strong po- sition he could observe every motion of the British army. Huts \^ere 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 uncom- fortable a situation, was a proof of the warmth of their sttachment to their General, and their de-. termination to defend their country. While the British army were thus successful in the middle colonies, more important and de- risive events happened in the northern provinces. General Burgoyne was sent at the herfd of a vet- eran army, to make a vigorous campaign upon the lakes and in the adjoining provinces. He first took posses'sion of Ticonderoga, then cros- sed Lake George, and encamped on the banks of the Hudson near Saratoga. Here his pro- gress was checked by the Americans under Gen- eral Gates : and after two severe actions, he was forced to surrender on the 1 7th of October, 1777. This event diffused an universal joy throughout the United Slates. The European nations, and France ia particular, who from prejudice or envy, had so long been desirous of the downfall of Bridsh grandeur, received this news with oix'n exultaiion. Indeed, several individuals in Fiance had exerted themselves in favour of the Americans. A nmnber of brave and experien- ( 71 ) Ced officers of the Irish brigade volunteered in- the cause of the British Colonies, against their parent State ; and even some of the young no- bility of France were emulous to distinguish themselves on this occasion. The most conspi- cuous of these, were the Marqilis de la Fay- ette ; Roche du Fermoy, wfio served in the ar- my that acted against General Burgoyne : De Coudray, a French officer of rank ; and Baron St. Ovary* By the assistance of these auxiliaries, the Americans daily improved in discipline, and the successful close of the campaign on the frontiei-s, cheered them with the most pleasing expecta- tions respecting the issue of the war. On the: 6th of Februaiy , 1 778, a treaty of al- liance between France and America was signed by the contracting parties. Washington appoint- ed a day for the whole army to celebrate this event, and it was observed with the greatest military pomp. In May, General Howe took his departure for Knglaiad, and the chief command of the British army devolved on Sir Henry Clinton. The English commissioners, appointed by the British Ministry to attempt a reconciliation with the Colonies, arrived at New-York in the beginning of June, but before they could re- ceive an answer from Congress, General Clin- ton evacuated Philadelphia, after the British army had kept possession of it for niae months. ( 72 ) TUis event took place on the 18th of June, and it was considered by the Americans as the har- binger of their Independance. They asserted, that the strength of Britian was broken on the American continent, and that the army retreat- ed towards the sea, to be in readiness to em- bark, if the exigencies of Britain required its assistance. The British army marched out of Philadel- phia at 3 o clock in the morning, and crossed the Delaware before noon, with all its baggage. Washington had been apprised of this move- ment, and dispatched expresses into the Jerseys to collect troops. He passed xhe Delaware with the main body of his army, and was hourly join- ed by reinforcements of regular troops and mi- litia.. GeneraJ Clinton retreated across the country towards Sandy Hook, whence a passage to New- York might be easily efiected. In the mean time, Washington pursued the British army be sent the Marquis d^ V-K Fayette with a detach- ment of chosen troops to harass the rear of the enemy ; General Lee, wno liad been lately ex- changed, foIioY»ed witb a xiivision to support him, and Washington himself moved with the main body to sustain the whoie. On the 27th of June, the British army en- campeci in a strong position at Monmouth, near »eeho1d ; and on the morning of the 28th the van division of the i Americans under General ( ) Lee, commenced the attack by a severe cannon- ade ;biit Sir Henry Clinton, had made such ju- dicious arrangements of his troops, that the ene- my were unable tO make any impression on his fear. The British grenadiers and light infantry en- gaged the Americans with such vigour, that their first line, commanded by General Lee, 'Cvas completdy 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 British troops, and were with di^culty preserved from a totaf defeat by the junction of their main body under Washington. In this action th^ bravery and discipline of the British troops were coniipicQous. They had forced an enemy superior in number from two' strong positions, and had endured excessive fa- tigue both from the intense heat of the day and unremitting toil. Th« loss of the royal army Avas about 500 men, and that of the Americans Was considerable. General Lee, who commanded the van divi- sion of the American arhiy in the action at Mon- mouth, Was, in consequence of his misconduct, put under arrest, tried by a Court-martial i' and sentenced to a temporary suspension from his command. Washingtbn, after the retreat of the British army, marched to White Plains near Kine's G Bridge, "Where he encamped. He remained in this position till the latter end of autumn, when he retired to Middle-Brook, in Jersey. Hers his army erected huts, similar to those they had made at Valley-Forge, and went into wintei'- quarters. In May, 1779, General Clinton sent a divi- sion of the British army to take Stoncy-Point, a strong fort on the western side of the North- River. This expedition was successful, as the dis- tance at which Washington lay with his army prevented him from giving any assistance to the garrison. The British General fortified Stoney- Point in the strongest manner, and encamped at Philipsburb, hulf way between that fortress and New-York, to be in readiness to compel Wash- ington to an engagement, if he should leave his station in Jersey. In order to counteract these operations, Wash- ington advanced towards the British army. He took a strong position at West-Point, on the banks of the North-River, and farmed a design to re- cover Stoney-Point by surprise. He sent Gener- al Wayne, one of the most intrepid offieers in his army, to conduct this enterprise. Wayne, at the head of a detachment of chosen men, arri- ved in the evening of the 1 5th of July withia sight of Stoney-Point. He formed his men into ^ft'o columns with orders to use the bayonetonly. The right column v/as commanded by himself in person, the left by major Stewart, a bold and active officer. At midnight, the two columns ( 75 ) marched to the attack, from the opposite sides of the works, whtch were surrounded with a m6- rass and two rows of abbatis, well provided with artillery. The Americans were opposed by a tremenduous fire of musketry 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 500 men, were obliged to surrender prisoners of war. When the British General received the intelli- gence of the surprise of Stony Point, he march- ed with his army to retake it, and as Washing- ton did not consider the possession of that fortress of sufficient importance to risk a general action, he demolished the works, and carried off the artillery . Towards the end of the year 1 779, General Clinton sailed from New-York, with a considerr able body of troops to attack Charleston in South-Carolina, where General Lincoln comman- ded. After a close siege of 6 weeks tlie town was surrendered to the British General, and the whole American garrison made prisoners. In August 1780, Lord Cornwalhs defeated the A- mericans, under General Gates, at Camden in South Carolina, and he after\\\irds marched thro* the Southern States without opposition. During the fummer of 1780, the Britifii troops made frequent incurfions from New- York into the Jerfeys, and an unfuccefsful attempt was made by General Knyphaufen with 7000 ( 76 ) ^en to furprife the advanced pofts of Wafting- ton's ai^my. So great ""vere the neceflitles of the American ajiny, that Wafliington was oblige^ to call on the magiftrates of the adjacent coun- ties for fpecified quantities of provifions ; nay, he was fomelimes coir.pelkd to fend detach- meius of his troops to lake neceiTarics at the poii:t of the bi^yonet from the citizens. This fcarcity was principally owing to the deprecia- tion of the paper currency, which difcouraged the farmers. from leiling their provifions to the army. The fiiuatioii of Waftiington was peculi- arlv embarraffing-the aimy looked to him for neceffaries, and i!~.e people for the protcdllon of theii property; His. prudence fuiinountGd thefe fJlMcuUies, and Congrefs fent a Commit- tee of their own bodv to his camp, to concert meafures for the payment and fupply of the troops. As the attempt of the Britifli army againft Waihington had made no impreflioij of any conTequence, the Am.ericans began to recover from the alarm which the lofs of Chaileftown had excited. Warm exhoitations were made to the people by Congfefs, in which they were callec- upon by every motive that could animate them to 'a61 with fpirit and promp- tit'ide ag;^!!''^: Great Britain. In the mean time. Sir Henry Clinton return- ed with his vidorious army from Charlefton ; ( 77 ) and General Arnold who had been entrufted witk the command of a very confiderable divifion of the American army at Weft-Point, agreed to 'deliver up that important poft to the Britifh General, AsWalhington had fet outfor Hart- ford to hold a conference with Count de Roch- amheau, the n^gociation between Sir Henry Clinton and Arnold was carried on with greater facility during his abfence. The agent employ- ed by the Britifh General was Major Andre, a young officer of uncommon merit. To favour the neceiTary communications, the Vulture (loop of war had been previoufly ftationed in the North-River, and a boat was fent at night from the (hore to fetch Major Andre — When he had Teceived fuch inftru^ions as related to his bu- fmefs, he fet out on his return, but was inter- cepted and all his papers fiezed. Arnold ef- caped on/ board the Vulture, but Major Andre was brought before aboard of General Officers, by whom he was c®nfidered as a fpy, and fen- tenced to death. The officers who figned thq condemnation of Andre, and even Washington himfelf, teftified the fmcereft grief at the ne- ceffity they declared themfelves under of com- plying with the rigorous laws eftabliftied in fuch cafes. At the clofe of the year 1 780, the American army felt the rigour of the feafon with peculiar G 2 ( 78 ) clrcumftances of aggravation by want of pay, clothing, &c. The troops had been enlifted for 3 years, which were now expired, and incenfed at fo long a continuance of hardftiips, an infur- reclion broke out in the Pennfylvania line, which was followed by that of New-Jeifey. The complaints of thefe foldiers being well founded, were redrefsed, and a general amnefty clofed the bufmefs. That part of the American army which was under the command of Wafhington did not efcape the contagion of revolt. He prudently remained in his quarters, where his prefence, and the refpedl and affection for his perfon, tho' it did not prevent murmurs, kept his men within bounds, -and prevented a muti- ny. The campaign of 1781, was opened with great vigour by the Britifti army in Carolina. After feveral '{kirmilhes with various fuccefs, the two armies under Lord Cornwallis and Ge- neral Greene, met at Guilford, on the 15th of March 1781, and after a well contefted adion, the Britilh remained matters of the field. Lord Cornwallis afterwards marched into Vir- ginia, where notwithftanding the advantages he gained over the Americans, his fituation be- came very critical. Sir Henry Clinton was prevented from fending him reinforcement, as lie was apprehenfive that Wailiington intended ( 79 ) to attack New-York. The American Com. mander in chief employed great fineffe to de- ceive the Britifli general, and by a variety of judicious manoeuvres, kept him in continual alarm. — In the mean time. Lord Cornvvallis took pofTeffion of York Town, in Virginia, and he was followed by the Marquis de la Fayette who had been difpatched by Wafhington with 2000 light infantry to watch the motions of the Britifh army^ On the 30th of Auguft, Count de GrafTe anchored in Chefapeake Bay, with 24? (hips of the line. He landed troops to co-operate with Wafhington, who had moved with the mainbo* dy of his army to the fouthward, and when he heard of the arrival of the French fleet in the Chefapeake, he proceeded by forced marches to the head of the Elk, which he croffed and pro- ceeded to York Town. Wafliington now inverted York Town, with an army of 1 5,000 Americans, and 9000 French. He had feleded his beft troops for thi^ impor- tant occafion, and the French were chofen out of the braveft corps in France. The French and American batteries mount- ed with 50 pieces of cannon, were opened a- gainft York Town on the night of the 6th of Odober, and an inceffant fire was kept up till the 14th, when two detachments of the befieg- ( so ) ^rs attacked and ftormed two redoubts in front of the Britifh works. The befieged were now fo reduced by ficknefs, and the accidents of war that they amounted only to 5,600 efFedive men. Meanwhile, Sir Henry Clinton feleded 7000 of his bell troops, which he embarked at New- York, on board the Britifti fleet, with a deter- Ruination to fuccour the army under Lord Corn- •wallis J but the garrifon at York Town having peifevered to the utmoft extremity, and no profpecft of relief appearing, a negociation was ppened with Walhington, and the troops and feamen were obliged to furrender themfelves prifoners of war. Thus terminated the decl- iive campaign of 1780, which realifed Ameri- can Independence. Soon after the capture of Lord Cornwallis, the Britifli aimament appeared off the Chefa- peake, in the latter end of October, but to their moitification, they were appiifed that the army under Lord Cornwallis had furrendered. Wafhington felt all the honeft exultation of a patriot at this event. The orders publiihed in his camp, on the 20th of October, were ftrongly expreffive of his satisfadion. He con- gratulated the officers and foldiers of the com- bined armies on their fuccefs, and iliued a gen- eral pardon to all perlbns in the ContineiHal ^irmy vvho were under arrefl, '* that every heart ( 81 ) ]^ight partake of the general joy." Nor diq be omit what he knew would be peculiarly acceptable to the religious turn of many of his countrymen. His orders conUuded with a par- ticular injun<5lion, ** That a thanksgiving fer- vice fhould be perfoimedv' at which it was folemnly recommended to the troops to affift with that ferioufnefs and fenfibility of heart, which ihe furprifyig inter pcfition of Providence in their fnyour fo juftly claimed. Wafiiington Was Cclicitous that the prifon- ers (>£ war Ihould be well treated. By his or- ders, they weie dillributed in the provinces of Virginia, Maryland, and Pennfylyania, and their allowarxe was the fame as that of the Ameri- can arniy. Congrefs voted an addrefs of thanks to Waih- ington, CouHt Rcchambeau, Count de Graife, and all the officers and foldiers of the combine4 armies, for the fervices they had performed;; They alfo refolved, '^ That, in remembrance of the furrender of -the Britilh army, a marble column fhould be ere<3:ed at York Town, Vir- ginia, adorned with emblems of the alliance be- tween France and the United States of Arrerl- ca, and infcribed with a fuccinft account of the memorable event it was intended tacommemo- rate." sWafhington now returned with the principal ( 82 part of his army to the vicinity of New- York, where, as he was unable to reduce that city, he went into winter quarters. The only appear- ances of an exifting war were fome fkirmifh- es and predatory excurfions. On the 5th of May, 1782, Sir Guy Carleton arrived at New- York, being appointed to com- mand the BritiQi army in America. Immedi- ately on his arrival, he acquainted Wafliington and Congrefs, that negociations for a peace had commenced at Paris. Meanwhile, the Britifli troops evacuated all their pofts in South Caro- lina and Georgia, an^ retired to the main army at New York. Preliminary articles of peace were figned at Paris on the 50th of November, 1782, by Mr. Fitzherbert and Mr. Ofwald, on the part of Great Britain, and, by Dr. Franklin, Mr, Adams Mr. Jay, and Mr. Lawrens, on the part of the United States. By this treaty his Majefty ac- knowledged the Thirteen United Colonies to be " free, fovereign and independent States." As military operations were now entirely fufpended j it was no longer neceflary to keep the American army embodied. The States, however, were unable to pay them the arrears due for their ineftimable fervices, and thofe men who had fpent the prime of their days in de- fence of their country, were now to be difmiff- ed without a reward. ( 83 ) An attempt was made by anonymous papers to incite the officers and foldiers to revolt. Waftiington, who was then in the camp, faw the danger, and exerted his influence to pre- vent it. At a meeting of the general and field officers, with one officer from each company, the commander in Chief addreffed them in a pathetic fpeech, in which he conjured them, "as they valued their honour, as they refpeft- ed the rights of humanity, and as they regard- ed the military and national charader of Ame- rica, to exprefs their utmoft deteftation of the man who was attempting to open the flood- gates of civil difcord, and deluge their rifmg empire with blood. Waftiington then retired. The officers, foftened by the eloquence of their beloved commander, entered into a refolution, by which they declared, " that no circumftance of diftrefs or danger (hould induce a condu(ft that might tend to fully the reputation and glory they had acquired j that the army contin- ued to have an unihakcn confidence in the jus- tice of Congrefs and their Country, and that they viewed with abhorrence, and rejefted with difdain, the infamous propofitions in the late a- nonyniousaddiefs to the officers of tlie army." The fortitude and patriotifm of Wafilington were in no inftance of more e^ential fervice t© America, thaa on this mementOBs occafion. i u ) iaftead of making the difcontent of the arrn_y •nftrume.Rtal to his own ambition, and ufurp-^ ing the goverment, this^agnaninious patriot foothed the paffions 9)i hisfoldiers, and preferved inviolate the liberties of his country. , Towards the clofe of the year 1783, Congrefs HTued ,a proclatnation, in which the armies of the United States were applauded for their "long eminent and faithful fervices,'* Con- grefs then declared it to be their pleafure, "that flich part of their Federal armies as ftood en- gaged to serve during the war, fhould, from and after the 3d day of November next, be abfo- lutely difcharged from the faid fervice." Wafhington's " Farewell orders to the ar- mies of the United States," dated Rocky-Hill, near Princeton, 2d Nov. 1783, is a pathetic exhortation, in which the disintereftednefs oj^ the Patriot is blended with the wifdom of the Philofopher.— it contains the following intereff- i'ng and impreffi've paflUges. " It only remains for the commander in Chief to addrefs himfelf once more, and for the laft time, to the armies of the United States, and to bid them an a^ectionate — a long fare- well. " It is univerfally acknowledged, that the en- larged ptofpect of happinefs opened by the ef- tabiiftimentof our Independance, almoll exceed ( 85 ) the power of defcription ; anjd fliall not the brave men who have contributed fo efTentially to this ineftimable acqutfition, retiring victorious from the field of' war to the field of agriculture, participate *in all the bleffings which have been obtained ? — In fuch a Republic, who will ex- clude them from the rights of citizens, and the fruits of their labours ? — To thofe hardy fold:» ers who are actuated by the fpirit of adventure* the filheries will afford an ample and profitable employment ; and the fertile regions of the Weft will yield a moft happy aiTylum to thole who, fond of domeftic enjoyment, are feeking for i^crfonal. independence. *' The commander in Chief conceives little is now wanting to enable the foldiers to change the military character into that of the Citizen ^ but that fteady and decent tenour of behaviour which has generally diftinguiihed not only the army" under his, immediate command, but the different detachments and feparate armies, thro' the courfe of the war^ — from their good (enCe and pudence, he anticipates the happied con- fequences ; — and, while he congratulates them on the glorious occafion which renders their fer- vioes in the field no longer neceffary, he wiflies to exp^refs the ftrong obligation he feels himfelf under, for the afiiftance he has received from every clafs, and in every iEl^ance. To the Va- H ( 86 ) rlous branches of the army, the General taket this laft and folema opportunity of profefling his inviolable attachment and friendfliip — He wifhes more than bare prcfeffions were in his powei — that he was really able to be ufeful to them in future life. And being now to con- clude thefe his laft public orders, to take his ul- timate leave, in a (hort time, of the military character, and to bid a final adieu to the ar- mies he hasfo long had the honour to command, he can only again offer, in their behalf, his re- commendations to their grateful Country, and his prayers to the God of Armies, May am- ple juftice be done them here, and may the choiceft of Heaven's favours both here and here- after attend thofe who, under the Divine auf- pices, have fecured innumerable bleffings for others !— With thefe wifhes, and this benedic- tion, the Commander in chief is about to re- tire from fervice. The curtain of feparation will foon be drawn, and the military fcene, to him, will be clofed for ever." To this addrefs, the army that remained at Weft Point, on the banks of the Hudfon, fent a moft refpedfuland afFe(Sionate anfwf r. After returning thanks to their General, for his exer- tions in their favour, they exprefs their feeling© in the follov.ing bold and figurative language : " P.egardlefs of prefect fufterings, we look- ( 8T ) ed forward to the end of our toils and dangers, to brighter fcenes in profpe£l. There we be- held the genius of our Country dignified, by our Sovereigty and Independance, fupported by Juftice, and adorned with every liberal Virtue. There we f^w patient Hufbandry fearlefs ex- tend her cultivated field, and animated Com- merce fpread her fails to every wind. There we beheld fair Science lift her head, with all the Arts attending in her train. There, bleft with Freedom, we faw the human Mind expand, and tlirowing afide the reftraints i^hich confined it to the narrow bounds of country! it embraced the world. Thofe animating profpeds are now changing to realities, and actively to have con- tributed to their production, is our pride, our glory." New- York was evacuated by the Britifli troops about 3 weeks after the difchargd" of the Amer- ican army. Meanwhile, Walhington, having finiQied the great work of the Revolution, and founded a Republic, he vvKhed to retire from the eye of obfervation, to the peaceful rural fhades ofhis patrimonial inheritance. Accordingly, he took leave ofhis officers in the moft folemn manner. Having been previoufly aflembled for that purpofe, Washington joined them, and calling for a glafs of wine addrefled them in the following words : " With a heart full of love ( 88 ) and gratitude, I now take leave of you : — I moft devoutly wifb, that your latter days may be profperous and happy, as your former ones have been glorious and honourable." The officers were deeply affefted : they came up to him fucceffively, and he took an affectionate leave of each. Ke then left the room, and paf- fed betw^een the ranks of a corps of light Infan- try, thkt lined his way to the fide of the North River. — The officers followed him in a folemn filent train ; their eyes were fuffui'ed with tears. They felt a flrong emotion of regret at parting with a hero who had participated their dan- gers, and fo often led them to glory. When Wafhington entered the barge, he turned to- wards his fellow-foldiers, with a countenance expreffive of his feelings, and waved his hat as a laft adieu. He proceeded to Annapolis, to refign his commiffion to Congrefs, and was accompanied by his nephew. Major George Wafhington, and Colonel Humphreys, his aid-de-camp. — His progrefs was marked by public rejvoicings ; triumphal arches were eredled at the entrance of every town and village through whieh he paf- fed. A number of beautiful young virgins, ro- bed in white, met him with fongs of gratula- tion — they ftrewed laurel before the benign hero, fvjjp moved flowly on a white charger. The ( 89 ) name of Waftiington excited an univerfal emo- tion. Women and children thronged the doors and windows* eager to behold the Deliverer of their Country — bands of mufic filled the air with fprightiy melody, while the men^ who had fought under the banners of Liberty hailed their General with acclamations, Wafhington received this tribute? of public p^rjititude with his chara(5teriilic benignity. '.vLiie his bafcm partici- pated the general happinefs. On his arrival at Annapolis, he informed Congrefs of his intended refignation ; — they te- iblved it fliould be in a public audience, and on the day appointed, numbers of diftinguifhed perfons attended, to behold the inteiefting Icene. General WaHiington addreffed the Fre- fident in the following words. Mr. Prefident, " The great events on which my refignation depended, having at length taken place, i have now the honour of offering my fmcere congratu- lations to Congrcfs, andof prefenting myfelf be- fore them to fuiTender into their hands the trull committed to me, and to claim the indulgence of retiring from the fervice of my country. *' Happy in the confirmation of our Indepen- dence and Sovereignty, and pleafed with the op- portunity afforded the United States of becom- ing * refpedable nation, I refign with facisfac- H 2 ( M ) >Ion, theappointment I accepted with diffidence i a diffidence in my abilities to accemplife fo ar- duous a taik, which however, wasfuperceded by a confidence in the reditude of our caufe, the fupport of the Supreme Power of the Union, and the patronage of Heaven. " The fuccefsful termination of the war has verified the moft fanguine expeftations, and mj gratitude for the interpolition of Providence, and the afliltance I have received from my countrj-men, increafes with every review of the momentous conteft. ** While I repeat mj obligations to the army in general, I fliould do injuftiee to my own feel- ing, not to acknowledge, in this place, the pe- culiar fetvices and 4i^tiugui{hed merits cf the perfons who had been attached to my perfon during the war ; Jt was impoflSble the choice of confidential ofiicers to com pofe my family fhould havp been mo^e fqrtuoate j permit me. Sir, to reccommpnd,. in particular, thcfe who have continued in the fervice to the prclent mo- ment, as worthy of tl^e fevouraWe notice and patronage of Congrefs. "I confider it as my indifpenfible duty to clofe this la ft folemn ad of my ofHcial life, by recommending the intcreftsof ourdeareft coun- try to the protedion of Almighty God, aiid thofe who have the fuperintcndence of them lo |li§ holy keeping. ( 91 ) " Having now finiflied the work affigned mtp I refill e from the great theatre ofadtion, an4 biddiog an afie(5tionate farewell to this aogui| body, onder whofe orders I have long a6led> 1 here offer my commiffion, and take my leave of all siie employments of public life," To this the Preiident returned the fodlowing asiif^er : **The United States in Congrefs aiTemWed, receive with emotions too affedling for utterancet tlse folemn reiignation of the authorities binder wlskh yoQ h^ve led their troops \^th fuccefs* t&imgh a peiilons and doubtful war. «* Cabled upon hy your Country to defend its iav^e4 rights, you had accepted the facied dMurge before it had forined alliances^ and whSi^ it was without friends or a government to luppo'it her* "You have co5idu(5ted t?^e great miHtafry con- tell ^th wifdom and fortitude, invsir iably re- garding the lights of the civil power through all diiailers and changes. You have by the love and con^ence of your fellow-citisens, en- aMed thcno to difplay their martial genius and trasmit theJr fame to pofteiity.— ^Having de* ^uded the ftandard of liberty in this new wcaid, having taught a lellbn uiefql to thoie who jnffiififc, aad io thofe who fcei oppie^on, you re. p^ iicaji^th^ gte^t th^atti^ of a^oa wi^ tl«» ( 92 ) blefflngs of our ftUow citizens ; but the glory of your virtues will not terminate with ycur mili- tary command — it will continue to animate rcmoteft ages,*' Wafhington now haftened to Mount Vernon, where he was welcomed by his afftdionate con- fort, neighbors and domeftics, with every de- nionftration of joy ; and divefting himfelf of the military robe, he once more aflumed the plain garb of the farmer. Agiicuiture was his favourite purfuit-^His eftate at Mount Vernon particularly engaged his attention, and was produ<5tive of large quantities of wheat, Indian corn, potatoes, and flax, befides flocks of fheep and herds of cattle. — His'life was regulated by temperance j he rofe early, and after fpending the day in a variety of rural pur- fuits, he retired to reft about nine o'clock. This was his invariable rule, except when vifitors re- quired his polite attention. His table was fpiead with the moft wholefome viands and pure wines, but he commonly dined on a fmgle difh, which with a few glalfes of wine, formed his repaft. He liberally patronized an academy at Alex- andria, encouraged the interior navigation of the Potoraack ; he was the benefactor of the poor, and, in (hort, like the fun to vegetation, his cheering influence and exr*m pie promoted the happinefs of fociety where he refided. ( 93 ) In thefe peaceful fcenes, Wafhington epjoyed the rational delights of rural life from the year 1783, till the fummer of 1787, when he was cho- fen Prefident of the Convention, which met at Philadelphia, and framed the prefent Conftitu- tion of the United States, The Federal Union after eleven years experience, had been found inadequate to the purpofes of government. The fundamental diftindtion between the Articles of Confederation, and the new Conftltution, lies in this ; the former afted only on States, the latter on individuals ;— the former could neither raife men or money by its own authority, butlay at the difcretion of 13 different Legislatures, and, with- out their unanimous concurrence, was unable to provide for the public fafety, or for thtf payment of the national debt. By the new Conftitution, one Legiflative, Executive, and Judical power pervades the whole Union." After a full con- fideration, and thorough diicuffion of its princi- ples, it was ratified by 1 1 of the 13 ftates, and North Carolina and Rhode Ifland have fince given their concurrence. The new Conftititution being thus adopted, Wafhington was cliofen Prefident in April, 1789, by the unanimous vote of his countrymen. When he received intelligence of his election, he fet out from Mount Vernon for New-York. He was efcortedby the militia and gentlemen of the ( 5i ) firit ch»rax*Ver from State to State, and numer* ous addrefTtis of Congratulation were piefented to him by the inhabitants of the towns through which^he palfed. On his approach to Philadel- phia, he was met by above 2©,000 citizens, who conduced him to the city, where an elegant en* tertainment was prepared for him. His progrefs from Philadelphia to New. York is thus difcribed by an elegant writer, and pre- fents an animated pictUTe of public gratitude. " When Mr. Waftiington croiTed the Delaware and landed on the Jerfey fhore, he was faluted with 3 cheers by the inhabitants of the vicinity. When he came to the brow of the hill on his way toTrenton,a triumphalarch was eredled on the bridge, by the dire(5tion of the ladies of the place. The crown of the arch was highly or- namented with imperial laurels and flowers, and on it was difplayed, in large figures, " Decem- ber 26th, 1776.'' On the fweep of the arch, was this infcription, " The Defender of the Mothers will alfo prote<5t theirDaughters." On the north fide were ranged a number of young girls dreff- ed in white, with garlands of flowers on their jieads, and bafkets of flowers on their arms — in the fecond row flood the young ladies, and be- hind them the married ladies of the town. The mftant he pafled the arch, the young girls be- gan to ftng the following ode ; ( 95 ) <♦ Welcome, mfghty 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 for thee triumphant bowers ; *' Strew ye fair, his way with flowers, <' Strew your Hero's way with flowers." ♦* As they fung the laft lines, they ftrewed their flowers on the road before their beloved Deliverer. — His fituation on this occafion, con- trafted v^ith what he had, in December 1 776, felt on tlie fame fpot, v/hen the affairs of Amer- ica were at tlie loweft ebb of deprefSon, filled! him with fenfatrons that cannot be defcribed^ He was rowed acrofs the bay from Elizabeth- Town to New-York, in an elegant barge, by 1 ^ pilots. All the vefiels in the harbour hoifted their Bags. On his landing, univerfal joy di£u- fed itfelf thro' every order of the people, and he was received and cSngratulated by the Gov- ernor of the State and officers of the Corpora- tion. In- the evening, the houlies of the inhabi- tants were brilliantly illunrinated. On the 3()th of April he was raangurated Prefidentof the United States, and took the oath enjoined by the confl.itution, in the following ■words, "I GC folemnly fwear, that I will failh- ( 96 ) ^fiilly execute the office of Prefident of the TJnf- ted States, and will, to the beft of my ability protedt and defend the Conftitution of the Uni- ted States." An univerfal and folemn filence prevailed among the fpeftators during this part of the ceremony. The Chancellor then pro- claimed him Prefident of the United States, and was anfwered by the difcharge of cannon, and the acclamations of 20,000 citizens. Soon after his appointment to the Chief Ma- giftracy, he vifited the Eaftern States, with a view to promote agriculture, and explore the means of natior>al ipiprovement. The French Revolution, which has excited the attention of mankind, proved a fevere teft to the prudence of Wafhington. Tho' he fecretly difapproved of the violent meafares of the French Republic, yet he f aw that it was neceffary for America to preferve a mutual good underftanding witli that nation. Wafhington was twice elected Prefident, and during his 8 years adminiftration, he perform- ed the duties of his arduous office with all the zeal of an honeft patriot. — After having fpent 45 years of his life in the fervice of his country, he, in September, 1796, announced his deter- mination to retire in an addrefs, expreffive of his gratitude and afFe(5lion. Wafhington oace more retired to his favour- ( 97 ) jte feat, with the hope of devoting' the rematu- der of his days to the calm duties of domeftie life. From March, 1797, to July 1798, he en- joyed the pleafures arifing from the pra<5lice of virtue. The aggiefSons of France now alarm- ed Mr. Adams's adminii^ratioa, and that they might be prepared to refift open hoftilit)'', they found it expedient to embody their army. Convinced of the abilities and integrity of th^rt venerable man, whofe valour had been inftru- mental to the emancipation of his country, Con- grefb appointed Wafhington Commander in Chief of' the armies. He accepted the appoint- ment, and his letter to the Frefident on that oc- eafion, is marked with that perfpicuity which drftiriguifiies all his writings. But tlie moment now approached in whiclr this llluftrioiis chara«5ter v/as to be removed to another ilate of exiftence. On the ISth of De-: cember, 1799, he rode out to one of his planta- tions, and the day being rainy he caught cold, which brought on an in^ammatory fore throat. This difeafe became alarming on Friday nighty and when his- phyfician ariived on Saturday- morning, medical aid was inefficacious. A few minutes before he expired, he enquired, " Doc- ter, how long am I to remain in this fituation ?" The phyfician replied, *' Not long Sir.*' A gentleman, who was prefent at Mouot I (98 ) Vernon, has furniflied us with the follov/ing particulars relative to the death of General WaOiington :— ♦* The General, a little befoi-e his death, had begun ieveral improvements on his farm. At- tending to fome of thefe, he probably caught his death. He had in contemplation a gravel walk on the banks of the Potomack ; betweeii thii walk and the river there was to be a fiOi pond. Some trees were to be cUt down, and others preferved. On Friday the day before he died, he fpent fome time by the fide of the ri-^ ver marking the former. There came a fall of fnow, which did not deter him from his piirftlit, but he continued till his neck and hair wer^ quite covered with fnow» He fpent the even- ing with Iviis. Wafhington, reading the news- papersj which came by the mail that etening ; he went to bed as ufual about 9 o' clock, waked tip \h the night, and found himfelf extremely Unwell, but would not allow Mrs. Wafhington to get lip, or the fervants to be waked. In the morning, finding himfelf very ill, Dr. Craik of Alexandria, was fent for. Soon after his arri- val, two confulting phyficians were called in^ but all would not avail. On. Saturday he died. He faid to Col. Lear a little before his deaths ** bury me decently, and not till two days after my deceafe."— To Dr. Craik he faid. " I die a ( 99 ) very hard death, but I am not afraid to die.**-*-. Before he breathed his laft, he laid himfclf on his back, placed his hands before him, and do- fed his own mouth and eyes." Philadelphia, J)ec. 19. On Saturday the 14th inft, died at his feat in Virginia, General George Wafhington, Com- mander in Chief of the Armies, and late Prefi- dent of the Congrefs, of the United States of America^— mature in years, covered with glory, and rich in the affections of a free people, and ^he admiration of the whole civilized world* When men of common character are fwept from the theatre of life, they die without the tribute of public concern, as they had lived with- out a claim to public efteem — But when Per* fonages of great and exalted worth, are fum- moned from this fublunary fcene, their death calls forth a burft of general regret, and invigo- rates the flame of public gratitude-^In obedi- ence therefore to the voice of their Country, the Poet, the Orator, and the Hiftoiian, will com- bine tp do juftice to the chara<fter of this illuftri- ous Patriot : whilft the ingenious labours of the Sculptor, the Statuary, and the Painter, will unite in perpetuating the virtues of The Mak of the Age. Mourn, Columbia, mourn !-r-rThy Father gnd Pr®te<?^or is no more I — Ivjourn I^eader, of '( i<50 ) whatever kindred, tongue or clime thou be, thy Friend, the Friend of Man and of Liberty, is gone ! The Hero, the Sage, the Patriot, this glorious emanation of the Diety, is carried back to the bofoni ofhisGod ! — The recording An- gel has enregifterediiis virtuous deeds in Hea- ven, and the name of WASHINGTON will live for ever ! Alexandria, Z)^<r. 20. On Wednefday laft the mortal part of Wafli- ington the Great — the Father of his Country, and the Friend of Man — was configned to the filent tomb with folemn honours and funeral pomp. A multitude of people, from many miles rounds affembled at Mount Vernon, the choice abode, and lad earthly refidence of its illuftrious Cheif. There were the groves, the fpacious avenues, the beautiful fcenery, the noble manfron^ — but alas J ■its auguft inhabitant was gone \ — his body in- deed, was there, but his foul was fled ! In the long and lofty porcico, where ©ft the Hero walked in all his virtuous gloiy, now lay the fhrouded corpse. — The countenance, ftill xrom^fed and ferene, feemed to exprefs the dignity of that fpirit which fo lately aduated the lifelefs form — There, tbofe who paid the laft fad honours to the Benefadtor of his Coua- trjs took a laft— a fad faieweU, ( 101 ) Near the head of the coffin, were infcrihed the words Surge ad Judicium ; about the middle, Gloria Deo ; and, on the filver plate, General George WaJJiington departed this Life 1 4/^ Dec* JLtat 6§, Between 5 and 4 o'clock, the found of artil- lery from a veifel in the river firing minute guns, armifed all our forrowful feehngs — the body was moved, and a band cf mufic with mournful melody, melted the foul into all the tendernefs of woe. — The procelfion marched in the following order : Cavalry, Infantry, & Guird with arms reverfed; Clergy ; Mufic ; TJie general's horfe, with his faddle, holfters, and piftois ; Col. Simms, C o 7 ^ol- Gilpin, RanJay, } ^ ^ Marftelle-, Payne, L ^ J Little ; Mourners ; Masonic Brethren ; And Citizens. When th$ proceffion arrived at the bottora of the ly.wn on the banks of the PotcmaCk, where the family vault is placed, the Cavalry halted, and the Infantry marched towards the mount and formed in lines ; The Clergy, the Mafonic Brethren, and the Citizens, defcended to the vauh, wher peifornSed. 12 ( 102 ) Three general dllcharges by the artillery* tjavalry, and infantry, paid the laft tribute of re- fpec^ to the entombed Commander in Chief of the American Armies. The Sun was now fetting — Alas, the Sen ot Glory was fet — No, the name of Washington will live for ever I From Vernon's Mount behold the Hero rife, Refplendent Forms attend him thro* the Ikies ! The Ihades of war-worn Veterans round him throng And lead enwrap'd their honour'd Chief along. A laurel wreatji the immortal Warren; bears. An arch triumphal iVlERCER's hand prepares ; Young Lawrence, erftth' avenging boit of war, "With port majeftic, guides the glittering car ; Montgomery's godlike form direds the way, And Green unfolds the gates of endlefs day; "Whilft Angels, " trumpet tongu'd," proclaim thro'^ air, * Pue Honours for The first of men prepare!*' PROCEEDINGS IN CONGRESS. House of representatives. Thuhsday, Z)^r. 19, 1799. Mr Marftiall addreffed the Chair as follows : «* Mr. Speaker — The melancholy event which was yefterday announced with doubt, has been rendered but too certain. Our Waftiington is no more !— The hero, the fage, and the patriot of America — the man on whom in times of danger, every eye was turned, and all hopes were placed, lives now, only in his owji great ( 103 ) a<?lions, and in the hearts of an afFedionate and an nfHided people. *' If, Sir, it had even not been ufual, openly to teftify refpedt for the memory of thofe whom Heaven had felecSted as its inftruments for dif- penfmg good to men, yet, fuch has been the uncommon worth, and fuch the extraordinary incidents, which have marked the life of him, whofe lofs we all deplore, that the whole Ame- rican nation, impelled by the fame feelings, would call with one voice, for a public manifes- tation of that forrowj which is fo deep and fo univerfal. *f More than any other individual, and as much as to one individual was pofilble, has he contributed to found this our wide fpreading Empire, and to give to the Weftern World its independence and freedom. ** Having efFe<5ted the great obje<St, for which he was placed at the head of our armies, we' have feen him converting the fword into the plough (hare, and voluntarily finking the Sol- dier into the Citizen. ** When the debility of our Federal fyftem had become manifeft, and the bonds, which con- nedled the parts of this vaft continent, were dilfolving, we have feen him the Chief of thofe t^atriots who formed for usa Conftitution, which by preferving the Union, will, I truft, fubftan- ( 104 ) date and perpetuate thofe bleflings, whicii our Revolution had promifed to beftow. " In obedience to the general voic^ of his Country, calling on him to prefide over a Great People, we have feen him once more quit the retirement he loved, and in a feafon raore^tem- peftuous than war itfelf, with calm and wife de- termination, purfue the true interefts of the Nation, and contribute, more than any other could contribute, to the eftablifhment of that fyftem of policy, which will, 1 truft, yet pre- ferve our peace, our honour, and our indepen- dence. " Having been twice unanimoufly chofen the Cheif Magiftrateof a Free People, we fee him, at a time when his re-ele6lion with univerfal fuffrage could not be doubted, affording t© the v^orld a rare inftance of moderation, by with- drawing from his high ftation to the peaceful walks of private life. " However the public confidence may change and the public affeiftions fluduate with refpeift to others, yet, with refpe^fl to him, they have ■in war and in peace, in public and in private ,life, been as fteady as his own firm mind, and as conftant us his own exalted vktues. " Let us, then, Mr. Speaker, pay the laft tri- bute of afre<Slon and refped to our departed Friend— Let the Grand Council of the Nation { 105 ) 4Ifplay t^ofe fentiments which the Nation feels — For this purpofe I hold in my hand fome Re- folutions, which I take the liberty of offering to the Houfe," Mr. Marfhall having handed his Refolutions to the Clerk, they were lead, and unanimoufly agieed to, as follows, viz. Refolved, That this Houfe will wait on the Prefident of the United States, in condolence of this mournful event. Refolved. That the Speaker's chair be fliroud- ed with black, and that rhe members and Offi- cers of the Houfe wear black during the Ssf- fion. Refolved, That a Committee, in conjuncftion with one from the Senate, be appointed to con- fider on the mofl fuitable manner of paying honour to the memory of the Man, firfl in war, firft in peace, and firfl in the hearts of his Countrymen. Monday, Dec. 2S. Mr, Marfhall made a report from the joint Committe appointed to confider a fuitable mode of commemorating the death of General Wafhington. He reported the following Refolutions : Refolved by the Senate and Houfe of Repre- fentatives of the United States of America, in Congrefs afTembled, That a marble monumeitf .( 1C6 ) be ere^ed by th? United States at the Capitol of th^ City of Wkfhlngton, and that the fami- ly of General Wafliington be requefted to per- mit his body to be depofited under it ; and that the monument be fo defigned as to commemo- rate the great events of his military and politi- cal life. And be it further refolved, That there be a funeral procefiion from Congrefs Hall, to the German Lutheran Church, in memory of Qen, George WaOiington, on Thurfday the 26th inft, and that an oration be prepared at the requeft of Congrefs, to be delivered before both Houfes that day ; and that the Prefident of the Senate, 9ind Speaker of the Houfe of Reprefentatives, be defired to requeft one o{ the Members of Congrefs to deliver the fame. And be it further refolved, That it be recom- mended to the people of the United States, to wear crape on their left arm as mourning, for thirty days. And be it further refolved. That the Prefident of the United States be requefted to dired a copy cf thefe Refolutions to be tranfmitted to Mrs. Wafhington, afluring her of the profound Tefpe<fl Congrefs will ever bear to her perfon ^nd chara<5ler, of their condolence on the lace Siffeding difpenfation of Providence, and in- treating her aiftnt to the interment of the r«St ( i07 ) tiiains of General Wafhlngton in the mannef iexpre/ted in the firft refolution. And be it further refolved, that the Prefi- dent of the iJnited States be requefted to iifue his proclamation, notifying to the People thro'- out the United States the recommendation contained in the third resolution. Thefe Reiblutions paffed both Houfes una- nimoufly. Same day, the Senate fent the following let- ter of condolence to the prefident of the United States, by a committee of its members : To the^ Prefident of the United States. THE Senate of the United States refpedtful- iy take leave, Sir, to eiprefs to you the deep re- gret for the lofs their country fuilairis in the death of Genetal George Wafhington. This event, fo diftreffing to all our fellow citi- iehs mud be peculiarly heavy to you, who haves long been afibciated with him in deeds of Patri- otifm. Permit us. Sir, to mingle oUr tears with yous-^on this occafion it is manly to weepc To lofe fuch a nian, at fuch a crifis, is no com- mon calamity to aie world — our Country mourns her father. The Almighty Difpofer of human events has taken from us our greateft Benefa<5torand Ornament — It becomes us tofub- aiit with reverence to Him, who " maketfe datkaef» his pavillion.'* C 108 ) With patriotic pride, we review the life of our Washington, and compare him with thofe of other countries, who have been pre-eminent in fame. Ancient and modern names are demin- iihed before him. Greatnefs and Guilt have too often been allied ; but hi? fame is whiter than it is brilliant. The deftioyers of nations ftood a- bafhed at the majefty of his virtue. — It repro- ved the intemperance of their ambition, and dar- kened the fplendour of victory. The fcene is clofed, and we are no longer anxious left n6if. fortune ihould fully his.glory ; he has travelled- on to the end of his journey^ and carried with him an increafmg weight of honour ; he has de- pofited it fafely, v.-here Misfortune cannot tar- nifli it — Where Malice cannot blaft it. Favour- ed of Heaven, he departed without exhibiting the weaknefs of humanity j magnanimous in death, the darknefs of the grave could not obfcure' his biightnefs. Such was the_Mali whom we deplore. — Thanks to God, his glory is confummated- — Washington yet lives on earth in his fpotiefs exanipie — his fpirlt is in Heaven ! Let his countrymen conlecrate the memory ©f the heroic General — the patriotic Statesman — and the virtuous Sage ; — let them teach their children never to forget, that the fruits of his .labouriJ and his example are their inhere- tance. ( 109 ) The PR.EsiDENt*s AnsweiS.. Gentlemen of the Senate, I RECEIVE, with the moft repeAful and affec- tomatefentiments,inthis inipreffive Addrefs,the obliging expreffions of yotir regret for the lofs our country has fuftained, in the death of her moft efteenned, beloved, and admired Citizen. In the multitude of my thoughts and recol- le^ions on this melancholy event, you will per- mit me to fay, that I have feen him in the days of adverficy, in fome of the fcenes of his deepeft diftrefs, and moft trying perplexities ; I have al- fo attended him in his higheft elevation, and moft profperoiis felicity, with uniform admira- tion of his wifdom, moderation, and conftancy. Am(3ng all our original afTociates In that me- morable League of the continent in l??^, which flrft expreffed thefovereign will of a Free Nation in America, he was the only one remaining in the General Government. Altho', with a con- ' ftitution more enfeebled than his, at an age when he thought it neceflary to prepare for re- tirement, 1 feel myfelf alone — bereaved of my laft brother ; yet I derive a ftrong confolation from the unanimous difpofition which appears in all ages and claffes, to mingle their forrows with mine on this common calamity to the world. The life of our Washington cannst fuffer K ( 110 ) by a comparisoH with those of other countnes, who have been most celebrated and exalted by Fame. The attributes and decorations of Rqy- alty could only have served to eclipse the majes- ty of those virtues which made him, from being a modest Citizen, a more resplendant luminary. Misfortune, had he lived, could hereafter have sullied his glory only with those superficial minds, who, believing " that characters, ^nd ac- tions are marked by success alone,'* rarely de- serve to enjoy it. Malice could never blast his hoDour, and Envy made him a singular excep- tion to her universal rule — For himself, he had lived enough to Life and Glory — For his fellow- citizens, if their prayers could have been answer- ed, he would have been immortal — For me, his departure is at a most unfortunate moment. Trusting, however, in the wise and righteous" dominion of Providence over the passions of men, and the results of their councils and actions, as well as over their lives, nothiiig iiemains for me- but humbje resignation. His example is now complete, and it will teach wisdom and virtue to magistrates, citizens, and men, not only in the present age, but in future generations, as long as our history shall be read= — If a Tragen found a Pliny, a Marcus Aurelius^ can never want biographers, eulogists, or.histo* rians. JOHN ADAMS. On monday the Sth of January, the President sent the following letters to Congress :— ( ill ) Gsntlemen of the Senate^ and Gentleinen of the House of Refiresentatives, In compliance with the request in one of thfe Resolwtions of Congress of the 2 1 st of December last, I transmitted a copy of those Resolutions, by my secretary, Mr. Shaw, to Mrs. Washington, assuring her of the profound respect Congress will ever bear to her person and character — ^of their condolence in the late afflicting dipensa- tion of Providence, and entreatino; her assent to the interrnentofthe remains of General George Washington hi the manner expressed in the first Resolution. As the sentiments of that vir- tuous Jady, 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 delicacy 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 Government, will be highly gratified by any arrangement which may dimin- ish the sacrifice she makes of her individual feelings. JOHN ADAMS. Mrs. Washinton's Answer. Sir, Mount Vernon, 31st Dec. 1799. While I feel, with keenest anguish, the latfe dispensations of Divine Providence, I cannot be insensible to the mournful tribute of respect and veneration w4iich is paid to the memory of my dear deceased husband ; and, as his best services and most anxious wishes were alwavs devoted to ( lie ) the welfare and happiness of his country, to know that they were truly appreciated, and gratefully remembered, affords no inconsiderable consola- tion. Taught by the great example which I have so long had before me, never to oppose my pri- vate 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, I cannot say, what a sacri= fice of individual feeling I make to a sense of public duty. With grateful acknowledgements, and un- feigned thanks, for the personal respect and evi- dences of condolence expressed by Congress and Yourself, I remain very respectfully. MARTHA WASHINGTON. THE FAREW^ELL ADDRESS OF George Washington. Friends and Fello'iv-Citizens^ THE period for a new election of a citizen, to administer the execuUve government of the United States, being not far distant, and the time actually arrived, when your thoughts must be employed in designating the person who is to bp clothed with that important trust, it appears' ( 113 ) to me proper, especially as it may conduce to a more distinct expression of the public voice, that I should now appribie yovi of the resolution 1 have formed, to decline being- considered among the Tiumber of those out of whom a choice is to be imade. ' 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 relation which binds a dutiful citizen to his country ; and that, in withdrawing lAe tender of ser\ ice which silence in my situation might imply, I am influtncedby no diminution of zeal for your future interest ; no deficicincy of grcvteiui respect, tor your past kindness ; but am supported by afuii convicuon that thestep is pompcitible with boi h. The acceptance of, and continuance hitherto in the office to which your suffrages h ive iwice called me, have been a uniform sacrifice of inh clination to the opinion of duty, ahd to u deft ; ence for what appeared to be your desire. 1 coii;Uuit" ly hoped, that it would have been much Ccii-jier in my power, consistent with motives which 1 was not at liberty to disregard, to return to thai re- tirement 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 cf.au address to declare it to you ; but mature reflection on the then perplex- ed and critical posture of our affairs with foreign nations, and the unanimous advice of persons K 2 ( 114 ) entitled to my confidence, impelled me to aban- don the idea. I rejoice that the state of your concerns, ex- ternal as weM as internal, no longer renders the pursuit of inclination incompatible with the sen- timent of duty, or propriety ; and am pursuaded, whatever partiality may be retained for my ser- vices, that in the present circumstances of our country,you willnot disapprove my determination to retire. The impressions with which I first undertook 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, con- tributed towards the organization and administra- tion <;f the government, the best exertions of which a very fallible judgment was capable. Not unconscious, in the outset, of the inferiority of my qualifications, experience in my own eyes, perhaps still more in the eyes of others, has strenghtened the motives to diffidence of my- self; and, every day the increasing weight of years admonisnes me more and more that the shade of retirement is as necessary to me as it vnW be welcome. Satisfied that if any circum- stances have given peculiar value to my services, they were temjx)rary, I have the consolation to believe, that while choice and prudence 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 ( 115 ) life, my feelings do not permit me to s\ispend the deep acknowledgement of that <lebt of grati- tude M'hich I owe to my beloved country, for the many honors it has conferred upon me ; still more for the stedfast confidence with which it. has supported me ; and for the opportunities I have thence enjoyed of manifesting my inviola- ble attachment, by services faithful and perseve- ring, tho in usefulness unequal to my zeal. If benefits hare resulted to our country from these services, let it always be remembered to your praise and as an instructive example in our an- nals, that under circumstances in which the pas- sions, agitated in every direction, were liable to mislead, amidst appearances sometimes dubi- ous — vicissitudes of fortune often discouraging — in situations in which not unfrequently want of success has countenanced the spirit of criticism — the constancy of your support was the essen- tial prop of the efforts, and a ^larantee of the plans by which they were effected. Profoundly penetrated with this idea, I shall carry it with me to my grave, as a strong incite- ment to unceasing vows that Heaven may con- tinue to youthe choicest tokens of its beneficence —that your union and brotherly affection may be perpetual — that the free constitution which is the work of your hand.-, may be sacredly maintained — that its administration in every de- partment may be stamped with wisdpm and vir* tue — that, in fine, the happiness of the people of these States under the auspices of liberty, may ( 116 ) ■. be noade complete, l)y so careAil a preservatioii and so prudent a pse of this blessint^, as wiU ac- iquire lo them the glpry of recommending- it to t;;Iie appiiiUbe, the -effection and the adoption of every nadon ^vhjch is }et a stranger to it. ' Here perhaps I ought to stop. " But a solici- tude for your welfare, which cannot end but with my life, and the apprehension of danger, natural to that solicitude,urge me on cji occasion like the present, to offer to your solemn contemplation, and to ret ommer.d to your frequent review, some sentiments, whicharetbe result of much reflec- tion, of no inconsiderable observation, and which appear to me all important to tlie permanency of your felicity as a People. These will be offered, to you with the more freedom, as you can only see in them the disinterested warnings of a par- ting friend, who can possibly have no personal inotives to bias his council. IS'or can I forget as an encouragem^jt 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. recom- mendation of mine is necessary to fortify or con- firm the attachment. The unity of government which constitutes 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, tlie support of your tranquili- ty ar home, your peace abroad ; cf your safety ; of your profperity ; of that very liberty which you fo ^ighly prize. But as ic is eafy to forefee, that fromdif- { 117 ) fcrcnt caufcs and from different quarters, much pains wiii be taken, many artifices employed, to weaken in your minds the convidlion of this truth ; as this is the point ih your political fortrcfs againft which the batteries of inter- nal and external enemies will be moft conftantly and aA- ively (though often covertly and infidio-ufly) dire<fted, it is of infinite moment, that you ftiould properly cftimate the immenfe value of your national Union, to your colU^- ive and individual happinefs ; that you fhould cherilh a tordial, habitual and immoveable attachment to it ; accuf- toming yourfelves to think and fpeak of it as the palladium of your political safety and prosperity ; watching for its preservation with jealous anxiety ; dis- countenancing whatever may suggest even a sus- picion that it can in any event be abandoned ; and indignantly frowning upon the first dawning of every attempt to alienate any portion of our coun- try from the rest ; or to enfeelSle the sacred ties which now link together the various parts. For this you have every inducement of smypa- thy and interest. Citizens by birth or choice, of a common country, that country has a right to concentrate your affections. The name o^jUmeri- cariy which belongs to you in your national capaci- ty, must always exalt the just pride of patriotism* more than any appellation derived from local discriminations. With slight shades of difference you have the same religion, manners, habits and political principles. You have in a common cause fought and triumphed together ; the inde- pendence and liberty you possess are the work of joint councils, and joint efforts, of common dan- gel'S, sufferings an4 successes. But these con- ( 118 ) siderations, however powerfully they address themselves to your sensibility, are greatly out- weighed by those which apply more immediate- ly to your interest — Here every portion of our country finds the most commanding motives for carefully guarding and preserving the Union of the whole. The North, in an unrestrained intercourse with the South,protected by the equal laws of common government, finds in the productions of the latter great additional resources of maritime and com- mercial enterprize and precious materials of man- ufacturing industry. The South, in the same intercourse, benefiting by the agency of the North, sees its agriculture grow and its com- merce expand. Turning partly into its own channels the seamen of the North, it finds its particular navigation invigorated ; and while it contributes, in different, ways, to nourish and increase the general mass of the national navigation, it looks forward to the protection of a maritime strength,to which itself is unequally adapted. The East, In a like intercourse with the West, already finds, and in the progressive improvements of interior communications,by land and water,wiil more and more find a valu?ble vent for the commodities which it brings from abroad or manufactures at home. The West derives from* the East supplies requisite to its growth and com- fort — and what is perhaps of still greater conse- quence, it must of necessity owe the secure ( H9 ) enjoyment of indispensable outlets for its owJi productions to the weight, influence, and the future maritime strength of the Atlantic side of the Union, directed l)y an indissoluble communi- ty of interest as one nation. Any other tenure by which the West can hold this essential advan- tage, whether derived from its own separate strength, or from an apostate and unnatural con- nection with any foreign power, muftbe intrinfi- cally precarious. While then eveiy part of out country thus feels an immediate and paiticular intereft in Union, all the parties combined cannot fail to find in the united mafs of means and efforts greater ftrength, greater refources, proportiona- bly greater fecuiity from external danger, alefs frequent interruption of their peace by foreign nations ; and. what is of ineftimable value f they muft derive from Union an exemption from thofe broils and wars bet ween themfelves, which so frequently afHict neighboring countries, hot tied together by the fame government j which their own rivalftirps alone would be fufficient ta produce, but which oppofite foreign alliances^ attachments and intrigues would ftimulate and embitter. — H«nc6 likewife they will avoid the neceffity of thofe overgrown military eftablifh- mcats, which under any form of government, are maufpicious to liberty, and which are to be re- garded as particularly hoftile to Republican Li- ( 120 ) Ijerty ; in this fenfe it is, that your Union ought to be Gonfidered as a main prop of your liberty, and that the love of the one ought to endear to you the preservation of the other. Thefe confiderations fpeak a peifuafive lan- guage to every reflating and virtuous mind, and exhibit the coiatinuence of the Union as a primary object of patriotic defire. Is there a doubt, whether a common government can em- brace fo large a fphere ? Let ej^perience folve it. To liften to mere fpeculation in fuch a cafe were criminal. ' We areauthorifed to hope that a pros- per organization of the whole, with auxiliary agency of goverments for the refpe^ive fubdivi- fions, will afford a happy iflue to the experi- ment, 'Tis well worth a fair and full experi- ment. With fuch powerfiTl and obvious motives to Union, affeding all parts of our country, while experience (hall not have demonftrated its imj?racticability, there will always be reafon to diftruft the patriotifm of thofe, who in any quar- ter may endeavour to weaken its bands. In contemplating the caufe whichmay difturb' our Union, it occurs asamatter of ferious concern that any ground (hould have been fumifhed for charesterising parties hy geographical d\^c\\w\i\^' lions—- Tzor/Aernand southern dtlantic ^Ti6.^iVestem -r-whence designing men may endeavoui' to e» che a belief that there is a real dificrenee of locaJ ( 121 ) " interests and views. One of the expedients of party to acquire influence, within particular dis- tricts, is to misrepresent the opinions and aims of other districts. You cannot shield yourselves too much against the jealousies and heart bur- nings which spring from these misrepresenta- tions ; they tend to render alien to each other those who ought to be bound together by frater- nal affection. The inhabitants of our w^estern country have lately had a useful lesson on this head : they have seen, in the negociution by the Executive, and in the unanimous ratification Ijy the Senate, of the treaty with Spain, and in the universal satisfaction at that 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 Misshipfii : 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, towards confirming their prosperity. Will it not be their wisdom to rely for the preservation of these advantages on the Union by which they Avere 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 permanency of your Uni G>n, a govennnent for the whole is indispenK;ibic L ( 122 ) -*-No alliances, however sti ict,between the parts, can be an adequate substitute : they must inevi- tably experience the infractions and interruptions which all alliances in all times have experienced. Sensible of this momentous truth, you have im- proved upon your first essay, by, the adoption of a constitution of government better calculated than your former, for an intimate Union, andfoi' the efficacious management of your common concerns. This government, the offspring of our own choice, uninfluenced and unawed, adop- ted upon full invest^igation and mature delibera- tion, completely free in its principles, in the distribution of its powers, uniting security with energy, and containing within itself a provision for its own amendment, has a just claim to your confidence and your support. Respect for its authority, compliance with its laws, acquies- cence ia its measures, are duties enjoined by the fundamental maxims of true Liberty. The feasis of. our political systems is the right of the people to make and alter their Constitutions of Government— run, the constitution which at any time exists till changed by an explicit and authen- tic act of the whole people, is sacredly obligato- ry upon all. 1 he very idea of the power and the right of the people to establish government presupposes the duty of eieTf individual to obey the established government. All obstructions to the execution jof the Laws, all combinations and associations, under whatever plausible, character, with the real design to di- ( 123 ) rect, control, counteract, or awe the regular deliberation and action of the constituted author- ities, are destructive of this fundamental prin- ciple, and of fatal tendency. They serve to or- ganize faction, to give it an artificial and extraor- dinary force — to put in -the place of the delega- ted- will of the nation, the will of a party, often a small but artful and enterprising minority of the 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 factions, rather than the organ jf consistent and wholesome plans digested by common councils, and modified by mutual interests. However combinations or associations of the above description may now and then answer popular ends,, they are likely in the course of time and things to become potent engines, by which cunning, ambitious and un- principled men will be enabled to subvert the power of the people, and to usurp to themselves the reins of government ; destroying afterwards the very engines which have lifted them to un- ust dominion. Towards the preservation of your government and the permanency of your present happy state, -it is requisite, n^t only that you speedily discountenance irregular oppositions to its ac- knowledged authority, but also that you resist with care *he spirit of innovation upon itsprin- ciples however specious the pretexts. • One jnethod of assault may be to effect in the fornis ( 124. ) of the constitution alterations v/bich will impair the energy of the system and thus to undermine what cannot be directly overthrown. In all the changes to which you niay be invited, remem- ber that time and habit are at least as necessary .ftp fix the true character of governments, as of other human institutions-^that experience is the surest standard, by which to test the real tenden- cy of the existing constitution of a country — thit facility in changes upon the credit or mere hy- pothesis and opinion, exposes to perpetual change from the endless variety of hypothesis and opin- ion : and remember, especially, that for the effi- cient mana^ment of your common interests, in a country so extensive as ours, a government of as much vigor as is consistent with the perfect secirrity of liberty, is indispensable. Liberty it- seif will fmd in such a government, with powers pwperly eiistributed and adjusted, its surest guar- dian. It is, indeed, little else than a name where the government is too feeble to withstand the enterprises of faction, to confine each mem- ber of the society within the hmits prescribed by the laws, and to maintain all in the secure and tranquil enjoyment of the rights of person and property. I have already intimated to you, the danger of parties in the state, with particular reference to the founding of them on geographical discrim- inations. Let me now take a more comprehen- sive vievY, ^nd warn you in the most solemn man- ( 125 ) ner against the baneful effects of the spirit tsf party, generally. This spirit, unfortunately, is inseparable froni our nature, having its root ia the strongest passions of the human mind. — It exists under different shapes in all governments, more or less stifled, controlled, or repressed ; but in those of the popular form, it is seen in its greatest r.inkness, and is truly their worst ene- my. The alternate domination of one faction over another, sharpened by the spirit of revenge, natural to party dis-.-^ntion, which, in different ages and Countries, iIaS perpetrated the most horrid enormities, is itielf fi-ightful desooti^m. — - But this leads at length to a more formal and per* manent despotism. — The disorders and miseries, Avhich result, gradually incline the minds of men to seek security and repose in the absolute pow- er of an individual ; and sooner or later the chief of some prevailing faction, more able or m.ore fortunate than his competitors, turns this dispo- sition to the purposes of his own elevation, on the ruins of public Liberty. Without looking forward to an extremity of this kind (which nevertheless ought not to be entirely out of sight) the comnion and continual mischiefs of the spi-it of party are sufficient to make it the interest and duty of a v/ise people to discourage and restrain it. It serves always to distract the public councils and enfeeble the public administration. It agitates the communi- \ with iil-foundsd jealousies and false alarms ; L 2 ( 126 ) kindles tlie animosiiy of ere part agcsinst anoth- er, foi-nents cccasiciially riot and insuiTectiGn. It opens the doer to foreign infiiience ard ccrivjp- lion, which find a facilitated access to the govern- ment itself through the channels cf party pasr- sions. Thus the policy ar.d the will of cne coun- try are subjected to the policy and wiJl of anoth- er. There is an opinion that parties in fiee-ccun- tries are useful checks upon the arnrJrJstration of the government, and seive to keep alive the spirit of liberty. This within certain limits is probably true ; and in governments of a monar- chical cast, patriotism may look with indulgence, if not with favor, upon the spirit of party. But in those of a popular character, in goveirments purely elective, it is a spirit not to ke encouraged. From their natural tendency, it is certain there will always be enough of that spirit lor every salutary purpose. And there being ccnsti.nt danger of excess, the effort ought to be by force of public opinion, to mitigate and assuage it. A fire not to be quenched ; it demands a uniforru vigilance to prevent its bursting into a fiiar.e, lest, insiead of warminp;, it should consume. It is important likewise, that the habits of thinl<- ing in a free country, should insjjire caution, in those entrusted with its administration, to confine themselves within their respective constitutional spheres, avoiding in the exercise of the powers ofone department to encroach upon another. ( 127 ) The spirit of encroachment tends to consolidate the powers of all the departments in one, and create, whatever the form of government, a real despotism. A just estimate of that love of pow- er, and proneness to abuse it, which predomi- nates in the huiyan heart is sufficient to satisfy us of the truth of this position The necessity of reciprocal checks in the exercise of political power, by dividing and distributing it into differ- ent depositories, and consuauing each the guar- ''ian of public weai against invasions by the oth- ers, has been evinced by experiments ancient and modern ; some of them in ©ur coiuitry and under our own eyes. To preserve them must be as necessary as to institute them. If, in the opinion of the people, the distribution or mod- ification of the constitutional powers be in any particular wrong, let it1)e corrected by an amend- ment in the waj- which the constitution desig- nates. But let there be no change by usurpation ; for tho' this, in one instance, may be the instru- ment of good, it is the customary weapon by which frcG governments are destroyed. The precedent must always greatly overbalance in permanent evil any partial or transient benefit which the use can at any time yield. Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and moiidiry are in- dispensable sup}X)rts, In vain \ M^Idthat man claim the tribute of patriotism, who should labor to subvert these great pillars of hvman happiness, ( 128 ) these firmest props of the duties of men and citi- zens. — The mere politician, eqiiaiiy with the pi- ous man, ought to respect and to cheii^h them, A volume could not trace ail their coiu-icctions ^vith private and public felicity. Let it sinipiy be asked, where is the security, for property, for reputation, for life, if the sense of religious obli- gation Desert the oaths, Avhich are the instru- mewts of investigation in courts of j^'sdce ; and let us with caution indulge the supposition, that morality can be maintained \^ithcut religion. Whatever may be cohceded to the influence of refined education on minds of pecuii::ir structure ; reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle. *Tis substantially true, that virtue or morajity is a necessary spring of popular government. The rule indeed erJ. end^j v/ith more or less force to every species of free government. Who that is a sinceie fiiend to it can look with idifference upon the attempts to shake the founda- tion of the fabrick ? Promote then, as an object of primary import- ance, institutions, for ihe general diffusion of knowledge. — In pjpoportion as the structure of a government gives force to a public opinion, it is essential tb^t public cpinion should be enlighten- ed. As a very important source of strength and security, clierish public credit, one method of preserving it is to use it as sparingly as possible ; avoiding occasions of expense by cultivating peace ; but rememberingalso that timely disbur- ( 129 ) B&mcnts to prepare for danger, frequently pre- vent mucli greater disbursements to repel it ; a- voiding likewise the acculamations of debt, not only by shunning occasions of expense, but by vigorous exertions in time of peace to discharge the debts which unavoiding wars may have occa- sioned, not ungenerously throwing upon posterity the burden which*we ourselves ought to bear. — The execution of these maxims belongs to your representatives, but it is necessary that public o- pinion should co-operate. To facilitate to them the performance of their duty, it is essential that you should practically bear in mind, that towards the payment ofdebts there must be revenue : to have revenue there must be taxes : that no taxes can be devised which are not more or less inson- venient and unpleasant ; that the intrinsic em- barassment inseparable from the selection of the proper object (which ^s always a choice of diffi- culties) ought to be a decisive motive for a candid construclTon of the conduct of the government in making it, and for a fpirit of acquiescence in the measures for obtaining revenue which the public exigences may at any time dictate. Observe good faith and juctice towards all naions ; 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 distant period, a great nation, to give to mankind the niragnanimous and too novel exam- fb '^^ ■ ' ' ^='^^^- ■ ■ "• i f George WashiDgtou wrote the foilowicg letter soin af'er the Coni,timtion was toade, and addresaed it to I tte "GtLeral Commiftes of the United Btpt'.afc * Cburcte-- inVjrgu.iiaf' Oenti-emen : If I co'>i.ld«2L»r ""****" *■"'""'' *^-^ sl'ghtest apjjieljC-n&ioD tb.jit thft OorisHlfitioa iraui«a by the Convtritjoii here I >jad the honor to pj-eVi'e ttiif^bt p-iPS'b-y endaiiger the rdigioun rights of any ecc'esiafticat ecciety, certahjjy I would mvir have fJnad my (.ignaivreto it ; and n I could not conceive tba* the Geaerbl Goverrme*nt might even be eo a,i- noDifrteretl as to reccer the liberty of conecieace ia- ef cure, I bf g you Tvi)l be persuaded that uooaa wo\iid he Kore zealous tcan roy^elf to esxablish eflfrctuil bfiniers sgsiEet the horrors of spiritual tjirajiny and every fptci's of rcliginua pfr.ecu'i'-n. For you (.'onhtleps rfmerobfr I hive often expytssed my sea- liTetts that fpy man condueti-?^ himself »,d a good Vpinzfn, ard heij-sr accountable tj God aloae for his Vtligious rpii'.iots, ought to be protected in worsbip- ■;£: the Deity according to the dictates of hia own V)U6ci«nce. ( 130 ) pie 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 temporary advantages which might be lost by a steaayad" lierence to it ? Can it be, that Providence has not connected the permanent felicity of a nation witjj its virtue ? The experiment, at least, is recom-"* mended by every sentiment which ennobles huf man nature. Alas ! is it rendered impossibly by its vices? '; In the execution of such a plan, nothing is more essential than that permanent inveterate antipathies against particular nations, and passim onate attachments forotheis should be excluded, and that in place of them just and amicable feel* ings towards all should be cultivated. The nation, which indulges towards another an hab^ itual iiatred, or an habitual fondness, is in some degree a slave. !t 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. An^ tipathy in one nation against another disposs each more readily to ofier insult and injury, to lay hold of slight cau-ses of umbrage, and to be haughty and intractable, when accidental or tri- flingoccasions of dispute occur. Hence frequent collisions, obstinate envenomed and bloody con-^ tests. The nation prompted by ill will and resentr. ment, sometimes impels to war the government, contrary to the be§t calculations of policy. The government sometimes participates \y\ the nation-? / ( 1^1 ) al propensity, and adopts through passion what rea-- son would reject; at other limes, it makes the animosity of the nation subservient to projects of hostility instigated by pride, ambition and other sinister and pernicious motives. The peace of- ten, sometimes perhaps the liberty of nations has been the victim. So likewise a passionate attachment of one na- tion for another produces a variety of evils,- Sympathy for the favourite nation, facilitating the iliusion of an imaginary common interest, in ca- ses where no real common interest exists, and infusing into one the enmities of the other, be- trays the former into a participation in the quar- rels and wars of the latter, without adequate in- ducement or justification. It leads also to con- cessions to the favourite nation of privileges denied to others which is apt doubly to injure the nation making the concessions ; by unnecessarily parting with what ought to have been retained ; and by exciting jealousy, ill will, and a disposi*- tlon to retaliate, in the parties from whom equal privileges are withheld ; Audit gives to ambi- tious: corrupted, or deluded citizens (\vho devote themselves to the favorite ni\tion) facility to be- tray, or sacriiice the interests of their country, without odium, sometimes even with popularity ; gilding with the appearance of a virtuous sense of obligation, a commendable deference for public opinion, or a laudible zeal for public good, the base or foolish compliances of ambilioh, currup- tion or infatuation. ( 132 ) As avenues to foreign influence in innumera- ble ways, such attachments are particularly alarm' ing to the truly enlightened and independent pat- riot. How many opportunities do they afford to tamper with domestic factions, to practice the arts of seduction, to mislead public opinion, to influence or awe the public councils ! Such an attachment of small or weak, towards a great and powerful nation, dooms the former to he the satellite of'the latter. Against the insiduous wiles of foreign influence, (1 conjure you to be- lieve me, fellow citizens) the jealousy of a frcw. people ought to be cokstantly awake; since his- tory and experience prove that foreign infii:ence is one of the most baneful foes of republican government. But that jealousy, to be usefL must be impartial : else it becomes the'instru- ment of the very influence to be avoided, instead of a defence against it. — Excessive partiality for one foreign nation, and excessive dislike of an- other, 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. Heal patriots, who may resist the intrigues of the favorite, are liable to become suspected and- odious; while its tools and dupes usurp the ap- plause and confidence c^'the people, to surren- der their interests. The great rule of conduct for us, in rei^ard to foreign nations, is, in exten- ding our commercial relations, to have with them as little POLITICAL connection as possible. So far as we i^iave already formed engagements, let ( 133 J iem be fufilled with perfect good faith Ilers t us stop. Europe has a set of primary interests, which o us have none, or a very remote relation. Hence -he must be engaged in frequent controversies,- Xtic causes of which are essentially foreign to our concerns. Hence, therefore, it must be unwise in us to implicate ourselves by artificial ties, in tke ordinary vicissitudes of her politics, or the ordinary combinations and collisions of her ^'iendships, er enmities. Our detached and ol'stant situation invites and enables us to pursile a different course. If we remain one people^ ^atider an efficient government, the period is not hv oif, when we may defy linaterial injury from External annoyance ; when we may take such an attitude as will cause the neutrality, we may at any time resolve upon, to be scrupulously res- pected ; when belligerent nations, under the im- possibility of making acquisitions upon us, will not lightly hazard the giving us provocation ; when we may choose peace or war, as our inter- est, guided by justice, shall counsel. Why forego the advantages of so peculiar a situation ? Why quit our own to stand upon for- eign ground ? Why, by interweaving our desti- ny with that of any part of Europe, entangle our peace and prosperity in the toils of European ambition, rivalship, interest, humor or capiice ? *Tis our true policy to steer clear of permanent alliances, with any portion of the foreign world ; M ( i3i ) oo far, I mean a^ we are now at liberty to do it ; for let me not be understood as capable of pat- ronising infidelity to existing engagements. I hold the maxim lio less applicable to public than to private affairs, tbat hbnesty is always the best polJQ)'. I repeat it, therefore, let those engage- ments be observed in their genuine sense. But^ in my opinion, it is unnecessary, and would be imwise, to extend them. Taking care always to keep ourselves, by suitable establishments, on a respectable defensive posture, we may safely trust to temporary alliances fol' extraordinary emergencies. Harmony, liberal intercourfe with all nations, are lecommended by policy, humanity, and intereft. But even our commercial policy fhoulcl hold an eqilal and impartial hand i neither feek- ing nor granting exclufive favors or preferen- ces ; confulting the natural courfe of things 5 diffufing and diverfif^'ing by gentle means the fir earns of commerce, but forcing nothing ; eftablilhing, with powers fa difpofed, in order to give trade a ftable courfe, to define the rights of our merchants, and to enable the government to fupport them, conventional rules of inter- courfe, the bed that prefent cifcumftances and mutual opinion will permit, btit temporary, and liable to be from time to time abandoned or va- tied, as experience and circumftances fliall dic- tate ; conftantly keeping in view, that 'tis folly in one nation to look for difmterefted favors from' f 135 ) another ; that it mufl; pay with a portion of iti, jncJ^pendence for whatever it may accept uftder that character ; that hy fuch acceptance, it may- place itfelf in the condition of having given equivalents for nominal favors, and yet of be- ing reproached with ingratitude for not giving more. There can be i;o greater error than to expect, or calculate upon real favors from na- tion to nation. 'Tis an illusion which experi- ence muft cure, which a juft pride ought to difcard. In offering to you, my countrymen, these coun- sels of an old affectionate friend, I dare'^not hope they will make the strong and lasting ira^ pression I could wish : that they will controui the usual current of the passions, or prevent oui» na- tion from running the course which has hitherto Tnarked the destiny of nations : But, if I may even flatter myself, that they may be productive of some partitil beneRt, sonie occasional good ; that they may nov/ and then recur to moderate the fury of party spirit, to warn against the mischiefs of foreign intrigues, and guard against the impos- tures of pretended patriotism ; this hope will be a fi.Ul recompence for the sonpitude for your wel- fare, by which they have been dictated. How far in the discharge of my official duties, I hav,. been guided by the principles which have been delin- eated, the pubHc records and other evidences of my conduct must witness to you and to the; ir^prld. To myself, the assurance of my p\y^ ( is$ ) conscience is, that I have at least believod myself to be guided by thefn. In relation to the still subsisting war in Europe, my proclamation of the '2 2d of April, 1793, is the index to my^kn. Sanctioned by your approving voice and by that of your representatives in both houses of congress, the spirit of that measure has continually governed me ; uninfluenced by any at- tempt to deter or divert me from it. After delibe- rate examination, with the aid of the best lights I- could obtain, I was well satisfied that our countryj ■under all the circumstances of the case, had a right to take, and was bound in du^ and interest, to take a neutral position. Having taken it, I de^ termined, as far as should depend upon me, to maintain it, with moderation, perseverance and firmness. The consideration which respects the right to ;hold the conduct, it is not necessary on this occa^ sion to detail. I will only observe, that accord- ing to my understanding of the matter, that right, so far from being denied by any of the belligerent powers, has been virtually admitted by all. The duty of holding a neutral conduct may be infers red, without any thing more, from the obligations which justice and humanity impose upon every natiouyin cases in which it is free to act, to main- tain ir^'iolate the relations of peace and amity to^ wards other nations. The inducements of inter- .est for observing that conduct will best be refer- ^d tp ypi^r own reflections and experience. With, ( 137 ) me, a predominant motive has been to endeavor to gain time to our country to settle and mature its yet recent institutions, and to progress with- out interruption, to that degree of strength and consistency, which is necessary to give it, human- ly speaking, the command of its own fortunes. Tho* in reviewing the, incidents of my adminis- tration, I am unconscious of intentional error : I am nevertheless too sensible of my defects not to think it propable that I may have committed ma- ny errors. Whatever they may be, I fervently beseech the Almighty 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 ray life dedicated to its service, with an upright zeal, the faults of incom- petent abilities -will be consigned to oblivion, as niyself must soon be to the mansions of rest. Relying on its kindness m this as in the other things, and actuated by that fervent love towards it, which is so natural to a man, who views in it the native soil of himself and his progenitors for several generations ; I anticipate with pleasing expectation that retreat, in which I promise my- self to realize, without alloy the sweet enjoyment of partaking, in the midst of my fellow citizens, the benign influence of good laws under a free government — the ever favourite object of my heart, and the happy reward, as Itrust, of ourmu- tual cares, labors and dimgers. M 2 G. WASHINGTON. ( 138 ) y^R JV'IIJAM WJLLACE's BOJi;.. PhUaddhhia^ 4 th Jan, ] 7 9 2. _'n Friday last was presented to the President :he United Stales, Geort,'e Washington; a iiox _k:^-antly movinted with silver, and made of the . Celebrated oak tree that sheUercd the patriotic Sir William Wai.lack of Scotland, after th( unfortunate battle of Falkirk about the year 1300 This very curious and characteristical present ih;. from the Earl of Buchan. by the hancl of .\h- Archibald Robertson, a Scotch gentletnan, anl a portrait painter, who arrived in America some •months ago. The Bp-x was presented to Lord Buchan by the Goldsmiths Company of J:^din-- bu- j-Hi ; from whom his Lordship'reqviested, and obtained leave, to ?.Tiakp it over to the Man whom he deemed more deserving of it than himself, and George Washington wo.-? t/)e man. We fu.niitr learn, that, Lord Buchan, fcas* requested of the President, that, on the event of Ills decease he will consign the Box to that Mtini in this Cou7/^ry, who shall appear, in hisjuc ment, to merit it best, upon the same conside tions that induced him to send it to America. Upon the Box, which is curiously wrought, is a silver plate with the folloV\'Jng inscriptitjn : ?' Presented by the Goldsmiths of Edinburgh lo D'l vid Srekt^art Erskine^ Earl of Buchan,, with Freedom of their Corporation^ by their Deacch jLD, 1791." ( 139 ) Copy of c^e Letter from LordBucHAN to GcR. Washington, accompanying the Box, Dryburgh Jbbey^June 28, 17t)l. " Sir, " I had the honour to receive your Excellen- cy's letter relating to the advertisement of Dr. Anderson's periodical publication in the Gazette of the Uuited States ; which attention to my recommendation I feel very sensibly, and return you my grateful acknowledgments. " In the '2 1st No. of that literary Miscellany, 1 inserted a monitory paper respecting America, which I flatter myself, may, if attended to on the other side of the Atlantic, be productive of good consequences. " To use your own emphatic words, " May that Almighty Being who rules over the Universe — who presides i\\ the Councik of Nations — and whose providential aid can supply every human defect, consecrate to the Liberties and ilappiness of the American people, a government iiistitu- ted by themselves for public and private security, upon the basis of Law and ^qual administration of Justice, preserving tp every individual as much civil and political freedom as is consistent with the safety of the Nation."— And may he be pleased to continue your life and strength as long as you can be in any way useful to your Country i " I have entrusted this sheet inclosed in a Box, made of the Oak that sheltered our Great Sir William Wallace, after the battle of Falkirk, to. ( 1*0 ) Mr. Robertson, of Aberdeen, a Paii.'Tcr, wit4i the hope of his having the honour of delivering it into your iiand ; recommending him as an able Artist, seeking for fortune and fame in the New World. This box was presented to meby the Gt>ldsmith*s Company at Edinburgh, of whom, feelinpjmy own unworthiness, to receive this magnificently significant present, I request- ed and obtained leave to make it over to the man in the world to whom Ithought it most justly due. Into your hands I commit it, requesting of you to pass it, on the event of your decease, to the Man in your own country who shall appear to your judgement to merit it best, upon the same considerations that have induced me to send it t» your Excellency. " I am. Sir, with the highest esteem, Your Excellency's most obedient, And obliged humble servant, BUCHAN. " P. S.-~I beg your Excellency will have the goodness to send me your PortiJiit, that I may place it among those I most honour, and I would wish it from the pencil of Mr. Robertson. I beg leave to recommend him to your countenance, as he has been mentioned to me favourably by my worthy friend, Professor Ogilvie, of King's College, Aberdeen.'* ( 1" ) Gen. Washingnon's Answer. Philadelphia, \H May, I79f. My Lord, " I (hould have had the honor of acknowledg- lag fooner that receipt of your letter of the 28th of June laft, had I not concluded to defer doing it till I could announce to you the tranfmiflion of my portrait, which hasjuft been finifhed by Mr. Robertfon (of New- York) who has alfo un- dertaken to forward it. The manner of the exe- cution of it does no difcredit, I am told, to the artift, of whofe fkill favourable mention has been made to me. i was further induced to entruft the execution of it to Mr. Rjbertfon, from his having informed me that he had drawn others for your Lordlhip, and knew the fuse which beft fuited your coUedion. " I accept with fenfibility and with fatisfac- •tion, the iigniiicant prefent of the box which ac- companied your Lordfhips letter. ** In yielding the tribute due from every lo- ver of mankind to the patriotic and heroic virtues of which it is commemorative, I estimate, as I ought, the additional value which it deri^'es from the hand that sent it, and my obligations for the sentiments that induced the. transfer. " I will, however, ask that you will exempt me from the compliance with the request relating tp its eventual destmation. ( 1*2 ) f Jn an attempt to execute your wish in this partiicular, I should feel embarrasment from a just comparison of relative pretentations, and fear" to risk injustice by so marj^ed a preference. ^/ With sentiments of the truest esteem ancj consideration, I remain your Lordship' jj most obedient servant, EarlofBiichan. ' ' G. WASHINGTON. ExTRACTyro7;z Cen. Washington's Will. Item— 'To Xh^ Earl ofBuchanI re-commit ^' the Box rnade of the Oak that sheltered the brave Sir William Wallace after thebattle of Fal- kirk,* presented to me by his Lordship in terms too 'flattering for me to repeat, with a request " to pass u on the evpnt of my decease, to the man iiT my country who appeared to merit it best, up- oti the same conditions that have induced him to send it to me.— Whether easy or not, to select the ^/Ian v/ho might comport with his Lordship's opinion in this respect, is not for me to say : but conceiving that no disposition of this valuaWe cu- riosity can be more eligible than^he re-commit- ment of it to' liis own cabinet, agreeably to the O'iginal design of the Goldsmiths' Company of Edingb'.u'gh, who presented it to him, and, at his request- consented that it should be transfer- red to me— I do give and bequeath the same to his Lordship ; and incase of his decease to his heir, v.'ith my grateful thanks for the distinguish- ed honour of presenting it to me, and more es- pecially for the favourable sentiments with which >?f^ accompanied it. ( i^3 5 CHARACTER OF WASHINGTON (By a Scotch Traveller.) In no one thing has the world been so much deceived, as in the article of what is commonly tailed Great Men. Most of them, upon a near- er, and closer inspection, have been found to be either great hypocrites, or great robbers ! — Not so the man whose character is now attempted to be delineated.— -Whether iin public or in private, he was still the same ; and in that humble, but useful and honourable employment, a Farmer, he pointed the way to Fortune, as, in his public capachies, he had pointed the way to Fame ; e- minently proving, in his own person, the differ- ence between system of method and oeconenly, and a course of idleness and dissipation. By his regular and economical conduct, Mr. Washington became one of the extensive and opulent Farmers on the continent. He had a- bout '10,000 acres of land attached to his seat of Mount Vernon^ where he combined theory with practice, and. by successive improvements, ren- dered his grounds highly productive. Inclu- ding his household servants, and those who work- ed upon the farm, he daily maintained about one thousand persons, all of whom moved and acted aiccording to the rules of a strict, but beriificerit system. Like a well-regulated clock, the whole machine moved in perfect time and order — The effects were, that he was completely indepen- dant, and tlied possessed of a great property. — It does not appear that Mr. Washington's educa- ^. Y LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 011 896 725 2