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