Our American Holidays

WASHINGTON'S BIRTHDAY

Its History, Observance, Spirit, and Significance as Related in Proseand Verse, with a Selection from Washington's Speeches and Writings

Edited by

ROBERT HAVEN SCHAUFFLER

New YorkDodd, Mead and Company

PREFACE

The popular idea of Washington has recently begun to veer away from thevision of an eighteenth century demigod in a wig, --an old-fashionedstatue in dusky bronze, stern and forbidding. We are swinging aroundtoward the idea of a loveable, fallible, very human personality withhumor, a hot temper, and a genuine love of pleasure. 

Accordingly, in gathering material for this book the editor has passedby those earlier writers who are mainly responsible for this distortedview; and he has aimed to gather here the essays, orations poems, stories, and exercises which best exhibit the modern conception ofWashington; together with a selection from his own writings and thefinest of the elder tributes to the memory of our greatest NationalHero. 

NOTE

The Editor and Publishers wish to acknowledge their indebtedness toHoughton, Mifflin & Company; Doubleday, Page & Company; J. B. Lippincott& Co. ; Mr. David McKay, John Macy, and others who have very kindlygranted permission to reprint selections from works bearing theircopyright. 

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

ITHE DAY

WASHINGTON'S BIRTHDAY _Oliver Wendell Holmes_WASHINGTON'S BIRTHDAY _Margaret E. Sangster_THE BIRTHDAY OF WASHINGTON _Anonymous_WASHINGTON'S BIRTHDAY _George Howland_WASHINGTON AND OUR SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES _Charles W. Eliot_CROWN OUR WASHINGTON _Hezekiah Butterworth_WASHINGTON-MONTH _Will Carleton_

IIEARLY YEARS

A GLIMPSE OF WASHINGTON'S BIRTHPLACE _Grace B. Johnson_SOMETHING OF GEORGE WASHINGTON'S BOYHOOD _Anonymous_WASHINGTON'S TRAINING _Charles Wentworth Upham_WASHINGTON AS HE LOOKED

IIITHE GENERAL

WASHINGTON IS APPOINTED COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF _Sydney George Fisher_WASHINGTON AT TRENTON _Richard Watson Gilder_GEORGE WASHINGTONVALLEY FORGE _Henry Armitt Brown_WASHINGTON AT VALLEY FORGE _Canon R. G. Sutherland_A FRENCHMAN'S ESTIMATE OF WASHINGTON IN 1781 _Claude C. Robin_

IVTHE PRESIDENT

WASHINGTON AND THE CONSTITUTION _John M. Harlan_WASHINGTON'S ADMINISTRATION _Edward S. Ellis_WASHINGTON _Mary Wingate_WASHINGTON'S INAUGURATION _Edward Everett Hale_WASHINGTONIANALESSONS FROM THE WASHINGTON CENTENNIAL _George A. Gordon_PRESIDENT WASHINGTON'S RECEPTIONS _William Sullivan_THE FOREIGN POLICY OF WASHINGTON _Charles James Fox_

VLAST DAYS

GEORGE WASHINGTON _Hamilton Wright Mabie_WASHINGTON'S LAST DAYS _Elisabeth Eggleston Seelye_THE MOUNT VERNON TRIBUTETHE WORDS OF WASHINGTON _Daniel Webster_

VITRIBUTES

MEMORIALS OF WASHINGTON _Henry B. Carrington_FROM THE "COMMEMORATION ODE" _Harriet Monroe_WASHINGTON'S STATUE _Henry Theodore Tuckerman_TRIBUTESWASHINGTON'S NAME IN THE HALL OF FAME _Margaret E. Sangster_ESTIMATES OF WASHINGTONWASHINGTON'S RELIGIOUS CHARACTER _William M'Kinley_WASHINGTON _Anonymous_

VIIWASHINGTON'S PLACE IN HISTORY

THE HIGHEST PEDESTAL _William E. Gladstone_WASHINGTON IN HISTORY _Chauncey M. Depew_TO THE SHADE OF WASHINGTON _Richard Alsop_THE MAJESTIC EMINENCE OF WASHINGTON _Chauncey M. Depew_FOR A LITTLE PUPIL _Anonymous_WASHINGTON'S FAME _Asher Robbins_WASHINGTON, THE BRIGHTEST NAME ON HISTORY'S PAGE _Eliza Cook_WASHINGTON, THE PATRIOT

VIIITHE WHOLE MAN

GEORGE WASHINGTON _John Hall Ingham_HISTORICAL MEMORABILIA OF WASHINGTON _H. B. Carrington_A BIRD'S-EYE VIEW OF WASHINGTON _Henry Mitchell MacCracken_THE CHARACTER OF WASHINGTON _Daniel Webster_MOUNT VERNON, THE HOME OF WASHINGTON _William Day_THE UNSELFISHNESS OF WASHINGTON _Robert Treat Paine_THE GENIUS OF WASHINGTON _Edwin P. Whipple_WASHINGTON'S SERVICE TO EDUCATION _Charles W. E. Chapin_ADDRESS AT THE DEDICATION OF THE WASHINGTON MONUMENT _John W. Daniel_THE CHARACTER OF WASHINGTON _Henry Cabot Lodge_

IXANECDOTES AND STORIES

ANECDOTES OF WASHINGTONTHE ABUSE OF WASHINGTON _Thomas Wentworth Higginson_PROVIDENTIAL EVENTS IN THE LIFE OF WASHINGTON _Irving Allen_CHARACTERISTICS OF WASHINGTONGREAT GEORGE WASHINGTON _Kate Douglas Wiggin and Nora A. Smith_HEADQUARTERS IN 1776 _Paul Leicester Ford_

XSELECTIONS FROM WASHINGTON'S SPEECHES AND WRITINGS

SELECTIONS FROM THE RULES OF CIVILITYSAID BY WASHINGTONWASHINGTON BEFORE THE BATTLE OF LONG ISLAND, AUGUST, 1776FROM VARIOUS LETTERS, SPEECHES, AND ADDRESSESWASHINGTON'S FAREWELL TO THE ARMYPRESIDENT WASHINGTON'S RESPONSE TO THE FRENCH AMBASSADOR ON RECEIPT OF THE COLORS OF FRANCE, 1769WASHINGTON'S FAREWELL ADDRESS

XIEXERCISES

DECORATIONS FOR WASHINGTON'S BIRTHDAY EXERCISESSOME YEARS IN WASHINGTON'S LIFE _M. Lizzie Stanley_SOMETHING BETTER _Clara J. Denton_THE STATES CROWNING WASHINGTON _Kate Bowles Sherwood_THE NEW GEORGE WASHINGTON _Anonymous_IN PRAISE OF WASHINGTON

INTRODUCTION

A good deal of American history was once violently distorted by thepartisanship of the eighteenth century, frozen solid by its icyformalism, and left thus for the edification of succeeding generations. For example, it was not until 1868 that Franklin's Autobiography was byaccident given to the world in the simple natural style in which hewrote it. The book had been "edited" by Franklin's loyalist grandson, and had been cut and tortured into the pompous, stilted periods thatwere supposed to befit the dignity of so important a personage. WhenJohn Bigelow published the original with all its naïveté and homelyturns of phrases and suppressed passages, he shed a flood of light uponBenjamin Franklin. 

But not _such_ a flood as has still more recently been shed upon ourstruggle for independence, and the hero who led it. 

Mr. Sydney George Fisher[1] has shown how the history of the Revolutionhas been garbled by the historians into the story of a struggle betweena villainous monster on the one hand, and a virtuous fairy on the other:He has shown how a period that is said to have changed the thought ofthe world like the epochs of Socrates, of Christ, of the Reformation, and of the French Revolution, has been described in a series of "ablerhetorical efforts, enlarged Fourth-of-July orations, or pleasingliterary essays on selected phases of the contest. " These writers haveignored the fearful struggle of the patriots with the loyalists, theearly leniency of England as expressed in the conduct of General Howe, the Clinton-Cornwallis controversy, and many other important subjects. In short, their design was--as Mr. Wister has happily put it, "to leaveout any facts which spoil the political picture of the Revolution theychose to paint for our edification; a ferocious, blood-shot tyrant onthe one side, and on the other a compact band of 'Fathers, ' downtroddenand martyred, yet with impeccable linen and bland legs. "

In view of this state of affairs, it is not strange that Washingtonshould have shared in the general misrepresentation. Like Franklin's, his writings, too, were altered by villainous editors. In his letters, for example, such a natural phrase as "one hundred thousand dollars willbe but a flea-bite" was changed to "one hundred thousand dollars will betotally inadequate. "

The editors were aided in their refrigerating enterprise by a throng ofpartisan biographers, first among whom was the Rev. Mr. Weems, thatarch-manipulator of facts for moral purposes. They were helped also bymany of our old sculptors and painters, who were evidently moreconcerned to portray a grand American hero in a wig than to give us areal man of flesh and blood. 

"By such devices, " writes Owen Wister, [2] "was a frozen image of GeorgeWashington held up for Americans to admire, rigid with congealed virtue, ungenial, unreal, to whom from our school-days up we have been paying asincere and respectful regard, but a regard without interest, sympathy, heart--or, indeed, belief. It thrills a true American to the marrow tolearn at last that this far-off figure, this George Washington, this manof patriotic splendor, the captain and savior of our Revolution, theself-sacrificing and devoted President, was a man also with a heartylaugh, with a love of the theater, with a white-hot temper ... Aconstant sportsman, fox-hunter, and host.... "

"The unfreezing of Washington was begun by Irving, but was in that day aventure so new and startling, that Irving, gentleman and scholar, wentat it gingerly and with many inferential deprecations. His hand, however, first broke the ice, and to-day we can see the live and humanWashington, full length. He does not lose an inch by it, and we gain aprogenitor of flesh and blood. "

Since Irving the thawing process has been carried on with growingsuccess by such able biographers as Lodge and Scudder, Hapgood and Ford, Woodrow Wilson, Owen Wister, and Frederick Trevor Hill. 

As yet this new idea of Washington's essential humanity has seemed toonovel and startling to make its way deep into the popular conviction. Isay "new idea. " In reality it is a very old idea; only it has beensmothered by the partisan writers of history and biography. Certainlythe accounts of the first celebrations of Washington's Birthday do notsound as though our ancestors were trying to work up their enthusiasmover a steel-engraving hero. 

"It was the most natural thing, " writes Walsh, [3] "for our forefathersto choose Washington's Birthday as a time for general thanksgiving andrejoicing, and it is interesting to note that the observance was notdelayed until after the death of Washington. Washington had thesatisfaction of receiving the congratulations of his fellow-citizensmany times upon the return of his birthday, frequently being a guest atthe banquets given in honor of the occasion. In fact, after theRevolution, Washington's Birthday practically took the place of thebirthday of the various crowned heads of Great Britain, which had alwaysbeen celebrated with enthusiasm during colonial times. When independencewas established, all these royal birthdays were cast aside, and thebirthday of Washington naturally became one of the most conspicuous inthe calendar of America's holidays. 

"It may be interesting at this time to look back upon those early daysof the republic and see how the newly liberated citizens attested theiradmiration for their great general and the first President of theircountry. But the people did not wait until Washington was raised to thehighest position his country could give him before honoring hisbirthday. 

"The first recorded mention of the celebration is said to be the one in_The Virginia Gazette_ or _The American Advertiser_ of Richmond:'Tuesday last being the birthday of his Excellency, General Washington, our illustrious Commander-in-Chief, the same was commemorated here withthe utmost demonstrations of joy. ' The day thus celebrated was February11, 1782, the Old Style in the calendar not having then been everywhereand for every purpose abandoned. Indeed, the stone placed as late as in1815 on the site of his birthplace in Westmoreland County, Virginia, hadthe following inscription: 'Here, the 11th of February, 1732, GeorgeWashington was born. '

"Twelve months later the 11th was commemorated at Talbot Court-House inMaryland. On the same day a number of gentlemen met in a tavern in NewYork. One had written an ode. Another brought a list of toasts. All, before they went reeling and singing home, agreed to assemble in futureon the same anniversary and make merry over the birth of Washington. 

"Next year they had an ampler opportunity. In the previous October theBritish troops had evacuated New York City, which was graduallyrecovering from the distresses of the long war. The demonstrations werenot very elaborate, but they were intensely patriotic. In a newspaper ofFebruary 17, 1784, we find an interesting account of this first publiccelebration in New York:

"'Wednesday last being the birthday of his Excellency, GeneralWashington, the same was celebrated here by all the true friends ofAmerican Independence and Constitutional Liberty with that hilarity andmanly decorum ever attendant on the Sons of Freedom. In the evening anentertainment was given on board the East India ship in this harbor to avery brilliant and respectable company, and a discharge of thirteencannon was fired on this joyful occasion. '

"A club called a 'Select Club of Whigs' assembled in New York on theevening of February 11, and a brief account of the proceedings at itsmeeting was sent to the _New York Gazette_, with an amusing song, written, it was stated, especially for this occasion. The followingstanzas will serve as a sample of this effusion of poetical patriotism:

 Americans, rejoice; While songs employ the voice, Let trumpets sound. The thirteen stripes display In flags and streamers gay, 'Tis Washington's Birthday, Let joy abound. 

 Long may he live to see This land of liberty Flourish in peace; Long may he live to prove A grateful people's love And late to heaven remove, Where joys ne'er cease. 

 Fill the glass to the brink, Washington's health we'll drink, 'Tis his birthday. Glorious deeds he has done, By him our cause is won, Long live great Washington! Huzza! Huzza!

"The following is also an interesting example of newspaper editorialpatriotism which appeared in the _New York Gazette_ at the same time:'After the Almighty Author of our existence and happiness, to whom, as apeople, are we under the greatest obligations? I know you will answer"To Washington. " That great, that gloriously disinterested man has, without the idea of pecuniary reward, on the contrary, much to hisprivate danger, borne the greatest and most distinguished part in ourpolitical salvation. He is now retired from public service, with, Itrust, the approbation of God, his country, and his own heart. But shallwe forget him? No; rather let our hearts cease to beat than anungrateful forgetfulness shall sully the part any of us have taken inthe redemption of our country. On this day, the hero enters into thefifty-third year of his age. Shall such a day pass unnoticed? No; let atemperate manifestation of joy express the sense we have of theblessings that arose upon America on that day which gave birth toWashington. Let us call our children around us and tell them the manyblessings they owe to him and to those illustrious characters who haveassisted him in the great work of the emancipation of our country, andurge them by such examples to transmit the delights of freedom andindependence to their posterity. '

"It is also interesting to know that New York City was not the onlyplace in the country remembering Washington's Birthday in this year1784. The residents of Richmond, Virginia, were not forgetful of theday, and in the evening an elegant entertainment and ball were given inthe Capitol Building, which, we are informed, were largely attended. Solate as 1796, Kentucky and Virginia persisted in preserving the OldStyle date. But we have documentary evidence that in 1790 the TammanySociety of New York celebrated the day on February 22. The society hadbeen organized less than a year, and it is interesting to see that itdid not allow the first Washington's Birthday in its history to pass bywithout fitting expressions of regard for the man who was then living inthe city as President of the United States. Washington, at that time, lived in the lower part of Broadway, a few doors below Trinity Church. Congress was in session in the old City Hall, on the corner of Wall andNassau Streets, now occupied by the Sub-Treasury. New York was thecapital of the country, but it was the last year that it enjoyed thatdistinction, for before the close of 1790 the seat of government wasremoved to Philadelphia, where it remained until 1800, when permanentgovernmental quarters were taken up at Washington. It may be of interestto know how the founders of this famous political organizationcommemorated Washington's Birthday. Fortunately, the complete account ofthis first Tammany celebration has been preserved. It was published ina New York newspaper, a day or two after the event, as follows:

"'At a meeting of the Society of St. Tammany, at their wigwam in thiscity, on Monday evening last, after finishing the ordinary business ofthe evening, it was unanimously resolved: That the 22d day of Februarybe, from this day and ever after, commemorated by this society as thebirthday of the Illustrious George Washington, President of the UnitedStates of America. The society then proceeded to the commemoration ofthe auspicious day which gave birth to the distinguished chief, and thefollowing toasts were drank in porter, the produce of the United States, accompanied with universal acclamations of applause:

 1. May the auspicious birthday of our great Grand Sachem, George Washington, ever be commemorated by all the real sons of St. Tammany. 

 2. The birthday of those chiefs who lighted the great Council Fire in 1775. 

 3. The glorious Fourth of July, 1776, the birth of American Independence. 

 4. The perpetual memory of those Sachems and warriors who have been called by the Kitchi Manitou to the Wigwam above since the Revolution. 

 5. The births of the Sachems and warriors who have presided at the different council fires of the thirteen tribes since 1776. 

 6. Our Chief Sachem, who presides over the council fire of our tribe. 

 7. The 12th of May, which is the birthday of our titular saint and patron. 

 8. The birth of Columbus, our secondary patron. 

 9. The memory of the great Odagh 'Segte, first Grand Sachem of the Oneida Nation, and all his successors. 

 10. The friends and patrons of virtue and freedom from Tammany to Washington. 

 11. The birth of the present National Constitution, 17th of September, 1787. 

 12. The Sachems and warriors who composed that council. 

 13. May the guardian genius of freedom pronounce at the birth of all her sons--Where Liberty dwells, there is his country. 

"'After mutual reciprocations of friendship on the joyous occasion, thesociety adjourned with their usual order and harmony. '

"In Washington ever since the first President was inaugurated it hadbeen the practice of the House to adjourn for half an hour tocongratulate him on the happy return of his natal day. But thisobservance was dropped in 1796, on account of the animosities excited bythe Jay Treaty. 

"The Philadelphians, always patriotic, never allowed Washington'sBirthday to go by without the celebration. In 1793 a number of oldRevolutionary officers belonging to the First Brigade of PennsylvaniaMilitia had a 'very splendid entertainment at Mr. Hill's tavern inSecond Street, near Race Street. ' According to a Philadelphia newspaperaccount, the company was numerous and truly respectable, and among theguests on that occasion were the Governor of Pennsylvania, ThomasMifflin, and Mr. Muhlenberg, Speaker of the House of Representatives. Atall these patriotic banquets it was customary to give as many toasts asthere were States in the Union, so that during the early years weinvariably find that thirteen toasts was the rule. As new States wereadded, however, extra toasts were added to the list. Just when thiscustom died out can perhaps not be definitely determined, but probablythe rapid increase of the States may have had something to do with it, as the diners probably saw that it was taxing their drinking abilitiestoo heavily with the addition of each new State. However, at thisPhiladelphia celebration the toasts were fifteen, as two new States hadrecently been added, and among some of the most interesting are thefollowing:

 The people of the United States--May their dignity and happiness be perpetual, and may the gratitude of the Nation be ever commensurate with their privileges. 

 The President of the United States--May the evening of his life be attended with felicity equal to the utility and glory of its meridian. 

 The Fair Daughters of America--May the purity, the rectitude, and the virtues of their mind ever continue equal to their beauty and external accomplishments. 

 The Republic of France--Wisdom and stability to her councils, success to her armies and navies, and may her enemies be compensated for their defeats by the speedy and general diffusion of that liberty which they are vainly attempting to suppress. 

 May Columbia be ever able to boast a Jefferson in council, a Hamilton in finance, and, when necessary, a Washington to lead her armies to conquest and glory. 

 The Day--May such auspicious periods not cease to recur till every day in the year shall have smiled on Columbia with the birth of a Washington. 

 Our Unfortunate Friend the Marquis de Lafayette--May America become shortly his asylum from indignity and wrong, and may the noon and evening of his life be yet honorable and happy in the bosom of that country where its morning shone with such unclouded splendor. 

"In conclusion, the newspaper account of this celebration states that'the afternoon and evening were agreeably spent in social pleasures andconvivial mirth, and the conduct of the whole company was marked by thatpoliteness, harmony, and friendship which ought ever to characterize theintercourse of fellow-citizens and gentlemen. '

"Balls and banquets, it will be seen, were the chief methods employed incelebrating the day, and there was hardly a town so small that it couldnot manage to have at least one of these functions in honor of GeorgeWashington. The early newspapers for a month, and often longer, afterthe 22d of February, were filled with brief accounts of thesecelebrations from different localities. Many of them are veryinteresting, showing, as they do, the patriotism of the people, as wellas their customs and habits in their social entertainments. Forinstance, when Washington's Birthday was celebrated in Alexandria, Virginia, in 1791, the _Baltimore Advertiser_ gives us the followingamusing account of a ball held at Wise's tavern:

"'The meeting was numerous and brilliant. Joy beamed in everycountenance. Sparkling eyes, dimpled cheeks dressed in smiles, promptedby the occasion, with all the various graces of female beauty, contributed to heighten the pleasure of the scene. At an interestingmoment a portrait of the President, a striking likeness, was suddenlyexhibited. The illustrious original had been often seen in the same roomin the mild character of a friend, a pleased and pleasing guest. Thesong of "God Bless Great Washington, Long Live Great Washington, "succeeded. In this prayer many voices and all hearts united. May it notbe breathed in vain. '"

In course of time Washington's Birthday was made a legal holiday in oneState after another, until to-day it is legally recognized in everyState but Alabama. 

But as it gradually became legalized, so it also became formalizedlittle by little, until, in some parts of America, the very phrase, "aWashington's Birthday celebration, " came to mean a sort of exercise inhypocrisy, --a half-hearted attempt to galvanize a dead emotion intolife. 

This attitude toward Washington as a man was due largely to themisrepresentations of the early literature. Three distinct eras in ourregard for him as a public character have been pointed out by Bradley T. Johnson:[4]

 The generation which fought the Revolution, framed and adopted the Constitution, and established the United States were impressed with the most profound veneration, the most devoted affection, the most absolute idolatry for the hero, sage, statesman. In the reaction that came in the next generation against "the old soldiers, " who for thirty years had assumed all the honors and enjoyed all the fruits of the victory that they had won, accelerated by the division in American sentiment for or against the French Revolution, it came to be felt, as the younger generation always will feel, that the achievements of the veterans had been greatly overrated and their demigod enormously exaggerated. They thought, as English Harry did at Agincourt, that "Old men forget: yet all shall be forgot, but they'll remember with advantages what feats they did that day. "

 The fierce attacks of the Jeffersonian Democracy on Washington, his principles, his life, and his habits, exercised a potent influence in diminishing the general respect for his abilities felt by the preceding generation; and Washington came to be regarded as a worthy, honest, well-meaning gentleman, but with no capacity for military and only mediocre ability in civil affairs. This estimate continued from the beginning of Jefferson's administration to the first of Grant's. Neither Marshall nor Irving did much during that period to place him in a proper historical light.... 

 But in the last twenty-five years there has been a steady drift toward giving Washington his proper place in history and his appropriate appreciation as soldier and statesman. The general who never won a battle is now understood to have been the Revolution itself, and one of the great generals of history. The statesman who never made a motion, nor devised a measure, nor constructed a proposition in the convention of which he was president, is appreciated as the spirit, the energy, the force, the wisdom which initiated, organized, and directed the formation of the Constitution of the United States and the Union by, through, and under it; and therefore it seems now possible to present him as the Virginian soldier, gentleman, and planter, as a man, the evolution of the society of which he formed a part, representative of his epoch, and his surroundings, developed by circumstances into the greatest character of all time--the first and most illustrious of Americans. 

Henry Cabot Lodge, [5] writing in 1899, was one of the first to discover"the new Washington. " "The real man, " he wrote, "has been so overlaidwith myths and traditions, and so distorted by misleading criticisms, that ... He has been wellnigh lost. We have the religious and statuesquemyth, we have the Weems myth (which turns Washington into a faultlessprig), and the ludicrous myth of the writer of paragraphs. We have thestately hero of Sparks, and Everett, and Marshall, and Irving, with allhis great deeds as general and President duly recorded and set down inpolished and eloquent sentences; and we know him to be very great andwise and pure, and, be it said with bated breath, very dry and cold.... In death as in life, there is something about Washington, call itgreatness, dignity, majesty, what you will, which seems to hold menaloof and keep them from knowing him. In truth he was a difficult man toknow.... 

"Behind the popular myths, behind the statuesque figure of the oratorand the preacher, behind the general and the President of the historian, there was a strong, vigorous man, in whose veins ran warm, red blood, inwhose heart were stormy passions and deep sympathy for humanity, inwhose brain were far-reaching thoughts, and who was informed throughouthis being with a resistless will. "

It is a shameful thing that there should ever have been any doubt inAmerican minds of the true significance of Washington either as man orsoldier or statesman. But the writers of our day have decided that--ifthey can help it--the sins of the fathers are not going to be visitedupon "the third and fourth generation. " The call has gone out for modernchampions of our ancient champion; and literature has responded with awill. 

It takes long, however, to straighten out a national misconception. Thenew literature has not yet had time to take hold of the popularimagination. But when it does, and when we cease to regard the Father ofour Country as a demigod, and begin to love him as a man, thenWashington's Birthdays everywhere will lose their stiff, perfunctory, bloodless character, and recover the inspiring, emotional quality of theearly celebrations. 

R. H. S. 

FOOTNOTES:

[1] In "The True History of the American Revolution" and "The Strugglefor American Independence. "

[2] "The Seven Ages of Washington. "

[3] In "Curiosities of Popular Customs. "

[4] "General Washington. "

[5] Introduction to "George Washington. "

I

THE DAY

WASHINGTON'S BIRTHDAY[6]

BY OLIVER WENDELL HOLMES

 Welcome to the day returning, Dearer still as ages flow, While the torch of Faith is burning, Long as Freedom's altars glow! See the hero whom it gave us Slumbering on a mother's breast; For the arm he stretched to save us Be its morn forever blest!

 Vain is empire's mad temptation! Not for him an earthly crown! He whose sword has freed a nation Strikes the offered scepter down. See the throneless conqueror seated, Ruler by a people's choice; See the patriot's task completed; Hear the Father's dying voice:

 "By the name that you inherit, By the sufferings you recall, Cherish the fraternal spirit; Love your country first of all! Listen not to idle questions If its bands may be untied; Doubt the patriot whose suggestions Strive a nation to divide. "

 Father! we, whose ears have tingled With the discord notes of shame; We, whose sires their blood have mingled In the battle's thunder-flame, -- Gathering, while this holy morning Lights the land from sea to sea, Hear thy counsel, heed thy warning; Trust us while we honor thee. 

FOOTNOTES:

[6] _By permission of the publishers, Houghton, Mifflin & Co_. 

 * * * * *

WASHINGTON'S BIRTHDAY

BY MARGARET E. SANGSTER

 'Tis splendid to live so grandly That long after you are gone, The things you did are remembered, And recounted under the sun; To live so bravely and purely, That a nation stops on its way, And once a year, with banner and drum, Keeps its thought of your natal day. 

 'Tis splendid to have a record, So white and free from stain That, held to the light, it shows no blot, Though tested and tried amain; That age to age forever Repeats its story of love, And your birthday lives in a nation's heart, All other days above. 

 And this is Washington's glory, A steadfast soul and true, Who stood for his country's honor When his country's days were few. And now when its days are many, And its flag of stars is flung To the breeze in defiant challenge, His name is on every tongue. 

 Yes, it's splendid to live so bravely, To be so great and strong, That your memory is ever a tocsin To rally the foes of the wrong; To live so proudly and purely That your people pause in their way, And year by year, with banner and drum, Keep the thought of your natal day. 

 * * * * *

THE BIRTHDAY OF WASHINGTON

ANONYMOUS

The birthday of the "Father of his Country!" May it ever be freshlyremembered by American hearts! May it ever reawaken in them a filialveneration for his memory; ever rekindle the fires of patriotic regardfor the country which he loved so well, to which he gave his youthfulvigor and his youthful energy; to which he devoted his life in thematurity of his powers, in the field; to which again he offered thecounsels of his wisdom and his experience as president of the conventionthat framed our Constitution; which he guided and directed while in thechair of state, and for which the last prayer of his earthlysupplication was offered up, when it came the moment for him so well, and so grandly, and so calmly, to die. He was the first man of the timein which he grew. His memory is first and most sacred in our love, andever hereafter, till the last drop of blood shall freeze in the lastAmerican heart, his name shall be a spell of power and of might. 

Yes, gentlemen, there is one personal, one vast felicity, which no mancan share with him. It was the daily beauty and towering and matchlessglory of his life which enabled him to create his country, and at thesame time secure an undying love and regard from the whole Americanpeople. "The first in the hearts of his countrymen!" Yes, first! He hasour first and most fervent love. Undoubtedly there were brave and wiseand good men before his day, in every colony. But the American nation, as a nation, I do not reckon to have begun before 1774, and the firstlove of that young America was Washington. The first word she lisped washis name. Her earliest breath spoke it. It still is her proudejaculation; and it will be the last gasp of her expiring life! Yes;others of our great men have been appreciated--many admired by all--buthim we love; him we all love. About and around him we call up nodissentient, discordant, and dissatisfied elements--no sectionalprejudice nor bias--no party, no creed, no dogma of politics. None ofthese shall assail him. Yes; when the storm of battle blows darkest andrages highest, the memory of Washington shall nerve every American armand cheer every American heart. It shall relume that Promethean fire, that sublime flame of patriotism, that devoted love of country, whichhis words have commended, which his example has consecrated. 

 * * * * *

WASHINGTON'S BIRTHDAY

BY GEORGE HOWLAND

 Welcome, thou festal morn! Never be passed in scorn Thy rising sun, Thou day forever bright With Freedom's holy light, That gave the world the sight Of Washington. 

 Unshaken 'mid the storm, Behold that noble form-- That peerless one-- With his protecting hand, Like Freedom's angel stand The guardian of our land, Our Washington. 

 Then with each coming year, Whenever shall appear That natal sun, Will we attest the worth, Of one true man to earth, And celebrate the birth Of Washington. 

 Traced there in lines of light, Where all pure rays unite, Obscured by none; Brightest on history's page, Of any clime or age, As chieftain, man, and sage, Stands Washington. 

 Name at which tyrants pale, And their proud legions quail, Their boasting done; While Freedom lifts her head, No longer filled with dread, Her sons to victory led By Washington. 

 Now the true patriot see, The foremost of the free, The victory won. In Freedom's presence bow, While sweetly smiling now, She wreaths the smiling brow Of Washington. 

 Then with each coming year, Whenever shall appear That natal sun, Shall we attest the worth Of one true man to earth, And celebrate the birth Of Washington. 

 * * * * *

WASHINGTON AND OUR SCHOOLS ANDCOLLEGES

BY CHARLES W. ELIOT

The brief phrase--the schools and colleges of the United States--is aformal and familiar one; but what imagination can grasp the infinitudeof human affections, powers, and wills which it really comprises? Butlet us forget the outward things called schools and colleges, and summonup the human beings. Imagine the eight million children actually inattendance at the elementary schools of the country brought before yourview. Each unit in this mass speaks of a glad birth, a brightened home, a mother's pondering heart, a father's careful joy. In all thatmultitude, every little heart bounds and every eye shines at the nameof Washington. 

The two hundred and fifty thousand boys and girls in the secondaryschools are getting a fuller view of this incomparable character thanthe younger children can reach. They are old enough to understand hiscivil as well as his military achievements. They learn of his great partin that immortal Federal convention of 1787, of his inestimable servicesin organizing and conducting through two Presidential terms the newGovernment, --services of which he alone was capable, --and of his firmresistance to misguided popular clamor. They see him ultimatelyvictorious in war and successful in peace, but only through muchadversity and many obstacles. 

Next, picture to yourselves the sixty thousand students in colleges anduniversities--selected youth of keen intelligence, wide reading, andhigh ambition. They are able to compare Washington with the greatest menof other times and countries, and to appreciate the unique quality ofhis renown. They can set him beside the heroes of romance andhistory--beside David, Alexander, Pericles, Cæsar, Saladin, Charlemagne, Gustavus Adolphus, John Hampden, William the Silent, Peterof Russia, and Frederick the Great, only to find him a nobler human typethan any one of them, more complete in his nature, more happy in hiscause, and more fortunate in the issues of his career. They are taughtto see in him a soldier whose sword wrought only mercy and justice formankind; a statesman who steadied a remarkable generation of public menby his mental poise and exalted them by his singleness of heart; and aruler whose exercise of power established for the time on earth arighteous government by all and for all. 

And what shall I say on behalf of the three hundred and sixty thousandteachers of the United States? None of them are rich or famous; most ofthem are poor, retiring, and unnoticed; but it is they who are buildinga perennial monument to Washington. It is they who give him amillion-tongued fame. They make him live again in the young hearts ofsuccessive generations, and fix his image there as the American ideal ofa public servant. It is through the schools and colleges and thenational literature that the heroes of any people win lasting renown;and it is through these same agencies that a nation is molded into thelikeness of its heroes. 

The commemoration of any one great event in the life of Washington andof the United States is well, but it is nothing compared with theincessant memorial of him which the schools and colleges of the countrymaintain from generation to generation. What a reward is Washington's!What an influence is his and will be! One mind and will transfused bysympathetic instruction into millions; one life pattern for all publicmen, teaching what greatness is and what the pathway to undying fame!

 * * * * *

CROWN OUR WASHINGTON

BY HEZEKIAH BUTTERWORTH

 Arise! 'tis the day of our Washington's glory; The garlands uplift for our liberties won. Oh sing in your gladness his echoing story, Whose sword swept for freedom the fields of the sun! Not with gold, nor with gems, But with evergreens vernal, And the banners of stars that the continent span, Crown, crown we the chief of the heroes eternal, Who lifted his sword for the birthright of man!

 He gave us a nation to make it immortal; He laid down for Freedom the sword that he drew, And his faith leads us on through the uplifting portal Of the glories of peace and our destinies new. Not with gold, nor with gems, But with evergreens vernal, And the flags that the nations of liberty span, Crown, crown him the chief of the heroes eternal, Who laid down his sword for the birthright of man!

 Lead, Face of the Future, serene in thy beauty, Till o'er the dead heroes the peace star shall gleam, Till Right shall be Might in the counsels of duty, And the service of man be life's glory supreme. Not with gold, nor with gems, But with evergreens vernal, And the flags that the nations in brotherhood span, Crown, crown we the chief of the heroes eternal, Whose honor was gained by his service to man!

 O Spirit of Liberty, sweet are thy numbers! The winds to thy banners their tribute shall bring While rolls the Potomac where Washington slumbers, And his natal day comes with the angels of spring. We follow thy counsels, O hero eternal! To highest achievement thy school leads the van, And, crowning thy brow with the evergreen vernal, We pledge thee our all to the service of man!

 * * * * *

WASHINGTON-MONTH[7]

BY WILL CARLETON

 February--February-- How your moods and actions vary Or to seek or shun! Now a smile of sunlight lifting, Now in chilly snowflakes drifting; Now with icy shuttles creeping Silver webs are spun. Now, with leaden torrents leaping, Oceanward you run, Now with bells you blithely sing, 'Neath the stars or sun; Now a blade of burdock bring To the suffering one; February--you are very Dear, when all is done: Many blessings rest above you, You one day (and so we love you) Gave us Washington. 

FOOTNOTES:

[7] _By permission of the author_. 

II

EARLY YEARS

A GLIMPSE OF WASHINGTON'S BIRTHPLACE

BY GRACE B. JOHNSON

From _The Christian Endeavor World_

Seldom visited and almost unknown is the Wakefield Farm in Virginia, thebirthplace of our first President. Recent attempts have been made topopularize the place, but there is little to attract the ordinarytraveler; and its distance from a city makes excursions impracticable. 

Lying on the Potomac River, about seventy miles below the city ofWashington, one edge of the estate reaches down a steep, wooded bank todip into the water, while, stretching back, it rambles on in grassymeadows and old stubble-fields to the corn-lands and orchards of theadjoining plantations. Skirting the land on one side is Pope's Creek, formerly Bridges' Creek, which in Washington's time was used as the mainapproach to the estate. On this side there is an easy, undulating slope;but this entrance has been abandoned. Only at high tide can small boatsenter the creek, and another way had to be adopted. An iron pier nearlytwo miles away has been built, and is the landing-place for large andsmall craft. 

All is quiet here now. There is only the rustle of the leaves, thedrowsy hum of insects, and the interrupted discourse of thepreacher-bird in the clump of trees near which stood the first home ofWashington, to break the stillness on a summer day. No one lives here. Indeed, no one has lived here since the fire which destroyed the houseand negro cabins, in Washington's boyhood. But here the baby life wasspent, in the homestead founded by his great-grandfather, JohnWashington, who came from England in 1657. 

Only a heap of broken bits grown over with catnip showed the place ofthe great brick chimney the first time I visited the farm; and thesecond time these, too, were gone. Now a plain, graceful shaft, bearingthe simple inscription, "Washington's Birthplace, " and below, "Erectedby the United States, A. D. 1895, " marks the place. 

From the monument through the trees, can be seen the gleaming river, rippling its way silently to the bay, and over all rests the samebrooding sense of peace and quietness which one feels at Mt. Vernon orat Arlington, the city of our nation's dead. 

 * * * * *

SOMETHING OF GEORGE WASHINGTON'SBOYHOOD

ANONYMOUS

From _The Evangelist_

George Washington was born at a time when savagery had just departedfrom the country, leaving freshness and vigor behind. The Indian hadscarcely left the woods, and the pirate the shore near his home. Hisgrandfather had seen his neighbor lying tomahawked at his door-sill, andhis father had helped to chase beyond the mountains the whooping savagesthat carried the scalps of his friends at their girdle. The year hisbrother was born, John Maynard's ship had sailed up the James River withthe bloody head of Blackbeard hanging to the bowsprit. 

He had only one uncle, a brother Lawrence, and a cousin Augustine, allolder than he, but the youngest of his older brothers was twelve yearsof age when George was born, while his cousin Augustine was only fouryears older, and his cousin Lawrence six years older than himself. Whenhe was seven years old his sister Betty was a little lass of six. Twobrothers, Samuel and John, were nearing their fourth and fifthbirthdays. Charles, his baby brother, was still in his nurse's arms. Early the shadow of death crossed his boyish path, for his baby sister, Mildred, born soon after he was seven, died before he was nine. 

The first playmate Washington had, out of his own immediate family, wasanother Lawrence Washington, a very distant cousin, who lived at Chotaukon the Potomac, and who, with his brother, Robert Washington, early wonWashington's regard, and kept it through life. When Washington made hiswill he remembered them, writing, "to the acquaintances and friends ofmy juvenile years, Lawrence Washington and Robert Washington, I give myother two gold-headed canes having my arms engraved on them. "

It was at Chotauk, with Lal and Bob Washington, that George Washingtonfirst met with traffic between the old world and the new. There was nomoney used except tobacco notes, which passed among merchants in Londonand Amsterdam as cash. Foreign ships brought across the ocean goods thatthe Virginians needed, and the captains sold the goods for these tobacconotes. Much of Washington's time was spent with these boys, and when hegrew old he recalled the young eyes of the Chotauk lads, as they, withhim, had stood on the river-bank vainly trying to see clearly someobject beyond vision, and in memory of the time he wrote in his will, "To each I leave one of my spy-glasses which constituted part of myequipage during the late war. "

Of Washington's first school there is no record or tradition other thanthat gathered by Parson Weems. He says: "The first place of education towhich George was ever sent was a little old field school kept by one ofhis father's tenants, named Hobby, an honest, poor old man, who actedin the double capacity of sexton and schoolmaster. Of his skill as agravedigger tradition is silent; but for a teacher of youth hisqualifications were certainly of the humbler sort, making what isgenerally called an A, B, C schoolmaster. While at school under Mr. Hobby he used to divide his playmates into parties and armies. One ofthem was called the French and the other American. A big boy namedWilliam Bustle commanded the former; George commanded the latter, andevery day with cornstalks for muskets and calabashes [gourds] for drums, the two armies would turn out and march and fight. "

 * * * * *

WASHINGTON'S TRAINING

BY CHARLES WENTWORTH UPHAM

Among the mountain passes of the Blue Ridge and the Alleghanies, a youthis seen employed in the manly and invigorating occupation of a surveyor, and awakening the admiration of the backwoodsmen and savage chieftainsby the strength and endurance of his frame and the resolution and energyof his character. In his stature and conformation he is a noble specimenof a man. In the various exercises of muscular power, on foot, or in thesaddle, he excels all competitors. His admirable physical traits are inperfect accordance with the properties of his mind and heart; and overall, crowning all, is a beautiful, and, in one so strong, a strangedignity of manner, and of mien--a calm seriousness, a sublimeself-control, which at once compels the veneration, attracts theconfidence, and secures the favor of all who behold him. That youth isthe Leader whom Heaven is preparing to conduct America through herapproaching trial. 

As we see him voluntarily relinquishing the enjoyments, luxuries, andease of the opulent refinement in which he was born and bred, andchoosing the perils and hardships of the wilderness; as we follow himfording swollen streams, climbing rugged mountains, breasting the foreststorms, wading through snowdrifts, sleeping in the open air, living uponthe coarse food of hunters and of Indians, we trace with devoutadmiration the divinely appointed education he was receiving to enablehim to meet and endure the fatigues, exposures, and privations of theWar of Independence. 

Soon he was called to a more public sphere of action; and we again, follow him in his romantic adventures as he travels the far-offwilderness, a special messenger to the French commander on the Ohio, andafterwards, when he led forth the troops of Virginia in the samedirection, or accompanied the ill-starred Braddock to the blood-stainedbanks of the Monongahela. Everywhere we see the hand of God conductinghim into danger, that he might extract from it the wisdom of anexperience not otherwise to be obtained, and develop those heroicqualities by which alone danger and difficulty can be surmounted; butall the while covering him with a shield. 

When we think of him, at midnight and in midwinter, thrown from a frailraft into the deep and angry waters of a wide and rushing Western river, thus separated from his only companion through the wilderness with noaid for miles and leagues about him, buffeting the rapid current andstruggling through driving cakes of ice; when we behold the stealthysavage, whose aim against all other marks is unerring, pointing hisrifle deliberately at him, and firing over and over again; when we seehim riding through showers of bullets on Braddock's fatal field, andreflect that never, during his whole life, was he ever wounded, or eventouched by a hostile force--do we not feel that he was guarded by anunseen hand, warding off every danger? No peril by flood or field waspermitted to extinguish a life consecrated to the hopes of humanity andto the purposes of Heaven. 

For more than sixteen years he rested from his warfare, amid the shadesof Mount Vernon; ripening his mind by reading and reflection, increasinghis knowledge of practical affairs, entering into the whole experienceof a citizen at home and on his farm, and as a delegate to the ColonialAssembly. When, at last, the war broke out, and the unanimous voice ofthe Continental Congress invested him, as the exigency required, withalmost unbounded authority, as their Commander-in-Chief, he blended, although still in the prime of his life, in the mature bloom of hismanhood, the attributes of a sage with those of a hero. A moreperfectly fitted and furnished character has never appeared on thetheater of human action than when, reining up his war-horse beneath themajestic and venerable elm, still standing at the entrance of theWatertown road to Cambridge, George Washington unsheathed his sword andassumed the command of the gathered armies of American Liberty. 

 * * * * *

WASHINGTON AS HE LOOKED

From _The Christian Endeavor World_

According to Captain Mercer, the following describes Washington when hetook his seat in the House of Burgesses in 1759:

 He is as straight as an Indian, measuring six feet two inches in his stockings, and weighing one hundred and seventy-five pounds. His head is well shaped, though not large, and is gracefully poised on a superb neck, with a large, and straight rather than prominent nose; blue-gray penetrating eyes, which are widely separated and overhung by heavy brows. A pleasing, benevolent, though commanding countenance, dark-brown hair, features regular and placid, with all the muscles under control, with a large mouth, generally firmly closed. 

Houdon's bust accords with this description. 

III

THE GENERAL

WASHINGTON IS APPOINTED COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF[8]

BY SYDNEY GEORGE FISHER

On the 16th of June, the day before the battle of Bunker Hill, theCongress, having accepted Massachusetts' gift of the army before Boston, gave the command of it to Colonel George Washington, of Virginia, andmade him a general and commander-in-chief of all the forces of thepatriot cause. 

Hancock, it is said, had ambitions in that direction, and was somewhatdisappointed at the choice. But the fitness of Washington for the officewas generally admitted as soon as John Adams urged his appointment. Hewould conciliate the moderate patriots, for he had clung to the oldarguments as long as possible, and refrained from forcing events. Ifsubstantial independence of Parliament and the Ministry could besecured, he was willing to allow the King a vague or imaginary headshipuntil in the course of years that excrescence should slough away. 

Many were inclined to think that a New England general should commandthe New England army that was gathered before Boston; but they wereobliged to admit that the appointment of a general from Virginia, themost populous and prosperous of the colonies, would tend to draw theSouthern interest to the patriot cause. 

Washington was forty-three years old, which was the right age forentering upon the supreme command in what might be a long war. He haddistinguished himself by helping to rescue Braddock's defeated army in1755, and he had taken a more or less prominent part in the subsequentcampaigns which ended in driving the French out of Canada. This militaryeducation and experience seemed slight, and not equal to that of theBritish officers who would be opposed to him. But it was Americanexperience, no colonist was any better equipped, and he was of a largerintelligence than Putnam, Ward, and other Americans who had served inthe French War. 

His strong character and personality had impressed themselves upon hisfellow-delegates in the Congress. It was this impressive personalitywhich made his career and brought to him grave responsibility withouteffort on his part to seek office or position. When he was onlytwenty-one the governor of Virginia had sent him through the wildernessto interview the French commander near Lake Erie, a mission whichrequired the hardihood of the hunter and some of the shrewd intelligenceof the diplomat. 

But much to the surprise of travelers and visitors, Washington neverappeared to be a brilliant man. He was always a trifle reserved, andthis habit grew on him with years. His methods of work were homely andpainstaking, reminding us somewhat of Lincoln; and the laboriouscarefulness of his military plans seemed to European critics to imply alack of genius. 

But it was difficult to judge him by European standards, because theconditions of the warfare he conducted were totally unlike anything inEurope. He never commanded a real army with well-organized departmentsand good equipment. His troops were usually barefooted, half-starved, and for several years incapable of performing the simplest parademanoeuvre. Brilliant movements, except on a small scale, as atPrinceton, were rarely within his reach; and large complicated movementswere impossible because he had not the equipment of officers andorganization for handling large bodies of men spread out over a greatextent of country. He was obliged to adopt the principle ofconcentration and avoid making detachments or isolated movements thatcould be cut off by the British. To some of his contemporaries ittherefore seemed that his most striking ability lay in conciliatinglocal habits and prejudices, harmonizing discordant opinions, andholding together an army which seemed to the British always on the eveof disbanding. 

He reasoned out, however, in his own way, the peculiar needs of everymilitary position, and how he did this will appear more clearly as ournarrative progresses. He often spoke of his own lack of militaryexperience, as well as of the lack of it in the officers about him; andthis seems to have led him to study every situation like a beginner, with exhaustive care, consulting with everybody, calling councils of waron every possible occasion, and reasoning out his plans with minutecarefulness. This method, which his best friends sometimes ridiculed, was in striking contrast to the method of one of his own officers, General Greene, and also to the method of Grant in the Civil War. BothGreene and Grant dispensed altogether with laborious consultations andcouncils of war. 

But the laborious method was well suited to Washington, whose mind wasnever satisfied unless it could strike a balance among a great mass ofarguments and details which must be obtained from others, and notthrough his own imagination. He liked to reserve his decision until thelast moment, and this trait was sometimes mistaken for weakness. Hispreparedness and devotion to details remind us of Napoleon. Hiscautious, balancing, weighing habit, developed by lifelong practice, runs through all his letters and every act of his life, appearing insome of the great events of his career as a superb and masterfulequipoise. It became very impressive even to those who ridiculed it; itcould inspire confidence through years of disaster and defeat; and itenabled him to grasp the general strategy of the war so thoroughly thatno military critic has ever detected him in a mistake. 

As a soldier he fought against distinguished British officers fourpitched battles--Long Island, Brandywine, Germantown, and Monmouth; inthe first three of which he was defeated, and the last was a draw. Heconducted two sieges--Boston and Yorktown--in both of which he wassuccessful; and he destroyed two outposts--Trenton and Princeton--in amanner generally regarded as so brilliant and effective that he savedthe patriot cause from its first period of depression. Hischaracteristics as a soldier were farseeing judgment and circumspection, a certain long-headedness, as it might be called, and astonishingability to recover from and ignore a defeat. In his pitched battles, like Long Island and Brandywine, he knew that defeat was probable, andhe prepared for it. [9]

He was compelled to act so much on the defensive, and the Britishmethods were so slow, that his activities in the field were not numerouswhen we consider that he was in command for seven years. The greaterpart of his time and energy was employed in building up the cause bymild, balanced, but wonderfully effective arguments; reconcilinganimosities by tactful precautions; and by the confidence hispersonality inspired preventing the army from disbanding. A large partof this labor was put forth in writing letters of wonderful beauty andperfection in the literary art, when we consider the end they were toaccomplish. Complete editions of his writings of this sort usually filla dozen or more large volumes; and there have been few if any greatgenerals of the world who have accomplished so much by writing, or whohave been such consummate masters of language. 

Sufficient care has not always been taken to distinguish between thedifferent periods of his life. He aged rapidly at the close of theRevolution; his reserved manner and a certain "asperity of temper, " asHamilton called it, greatly increased; and some years afterwards, whenPresident, he had become a very silent and stiffly formal man, fardifferent from the young soldier who, in the prime of life, drew hissword beneath the old elm at Cambridge to take command of the patriotarmy. 

The Virginians of his time appear to have had occupations and socialintercourse which educated them in a way we are unable to imitate. Washington in his prime was a social and convivial man, fond of cards, fine horses, and fox-hunting. Although not usually credited with booklearning, his letters and conduct in the Revolution show that he wasquite familiar with the politics of foreign countries and the generalinformation of his time. We have not yet learned to appreciate the fullforce of his intellect and culture. 

FOOTNOTES:

[8] From "The Struggle for American Independence, " by Sydney GeorgeFisher. Copyright by J. B. Lippincott & Co. , Philadelphia. 

[9] Limiting by his foresight the extent of his loss, guarding by hisdisposition security of retreat, and repairing with celerity the injurysustained, his relative condition was often ameliorated, althoughvictory adorned the brow of his adversary. --LEE, _Memoirs_, Vol. I, p. 237. 

 * * * * *

WASHINGTON AT TRENTON[10]

_The Battle Monument, October 19, 1893_

BY RICHARD WATSON GILDER

 Since ancient Time began Ever on some great soul God laid an infinite burden-- The weight of all this world, the hopes of man. Conflict and pain, and fame immortal are his guerdon!

 And this the unfaltering token Of him, the Deliverer--what though tempests beat, Though all else fail, though bravest ranks be broken, He stands unscared, alone, nor ever knows defeat

 Such was that man of men; And if are praised all virtues, every fame Most noble, highest, purest--then, ah! then, Upleaps in every heart the name none needs to name. 

 Ye who defeated, 'whelmed, Betray the sacred cause, let go the trust; Sleep, weary, while the vessel drifts unhelmed; Here see in triumph rise the hero from the dust!

 All ye who fight forlorn 'Gainst fate and failure; ye who proudly cope With evil high enthroned; all ye who scorn Life from Dishonor's hand, here take new heart of hope. 

 Here know how Victory borrows For the brave soul a front as of disaster, And in the bannered East what glorious morrows For all the blackness of the night speed surer, faster. 

 Know by this pillared sign For what brief while the powers of earth and hell Can war against the spirit of truth divine, Or can against the heroic heart of man prevail. 

FOOTNOTES:

[10] _By permission of the publishers, Houghton, Mifflin & Co. _

 * * * * *

GEORGE WASHINGTON

From "_Washington and the Generals of the Revolution_"

It is a truth, illustrated in daily experience, and yet rarely noted oracted upon, that, in all that concerns the appreciation of personalcharacter or ability, the instinctive impressions of a community arequicker in their action, more profoundly appreciant, and more reliable, than the intellectual perceptions of the ablest men in the community. Upon all those subjects that are of moral apprehension, society seems topossess an intelligence of its own, infinitely sensitive in itsdelicacy, and almost conclusive in the certainty of its determinations;indirect, and unconscious in its operation, yet unshunnable in sagacity, and as strong and confident as nature itself. The highest and finestqualities of human judgment seem to be in commission among the nation, or the race. It is by such a process, that whenever a true hero appearsamong mankind, the recognition of his character, by the general sense ofhumanity, is instant and certain: the belief of the chief priests andrulers of mind, follows later, or comes not at all. The perceptions of apublic are as subtly-sighted, as its passions are blind. It sees, andfeels, and knows the excellence, which it can neither understand, norexplain, nor vindicate. These involuntary opinions of people at largeexplain themselves, and are vindicated by events, and form at last theconstants of human understanding. A character of the first order ofgreatness, such as seems to pass out of the limits and course ofordinary life, often lies above the ken of intellectual judgment; butits merits and its infirmities never escape the sleepless perspicacityof the common sentiment, which no novelty of form can surprise, and nomixture of qualities can perplex. The mind--the logicalfaculty--comprehends a subject, when it can trace in it the sameelements, or relations, which it is familiar with elsewhere: if it findsbut a faint analogy of form or substance, its decision is embarrassed. But this other instinct seems to become subtler, and more rapid, andmore absolute in conviction, at the line where reason begins to falter. Take the case of Shakespeare. His surpassing greatness was neveracknowledged by the learned until the nation had ascertained and settledit as a foregone and questionless conclusion. Even now, to the mostsagacious mind of this time, the real ground and evidence of its ownassurance of Shakespeare's supremacy, is the universal, deep, immovableconviction of it in the public feeling. There have been many acuteessays upon his minor characteristics; but intellectual criticism hasnever grappled with Shakespearian art, in its entireness and grandeur, and probably it never will. We know not now wherein his greatnessconsists. We cannot demonstrate it. There is less indistinctness in themerit of less eminent authors. Those things which are not doubts to ourconsciousness, are yet mysteries to our mind. And if this is true ofliterary art, which is so much within the sphere of reflection, it maybe expected to find more striking illustration in great practical andpublic moral characters. 

These considerations occur naturally to the mind in contemplating thefame of Washington. An attentive examination of the whole subject, andof all that can contribute to the formation of a sound opinion, resultsin the belief that General Washington's _mental_ abilities illustratethe very highest type of greatness. His _mind_, probably, was one ofthe very greatest that was ever given to mortality. Yet it is impossibleto establish that position by a direct analysis of his character, orconduct, or productions. When we look at the incidents or the results ofthat great career--when we contemplate the qualities by which it ismarked from its beginning to its end--the foresight which never wassurprised, the judgment which nothing could deceive, the wisdom whoseresources were incapable of exhaustion--combined with a spirit asresolute in its official duties as it was moderate in its privatepretensions, as indomitable in its public temper as it was gentle in itspersonal tone--we are left in wonder and reverence. But when we wouldenter into the recesses of that mind--when we would discriminate uponits construction, and reason upon its operations--when we would tell howit was composed, and why it excelled--we are entirely at fault. Theprocesses of Washington's understanding are entirely hidden from us. What came from it, in counsel or in action, was the life and glory ofhis country; what went on within it, is shrouded in impenetrableconcealment. Such elevation in degree, of wisdom, amounts almost to achange of kind, in nature, and detaches his intelligence from thesympathy of ours. We cannot see him as he was, because we are not likehim. The tones of the mighty bell were heard with the certainty of Timeitself, and with a force that vibrates still upon the air of life, andwill vibrate forever. But the clock-work, by which they were regulatedand given forth, we can neither see nor understand. In fact, hisintellectual abilities did not exist in an analytical and separatedform; but in a combined and concrete state. They "moved altogether whenthey moved at all. " They were in no degree speculative, but onlypractical. They could not act at all in the region of imagination, butonly upon the field of reality. The sympathies of his intelligencedwelt exclusively in the national being and action. Its interests andenergies were absorbed in them. He was nothing out of that sphere, because he was everything there. The extent to which he was identifiedwith the country is unexampled in the relations of individual men to thecommunity. During the whole period of his life he was the thinking partof the nation. He was its mind; it was his image and illustration. If wewould classify and measure him, it must be with nations, and not withindividuals. 

This extraordinary nature of Washington's capacities--this impossibilityof analyzing and understanding the elements and methods of hiswisdom--have led some persons to doubt whether, intellectually, he wasof great superiority; but the public--the community--never doubted ofthe transcendant eminence of Washington's abilities. From the firstmoment of his appearance as the chief, the recognition of him, from oneend of the country to the other, as THE MAN--the leader, the counselor, the infallible in suggestion and in conduct--was immediate anduniversal. From that moment to the close of the scene, the nationalconfidence in his capacity was as spontaneous, as enthusiastic, asimmovable, as it was in his integrity. Particular persons, affected bythe untoward course of events, sometimes questioned his sufficiency; butthe nation never questioned it, nor would allow it to be questioned. Neither misfortune, nor disappointment, nor accidents, nor delay, northe protracted gloom of years, could avail to disturb the public trustin him. It was apart from circumstances; it was beside the action ofcaprice; it was beyond all visionary, and above all changeable feelings. It was founded on nothing extraneous; not upon what he had said or done, but upon what he was. They saw something in the man, which gave themassurance of a nature and destiny of the highest elevation--somethinginexplicable, but which inspired a complete satisfaction. We feel thatthis reliance was wise and right; but why it was felt, or why it wasright, we are as much to seek as those who came under the directimpression of his personal presence. It is not surprising, that theworld recognizing in this man a nature and a greatness which philosophycannot explain, should revere him almost to religion. The distance andmagnitude of those objects which are too far above us to be estimateddirectly--such as stars--are determined by their parallax. By someprocess of that kind we may form an approximate notion of Washington'sgreatness. We may measure him against the great events in which hemoved; and against the great men, among whom, and above whom, his figurestood like a tower. It is agreed that the War of American Independenceis one of the most exalted, and honorable, and difficult achievementsrelated in history. Its force was contributed by many; but its grandeurwas derived from Washington. His character and wisdom gave unity, anddignity, and effect to the irregular, and often divergent enthusiasm ofothers. His energy combined the parts; his intelligence guided thewhole: his perseverance, and fortitude, and resolution, were theinspiration and support of all. In looking back over that period, hispresence seems to fill the whole scene; his influence predominatesthroughout; his character is reflected from everything. Perhaps nothingless than his immense weight of mind could have kept the nationalsystem, at home, in that position which it held, immovably, for sevenyears; perhaps nothing but the august respectability which his demeanorthrew around the American cause abroad, would have induced a foreignnation to enter into an equal alliance with us upon terms thatcontributed in a most important degree to our final success, or wouldhave caused Great Britain to feel that no great indignity was sufferedin admitting the claim to national existence of a people who had such arepresentative as Washington. What but the most eminent qualities ofmind and feeling--discretion superhuman--readiness of invention, anddexterity of means, equal to the most desperate affairs--endurance, self-control, regulated ardor, restrained passion, caution mingled withboldness, and all the contrarieties of moral excellence--could haveexpanded the life of an individual into a career such as this?

If we compare him with the great men who were his contemporariesthroughout the nation; in an age of extraordinary personages, Washingtonwas unquestionably the first man of the time in ability. Review thecorrespondence of General Washington--that sublime monument ofintelligence and integrity--scrutinize the public history and thepublic men of that era, and you will find that in all the wisdom thatwas accomplished or was attempted, Washington was before every man inhis suggestions of the plan, and beyond every one in the extent to whichhe contributed to its adoption. In the field, all the able generalsacknowledged his superiority, and looked up to him with loyalty, reliance, and reverence; the others, who doubted his ability, orconspired against his sovereignty, illustrated, in their own conduct, their incapacity to be either his judges or his rivals. In the state, Adams, Jay, Rutledge, Pinckney, Morris--these are great names; but thereis not one whose wisdom does not vail to his. His superiority was feltby all these persons, and was felt by Washington himself, as a simplematter of fact, as little a subject of question, or a cause of vanity, as the eminence of his personal stature. His appointment ascommander-in-chief was the result of no design on his part; and of noefforts on the part of his friends; it seemed to take placespontaneously. He moved into the position, because there was a vacuumwhich no other could supply: in it, he was not sustained by government, by a party, or by connections; he sustained himself; and then hesustained everything else. He sustained Congress against the army, andthe army against the injustice of Congress. The brightest mind among hiscontemporaries was Hamilton's; a character which cannot be contemplatedwithout frequent admiration, and constant affection. His talents tookthe form of genius, which Washington's did not. But active, various, and brilliant, as the faculties of Hamilton were, whether viewed in theprecocity of youth, or in the all-accomplished elegance of maturerlife--lightning-quick as his intelligence was to see through everysubject that came before it, and vigorous as it was in constructing theargumentation by which other minds were to be led, as upon a shapelybridge, over the obscure depths across which his had flashed in amoment--fertile and sound in schemes, ready in action, splendid indisplay, as he was--nothing is more obvious and certain than that whenMr. Hamilton approached Washington, he came into the presence of one whosurpassed him in the extent, in the comprehension, the elevation, thesagacity, the force, and the ponderousness of his mind, as much as hedid in the majesty of his aspect and the grandeur of his step. Thegenius of Hamilton was a flower, which gratifies, surprises, andenchants; the intelligence of Washington was a stately tree, which inthe rarity and true dignity of its beauty is as superior as it is in itsdimensions. 

 * * * * *

VALLEY FORGE

BY HENRY ARMITT BROWN

_From Centennial Address delivered at Valley Forge, June 19, 1878_

The century that has gone by has changed the face of Nature, and wroughta revolution in the habits of mankind. We to-day behold the dawn of anextraordinary age. Man has advanced with such astounding speed, that, breathless, we have reached a moment when it seems as if distance hadbeen annihilated, time made as nought, the invisible seen, theintangible felt, and the impossible accomplished. Already we knock atthe door of a new century, which promises to be infinitely brighter andmore enlightened and happier than this. 

We know that we are more fortunate than our fathers. We believe that ourchildren shall be happier than we. We know that this century is moreenlightened than the past. We believe that the time to come will bebetter and more glorious than this. We think, we believe, we hope, butwe do not know. Across that threshold we may not pass; behind that veilwe may not penetrate. It may be vouchsafed us to behold it, wonderingly, from afar, but never to enter in. It matters not. The age in which welive is but a link in the endless and eternal chain. Our lives are likesands upon the shore; our voices, like the breath of this summer breezethat stirs the leaf for a moment, and is forgotten. The last survivor ofthis mighty multitude shall stay but a little while. The endlessgenerations are advancing to take our places as we fall. For them, asfor us, shall the years march by in the sublime procession of the ages. 

And here, in this place of sacrifice, in this vale of humiliation, inthis valley of the shadow of death, out of which the life of Americarose regenerate and free, let us believe, with an abiding faith, that tothem union will seem as dear, and liberty as sweet, and progress asglorious, as they were to our fathers and are to you and me, and thatthe institutions which have made us happy, preserved by the virtue ofour children, shall bless the remotest generation of the time to come. And unto Him who holds in the hollow of His hand the fate of nations, and yet marks the sparrow's fall, let us lift up our hearts this day, and unto His eternal care commend ourselves, our children, and ourcountry. 

 * * * * *

WASHINGTON AT VALLEY FORGE

BY CANON R. G. SUTHERLAND

 With his lean, ragged levies, undismayed, He crouched among the vigilant hills; a show To the disdainful, heaven-blinded foe. Unlauded, unsupported, disobeyed, Thwarted, maligned, conspired against, betrayed-- Yet nothing could unheart him. Wouldst thou know His secret? There, in that thicket on the snow, Washington knelt before his God, and prayed. 

 Close in their lair for perilous months and days He held in leash his wolves, grim, shelterless, Gaunt, hunger-bitten, stanch to the uttermost; Then, when the hour was come for hardiness Rallied, and rushed them on the reeling host; And Monmouth planted Yorktown's happy bays!

 * * * * *

A FRENCHMAN'S ESTIMATE OF WASHINGTON IN 1781

BY CLAUDE C. ROBIN

From _Magazine of American History_. 

_The following extract from a letter written by Abbé Robin, chaplain inthe French army in America, and bearing date "Camp of Phillipsburg, August 4, 1781, " a few weeks after his arrival in this country, is verysuggestive. This letter was the first of a series of thirteen lettersfrom the Abbé while in America, which were published in Paris in 1782. He writes_:

I have seen General Washington, that most singular man--the soul andsupport of one of the greatest revolutions that has ever happened, orcan happen. I fixed my eyes upon him with that keen attention which thesight of a great man always inspires. We naturally entertain a secrethope of discovering in the features of such illustrious persons sometraces of that genius which distinguishes them from, and elevates themabove, their fellow mortals. 

Perhaps the exterior of no man was better calculated to gratify theseexpectations than that of General Washington. He is of a tall and noblestature, well proportioned, a fine, cheerful, open countenance, a simpleand modest carriage; and his whole mien has something in it thatinterests the French, the Americans, and even enemies themselves, inhis favor. Placed in a military view, at the head of a nation where eachindividual has a share in the supreme legislative authority, and wherecoercive laws are yet in a degree destitute of vigor, where the climateand manners can add but little to their energy, where the spirit ofparty, private interest, slowness and national indolence, slacken, suspend, and overthrow the best concerted measures; although so situatedhe has found out a method of keeping his troops in the most absolutesubordination; making them rivals in praising him; fearing him when heis silent, and retaining their full confidence in him after defeats anddisgrace. His reputation has, at length, arisen to a most brilliantheight; and he may now grasp at the most unbounded power, withoutprovoking envy or exciting suspicion. He has ever shown himself superiorto fortune, and in the most trying adversity has discovered resourcesuntil then unknown: and, as if his abilities only increased and dilatedat the prospect of difficulty, he is never better supplied than when heseems destitute of everything, nor have his arms ever been so fatal tohis enemies, as at the very instant when they thought they had crushedhim forever. It is his to excite a spirit of heroism and enthusiasm in apeople who are by nature very little susceptible of it; to gain over therespect and homage of those whose interest it is to refuse it, and toexecute his plans and projects by means unknown even to those who arehis instruments; he is intrepid in dangers, yet never seeks them butwhen the good of his country demands it, preferring rather to temporizeand act upon the defensive, because he knows such a mode of conduct bestsuits the genius and circumstances of the nation, and all that he andthey have to expect, depends upon time, fortitude, and patience; he isfrugal and sober in regard to himself, but profuse in the public cause;like Peter the Great, he has by defeats conducted his army to victory;and like Fabius, but with fewer resources and more difficulty, he hasconquered without fighting, and saved his country. 

Such are the ideas that arise in the mind at the sight of this greatman, in examining the events in which he had a share, or in listening tothose whose duty obliges them to be near his person, and consequentlybest display his character. In all these extensive States they considerhim in the light of a beneficent god, dispensing peace and happinessaround him. Old men, women, and children press about him when heaccidentally passes along, and think themselves happy, once in theirlives, to have seen him--they follow him through the towns with torches, and celebrate his arrival by public illuminations. The Americans, thatcool and sedate people, who in the midst of their most tryingdifficulties, have attended only to the directions and impulses of plainmethod and common sense, are roused, animated, and inflamed at the verymention of his name: and the first songs that sentiment or gratitude hasdictated, have been to celebrate General Washington. 

IV

THE PRESIDENT

WASHINGTON AND THE CONSTITUTION

BY JOHN M. HARLAN

It is the concurring judgment of political thinkers, that no event inall the history of the Anglo-Saxon race has been more far-reaching inits consequences than the organization of the present Government of theUnited States. And it is in every sense appropriate to connect the nameof Washington with the Constitution which brought that government intoexistence. It is appropriate because his splendid leadership of theRevolutionary armies made it possible to establish upon this continent agovernment resting upon the consent of the governed, yet strong enoughto maintain its existence and authority whenever assailed. 

But it is especially appropriate for the reason that he was among thefirst of the great men of the Revolutionary period to discern theinherent defects in the articles of confederation; and but for hisefforts to bring about a more perfect union of the people, the existingConstitution, it is believed, would not have been accepted by therequisite number of States. He was indeed the pioneer of the Unionestablished by that Constitution. Of the accuracy of these statementsthere is abundant evidence. 

We are only in the spring-time of our national life, and yet we haverealized all that Washington could possibly have anticipated from thecreation of the present Government. What more could be desired in asystem of government than is secured in the existing organizations ofthe General and State governments with their respective powers soadmirably adjusted and distributed as to draw from Gladstone the remarkthat the American Constitution was "the most wonderful work ever struckoff at one time by the brain and purpose of man"?

Despite the fears of many patriotic statesmen at the time of theadoption of the Constitution, that that instrument would destroy theliberties of the people, every genuine American rejoices in the fullnessof a grateful heart that we have a government under which the humblestperson in our midst has a feeling of safety and repose not vouchsafed tothe citizen or subject of any other country; with powers ample for theprotection of the life of the nation and adequate for all purposes of ageneral nature, yet so restricted by the law of its creation in theexercise of its powers, that it cannot rightfully encroach upon thosereserved to the States or to the people. 

I will not allude to or discuss particular theories of constitutionalconstruction, but I may say, and I am glad that it can be truthfullysaid, that the mass of the people concur in holding that only bymaintaining the just powers of both the National and State governmentscan we preserve in their integrity the fundamental principles ofAmerican liberty. 

 * * * * *

WASHINGTON'S ADMINISTRATION[11]--1789-1797

BY EDWARD S. ELLIS

WASHINGTON'S PATRIOTISM. --Washington would have preferred to spend theremainder of his life in his tranquil home at Mount Vernon, but hispatriotism would not allow him to disregard the call of his country. Hehad so little money at the time, that his home was threatened by thesheriff, and he had to borrow funds with which to pay his most pressingdebts. 

WASHINGTON'S INAUGURATION. --The President-elect left Mount Vernon onApril 16, and the entire journey to New York was a continual ovation. Hereceived honors at almost every step of the way, and was welcomed to thenation's capital by the joyous thousands who felt that no reward couldbe too great for the illustrious patriot that had enshrined himselfforever in the hearts of his loving countrymen. The inaugurationceremonies took place April 30, in Federal Hall, on the present site ofthe sub-treasury building. Chancellor Robert R. Livingston of New Yorkadministered the oath, in a balcony of the Senate chamber, in full viewof the vast concourse on the outside, who cheered the great man to theecho. Other ceremonies followed, Washington showing deep emotion at themanifestation of love and loyalty on the part of all. 

THE FIRST CONSTITUTIONAL CONGRESS. --The first session of the firstConstitutional Congress was chiefly occupied in setting the governmentmachinery in motion. The following nominations for the first Cabinetwere made by Washington, and confirmed by the Senate: Thomas Jefferson, secretary of foreign affairs, afterward known as secretary of state;Alexander Hamilton, secretary of the treasury; Henry Knox, secretary ofwar; and Edmund Randolph, attorney-general. John Jay was appointed chiefjustice of the supreme court, with John Rutledge, James Wilson, WilliamCushing, Robert H. Harrison, and John Blair associates. (The Senaterefused to confirm the nomination of Rutledge. )

FEDERALISTS AND REPUBLICANS. --The most urgent question was that offinance. Hamilton handled it with great skill. The debt of theconfederation and States was almost eighty million dollars. Hamilton'splan, as submitted to Congress, called for the payment by the UnitedStates of every dollar due to American citizens, and also the war debtof the country. There was strong opposition to the scheme, but itprevailed. The discussions in Congress brought out the lines between theFederalists and the Republicans, or, as they were afterward called, Democrats. The Federalists favored the enlargement of the powers of thegeneral government, while the Republicans insisted upon holding thegovernment to the exact letter of the Constitution, and giving to theindividual States all rights not expressly prohibited by theConstitution. 

THE SEAT OF GOVERNMENT. --North Carolina did not adopt the Constitutionuntil November 13, 1789. Little Rhode Island sulked until Massachusettsand Connecticut proposed to parcel her between them, when she came toterms and adopted the Constitution, May 29, 1790. It was decided totransfer the seat of government to Philadelphia until 1800, when it wasto be permanently fixed upon the eastern bank of the Potomac. The thirdsession of the first Congress, therefore, was held in Philadelphia, onthe first Monday in December, 1790. Through the efforts of Hamilton, theUnited States Bank and a national mint were established in that city, and did much to advance the prosperity of the country. 

A PROTECTIVE TARIFF. --In 1791, Hamilton made a memorable report toCongress. In it he favored a protective tariff, recommending that thematerials from which goods are manufactured should not be taxed, andadvising that articles which competed with those made in this countryshould be prohibited. These and other important features were embodiedin a bill, which was passed February 9, 1792. 

TROUBLE WITH THE INDIANS. --Trouble occurred with the Indians in theNorthwestern Territory and in the South. Georgia was dissatisfied withthe treaty, by which a considerable part of the State was relinquishedto the Indians. The difficulty in the Northwest was much more serious. General Harmar was sent to punish the red men for their many outrages, but was twice defeated. Then General St. Clair took his place. Before heset out, Washington impressively warned him against being surprised, but he, too, was beaten, and his army routed with great slaughter. 

"Mad Anthony" Wayne now took up the task, with nearly three thousandmen, and completed it thoroughly. At Fallen Timbers, August 20, 1794, hemet the combined tribes and delivered a crushing defeat, from which theIndians did not recover for years. One year later, eleven hundred chiefsand warriors met the United States commissioners at Fort Greenville andsigned a treaty of peace, relinquishing at the same time a vast tract ofland lying in the present States of Indiana and Michigan. 

THE WHISKEY REBELLION. --Among the important laws passed by Congress wasone imposing a duty on distilled spirits. This roused great oppositionin western Pennsylvania, where whiskey was the principal article ofmanufacture and trade. The revolt there assumed such formidableproportions that it became known as the "Whiskey Rebellion, " and thePresident was compelled to call out the militia, fifteen thousandstrong, to suppress it. 

WASHINGTON'S SECOND TERM. --Washington did not desire a second term, buthis countrymen would not permit him to decline. He again received allthe electoral votes cast, while the next highest number went to JohnAdams. Strong party spirit was shown, Hamilton being the leader of theFederalists, and Jefferson the foremost Republican. 

"CITIZEN GENET. "--During Washington's administrations, France wasplunged into the bloodiest revolution known in history. Herrepresentative in this country was Edmond Charles Genet (zheh-na), better known as "Citizen Genet. " Landing at Charleston, South Carolina, in April, 1793, he did not wait to present his credentials to thegovernment, but began enlisting soldiers and fitting out privateers forthe French service. Many thoughtless citizens encouraged him, but thewise Washington, finding that Genet defied him, ended the business bycompelling his country to recall him. 

JAY'S TREATY. --There was much trouble also with Great Britain, but atreaty was finally arranged with her by our special envoy, John Jay. Oneof its provisions guaranteed payment to British citizens of debts duethem before the war. This caused much opposition, but the time came whenit was admitted that Jay's treaty was one of the best made by ourgovernment. 

FOOTNOTES:

[11] From "Young People's History of Our Country. " Thomas R. Shewell &Co. , 1900. 

 * * * * *

WASHINGTON

BY MARY WINGATE

 O noble brow, so wise in thought! O heart, so true! O soul unbought! O eye, so keen to pierce the night And guide the "ship of state" aright! O life, so simple, grand and free, The humblest still may turn to thee. O king, uncrowned! O prince of men! When shall we see thy like again? The century, just passed away, Has felt the impress of thy sway, While youthful hearts have stronger grown And made thy patriot zeal their own. In marble hall or lowly cot, Thy name hath never been forgot. The world itself is richer, far, For the clear shining of a star. And loyal hearts in years to run Shall turn to thee, O Washington. 

 * * * * *

WASHINGTON'S INAUGURATION[12]

BY EDWARD EVERETT HALE

On the fourth of March, 1789, Elbridge Gerry, who had been chosen to theSenate of the United States, wrote thus from New York to John Adams:

 My Dear Friend: I find, on inquiry, that you are elected Vice-President, having three or four times the number of votes of any other candidate. Maryland threw away their votes on Colonel Harrison, and South Carolina on Governor Rutledge, being, with some other states which were not unanimous for you, apprehensive that this was a necessary step to prevent your election to the chair. On this point they were mistaken, for the President, as I am informed from pretty good authority, has a unanimous vote. It is the universal wish of all that I have conferred with, and indeed their expectation, that both General Washington and yourself will accept; and should either refuse, it will have a very disagreeable effect. The members present met to-day in the City Hall, there being about eleven Senators and thirteen Representatives, and not constituting a quorum in either house, they adjourned till to-morrow. 

 Mrs. Gerry and the ladies join me in sincere regards to yourself, your lady, Colonel and Mrs. Smith, and be assured I remain, etc. 

 E. GERRY. 

So slow was the movement of news in those days, and so doubtful, evenafter the election, were all men as to its results, Adams would notstart from Braintree, his home, till he knew he was elected, norWashington from Mt. Vernon. Charles Thompson, the Secretary of the oldCongress, arrived at Mt. Vernon on the fourteenth of April andcommunicated to Washington the news of his election. No quorum of theHouse of Representatives had been formed until the first of April, norof the Senate until the sixth. These bodies then counted the electoralvote, with the result predicted by Gerry in his letter written two daysbefore. 

Washington waited a day before starting to the seat of Government. Onthe sixteenth of April he started for New York. He writes in his diary:

 About ten o'clock I bade adieu to Mount Vernon, to private life and to domestic felicity; and with a mind oppressed with more anxious and painful sensations than I have words to express, set out for New York in company with Mr. Thompson and Colonel Humphries, with the best dispositions to render service to my country in obedience to its call, but with less hope of answering its expectations. 

The journey began with a public dinner at Alexandria. Said thegentlemen of Alexandria in their address to him:

 Farewell!... Go!... And make a grateful people happy, a people who will be doubly grateful when they contemplate this recent sacrifice for their interest. 

And Washington in his reply said:

 At my age, and in my circumstances, what prospects or advantages could I propose to myself, for embarking again on the tempestuous and uncertain ocean of public life?

The journey went on with similar interruptions. The rule so often laiddown by the Virginians afterward that that is the best government whichgoverns least, was certainly well kept until the thirteenth of April. Tothis hour the adventurous cyclist, stopping at some wayside inn torefresh himself, may find upon the wall the picture of the maidens andmothers of Trenton in New Jersey. Here Washington met a deputation sentto him by Congress. A triumphal arch had been erected, and a row ofyoung girls dressed in white, a second row of ladies, and a third oftheir mothers, awaited him. As he passed, the girls scattered flowers, and sang the verses which Judge Marshall has preserved:

 Welcome, mighty chief, once more Welcome to this grateful shore; Now no mercenary foe Aims again the fatal blow-- Aims at thee the fatal blow. 

 Virgins fair and matrons grave, These thy conquering arm did save. Build for thee triumphal bowers, Strew, ye fair, his way with flowers-- Strew your Hero's way with flowers. 

His progress through New Jersey was everywhere accompanied by similarfestivities--"festive illuminations, the ringing of bells, and thebooming of cannon. " He had written to Governor Clinton, that he hoped hemight enter New York without ceremony; but this was hardly to beexpected. A committee of both houses met him at Elizabethtown; heembarked in a splendid barge manned by thirteen pilots, masters ofvessels, and commanded by Commodore Nicholson; other barges and boatsfell in in the wake; and a nautical procession swept up the Bay of NewYork. On board two vessels were parties of ladies and gentlemen, whosang odes as Washington appeared. The ships in the harbor were dressedin colors and fired salutes as he passed. On landing at Murray's Wharfhe was welcomed by Governor Clinton and General Knox. It is of thelanding at this point that the anecdote is told that an officer askedWashington's orders, announcing himself as commanding his guard. Washington, with his ready presence of mind, begged him to follow anydirections he had already received in the arrangements, but said thatfor the future the affection of his fellow-citizens was all the guardthat he required. 

At the end of the day, in his diary, the sad man says:

 The acclamations of the people filled my mind with sensations as painful as pleasing. 

It was some days before the formal inauguration. The two houses ofCongress did not know by what title they should address him, and acommittee had been appointed to discuss this subject. It was finallyagreed that the address should be simply, "To the President of theUnited States"--a form which has remained to the present day. 

The inauguration finally took place on the thirtieth of April. 

On the thirtieth at last all things were ready, and the inaugurationwent forward. The place was at what they then called Federal Hall, inNew York, and Chancellor Livingstone administered the oath:

 I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully administer and execute the office of President of the United States, and will, to the best of my ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States. 

A salute of thirteen guns followed, amid the cheers of thousands ofpeople. Washington then delivered his inaugural speech to both houses inthe Senate Chamber. After this ceremony he walked to St. Paul's Church, where the Bishop of New York read prayers. Maclay, who was a Senator inthe first Congress, says:

 He was agitated and embarrassed more than he ever was by the leveled cannon or pointed musket. He trembled and several times could scarce make out to read his speech, though it must be supposed he had often read it before. 

Fisher Ames says:

 He addressed the two houses in the Senate Chamber. It was a very touching scene, and quite of a solemn kind. His aspect, grave almost to sadness, his modesty, actually shaking, his voice deep, a little tremulous, and so low as to call for close attention. 

John Adams had taken his place as President of the Senate two daysbefore. As he did not always in after life speak any too cordially ofWashington, it is worth noting that at this critical period he said thathe congratulated the people of America on "the prospect of an executiveauthority in the hands of one whose portrait I shall not pretend todraw.... Were I blessed with powers to do justice to his character, itwould be impossible to increase the confidence, or affection of hiscountry, or make the smallest addition to his glory. This can only beeffected by a discharge of the present exalted trust on the sameprinciples, with the same abilities and virtues which have uniformlyappeared in all his former conduct, public or private. May Inevertheless be indulged to inquire, if we look over the catalogue ofthe first magistrates of nations, whether they have been denominatedpresidents or consuls, kings or princes, where shall we find one whosecommanding talents and virtues, whose overruling good fortune, have socompletely united all hearts and voices in his favor? who enjoyed theesteem and admiration of foreign nations and fellow-citizens with equalunanimity? Qualities so uncommon are no common blessings to the countrythat possesses them. By these great qualities and their benign effectshas Providence marked out the head of this Nation, with a hand sodistinctly visible as to have been seen by all men, and mistaken bynone. "

Whether on this occasion, there were too much ceremony was a questiondiscussed at the time, in connection with the heated discussion as tothe etiquette of the new Administration. There is a correspondencebetween Washington and an old friend, Stuart, of Virginia, who had toldhim that the people of that State accused him of "regal manners. "

Washington's reply, with his usual good sense, answers a good manyquestions which are bruited to-day. Dr. Albert Shaw, in the _Review ofReviews_, once brought some of these questions forward. "How far is itright for the people of a free state to kill their magistrates byinches?" This is the question reduced to its simplest terms. It wasgenerally understood, when the late Governor Greenhalge died inMassachusetts, that his career, invaluable to the people of that Stateand of the country, had been cut off untimely by a certain etiquette, which obtains in Massachusetts, that whenever there is a public dinnerthe Governor of the State must be present and make a speech. Withreference to a somewhat similar notion, Washington says:

 Before the present custom was established I was unable to attend to any business whatever. Gentlemen, consulting their own convenience rather than mine, were calling from the time I rose from breakfast, often before, until I sat down to dinner. To please everybody was impossible. I therefore adopted that line of conduct which combined public advantage with private convenience. 

In another place he says:

 Had I not adopted the principle of returning no visits, I should have been unable to have attended to any sort of business. 

In contrast with the simple ceremonies at which a sensitive democracytook exception, we find now that a great nation considers no honors tooprofuse for the ceremonies which attend the inauguration of its chiefmagistrate. 

FOOTNOTES:

[12] Reprinted from _The Independent_. 

 * * * * *

WASHINGTONIANA

_Extracts from the Contemporary Newspapers and other Accounts of theInauguration of our First President in 1789_

From _The Massachusetts Sentinel_, May 6, 1789:

New York, May 1. Yesterday the great and illustrious Washington, thefavorite son of liberty, and deliverer of his country, entered upon theexecution of the office of First Magistrate of the United States ofAmerica; to which important station he had been unanimously called bythe united voice of the people. The ceremony which took place on thisoccasion was truly grand and pleasing, and every heart seemed anxious totestify the joy it felt on so memorable an event. His Excellency wasescorted from his house by a troop of light Dragoons, and the Legion, under the command of Colonel Lewis, attended by a committee of theSenate and House of Representatives, to Federal Hall, where he wasformally received by both Houses of Congress, assembled in the SenateChamber; after which he was conducted to the gallery in front of thehall, accompanied by all the members when the oath prescribed by theConstitution was administered to him by the Chancellor of this State, who then said--

 "Long live George Washington, "President of the United States;" which was answered by an immenseconcourse of citizens, assembled on the occasion, by the loudest plauditand acclamation that love and veneration ever inspired. His Excellencythen made a speech to both Houses, and then proceeded, attended byCongress, to St. Paul's Church, where Divine Service was performed bythe Right Rev. Samuel Provost, after which His Excellency was conductedin form to his own house. In the evening a most magnificent andbrilliant display of fireworks was exhibited at the Fort, under thedirection of Colonel Beuman. The houses of the French and SpanishMinisters were illuminated in a superb and elegant manner; a number ofbeautiful transparent paintings were exhibited, which did infinitecredit to the parties concerned in the design and execution. 

 * * * * *

April 30. We have had this day one of those impressive sights whichdignify and adorn human nature. At nine o'clock all the churches wereopened--and the people, in prodigious numbers, thronged these sacredtemples--and, with one voice, put up their prayers to Almighty God forthe safety of the President. 

At twelve the procession moved to the Federal State House, where in thegallery fronting Broad Street, in the presence of an immense concourse, His Excellency took the oath, the book being placed on a velvet cushion. The Chancellor then proclaimed him President--and in a moment the airtrembled with the shouts of the citizens, and the roar of artillery. HisExcellency, with that greatness of soul--that dignity and calmness, which are his characteristics--then bowed to his "fellow-citizens"--whoagain huzzaed. 

 * * * * *

From "_History of the Arts of Design in America_, " by William Dunlap:

Major L'Enfant was a native of France; he was employed to rebuild aftera design of his own the old New York City Hall in Wall Street, frontingBroad Street; making therefrom the Federal Hall of that day (1789). Thenew building was for the accommodation of Congress; and in the balconyupon which the Senate Chamber opened, the first President of the UnitedStates was inaugurated. A ceremony which I witnessed, and which for itssimplicity, the persons concerned in it, the effect produced upon mycountry and the world, in giving stability to the Federal Constitution, by calling Washington to administer its blessings, remains on my mindunrivaled by any scene witnessed, through a long life, either in Europeor America. 

 * * * * *

From Dunlap's "_School History of New York_":

In 1789, I saw Washington divested of the garb of war, place his hand onthe Bible, and swear to support that Constitution under which I havesince lived happily half a century. Between the pillars of the old CityHall, in Wall Street, as altered for the reception of the FederalCongress, in view of thousands who filled Broad Street as far as the eyecould extend its view, and every avenue within sight of the building, the man of the people's choice was announced to them, as the firstPresident of the United States of America. 

 * * * * *

Abstract of account in _New York Packet_:

New York, May 1, 1789. Yesterday at two o'clock was solemnly inauguratedinto office, our Illustrious President. 

The ceremony was begun by the following procession from the FederalHouse to the President's house, viz. :

 Troop of Horse Assistants Committee of Representatives Committee of Senate Gentlemen to be admitted in the Senate Chamber Gentlemen in coaches Citizens on foot

On their arrival, the President joined the procession in his carriageand four, and the whole moved through the principal streets to the StateHouse in the following order:

 Troop of Horse Infantry Sheriff on horseback Committee of Representatives Committee of Senate President and Assistants (President's Suite) Assistants Gentlemen to be admitted in the Senate Chamber Gentlemen in coaches Citizens on foot

When the van reached the State House, the troops opening their ranksformed an avenue, through which, after alighting, the President, advancing to the door, was conducted to the Senate Chamber, where he wasreceived by both branches of Congress, and by them accompanied to thebalcony or outer gallery in front of the State House, which wasdecorated with a canopy and curtains of red interstreaked with white forthe solemn occasion. In this public manner the oath of office requiredby the Constitution was administered by the Chancellor of this State, and the illustrious Washington thereupon declared by the saidChancellor, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, amidst the repeated huzzasand acclamations of a numerous and crowded audience. 

After the inauguration, the President, returning to the Senate Chamber, delivered a speech to both Houses of Congress. 

After this the President, accompanied by both Houses of Congress, proceeded on foot to St. Paul's Church (where divine service wasperformed by the Right Rev. Dr. Provost, suitable to the immediateoccasion) in the following order, viz. :

 Troop of Horse Infantry Door Keeper and Messenger of Representatives Clerk Representatives Speaker President and Vice-President President's Suite Senators Secretary Door Keeper and Messenger of the Senate Gentlemen admitted into the Senate Chamber Sheriff Citizens

Constables, marshals, etc. , on each side of the Members of Congress atproper distances, from the front of the Representatives to the rear ofthe Senators. 

In the evening fireworks were displayed under the direction of ColonelBauman. --The brilliancy and excellency of them does honor to theprojector. 

The houses of their Excellencies the French and Spanish Ambassadors weremost elegantly illuminated on this auspicious occasion. 

 * * * * *

Extract of a letter from a gentleman in New York to his friend inPhiladelphia, dated May 1, 1789:

Yesterday the great Patriot Washington took a solemn charge of theliberties of America. The magnificence and splendor of the procession, from his house to the Federal Building, commanded the admiration ofevery beholder. But above all, the solemnity which appeared while hetook the oath of office, was truly affecting. The silent joy which everyrank of spectators exhibited in their countenances, bespoke the sincerewishes of their hearts. I could have wished you to have been aspectator. 

The fireworks exhibited in the evening were truly brilliant; and theilluminations and transparent paintings of the Spanish and FrenchAmbassadors surpassed even conception itself. 

 * * * * *

New York, May 2, 1789. We feel satisfied in adding to the account givenin yesterday's paper of the inauguration of the President, --that HisExcellency on that great day, was dressed in a complete suit of elegantbroadcloth of the manufacture of his country. --_Pennsylvania Packet_, May 6, 1789. 

From the _Gazette of the United States_:

THE PRESIDENT, accompanied by His Excellency the Vice-President, theSpeaker of the House of Representatives, and both Houses of Congress, went to St. Paul's Chapel, where divine service was performed by theRight Rev. Dr. Provost, Bishop of the Episcopal Church in this State, and Chaplain to the Senate. 

The religious solemnity being ended, the President was escorted to hisresidence. 

 * * * * *

Evening Celebration

The transparent paintings exhibited in various parts of the city, onThursday evening, were equal at least to anything of the kind everbefore seen in America. 

That displayed before the Fort at the bottom of Broad-way did greathonor to its inventors and executors, for the ingenuity of the design, and goodness of the workmanship; it was finely lighted andadvantageously situated: The virtues, Fortitude, [13] Justice, [14] andWisdom[15] were judiciously applied; of the first, all America has hadthe fullest evidence; and with respect to the two others, who does notentertain the most pleasing anticipations. 

His Excellency Don Gardqui's residence next caught the eye--and fixed itin pleasing contemplation: The _Tout-en-semble_ here, formed a mostbrilliant front; the figures well fancied. The Graces suggested the bestideas; and the pleasing variety of emblems, _flowers_, shrubbery, _arches_, &c. , and above all the Moving Pictures, that figured in thewindows or, as it were, in the _background_, created by fixing thetransparencies between the windows, afforded a new--an animated andenchanting spectacle. 

The residence of his Excellency, Count Meustier, was illuminated in astile of novel elegance; the splendid bordering of lamps round thewindows, doors, &c. , with the fancy pieces of each window; and above allthe large designs in front, the allusions, of which we cannot at presentparticularly describe, did great honor to the taste and sentiment of theinventor. 

The above two instances of attention to honor this great and importantoccasion, so highly interesting to our "dear country, " evince thefriendship, the delicacy, and politeness of our illustrious allies. 

The portrait of "THE FATHER OF HIS COUNTRY" exhibited in Broad-Street, was extremely well executed, and had a fine effect. 

There was an excellent transparency, also shown at the Theatre, and atthe corner, near the Fly-Market: In short, emulation and ingenuity werealive; but perhaps were in no instance exhibited to greater advantagethan in the display of fireworks, which, from one novelty to another, continued for two hours, to surprise by variety, taste, and brilliancy. 

The illumination of the Federal State House was among the mostagreeable of the exhibitions of the evening; and the ship Carolinaformed a beautiful pyramid of stars: The evening was fine--the companyinnumerable--everyone appeared to enjoy the scene, and no accident caststhe smallest clouds upon the retrospect. 

 * * * * *

May 1. Yesterday morning The President received the compliments of HisExcellency the Vice-President, His Excellency the Governor of thisState, the principal Officers of the different Departments; the foreignMinisters; and a great number of other persons of distinction. 

We are informed that the President has assigned every Tuesday andFriday, between the hours of two and three, for receiving visits; andthat visits of compliment on other days, and particularly on Sundays, will not be agreeable to him. 

It seems to be a prevailing opinion that so much of The President's timewill be engaged by the various and important business imposed upon himby the Constitution, that he will find himself constrained to omitreturning visits, or accepting invitations to Entertainments. 

FOOTNOTES:

[13] The President. 

[14] The Senate. 

[15] The Representatives of the United States. 

 * * * * *

LESSONS FROM THE WASHINGTON CENTENNIAL

BY GEORGE A. GORDON

Picture to yourselves the joy and expectation of that day which saw theestablishment of our Government a century ago. As the patriots of thatday in the midst of festivity and joy look back upon famine andnakedness and peril and sword, upon battlefields and garments rolled inblood, as they think of their emergence from the long struggle weary andexhausted, as they recall their precarious existence as a nation underthe articles of confederation, as they behold the blessing of God upontheir faith and courage and energy, can we not hear those voices, hushedso long ago, speaking to us and assuring us that they that sow in tearsshall reap in joy?

We think of the founding of our Government and we recall at this momentthe representatives of three generations of statesmen, Washington andHamilton, Clay and Webster, Lincoln and Sumner. Our attention will beconcentrated on the unique and commanding figure of the first President. Through the renewed study and statement of his public career manylessons, familiar indeed, but of fresh importance, will be read into thehearts of our country. 

We cannot doubt in the case of Washington the fact of a divine call. Joshua was not more evidently called to command the armies of Israelthan Washington to lead the forces of the united colonies. David wasnot more signally summoned from the sheep-folds to the throne of hispeople than Washington from his quiet home on the Potomac to the seat ofsupreme power over his countrymen. There was not a single believer inthe Divine Being in the Constitutional Congress who did not hear in thevoice of John Adams, when he moved the appointment of George Washingtonas Commander-in-Chief of all the forces raised or to be raised, thecreation and appointment of God. 

So, in his election and re-election to the office of President, Hamiltonset forth the clearness and urgency of the call in the remark thatcircumstances left Washington no option. That wonderful triumphalprocession from Mount Vernon to New York, through Baltimore, Philadelphia, and Trenton, is in response to the appeal and command notonly of earth, but of Heaven. As the nation's first President was calledof God, so is the nation itself called. The divine ideal is before it asit was before him. God had work for Washington; he had work for hisnation; he had work for every one of his fellow-citizens. An ideal goodis before every man, and divine power behind him. Let him consent to thecontrol of the power. 

The nation's life and each individual life within it is founded on thesense of obligation. We have in the model of Washington a definition ofduty in the special sense of the term, in the saying, "I most heartilywish the choice may not fall upon me. The wish of my soul is to spendthe evening of my days as a private citizen on my farm. " There is thepower of inclination, the pleading of personal ease and comfort, theassertion of individual good. In all this there is nothing wrong, untilit comes into conflict with the national call, with the universal good. Then came the fight between the special and the general, the private andthe public, the individual and the universal good. 

The hope of a nation is in the choice of office of its best men. Thehistoric peril of the republic lies in the choice of unfit men foreminent official position. This is our peril. It is well we are becomingmore and more alive to it. Nevertheless it is well to remember thatthere have been times in our history when the voice of electors has beenthe voice of God. When Washington was elected, the fittest man waschosen. His was the rule of the wisest and best man. There are fewliving who will not confess that Abraham Lincoln was another example ofthe choice by the people of the best man. We turn in hope to the greatfuture. After he had taken the oath, Washington bowed his head, kissedthe Bible, and, with the deepest feeling, uttered the words, "So help meGod. " There was his hope. There is the hope of every man. There is thehope of the nation. 

 * * * * *

PRESIDENT WASHINGTON'S RECEPTIONS

BY WILLIAM SULLIVAN

He devoted one hour every other Tuesday, from three to four, to thesevisits. He understood himself to be visited as the "President of theUnited States, " and not on his own account. He was not to be seen byanybody and everybody; but required that everyone who came should beintroduced by his secretary, or by some gentleman whom he knew himself. He lived on the South side of Market Street, just below Sixth. The placeof reception was the dining-room in the rear, twenty-five or thirty feetin length, including the bow projecting over into the garden. Mrs. Washington received her visitors in the two rooms on the second floor, from front to rear. 

At three o'clock, or at any time within a quarter of an hour afterward, the visitor was conducted to this dining-room, from which all seats hadbeen removed for the time. On entering, he saw the tall, manly figure ofWashington, clad in black velvet; his hair in full dress, powdered andgathered behind in a large silk bag; yellow gloves on his hands; holdinga cocked hat with cockade in it, and the edges adorned with a blackfeather, about an inch deep. He wore knee and shoe buckles; and a longsword with a finely wrought and polished steel hilt. The scabbard waswhite polished leather. 

He stood always in front of the fireplace, with his face toward the doorof entrance. The visitor was conducted to him, and he required to havethe name so distinctly pronounced that he could hear it. He had the veryuncommon faculty of associating a man's name and personal appearance sodurably in his memory, as to be able to call anyone by name, who made asecond visit. He received his visitor with a dignified bow, while hishands were so disposed of as to indicate that the salutation was not tobe accompanied with shaking hands. This ceremony never occurred in thesevisits, even with his most near friends, that no distinction might bemade. 

As these visitors came in, they formed a circle round the room. At aquarter-past three, the door was closed, and the circle was formed forthat day. He then began on the right and spoke to each visitor, callinghim by name and exchanging a few words with him. When he had completedhis circuit he resumed his first position, and the visitors approachedhim in succession, bowed, and retired. By four o'clock the ceremony wasover. 

On the evenings Mrs. Washington received visitors, he did not considerhimself as visited. He was then as a private gentleman, dressed usuallyin some colored coat and waistcoat, often brown with bright buttons, andblack on his lower limbs. He had then neither hat nor sword; he movedabout among the company, conversing with one and another. He had once afortnight an official dinner, and select companies on other days. He sat(it is said) at the side in a central position, Mrs. Washingtonopposite; the two ends were occupied by members of his family, or bypersonal friends. 

 * * * * *

THE FOREIGN POLICY OF WASHINGTON

BY CHARLES JAMES FOX

How infinitely superior must appear the spirit and principles of GeneralWashington, in his late address to Congress, compared with the policy ofmodern European courts! Illustrious man!--deriving honor less from thesplendor of his situation than from the dignity of his mind! Grateful toFrance for the assistance received from her in that great contest whichsecured the independence of America, he yet did not choose to give upthe system of neutrality in her favor. Having once laid down the line ofconduct most proper to be pursued, not all the insults and provocationsof the French Minister, Genet, could at all put him out of his way orbend him from his purpose. It must, indeed, create astonishment that, placed in circumstances so critical, and filling a station soconspicuous, the character of Washington should never once have beencalled in question; that he should in no one instance have been accusedeither of improper insolence or of mean submission in his transactionswith foreign nations. It has been reserved for him to run the race ofglory without experiencing the smallest interruption to the brilliancyof his career. The breath of censure has not dared to impeach the purityof his conduct, nor the eye of envy to raise its malignant glance to theelevation of his virtues. Such has been the transcendent merit and theunparalleled fate of this illustrious man!

How did he act when insulted by Genet? Did he consider it as necessaryto avenge himself for the misconduct or madness of an individual byinvolving a whole continent in the horrors of war? No; he contentedhimself with procuring satisfaction for the insult by causing Genet tobe recalled, and thus at once consulted his own dignity and theinterests of his country. Happy Americans! while the whirlwind fliesover one quarter of the globe, and spreads everywhere desolation, youremain protected from its baneful effects by your own virtues and thewisdom of your government. Separated from Europe by an immense ocean, you feel not the effect of those prejudices and passions which convertthe boasted seats of civilization into scenes of horror and bloodshed. You profit; by the folly and madness of the contending nations, andafford, in your more congenial clime, an asylum to those blessings andvirtues which they wantonly contemn, or wickedly exclude from theirbosom! Cultivating the arts of peace under the influence of freedom, youadvance by rapid strides to opulence and distinction; and if by anyaccident you should be compelled to take part in the present unhappycontest, --if you should find it necessary to avenge insult or repelinjury, --the world will bear witness to the equity of your sentimentsand the moderation of your views; and the success of your arms will, nodoubt, be proportioned to the justice of your cause. 

V

LAST DAYS

GEORGE WASHINGTON[16]

BY HAMILTON WRIGHT MABIE

On the 4th of March, 1797, Washington went to the inauguration of hissuccessor as President of the United States. The Federal Government wassitting in Philadelphia at that time, and Congress held sessions in thecourthouse on the corner of Sixth and Chestnut Streets. 

At the appointed hour Washington entered the hall, followed by JohnAdams, who was to take the oath of office. When they were seated, Washington arose and introduced Mr. Adams to the audience, and thenproceeded to read in a firm, clear voice his brief valedictory--not hisgreat "Farewell Address, " for that had already been published. A ladywho sat on "the front bench, " "immediately in front" of Washington, describes the scene in these words:

 There was a narrow passage from the door of entrance to the room. General Washington stopped at the end to let Mr. Adams pass to the chair. The latter always wore a full suit of bright drab, with loose cuffs to his coat. General Washington's dress was a full suit of black. His military hat had the black cockade. There stood the "Father of his Country, " acknowledged by nations the first in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen. No marshals with gold-colored scarfs attended him; there was no cheering, no noise; the most profound silence greeted him as if the great assembly desired to hear him breathe. Mr. Adams covered his face with both his hands; the sleeves of his coat and his hands were covered with tears. Every now and then there was a suppressed sob. I cannot describe Washington's appearance as I felt it--perfectly composed and self-possessed till the close of his address. Then, when strong nervous sobs broke loose, when tears covered the faces, then the great man was shaken. I never took my eyes from his face. Large drops came from his eyes. He looked as if his heart was with them, and would be to the end. 

On Washington's retirement from the Presidency one of his firstemployments was to arrange his papers and letters. Then, on returning tohis home, the venerable master found many things to repair. His landedestate comprised eight thousand acres, and was divided into farms, withinclosures and farm buildings. And now, with body and mind alike soundand vigorous, he bent his energies to directing the improvements thatmarked his last days at Mount Vernon. 

In his earlier as well as in later life, his tour of the farms wouldaverage from eight to twelve or fourteen miles a day. He rode upon hisfarms entirely unattended, opening his gates, pulling down and puttingup his fences as he passed, visiting his laborers at their work, inspecting all the operations of his extensive establishment with acareful eye, directing useful improvements, and superintending them intheir progress. 

He usually rode at a moderate pace in passing through his fields. Butwhen behind time, this most punctual of men would display thehorsemanship of his earlier days, and a hard gallop would bring him upto time so that the sound of his horse's hoofs and the first dinner bellwould be heard together at a quarter before three. 

A story is told that one day an elderly stranger meeting a Revolutionaryworthy out hunting, a long-tried and valued friend of the chief, accosted him, and asked whether Washington was to be found at themansion house, or whether he was off riding over his estate. The friendanswered that he was visiting his farms, and directed the stranger theroad to take, adding, "You will meet, sir, with an old gentleman ridingalone in plain drab clothes, a broad-brimmed white hat, a hickory switchin his hand, and carrying an umbrella with a long staff, which isattached to his saddle-bow--that person, sir, is General Washington. "

Precisely at a quarter before three the industrious farmer returned, dressed, and dined at three o'clock. At this meal he ate heartily, butwas not particular in his diet with the exception of fish, of which hewas excessively fond. Touching his liking for fish, and illustrative ofhis practical economy and abhorrence of waste and extravagance, ananecdote is told of the time he was President and living inPhiladelphia. It happened that a single shad had been caught in theDelaware, and brought to the city market. His steward, Sam Fraunces, pounced upon the fish with the speed of an osprey, delighted that hehad secured a delicacy agreeable to the palate of his chief, andcareless of the expense, for which the President had often rebuked him. 

When the fish was served, Washington suspected the steward had forgottenhis order about expenditure for the table, and said to Fraunces, whostood at his post at the sideboard, "What fish is this?" "A shad, sir, avery fine shad, " the steward answered. "I know Your Excellency isparticularly fond of this kind of fish, and was so fortunate as toprocure this one--the only one in market, sir, the first of the season. ""The price, sir, the price?" asked Washington sternly. "Three--threedollars, " stammered the conscience-stricken steward. "Take it away, "thundered the chief, "take it away, sir! It shall never be said that mytable set such an example of luxury and extravagance. " Poor Frauncestremblingly did as he was told, and the first shad of the season wascarried away untouched, to be speedily discussed in the servants'dining-room. 

Although the Farmer of Mount Vernon was much retired from the businessworld, he was by no means inattentive to the progress of public affairs. When the post-bag arrived, he would select his letters and lay themaside for reading in the seclusion of his library. The newspapers hewould peruse while taking his single cup of tea (his only supper) andread aloud passages of peculiar interest, remarking the matter as hewent along. He read with distinctness and precision. These evenings withhis family always ended at precisely nine o'clock, when he badeeveryone good-night and retired to rest, to rise again at four and renewthe same routine of labor and enjoyment. 

Washington's last days, like those that preceded them in the course of along and well-spent life, were devoted to constant and carefulemployment. His correspondence both at home and abroad was immense. Yetno letter was unanswered. One of the best-bred men of his time, Washington deemed it a grave offense against the rules of good mannersand propriety to leave letters unanswered. He wrote with great facility, and it would be a difficult matter to find another who had written somuch, who had written so well. General Harry Lee once observed to him, "We are amazed, sir, at the vast amount of work you get through. "Washington answered, "Sir, I rise at four o'clock, and a great deal ofmy work is done while others sleep. "

He was the most punctual of men, as we said. To this admirable qualityof rising at four and retiring to rest at nine at all seasons, thisgreat man owed his ability to accomplish mighty labors during his longand illustrious life. He was punctual in everything, and made everyoneabout him punctual. So careful a man delighted in always having abouthim a good timekeeper. In Philadelphia the first President regularlywalked up to his watchmaker's to compare his watch with the regulator. At Mount Vernon the active yet punctual farmer invariably consulted thedial when returning from his morning ride, and before entering hishouse. 

The affairs of the household took order from the master's accurate andmethodical arrangement of time. Even the fisherman on the river watchedfor the cook's signal when to pull in shore and deliver his catch intime for dinner. 

Among the picturesque objects on the Potomac, to be seen from theeastern portion of the mansion house, was the light canoe of the house'sfisher. Father Jack was an African, an hundred years of age, andalthough enfeebled in body by weight of years, his mind possesseduncommon vigor. And he would tell of days long past, when, under Africansuns, he was made captive, and of the terrible battle in which his royalsire was slain, the village burned, and himself sent to the slave ship. 

Father Jack had in a considerable degree a leading quality of hisrace--somnolency. Many an hour could the family of Washington see thecanoe fastened to a stake, with the old fisherman bent nearly doubleenjoying a nap, which was only disturbed by the jerking of the whiteperch caught on his hook. But, as we just said, the domestic duties ofMount Vernon were governed by clock time, and the slumbers of fisherJack might occasion inconvenience, for the cook required the fish at acertain hour, so that they might be served smoking hot precisely atthree. At times he would go to the river bank and make the accustomedsignals, and meet with no response. The old fisherman would be quietlyreposing in his canoe, rocked by the gentle undulations of the stream, and dreaming, no doubt, of events "long time ago. " The importune masterof the kitchen, grown ferocious by delay, would now rush up and downthe water's edge, and, by dint of loud shouting, cause the canoe to turnits prow to the shore. Father Jack, indignant at its being supposed hewas asleep at his post, would rate those present on his landing, "Whatyou all meck such a debil of a noise for, hey? I wa'nt sleep, onlynoddin'. "

The establishment of Mount Vernon employed a perfect army of domestics;yet to each one were assigned special duties, and from each one strictperformance was required. There was no confusion where there was order, and the affairs of this estate, embracing thousands of acres andhundreds of dependents, were conducted with as much ease, method, andregularity as the affairs of a homestead of average size. 

Mrs. Washington was an accomplished housewife of the olden time, and shegave constant attention to all matters of her household, and by herskill and management greatly contributed to the comfort andentertainment of the guests who enjoyed the hospitality of her home. 

The best charities of life were gathered round Washington in the lastdays at Mount Vernon. The love and veneration of a whole people for hisillustrious services, his generous and untiring labors in the cause ofpublic utility; his kindly demeanor to his family circle, his friends, and numerous dependents; his courteous and cordial hospitality to hisguests, many of them strangers from far distant lands; these charities, all of which sprang from the heart, were the ornament of his decliningyears, and granted the most sublime scene in nature, when humangreatness reposes upon human happiness. 

On the morning of the 13th of December, 1799, the General was engaged inmaking some improvements in the front of Mount Vernon. As was usual withhim, he carried his own compass, noted his observations, and marked outthe ground. The day became rainy, with sleet, and the improver remainedso long exposed to the inclemency of the weather as to be considerablywetted before his return to the house. About one o'clock he was seizedwith chilliness and nausea, but having changed his clothes, he sat downto his indoor work. At night, on joining his family circle, hecomplained of a slight indisposition. Upon the night of the followingday, having borne acute suffering with composure and fortitude, he died. 

In person Washington was unique. He looked like no one else. To astature lofty and commanding he united a form of the manliestproportions, and a dignified, graceful, and imposing carriage. In theprime of life he stood six feet, two inches. From the period of theRevolution there was an evident bending in his frame so passing straightbefore, but the stoop came from the cares and toils of that arduouscontest rather than from years. For his step was firm, his appearancenoble and impressive long after the time when the physical properties ofmen are supposed to wane. 

A majestic height was met by corresponding breadth and firmness. Hiswhole person was so cast in nature's finest mould as to resemble anancient statue, all of whose parts unite to the perfection of thewhole. But with all its development of muscular power, Washington's formhad no look of bulkiness, and so harmonious were its proportions that hedid not appear so tall as his portraits have represented. He was ratherspare than full during his whole life. 

The strength of Washington's arm was shown on several occasions. Hethrew a stone from the bed of the stream to the top of the NaturalBridge, Virginia, and another stone across the Rappahannock atFredericksburg. The stone was said to be a piece of slate about the sizeof a dollar with which he spanned the bold river, and it took the groundat least thirty yards on the other side. Many have since tried thisfeat, but none have cleared the water. 

In 1772 some young men were contending at Mount Vernon in the exerciseof pitching the bar. The Colonel looked on for a time, then grasping themissile in his master hand, he whirled the iron through the air, and itfell far beyond any of its former limits. "You see, young gentlemen, "said the chief with a smile, "that my arm yet retains some portion of myearly vigor. " He was then in his fortieth year, and probably in thefullness of his physical powers. Those powers became rather mellowedthan decayed by time, for "his age was like lusty winter, frosty yetkindly, " and up to his sixty-eighth year he mounted a horse withsurprising agility, and rode with ease and grace. Rickets, thecelebrated equestrian, used to say, "I delight to see the General ride, and make it a point to fall in with him when I hear he is out onhorseback--his seat is so firm, his management so easy and graceful, that I, who am an instructor in horsemanship, would go to him and learnto ride. "

In his later day, the General, desirous of riding pleasantly, procuredfrom the North two horses of a breed for bearing the saddle. They werewell to look at, and pleasantly gaited under the saddle, but also scary, and therefore unfitted for the service of one who liked to ride quietlyon his farm, occasionally dismounting and walking in his fields toinspect improvements. From one of these horses the General sustained afall--probably the only fall he ever had from a horse in his life. Itwas upon a November evening, and he was returning from Alexandria toMount Vernon, with three friends and a groom. Having halted a fewmoments, he dismounted, and upon rising in his stirrup again, the horse, alarmed at the glare from a fire near the roadside, sprang from underhis rider, who came heavily to the ground. His friends rushed to givehim assistance, thinking him hurt. But the vigorous old man was upon hisfeet again, brushing the dust from his clothes, and after thanking thosewho came to his aid, said that he had had a very complete tumble, andthat it was owing to a cause no horseman could well avoid orcontrol--that he was only poised in his stirrup, and had not yet gainedhis saddle when the scary animal sprang from under him. 

Bred in the vigorous school of frontier warfare, "the earth for hisbed, his canopy the heavens, " Washington excelled the hunter andwoodsman in their athletic habits, and in those trials of manhood whichfilled the hardy days of his early life. He was amazingly swift of foot, and could climb steep mountains seemingly without effort. Indeed, in allthe tests of his great physical powers he appeared to make littleeffort. When he overthrew the strong man of Virginia in wrestling, upona day when many of the finest athletes were engaged in the contest, hehad retired to the shade of a tree intent upon the reading of a book. Itwas only after the champion of the games strode through the ring callingfor nobler antagonists, and taunting the reader with the fear that hewould be thrown, that Washington closed his book. Without taking off hiscoat he calmly observed that fear did not enter his make-up; thengrappling with the champion, he hurled him to the ground. "InWashington's lion-like grasp, " said the vanquished wrestler, "I becamepowerless, and went down with a force that seemed to jar the very marrowin my bones. " The victor, regardless of shouts at his success, leisurelyretired to his shade, and again took up his book. 

Washington's powers were chiefly in his limbs. His frame was of equalbreadth from the shoulders to the hips. His chest was not prominent, butrather hollowed in the center. He never entirely recovered from apulmonary affection from which he suffered in early life. His frameshowed an extraordinary development of bone and muscle; his joints werelarge, as were his feet; and could a cast of his hand have beenpreserved, it would be ascribed to a being of a fabulous age. Lafayettesaid, "I never saw any human being with so large a hand as theGeneral's. "

Of the awe and reverence which the presence of Washington inspired wehave many records. "I stood, " says one writer, "before the door of theHall of Congress in Philadelphia, when the carriage of the Presidentdrew up. It was a white coach, or, rather, of a light cream color, painted on the panels with beautiful groups representing the fourseasons. As Washington alighted, and, ascending the steps, paused on theplatform, he was preceded by two gentlemen bearing large white wands, who kept back the eager crowd that pressed on every side. At that momentI stood so near I might have touched his clothes; but I should as soonhave thought of touching an electric battery. I was penetrated withdeepest awe. Nor was this the feeling of the schoolboy I then was. Itpervaded, I believe, every human being that approached Washington; and Ihave been told that even in his social hours, this feeling in those whoshared them never suffered intermission. I saw him a hundred timesafterward, but never with any other than the same feeling. The Almighty, who raised up for our hour of need a man so peculiarly prepared for itswhole dread responsibility, seems to have put a stamp of sacredness uponhis instrument. The first sight of the man struck the eye withinvoluntary homage, and prepared everything around him to obey. 

"At the time I speak of, he stood in profound silence and had thestatue-like air which mental greatness alone can bestow. As he turned toenter the building, and was ascending the staircase to the Congressionalhall, I glided along unseen, almost under the cover of the skirts of hisdress, and entered into the lobby of the House, which was in session toreceive him. 

"At Washington's entrance there was a most profound silence. House, lobbies, gallery, all were wrapped in deepest attention. And the soulsof the entire assemblage seemed peering from their eyes as the noblefigure deliberately and unaffectedly advanced up the broad aisle of thehall between ranks of standing Senators and members, and slowly ascendedthe steps leading to the Speaker's chair. 

"The President, having seated himself, remained in silence, and themembers took their seats, waiting for the speech. No house of worshipwas ever more profoundly still than that large and crowded chamber. 

"Washington was dressed precisely as Stuart has painted him infull-length portrait--in a full suit of the richest black velvet, withdiamond knee-buckles and square silver buckles set upon shoes japannedwith most scrupulous neatness; black silk stockings, his shirt ruffledat the breast and waist, a light dress sword, his hair profuselypowdered, fully dressed, so as to project at the sides, and gatheredbehind in a silk bag ornamented with a large rose or black ribbon. Heheld his cocked hat, which had a large black cockade on one side of it, in his hand, as he advanced toward the chair, and when seated, laid iton the table. 

"At length thrusting his hand within the side of his coat, he drew fortha roll of manuscript which he opened, and rising, read in a rich, deep, full, sonorous voice his opening address to Congress. His enunciationwas deliberate, justly emphasized, very distinct, and accompanied withan air of deep solemnity as being the utterance of a mind conscious ofthe whole responsibility of its position, but not oppressed by it. Therewas ever about the man something which impressed one with the convictionthat he was exactly and fully equal to what he had to do. He was neverhurried; never negligent; but seemed ever prepared for the occasion, beit what it might. In his study, in his parlor, at a levee, beforeCongress, at the head of the army, he seemed ever to be just what thesituation required. He possessed, in a degree never equaled by any humanbeing I ever saw, the strongest, most ever-present sense of propriety. "

In the early part of Washington's administration, great complaints weremade by political opponents of the aristocratic and royal demeanor ofthe President. Particularly, these complaints were about the manner ofhis receiving visitors. In a letter Washington gave account of theorigin of his levees: "Before the custom was established, " he wrote, "which now accommodates foreign characters, strangers, and others, who, from motives of curiosity, respect for the chief magistrate, or othercause, are induced to call upon me, I was unable to attend to anybusiness whatever; for gentlemen, consulting their own conveniencerather than mine, were calling after the time I rose from breakfast, andoften before, until I sat down to dinner. This, as I resolved not toneglect my public duties, reduced me to the choice of one of thesealternatives: either to refuse visits altogether, or to appropriate atime for the reception of them.... To please everybody was impossible. I, therefore, adopted that line of conduct which combined publicadvantage with private convenience.... These visits are optional, theyare made without invitation; between the hours of three and four everyTuesday I am prepared to receive them. Gentlemen, often in greatnumbers, come and go, chat with each other, and act as they please. Aporter shows them into the room, and they retire from it when theychoose, without ceremony. At their first entrance they salute me, and Ithem, and as many as I can talk to. "

An English gentleman, after visiting President Washington, wrote: "Therewas a commanding air in his appearance which excited respect and forbadetoo great a freedom toward him, independently of that species of awewhich is always felt in the moral influence of a great character? Inevery movement, too, there was a polite gracefulness equal to any metwith in the most polished individuals of Europe, and his smile wasextraordinarily attractive.... It struck me no man could be betterformed for command. A stature of six feet, a robust butwell-proportioned frame calculated to stand fatigue, without thatheaviness which generally attends great muscular strength and abatesactive exertion, displayed bodily power of no mean standard. A light eyeand full--the very eye of genius and reflection. His nose appearedthick, and though it befitted his other features, was too coarsely andstrongly formed to be the handsomest of its class. His mouth was like noother I ever saw: the lips firm, and the under jaw seeming to grasp theupper with force, as if its muscles were in full action when he satstill. "

Such Washington appeared to those who saw and knew him. Such he remainsto our vision. His memory is held by us in undying honor. Not only hismemory alone, but also the memory of his associates in the struggle forAmerican Independence. Homage we should have in our hearts for thosepatriots and heroes and sages who with humble means raised their nativeland--now our native land--from the depths of dependence, and made it afree nation. And especially for Washington, who presided over thenation's course at the beginning of the great experiment inself-government and, after an unexampled career in the service offreedom and our human-kind, with no dimming of august fame, died calmlyat Mount Vernon--the Father of his Country. 

FOOTNOTES:

[16] From "Heroes Every Child Should Know. " Copyright, 1906, byDoubleday, Page & Co. 

 * * * * *

WASHINGTON'S LAST DAYS[17]

BY ELIZABETH EGGLESTON SEELYE

Once more before he died Washington was called into public life for ashort time. President Adams had sent three commissioners to France. TheFrench Minister, Talleyrand, treated them ill, and sent secret agents tothem to let them know that nothing would be done until they paid largebribes. The three Americans sent home cipher dispatches in which theytold how they had been received. President Adams thought best to publishthese dispatches, putting the letters X, Y, and Z in place of the namesof the secret agents. These papers came to be known as the X, Y, and Zdispatches, and they caused great excitement in America. The cry was, "Millions for defense, but not one cent for tribute, " and the war spiritrose very high. Everyone wished Washington to be the leader in casethere should be war with France. President Adams accordingly wrote toWashington, asking him to accept the command of the new army which wasto be formed. Washington accepted, on condition that he was not to becalled into service unless there should really be war, and that heshould be allowed to name the chief officers who were to serve underhim. He wished to put a young and able man second in command--for oldofficers seldom make good ones--so he chose Hamilton first, thenPinckney, and then Knox. Adams disliked Hamilton, and tried to placeKnox second in command, as this old officer thought his due. There wassome trouble between Washington and Adams on this point, but Adams wasforced to give way to the great leader. Washington went to Philadelphiain the fall of 1798, to work over army plans with his major-generals. Itseemed possible that he might have to lead the Americans against one ofNapoleon's great armies. But though he made careful preparations, Washington did not believe that there would be war. He thought, however, that preparing for war would be the best way to bring about peace. Andso it proved; for no sooner did Talleyrand see that the Americans werereally aroused than he caused it to be intimated to the AmericanMinister at Holland that he would treat another envoy better. Adamsaccordingly sent one to France, and war was finally averted, though thenews of the settlement did not reach America until after the death ofher great General. 

Washington had said, "I am of a short-lived family, and cannot remainlong upon the earth. " In fact, his sister and all of his brothers exceptone died before he did. According to his usual careful habits, he madeout a long paper, in which he planned how his estates should be managedfor several years, with a rotation of crops. He finished this paper onlyfour days before his death. The day before he was taken ill he walkedout with his nephew, Lawrence Lewis, who was married to Nelly Custisand living at Mount Vernon, and talked to him about building a newfamily vault. "This change, " said he, "I shall make first of all, for Imay require it before the rest. "

On the 12th of December, 1799, Washington made the tour, as usual, ofhis plantations. The weather was very bad. There was rain, hail, andsnow falling at different times, and a cold wind blowing. It was afterthree o'clock when he returned. Mr. Lear, his secretary, brought himsome letters to be franked, for he intended to send them to the postoffice that afternoon. Washington franked the letters, but said that theweather was too bad to send a servant out with them. Lear noticed thatthe General's neck appeared to be wet, and that there was snow clingingto his hair. He spoke to him about it, but Washington said that he wasnot wet, as his greatcoat had protected him. He went to dinner, whichwas waiting for him, without changing his clothes. The next day hecomplained of a sore throat, and remained in the house in the morning, as it was snowing hard. In the afternoon, however, he went out to marksome trees which he wished cut down, between the house and the river. Hewas quite hoarse by evening. He sat in the parlor, however, with Mrs. Washington and Lear, reading the papers which had been brought from thepost office. He read some things aloud in spite of his hoarseness. Atnine o'clock Mrs. Washington went to the room of her granddaughterNelly, whose first child had recently been born. The two gentlemencontinued to read the papers, and Washington seemed cheerful. Once hebecame excited over some political event, and used some of the strongwords he could command on occasion. Before they went to bed, Learadvised the General to take something for his cold. 

"No, " said Washington; "you know I never take anything for a cold. Letit go as it came. "

During the night, however, he had a chill, and awoke Mrs. Washington, telling her that he felt ill. She wished to get up, but he would notallow her to do this, lest she should take cold. When the servant cameinto the room to make a fire at daylight, Mrs. Washington sent for Lear, and got up herself. The General was now breathing with difficulty, andcould scarcely speak. Lear sent for Dr. Craik, and meantime Washingtontold him to send for Mr. Rawlins, an overseer, to bleed him. Rawlinscame soon after sunrise, and trembled at the prospect of opening a veinon the great man's arm. "Don't be afraid, " said Washington; and when thevein had been opened, he added, "the orifice is not large enough. " Mrs. Washington did not approve of the bleeding before the doctor came, butWashington said, "More, more. " It was a universal remedy in those days, but it brought no relief to the sufferer. 

During the day three doctors arrived. Washington was bled three times;blisters were applied to the throat and the feet; all that medicalscience could do in that day was tried, but without success. The diseasewas an acute laryngitis, and could have been relieved only bytracheotomy, which was not practical in the South, though it had beentried in Philadelphia at an earlier date. About half-past four in theafternoon the sick man asked Mrs. Washington to go downstairs and fetchtwo wills from his desk. He looked at them, and asked her to burn one ofthem, which she did. Lear now came to his bedside and took his hand. 

"I find I am going, " Washington said to him. "My breath cannot lastlong. I believed from the first that the disorder would prove fatal. Doyou arrange and record all my late military letters and papers. Arrangemy accounts and settle my books, as you know more about them than anyoneelse, and let Mr. Rawlins finish recording my other letters which he hasbegun. "

Washington asked Lear whether he thought of anything else that ought tobe done; he had but a very short time, he said, to remain with hisfriends. The secretary answered that he could think of nothing, and thathe hoped the General was not so near his end as he thought. Washingtonsmiled, and said that he certainly was, "and that, as it was a debtwhich we must all pay, he looked on the event with perfect resignation. "

Sometimes he seemed to be in pain and distress from the difficulty ofbreathing, and was very restless. Lear would then lie down upon the bedand raise and turn him as gently as possibly. Washington often said, "Iam afraid I shall fatigue you too much"; and when the young man assuredhim that he wished for nothing but to give him ease, Washington replied:

"Well, it is a debt we must pay to each other, and I hope that when youwant aid of this kind you will find it. "

He noticed that his servant, Christopher, had been standing most of theday, and told him to sit down. He asked when his nephew Lewis and hisadopted son Custis, who were away from home, would return. When hislifelong friend, Dr. Craik, came to his bedside, he said: "Doctor, I diehard, but I am not afraid to go. I believed from my first attack that Ishould not survive it. My breath cannot last long. " The doctor wasunable to answer from grief, and could only press his hand. 

He afterward said to all the physicians: "I feel myself going. I thankyou for your attentions; but, I pray you, take no more trouble about me. Let me go off quietly; I cannot last long. " He continued to be restlessand uneasy, but made no complaints, only asking now and then what timeit was. When Lear helped him to move, he gave the secretary a look ofgratitude. About ten o'clock at night he made several efforts to speakto Lear before he could do so. He finally said: "I am just going. Haveme decently buried; and do not let my body be put into the vault in lessthan three days after I am dead. " Lear nodded, for he could not speak. 

"Do you understand?" asked Washington. 

"Yes. "

"'Tis well, " said the dying man. 

About ten minutes before death his breathing became easier; he felt hisown pulse, and the expression of his face changed. One hand presentlyfell from the wrist of the other. Lear took it in his and pressed it tohis bosom. 

Mrs. Washington, who sat near the foot of the bed, asked in a firmvoice, "Is he gone?"

Lear was unable to speak, but made a sign that Washington was dead. 

"Tis well, " said she; "all is now over; I shall soon follow him; I haveno more trials to pass through. "

Washington died on December 14, 1799, in his sixty-eighth year. All hisneighbors and relatives assembled to attend his funeral; the militia andFreemasons of Alexandria were present; eleven pieces of artillery werebrought to Mount Vernon to do military honors, and a schooner which layin the Potomac fired minute guns. Washington's horse, with saddle, holster, and pistols, was led before the coffin by two grooms dressed inblack. The body was deposited in the old family vault, after short andsimple ceremonies. Washington was deeply mourned all over the UnitedStates, for never had a man been so beloved by his own countrymen. 

Washington left all of his estates to his wife for life; after her deaththey were to be divided between his nephews and nieces, and Mrs. Washington's grandchildren. He made his nephew, Bushrod Washington, hisprincipal heir, leaving Mount Vernon to him. He said that he did thispartly because he had promised the young man's father, his brother, JohnAugustine, when they were bachelors, to leave Mount Vernon to him incase he should fall in the French war. He willed that all his negroslaves should be set free on the death of his wife. He said that heearnestly wished that it might be done before this, but he feared itwould cause trouble on account of their intermarriages with the dowernegroes who came to Mrs. Washington from her first husband, and whom hehad no right to free. He willed also that such should be comfortablyclothed and fed by his heirs. To his five nephews he left his swords, with the injunction that they were "not to unsheath them for the purposeof shedding blood, except it be in self-defense, or in defense of theircountry and its rights; and in the latter case to keep them unsheathed, and prefer falling with them in their hands to the relinquishmentthereof. "

Washington's life is an open book. He knew that he was making history, and he kept careful copies of all his most important letters andwritings, so that it is impossible that there should be doubts on anyvery important point. So jealous was he of his own honorable reputation, that his last act as President was to file a denial of the authenticityof some spurious letters which were attributed to him by his politicalenemies. These letters were first published during the Revolution by theEnglish, and purported to be written by Washington to Lund Washington, to Mrs. Washington, and to John Parke Custis. The person who wrote themknew something of Washington's private affairs, but he made the Americangeneral say things which represented him as opposed to the independenceof the colonies. It was asserted that Washington in his retreat from NewYork left his servant Billy behind, and that these papers were found ina handbag which the valet carried. As it was well known in the army thatBilly had never been captured, Washington did not then think it needfulto deny having written these letters; but when they were brought forwardagain by his enemies during the last years of his Presidency, he wasalarmed lest they should go down to history as his own. Most ofWashington's writings which are preserved show him to us only as a gravepublic character, and lives of Washington drawn mainly from this sourceare apt to make the great man seem unnaturally cold, dignified, remote, and impressive. So usual has this view of Washington become, that thereis a common belief that he never laughed aloud--a belief which there aremany stories to refute. 

Washington had immense physical courage. In all the battles in which hefought he exposed himself fearlessly. His moral courage was evengreater. He never shrank from doing what he thought right because it waslikely to make him unpopular. Perhaps Washington's greatest qualitieswere his wisdom and prudence. These traits were very important in theleader of a young people engaged in a revolutionary struggle. He had fewbrilliant military successes, but it is impossible to say what he mightnot have done had he not been weighed down by immense difficulties. Hisinfluence over men was great, and those who were under him loved him. Hewas never swayed by mean motives, his actions were always honorable, andhe was generous even to those who were his bitter opponents. Though hewas a man of action, he thought deeply on many subjects. "Never, " saidJefferson, "did nature and fortune combine more perfectly to make a mangreat, and to place him in the same constellation with whatever worthieshave merited from man an everlasting remembrance. "

FOOTNOTES:

[17] "The Story of Washington. " D. Appleton & Co. , 1893. 

 * * * * *

THE MOUNT VERNON TRIBUTE[18]

WASHINGTON

The Defender of His Country, The Founder of Liberty, THE FRIEND OF MAN. 

History and Tradition are Explored in Vain for a Parallelto His Character. 

IN THE ANNALS OF MODERN GREATNESS, HE STANDS ALONE, And the Noblest Names of Antiquity Lose Their LustreIn His Presence. Born the Benefactor of Mankind, HeUnited All The Qualities Necessary to An IllustriousCareer. 

NATURE MADE HIM GREAT;

He made himself virtuous. 

Called By His Country To The Defence of Her Liberties, He Triumphantly Vindicated The Rights of Humanity, And on The Pillars of National Independence Laid theFoundations Of A Great Republic. Twice Invested Withthe Supreme Magistracy, By the Unanimous Voice of aFree People, He Surpassed In The Cabinet

THE GLORIES OF THE FIELD, And Voluntarily Resigning the Sceptre and the Sword, Retired to the Shades of Private Life. A Spectacle SoNew and So Sublime Was Contemplated With the ProfoundestAdmiration; And the Name of

WASHINGTON, Adding New Lustre to Humanity, Resounded To The Remotest Regions Of the Earth. Magnanimous in Youth, GLORIOUS THROUGH LIFE, GREAT IN DEATH, His Highest Ambition the Happiness of Mankind, His Noblest Victory the Conquest of Himself, Bequeathing to Posterity the Inheritance of His Fame, _And Building His Monument in the Hearts of HisCountrymen, _

He Lived the Ornament Of the Eighteenth Century, andDied Regretted By a Mourning World. 

FOOTNOTES:

[18] The author of this inscription is not known. It has beentranscribed from a manuscript copy written on the back of apicture-frame, in which is set a miniature likeness of Washington, andwhich hangs in one of the rooms of the mansion at Mount Vernon, where itwas left some time after Washington's death. --H. B. CARRINGTON. 

 * * * * *

THE WORDS OF WASHINGTON

BY DANIEL WEBSTER

_Delivered at the laying of the cornerstone of the new wing of theCapitol at Washington, July 4, 1851_

Washington! Methinks I see his venerable form now before me. He isdignified and grave; but concern and anxiety seem to soften thelineaments of his countenance. The government over which he presides isyet in the crisis of experiment. Not free from troubles at home, he seesthe world in commotion and arms all around him. He sees that imposingforeign powers are half disposed to try the strength of the recentlyestablished American Government. Mighty thoughts, mingled with fears aswell as with hopes, are struggling within him. He heads a shortprocession over these then naked fields; he crosses yonder stream on afallen tree; he ascends to the top of this eminence, whose original oaksof the forest stand as thick around him as if the spot had been devotedto Druidical worship, and here he performs the appointed duty of theday. 

And now, if this vision were a reality; if Washington now were actuallyamongst us, and if he could draw around him the shades of the greatpublic men of his own day, patriots and warriors, orators and statesmen, and were to address us in their presence, would he not say to us:

"Ye men of this generation, I rejoice and thank God for being able tosee that our labors, and toils, and sacrifices, were not in vain. Youare prosperous, you are happy, you are grateful. The fire of libertyburns brightly and steadily in your hearts, while duty and the lawrestrain it from bursting forth in wild and destructive conflagration. Cherish liberty, as you love it; cherish its securities, as you wish topreserve it. Maintain the Constitution which we labored so painfully toestablish, and which has been to you such a source of inestimableblessings. Preserve the Union of the States, cemented as it was by ourprayers, our tears, and our blood. Be true to God, to your country, andto your duty. So shall the whole Eastern world follow the morning sun, so contemplate you as a nation; so shall all generations honor you, asthey honor us; and so shall that Almighty power which so graciouslyprotected us, and which now protects you, shower its everlastingblessings upon you and your posterity!"

Great Father of your Country! We need your words; we feel their force, as if you now uttered them with lips of flesh and blood. Your exampleteaches us, your affectionate addresses teach us, your public lifeteaches us, your sense of the value of the blessings of the Union. Thoseblessings our fathers have tasted, and we have tasted, and still taste. Nor do we intend that those who come after us shall be denied the samehigh function. Our honor, as well as our happiness, is concerned. Wecannot, we dare not, we will not, betray our sacred trust. We will notfilch from posterity the treasure placed in our hands to be transmittedto other generations. The bow that gilds the clouds in the heavens, thepillars that uphold the firmament, may disappear and fall away in thehour appointed by the will of God; but, until that day comes, or so longas our lives may last, no ruthless hand shall undermine that bright archof Union and Liberty which spans the continent from Washington toCalifornia!

VI

TRIBUTES

MEMORIALS OF WASHINGTON[19]

BY HENRY B. CARRINGTON

Modern history, oratory, and poetry are so replete with tributes to thememory of Washington, that the entire progress of the civilized worldfor more than a century has been shaped by the influence of his life andprecepts. The memorial shaft at the national capital, which is theloftiest of human structures, and is inner-faced by typical expressionsof honor from nearly all nations, is a fit type of his surmountingmerit. The ceremonies which attended the cornerstone consecration andsignalized its completion are no less an honor to the distinguishedhistorian and statesman who voiced the acclamations of the Americanpeople than a perpetual testimonial worthy of the subject honored by theoccasion and by the monument. When the world pays willing tribute, andthe most ambitious monarch on earth would covet no higher plaudit thanthat he served his people as faithfully as Washington served America, itis difficult to fathom the depths of memorial sentiment and place inpublic view those which are the most worthy of study and appreciativerespect. The national life itself throbs through his transmitted life, and the aroma of his grace is as consciously breathed by statesmen andcitizens to-day as the invisible atmosphere which secures physicalvitality and force. Senator Vance of North Carolina, thus earnestlycommends to the youth of America the brightness and beauty of the greatexample:

 Greater soldiers, more intellectual statesmen, and profounder sages have doubtless existed in the history of the English race, perhaps in our own country, but not one who to great excellence in the threefold composition of man, the physical, intellectual, and moral, has added such exalted integrity, such unaffected piety, such unsullied purity of soul, and such wondrous control of his own spirit. He illustrated and adorned the civilization of Christianity, and furnished an example of the wisdom and perfection of its teachings which the subtlest arguments of its enemies cannot impeach. That one grand, rounded life, full-orbed with intellectual and moral glory, is worth, as the product of Christianity, more than all the dogmas of all the teachers. The youth of America who aspire to promote their own and their country's welfare should never cease to gaze upon his great example, or to remember that the brightest gems in the crown of his immortality, the qualities which uphold his fame on earth and plead for him in heaven, were those which characterized him as the patient, brave, Christian gentleman. In this respect he was a blessing to the whole human race no less than to his own countrymen, to the many millions who annually celebrate the day of his birth. 

Such sentiments fitly illustrate the controlling element of characterwhich made the conduct of Washington so peerless in the field and in thechair of state. His first utterances upon assuming command of theAmerican army before Boston, on the 2d of July, 1775, were a rebuke ofreligious bigotry and an impressive protest against gaming, swearing, and all immoral practices, which might forfeit divine aid in the greatstruggle for national independence. Succeeding orders, preparatory tothe battle of Long Island, in August, 1776, breathe the samespirit, --that which transfused all his activities, as with celestialfire, until he surrendered his commission with a devout and publicrecognition of Almighty God as the author of his success. 

FOOTNOTES:

[19] From the "Patriotic Reader. " Lippincott Co. 

 * * * * *

FROM THE "COMMEMORATION ODE"

_World's Columbian Exposition, Chicago, October 21, 1892_

BY HARRIET MONROE

WASHINGTON

 When dreaming kings, at odds with swift-paced time, Would strike that banner down, A nobler knight than ever writ or rhyme With fame's bright wreath did crown Through armed hosts bore it till it floated high Beyond the clouds, a light that cannot die! Ah, hero of our younger race! Great builder of a temple new! Ruler, who sought no lordly place! Warrior, who sheathed the sword he drew! Lover of men, who saw afar A world unmarred by want or war, Who knew the path, and yet forbore To tread, till all men should implore; Who saw the light, and led the way Where the gray world might greet the day; Father and leader, prophet sure, Whose will in vast works shall endure, How shall we praise him on this day of days, Great son of fame who has no need of praise?

 How shall we praise him? Open wide the doors Of the fair temple whose broad base he laid. Through its white halls a shadowy cavalcade Of heroes moves o'er unresounding floors-- Men whose brawned arms upraised these columns high, And reared the towers that vanish in the sky, -- The strong who, having wrought, can never die. 

 * * * * *

WASHINGTON'S STATUE

BY HENRY THEODORE TUCKERMAN

 The quarry whence thy form majestic sprung Has peopled earth with grace, Heroes and gods that elder bards have sung, A bright and peerless race; But from its sleeping veins ne'er rose before A shape of loftier name Than his, who Glory's wreath with meekness wore, The noblest son of Fame. Sheathed is the sword that Passion never stained; His gaze around is cast, As if the joys of Freedom, newly gained, Before his vision passed; As if a nation's shout of love and pride With music filled the air, And his calm soul was lifted on the tide Of deep and grateful prayer; As if the crystal mirror of his life To fancy sweetly came, With scenes of patient toil and noble strife, Undimmed by doubt or shame; As if the lofty purpose of his soul Expression would betray-- The high resolve Ambition to control, And thrust her crown away! O, it was well in marble firm and white To carve our hero's form, Whose angel guidance was our strength in fight, Our star amid the storm! Whose matchless truth has made his name divine And human freedom sure, His country great, his tomb earth's dearest shrine. While man and time endure! And it is well to place his image there Upon the soil he blest: Let meaner spirits, who its councils share, Revere that silent guest! Let us go up with high and sacred love To look on his pure brow, And as, with solemn grace, he points above, Renew the patriot's vow!

TRIBUTES

_Extract from an address by President Gary of the Union League Club, atthe celebration of Washington's Birthday at the Auditorium, Chicago, February 22, 1900_

It is needless to dispute with others as to Washington's rank in minorthings. We know that for us and for our country his is the greatest namethat lives; that in the grand struggle and march for freedom he washumanity's greatest leader, and that through us as a nation he gave tothe world its chiefest example of republican self-government And nowthat his greatness is acknowledged and his praises sung the world round, our hearts swell with pride and gratitude that he is ours; ourcountryman; our great American; our Washington. Not the safe andinvincible general merely, not the wise first President, but GeorgeWashington, the sublime personality, greatest seen when all props andscaffoldings of rank and station are torn away. 

 * * * * *

From Green's "_History of the English People_":

No nobler figure ever stood in the forefront of a nation's life. Washington was grave and courteous in address; his manners were simpleand unpretending; his silence and the serene calmness of his temperspoke of a perfect self-mastery; but little there was in his outerbearing to reveal the grandeur of soul which lifts his figure with allthe simple majesty of an ancient statue, out of the smaller passions, the meaner impulses of the world around him. 

It was only as the weary fight went on that the colonists learned, little by little, the greatness of their leader--his clear judgment, hiscalmness in the hour of danger or defeat; the patience with which hewaited, the quickness and hardness with which he struck, the lofty andserene sense of duty that never swerved from its task through resentmentor jealousy, that never, through war or peace, felt the touch of ameaner ambition; that knew no aim save that of guarding the freedom ofhis fellow-countrymen; and no personal longing save that of returning tohis own fireside when their freedom was secured. 

It was almost unconsciously that men learned to cling to Washington witha trust and faith such as few other men have won, and to regard him withreverence which still hushes us in presence of his memory. 

 * * * * *

Washington's is the mightiest name of earth--long since mightiest in thecause of civil liberty; still mightiest in moral reformation. On thatname no eulogy is expected. It cannot be. To add brightness to the sun, or glory to the name of Washington, is alike impossible. Let noneattempt it. In solemn awe pronounce the name, and in its naked deathlesssplendor leave it shining on. 

ABRAHAM LINCOLN. 

 * * * * *

Washington cannot be stripped of any part of his credit for patriotism, wisdom, and courage; for the union of enterprise with prudence; forintegrity and truthfulness; for simply dignity of character; for tactand forbearance in dealing with men; above all for serene fortitude inthe darkest hour of his cause, and under trials from the perversity, insubordination, jealousy, and perfidy of those around him, severer thanany defeat. 

GOLDWIN SMITH. 

 * * * * *

The life of our Washington cannot suffer by a comparison with those ofother countries who have been most celebrated and exalted by fame. Theattributes and decorations of royalty could have only served to eclipsethe majesty of those virtues which made him, from being a modestcitizen, a more resplendent luminary. 

Malice could never blast his honor, and envy made him a single exceptionto her universal rule. For himself he had lived enough to life and toglory. For his fellow-citizens, if their prayers could have beenanswered, he would have been immortal. His example is complete, and itwill teach wisdom and virtue to magistrates, citizens, and men, not onlyin the present age, but in future generations, as long as our historyshall be read. 

JOHN ADAMS. 

 * * * * *

His character, though regular and uniform, possessed none of thelittleness which may sometimes belong to these descriptions of men. Itformed a majestic pile, the effect of which was not inspired, butimproved, by order and symmetry. There was nothing in it to dazzle bywildness, and surprise by eccentricity. It was of a higher species ofmoral beauty. It contained everything great and elevated, but it had nofalse or trivial ornament. It was not the model cried up by fashion andcircumstance: its excellence was adapted to the true and just moraltaste, incapable of change from the varying accidents of manners, ofopinions, and times. General Washington is not the idol of a day, butthe hero of ages. 

ANONYMOUS. 

 * * * * *

Washington stands alone and unapproachable like a snow peak rising aboveits fellows into the clear air of morning, with a dignity, constancy, and purity which have made him the ideal type of civic virtue tosucceeding generations. 

JAMES BRYCE. 

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 Pale is the February sky, And brief the midday's sunny hours; The wind-swept forest seems to sigh For the sweet time of leaves and flowers. 

 Yet has no month a prouder day, Not even when the Summer broods O'er meadows in their fresh array, Or Autumn tints the glowing woods. 

 For this chill season now again Brings, in its annual round, the morn When, greatest of the sons of men, Our glorious Washington was born!

 * * * * *

 Amid the wreck of thrones shall live Unmarred, undimmed, our hero's fame, And years succeeding years shall give Increase of honors to his name. 

WILLIAM CULLEN BRYANT. 

 * * * * *

Washington, the warrior and legislator! In war contending, by the wagerof battle, for the independence of his country, and for the freedom ofthe human race; ever manifesting amidst its horrors, by precept andexample, his reverence for the laws of peace and the tenderestsympathies of humanity: in peace soothing the ferocious spirit ofdiscord among his countrymen into harmony and union; and giving to thatvery sword, now presented to his country, a charm more potent than thatattributed in ancient times to the lyre of Orpheus. 

JOHN QUINCY ADAMS. 

 * * * * *

George Washington may justly be pronounced one of the greatest men whomthe world has produced. Greater soldiers, more intellectual statesmen, and profounder sages have doubtlessly existed in the history of theEnglish race--perhaps in our own country--but no one who to greatexcellence in each of these fields has added such exalted integrity, such unaffected piety, such unsullied purity of soul, and such wondrouscontrol of his own spirit. That one grand rounded life, full-orbed withintellectual and moral glory, is worth, as the product of Christianity, more than all the dogmas of all the teachers. He was a blessing to thewhole human race, no less than to his own countrymen--to the manymillions who celebrate the day of his birth. 

ZEBULON B. VANCE. 

 * * * * *

First in war, first in peace, first in the hearts of his countrymen, hewas second to none in the humble and endearing scenes of private life;pious, just, humane, temperate, and sincere, uniform, dignified, andcommanding, his example was as edifying to all around him, as were theeffects of that example lasting. 

HENRY LEE. 

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Happy was it for America, happy for the world, that a great name, aguardian genius, presided over her destinies in war. The hero of Americawas the conqueror only of his country's foes, and the hearts of hiscountrymen. To the one he was a terror, and in the other he gained anascendency, supreme, unrivaled, the triumph of admiring gratitude, thereward of a nation's love. 

JARED SPARKS. 

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The sword of Washington! The staff of Franklin! Oh sir, whatassociations are linked in adamant with these names! Washington, whosesword, as my friend has said, was never drawn but in the cause of hiscountry, and never sheathed when wielded in his country's cause. Franklin, the philosopher of the thunderbolt, the printing-press, andthe plowshare. 

JOHN QUINCY ADAMS. 

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Others of our great men have been appreciated, --many admired by all. Buthim we love. Him we all love. About and around him we call up nodissentient and discordant and dissatisfied elements, no sectionalprejudice nor bias, no party, no creed, no dogma of politics. None ofthese shall assail him. When the storm of battle blows darkest and rageshighest, the memory of Washington shall nerve every American arm andcheer every American heart. It shall relume that Promethean fire, thatsublime flame of patriotism, that devoted love of country, which hiswords have commended, which his example has consecrated. 

RUFUS CHOATE. 

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 Where may the wearied eyes repose When gazing on the great, Where neither guilty glory glows Nor despicable state? Yes, --one, the first, the last, the best, The Cincinnatus of the West, Whom envy dared not hate, Bequeathed the name of Washington To make men blush there was but one. 

LORD BYRON. 

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_From "Washington's Vow, " by John Greenleaf Whittier, read at thededication of the Washington Arch, at New York City, 1889_

 How felt the land in every part The strong throb of a nation's heart? As its great leader gave, with reverent awe, His pledge to Union, Liberty, and Law!

 That pledge the heavens above him heard, That vow the sleep of centuries stirred. In world-wide wonder listening peoples bent Their gaze on Freedom's great experiment. 

 * * * * *

 Thank God! the people's choice was just! The one man equal to his trust. Wise without lore, and without weakness good, Calm in the strength of flawless rectitude. 

 * * * * *

 Our first and Best--his ashes lie Beneath his own Virginia sky. Forgive, forget, oh! true and just and brave, The storm that swept above thy sacred grave. 

 * * * * *

 Then let the sovereign millions where Our banner floats in sun and air, From the warm palm-lands to Alaska's cold, Repeat with us the pledge, a century old!

Let a man fasten himself to some great idea, some large truth, somenoble cause, even in the affairs of this world, and it will send himforward with energy, with steadfastness, with confidence. This is whatEmerson meant when he said: "Hitch your wagon to a star. " These are thepotent, the commanding, the enduring men, --in our own history, men likeWashington and Lincoln. They may fail, they may be defeated, they mayperish; but onward moves the cause, and their souls go marching on withit, for they are part of it, they have believed in it. 

HENRY VAN DYKE. 

 * * * * *

 O name forever to thy country dear! Still wreath'd with pride, "still uttered with a tear!" Thou that could'st rouse a nation's host to arms, Could'st calm the spreading tumult of alarms, Of civil discord, awe the threatening force And check even Anarchy's licentious course! Long as exalted worth commands applause, Long as the virtuous bow to virtue's laws, Long as thy reverence and honor join'd, Long as the hero's glory warms the mind, Long as the flame of gratitude shall burn, Or human tears bedew the patriot's urn, Thy sound shall dwell on each Columbian tongue And live lamented in elegiac song! Till some bold bard, inspired with Delphic rage! Shall with thy lusters fire his epic page!

 In Fate's vast chronicle of future time, The mystic mirror of events sublime Where deeds of virtue gild each pregnant page And some grand epoch makes each coming age, Where germs of future history strike the eye And empires' rise and fall in embryo lie, Though statesmen, heroes, sages, chiefs abound Yet none of worth like Washington's are found!

 * * * * *

 Rear to his name a monument sublime! Bid art and genius all their powers bestow, And let the pile with life and grandeur glow. High on the top let Fame with trumpet's sound, Announce his god-like deeds to worlds around! Let Pallas lead her hero to the field, In Wisdom's train, and cover with her shield. A sword present to dazzle from afar And flash bright terrors through the ranks of war. With port august let oak-wreath'd Freedom stand And hail him father of the chosen land; With laurels deck him, with due honors greet, And crowns and scepters place beneath his feet; Let Peace, her olive blooming like the morn, And kindred Plenty with her teeming horn, With Commerce, child, and regent of the main, While Arts and Agriculture join the train, Rear a sad altar, bend around his urn, And to their guardian, grateful incense burn! Let History calm, in thoughtful mood reclin'd, Record his actions to enrich mankind, And Poesy divine his deeds rehearse In all the energy of epic verse!

 To future ages there let Mercy own He never from her bosom forc'd a groan; Here let a statesman, there a reverend sage To mark and emulate his steps engage, Columbia widow'd, count his virtues o'er, Around his tomb her pearly sorrows pour, And mild Religion of celestial mien Point to her patron's place, in realms unseen! Then stamp in gold the monument above The mournful tribute of a nation's love! But not alone in scenes where glory fir'd, He mov'd, no less, in civic walks admir'd! Though long a warrior, choice of human blood, As Brutus noble, and as Titus good! To all that formed the hero of the age, He joined the patriot and the peaceful sage, The statesman powerful and the ruler just, No less illustrious than the chief august; And to condense his characters in one, The god-like Father of his Country shone!

_From an old Magazine_. 

 * * * * *

 Hail, brightest banner that floats on the gale, Flag of the country of Washington, hail! Red are thy stripes with the blood of the brave; Bright are thy stars as the sun on the wave; Wrapt in thy folds are the hopes of the free. Banner of Washington!--blessings on thee!

 Traitors shall perish and treason shall fail; Kingdoms and thrones in thy glory grow pale! Thou shalt live on, and thy people shall own Loyalty's sweet, when each heart is thy throne; Union and Freedom thine heritage be. Country of Washington!--blessings on thee!

WILLIAM S. ROBINSON. 

 * * * * *

 Point of that pyramid whose solid base Rests firmly founded on a nation's trust, Which, While the gorgeous palace sinks in dust, Shall stand sublime, and fill its ample space. 

 Elected chief of freemen! greater far Than kings whose glittering parts are fixed by birth-- Nam'd by thy country's voice for long try'd worth, Her crown in peace, as once her shield in war!

 Deign, Washington, to hear a British lyre, That ardent greets thee with applausive lays, And to the patriot hero homage pays. 

 O, would the muse immortal strains inspire, That high beyond all Greek and Roman fame, Might soar to times unborn, thy purer, nobler name!

DOCTOR AIKIN. 

 * * * * *

Had he, a mortal, the failings attached to man?--Was he the slave ofavarice? No. Wealth was an object too mean for his regard, and yeteconomy presided over his domestic concerns; for his mind was too loftyto brook dependence. Was he ambitious? No. His spirit soared beyondambition's reach. He saw a crown high above all human grandeur. Hesought, he gained, and wore that crown. But he had indeed onefrailty--the weakness of great minds. He was fond of fame, and hadreared a colossal reputation. It stood on the rock of his virtue. Thiswas dear to his heart. There was but one thing dearer. He loved glory, but still more he loved his country. That was the master passion, andwith resistless might it ruled his every thought and word and deed. 

GOUVERNEUR MORRIS. 

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Washington! Father and deliverer of his country! What sweetness dwellsin his name--a name sounded by million-tongued fame through her goldentrumpet into distant worlds. The sooty African that traverses Niger'ssandy waste--the Algerian desperate in fight--the half-livedLaplander--the Arabian, swift as the wind--the Scythian--the inoffensiveBrahmin, --have all heard it, and when mentioned, revere it. 

WILLIAM CLARK FRAZER. 

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Three times Washington's character saved the country; once by keeping upthe courage of the nation till the Revolutionary War was ended; then, byuniting the nation in the acceptance of the Federal Constitution;thirdly, by saving it from being swept away into anarchy and civil warduring the immense excitement of the French Revolution. Such was thegift of Washington, a gift of God to the nation, as far beyond any otherof God's gifts as virtue is more than genius, as character is more thanintellect, as wise conduct is better than outward prosperity. 

JAMES FREEMAN CLARKE. 

 * * * * *

Patriots of America--and military officers of every name, view the greatexample that is set before you. Emulate the virtues of Washington, andin due time your heads will also be adorned with the wreath of honor. Here you learn what is true and unfading glory. You will see that it isnot the man who is led on by the blind impulse of ambition; who rushesinto the midst of embattled hosts, merely to show his contempt of death;or who wastes fair cities or depopulates rich provinces, --to spread farthe terrors of his name--who is admired and praised as the true hero andfriend of mankind;--but the man, who, in obedience to the public voice, appears in arms for the salvation of his country, shuns no perils in ajust cause, endeavors to alleviate instead of increase the calamities ofwar, and whose aim is to strengthen and adorn the temple of liberty, asresting on the immovable basis of virtue and religion. The voice ofjustice and the voice of suffering humanity forbid us to bestow the palmof true valor on the mad exploits of the destroyers of mankind. 

Washington's delight was to save, not to destroy. His greatest glory isthat with small armies and the loss of few lives--compared with thewastes of other wars--he made his country free and happy. 

ROBERT DAVIDSON. 

 * * * * *

Brave without temerity, laborious without ambition, generous withoutprodigality, noble without pride, virtuous without severity--Washingtonseems always to have confined himself within those limits where thevirtues, by clothing themselves in more lively but more changeable anddoubtful colors, may be mistaken for faults. Inspiring respect, heinspires confidence, and his smile is always the smile of benevolence. 

MARQUIS CHASTELLEUX. 

 * * * * *

God has given this nation many precious gifts; but the chief gift ofall, the one, we may say, which has added something to every other one, is the gift of this great soldier, this great statesman, this great andgood man, this greatest of all Americans, past, present--past, if not tocome. Our heritage from him is illustrious above all others. 

ANONYMOUS. 

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 Great without pomp, without ambition brave, Proud, not to conquer fellow-men, but save; Friend to the weak, a foe to none but those Who plan their greatness on their brethrens' woes; Aw'd by no titles--undefil'd by lust-- Free without faction--obstinately just; Warm'd by religion's sacred, genuine ray, That points to future bliss the unerring way; Yet ne'er control'd by superstition's laws, That worst of tyrants in the noblest cause. 

--_From a London Newspaper_. 

 * * * * *

Extract from a translation of a Dutch Ode to Washington. Dr. O'Calla hasmade a literal translation; Alfred B. Street, of Albany, the poeticaltranslation. 

 No lofty monument thy greatness needs; The freedom which America from thee Received, and happiness of thy great deeds The everlasting monument shall be. 

 Thy proud foot trampled on the British chain; But O! beware lest some false foreign power Rivet his fetters on thy land again, For despots smile while waiting for their hour. 

 How deeply touched, Humanity! your soul, When you beheld the grateful tears that rained Down a glad Nation's cheek, as Freedom's goal Was by that Nation's might in triumph gained. 

 O, Fatherland, whoever loves thy fame, Sighing shall mourn thy glory lost, when won; Freedom, when leaving thee, lit up her flame Within the patriot heart of Washington. 

 When Time shall sink in everlasting gloom, And Death with Time shall cease for evermore; When the dead burst the cerements of the tomb, As the last trumpet breaks in thunder o'er;

 Then as it feels its pulses once more free, Let every heart Columbia claims as son Beat first for God, but let its next throb be For the eternal bliss of Washington. 

 * * * * *

The character of Washington! Who can delineate it worthily? Modest, disinterested, generous, just, of clean hands and a pure heart, self-denying and self-sacrificing, seeking nothing for himself, declining all remuneration beyond the reimbursement of his outlays, scrupulous to a farthing in keeping his accounts, of spotless integrity, scorning gifts, charitable to the needy, forgiving injuries andinjustices, brave, fearless, heroic, with a prudence ever governing hisimpulses, a wisdom ever guiding his valor, true to his friends, true tohis country, true to himself, fearing God, no stranger to privatedevotion or public worship, but ever recognizing a divine aid anddirection in all that he accomplished. His magnetism was that of merit, superior, surpassing merit; the merit of spotless integrity, ofrecognized ability, and of unwearied willingness to spend and be spentin the service of his country. 

ROBERT C. WINTHROP. 

 * * * * *

One of the best of modern Americans, James Russell Lowell, who was bornon the same day of the month as Washington, February 22d, 1819, wroteshortly before his death, to a schoolgirl, whose class proposed noticinghis own birthday: "Whatever else you do on the twenty-second ofFebruary, recollect, first of all, that on that day a really great manwas born, and do not fail to warm your hearts with the memory of hisservice, and to brace your minds with the contemplation of hischaracter. The rest of us must wait uncovered till he be served. "

ELBRIDGE S. BROOKS. 

 * * * * *

The fame of Washington stands apart from every other in history, shiningwith a truer luster and a more benignant glory. With us his memoryremains a national property, where all sympathies, throughout our widelyextended and diversified empire meet in unison. Under all dissensionsand amid all the storms of party, his precepts and example speak to usfrom the grave with a paternal appeal; and his name--by allrevered--forms a universal brotherhood, a watchword of our Union. 

IRVING AND FISKE. 

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The soul of Washington was one of the grandest of all ages that takesits equal rank with Greek and Roman and Hebrew names of renown forhumane and prime worth, names that seem written not in our poor records, but on the sky's arch--names in the broad sunshine of whose moral glory, spreading through the world, all the little fires which men have madewith the kindling of words from abstract conceptions, --go out. Forhowever otherwise a man may be distinguished--unless there be in him aspirit of love, devotion, and self-sacrifice, we feel he lacks the verypith and beauty of manhood; and though he may be a great performer withhis pen as one plays well on a musical instrument, a Great Being he isnot. 

_Christian Examiner_. 

 * * * * *

It will be the duty of the historian and the sage of all nations to letno occasion pass of commemorating this illustrious man; and until timeshall be no more, will a test of the progress which our race has made inwisdom and virtue, be derived from the veneration paid to the immortalname of Washington. 

LORD BROUGHAM. 

 * * * * *

The character of Washington may want some of those poetical elements, but it possessed fewer inequalities and a rarer union of virtues thanperhaps ever fell to the lot of any other man. Prudence, firmness, sagacity, moderation, an overruling judgment, an immovable justice, courage that never faltered, patience that never wearied, truth thatdisdained all artifice, magnanimity without alloy. It seems as ifProvidence had endowed him in a pre-eminent degree with the qualitiesrequisite to fit him for the high destiny he was called upon to fulfill. 

IRVING AND FISKE. 

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WASHINGTON'S NAME IN THE HALL OF FAME

BY MARGARET E. SANGSTER

 Republics are ungrateful, but ours, its best-loved son Still keeps in memory green, and wreathes the name of Washington. As year by year returns the day that saw the patriot's birth, With boom of gun and beat of drum and peals of joy and mirth, And songs of children in the streets and march of men-at-arms, We honor pay to him who stood serene 'mid war's alarms; And with his ragged volunteers long kept the foe at bay, And bore the flag to victory in many a battle's day. 

 We were a little nation then; so mighty have we grown That scarce would Washington believe to-day we were his own. With ships that sail on every sea, and sons in every port, And harvest-fields to feed the world, wherever food is short, And if at council-board our chiefs are now discreet and wise, And if to great estate and high, our farmers' lads may rise, We owe a debt to him who set the fashion of our fame, And never more may we forget our loftiest hero's name. 

 Great knightly soul who came in time to serve his country's need, To serve her with the timely word and with the valiant deed, Along the ages brightening as endless cycles run Undimmed and gaining luster in the twentieth century's sun, First in our Hall of Fame we write the name all folk may ken, As first in war, and first in peace, first with his countrymen. 

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ESTIMATES OF WASHINGTON

George Washington, the brave, the wise, the good. Supreme in war, incouncil, and in peace. Washington, valiant, without ambition; discreet, without fear; confident, without presumption. 

DR. ANDREW LEE. 

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More than any other individual, and as much as to one individual waspossible, has he contributed to found this, our wide spreading empire, and to give to the Western World independence and freedom. 

CHIEF JUSTICE MARSHALL. 

 * * * * *

Let him who looks for a monument to Washington look around the UnitedStates. Your freedom, your independence, your national power, yourprosperity, and your prodigious growth are a monument to him. 

KOSSUTH. 

 * * * * *

More than all, and above all, Washington was master of himself. If therebe one quality more than another in his character which may exercise auseful control over the men of the present hour, it is the totaldisregard of self when in the most elevated positions for influence andexample. 

CHARLES FRANCIS ADAMS. 

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WASHINGTON'S RELIGIOUS CHARACTER

BY WILLIAM M'KINLEY

_In an Address, February 22, 1898_

Though Washington's exalted character and the most striking acts of hisbrilliant record are too familiar to be recounted here, yet often as thestory is retold, it engages our love and admiration and interest. Welove to record his noble unselfishness, his heroic purposes, the powerof his magnificent personality, his glorious achievements for mankind, and his stalwart and unflinching devotion to independence, liberty, andunion. These cannot be too often told or be too familiarly known. 

A slaveholder himself, he yet hated slavery, and provided in his willfor the emancipation of his slaves. Not a college graduate, he wasalways enthusiastically the friend of liberal education.... 

And how reverent always was this great man, how prompt and generous hisrecognition of the guiding hand of Divine Providence in establishing andcontrolling the destinies of the colonies and the Republic.... 

Washington states the reasons of his belief in language so exalted thatit should be graven deep in the mind of every patriot:

 No people can be bound to acknowledge and adore the invisible hand which conducts the affairs of man more than the people of the United States. Every step by which they have advanced to the character of an independent nation seems to have been distinguished by some token of providential agency; and in the important revolution just accomplished in the system of their united government the tranquil deliberations and voluntary consents of so many distinguished communities from which the events resulted cannot be compared with the means by which most governments have been established, without some return of pious gratitude, along with an humble anticipation of the future blessings which the same seems to presage. The reflections arising out of the present crisis have forced themselves strongly upon my mind. You will join me, I trust, in thinking that there are none under the influence of which the proceedings of a new and free government are more auspiciously commenced. 

In his Farewell Address, Washington contends in part:

 (1) For the promotion of institutions of learning;

 (2) for cherishing the public credit;

 (3) for the observance of good faith and justice toward all nations.... 

At no point in his administration does Washington appear in granderproportions than when he enunciates his ideas in regard to the foreignpolicy of the government:

 Observe good faith and justice toward all nations; cultivate peace and harmony with all; religion and morality enjoin this conduct. 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 magnanimous and too novel example of a people always guided by an exalted justice and benevolence. 

 * * * * *

WASHINGTON

ANONYMOUS

We are met to testify our regard for him whose name is intimatelyblended with whatever belongs most essentially to the prosperity, theliberty, the free institutions, and the renown of our country. That namewas a power to rally a nation in the hour of thick-thronging publicdisasters and calamities; that name shone amid the storm of war, abeacon light to cheer and guide the country's friends; its flame, too, like a meteor, to repel her foes. That name in the days of peace was aloadstone, attracting to itself a whole people's confidence, a wholepeople's love, and the whole world's respect; that name, descendingwith all time, spread over the whole earth, and uttered in all thelanguages belonging to the tribes and races of men, will forever bepronounced with affectionate gratitude by everyone in whose breast thereshall arise an aspiration for human rights and human liberty. 

Washington stands at the commencement of a new era, as well as at thehead of the New World. A century from the birth of Washington haschanged the world. The country of Washington has been the theater onwhich a great part of that change has been wrought, and Washingtonhimself a principal agent by which it has been accomplished. His age andhis country are equally full of wonders, and of both he is the chief. 

It is the spirit of human freedom, the new elevation of individual man, in his moral, social, and political character, leading the whole longtrain of other improvements, which has most remarkably distinguished theera. Society has assumed a new character; it has raised itself frombeneath governments to a participation in governments; it has mixedmoral and political objects with the daily pursuits of individual men, and, with a freedom and strength before altogether unknown, it hasapplied to these objects the whole power of the human understanding. Ithas been the era, in short, when the social principle has triumphed overthe feudal principle; when society has maintained its rights againstmilitary power, and established on foundations never hereafter to beshaken its competency to govern itself. 

VII

WASHINGTON'S PLACE IN HISTORY

THE HIGHEST PEDESTAL

BY WILLIAM E. GLADSTONE

When I first read in detail the life of Washington, I was profoundlyimpressed with the moral elevation and greatness of his character, and Ifound myself at a loss to name among the statesmen of any age or countrymany, or possibly any, who could be his rival. In saying this I mean nodisparagement to the class of politicians, the men of my own craft andcloth, whom in my own land, and my own experience, I have found no lessworthy than other men of love and admiration. I could name among themthose who seem to me to come near even to him. But I will shut out thelast half century from the comparison. I will then say that if, amongall the pedestals supplied by history for public characters ofextraordinary nobility and purity, I saw one higher than all the rest, and if I were required at a moment's notice to name the fittest occupantfor it, I think my choice at any time during the last forty-five yearswould have lighted, as it would now light, upon Washington. 

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WASHINGTON IN HISTORY

BY CHAUNCEY M. DEPEW

No man ever stood for so much to his country and to mankind as GeorgeWashington. Hamilton, Jefferson, Adams, Madison, and Jay eachrepresented some of the elements which formed the Union. Washingtonembodied them all. 

The superiority of Washington's character and genius were moreconspicuous in the formation of our government and in putting it onindestructible foundations than leading armies to victory and conqueringthe independence of his country. "The Union in any event" is the centralthought of the "Farewell Address, " and all the years of his grand lifewere devoted to its formation and preservation. 

Do his countrymen exaggerate his virtues? Listen to Guizot, thehistorian of civilization: "Washington did the two greatest things whichin politics it is permitted to man to attempt. He maintained by peacethe independence of his country, which he conquered by war. He founded afree government in the name of the principles of order, and byre-establishing their sway. "

Hear Lord Erskine, the most famous of English advocates: "You are theonly being for whom I have an awful reverence. "

Remember the tribute of Charles James Fox, the greatest parliamentaryorator who ever swayed the British House of Commons: "Illustrious man, before whom all borrowed greatness sinks into insignificance. "

Contemplate the character of Lord Brougham, pre-eminent for twogenerations in every department of human thought and activity, and thenimpress upon the memories of your children his deliberate judgment:"Until time shall be no more will a test of the progress which our racehas made in wisdom and virtue be derived from the veneration paid to theimmortal name of Washington. "

Blot out from the page of history the names of all the great actors ofhis time in the drama of nations, and preserve the name of Washington, and the century would be renowned. 

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TO THE SHADE OF WASHINGTON

BY RICHARD ALSOP

 Exalted chief, in thy superior mind What vast resource, what various talents joined! Tempered with social virtue's milder rays, There patriot worth diffused a purer blaze; Formed to command respect, esteem, inspire, Midst statesmen grave, or midst the social choir, With equal skill the sword or pen to wield, In council great, unequaled in the field, Mid glittering courts or rural walks to please, Polite with grandeur, dignified with ease; Before the splendors of thy high renown How fade the glow-worn lusters of a crown; How sink diminished in that radiance lost The glare of conquest, and of power the boast. Let Greece her Alexander's deeds proclaim; Or Cæsar's triumphs gild the Roman name; Stripped of the dazzling glare around them cast, Shrinks at their crimes humanity aghast; With equal claim to honor's glorious meed. See Attila his course of havoc lead! O'er Asia's realms, in one vast ruin hurled. See furious Zingis' bloody flag unfurled. On base far different from the conqueror's claim Rests the unsullied column of thy fame; His on the woes of millions proudly based, With blood cemented and with tears defaced; Thine on a nation's welfare fixed sublime, By freedom strengthened and revered by time. He, as the Comet, whose portentous light Spreads baleful splendor o'er the glooms of night, With chill amazement fills the startled breast. While storms and earthquakes dire its course attest, And nature trembles, lest, in chaos hurled, Should sink the tottering fabric of the world. Thou, like the Sun, whose kind propitious ray Opes the glad morn and lights the fields of day, Dispels the wintry storm, the chilling rain, With rich abundance clothes the smiling plain, Gives all creation to rejoice around, And life and light extends o'er nature's utmost bound. Though shone thy life a model bright of praise, Not less the example bright thy death portrays, When, plunged in deepest we, around thy bed, Each eye was fixed, despairing sunk each head, While nature struggled with severest pain, And scarce could life's last lingering powers retain: In that dread moment, awfully serene, No trace of suffering marked thy placid mien, No groan, no murmuring plaint, escaped thy tongue, No lowering shadows on thy brow were hung; But calm in Christian hope, undamped with fear, Thou sawest the high reward of virtue near, On that bright meed in sweetest trust reposed, As thy firm hand thine eyes expiring closed, Pleased, to the will of heaven resigned thy breath, And smiled as nature's struggles closed in death. 

 * * * * *

THE MAJESTIC EMINENCE OF WASHINGTON

BY CHAUNCEY M. DEPEW

_In an Address, February 22, 1888_

"Time's noblest offspring is the last. "

As the human race has moved along down the centuries, the vigorous andambitious, the dissenters from blind obedience and the originalthinkers, the colonists and state builders, have broken camp with themorning, and followed the sun till the close of day. They have leftbehind narrow and degrading laws, traditions, and castes. Theirtriumphant success is pushing behind every bayonet carried at the orderof Kaiser or Czar; men, who, in doing their own thinking, will one daydecide for themselves the problems of peace and war. 

The scenes of the fifth act of the grand drama are changing, but allattention remains riveted upon one majestic figure. He stands thenoblest leader who ever was intrusted with his country's life. Hispatience under provocation, his calmness in danger, and lofty couragewhen all others despaired, his prudent delays when delay was best, andhis quick and resistless blows when action was possible, his magnanimityto defamers and generosity to his foes, his ambition for his country andunselfishness for himself, his sole desire of freedom and independencefor America, and his only wish to return after victory to private life, have all combined to make him, by the unanimous judgment of the world, the foremost figure of history. 

 * * * * *

FOR A LITTLE PUPIL

ANONYMOUS

 "Napoleon was great, I know, And Julius Cæsar, and all the rest, But they didn't belong to us, and so I like George Washington the best. "

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WASHINGTON'S FAME

BY ASHER ROBBINS

It is the peculiar good fortune of this country to have given birth to acitizen whose name everywhere produces a sentiment of regard for hiscountry itself. In other countries, whenever and wherever this isspoken of to be praised, it is called the country of Washington. Ibelieve there is no people, civilized or savage, in any place howeverremote, where the name of Washington has not been heard, and where it isnot respected with the fondest admiration. We are told that the Arab ofthe desert talks of Washington in his tent, and that his name isfamiliar to the wandering Scythian. He seems, indeed, to be the delightof humankind, as their beau-ideal of human nature. No American, in anypart of the world, but has found the regard for himself increased by hisconnection with Washington, as his fellow-countryman; and who has notfelt a pride, and has occasion to exult, in the fortunate connection?

A century and more has now passed away since he came upon the stage, andhis fame first broke upon the world; for it broke like the blaze of dayfrom the rising sun--almost as sudden, and seemingly as universal. Theeventful period since that era has teemed with great men, who havecrossed the scene and passed off. Some of them have arrested greatattention--very great. Still Washington retains his preëminent place inthe minds of men; still his peerless name is cherished by them in thesame freshness of delight as in the morn of its glory. History will keepa record of his fame; but history is not necessary to perpetuate it. Inregions where history is not read, where letters are unknown, it lives, and will go down from age to age, in all future time, in theirtraditionary lore. Who would exchange this fame, the common inheritanceof our country, for the fame of any individual which any country of anytime can boast? I would not; with my sentiments I could not. 

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WASHINGTON

_The Brightest Name on History's Page_

BY ELIZA COOK

 Land of the West! though passing brief the record of thine age, Thou hast a name that darkens all on history's wide page! Let all the blasts of Fame ring out, --thine shall be loudest far; Let others boast their satellites, --thou hast the planet star. Thou hast a name whose characters of light shall ne'er depart; 'Tis stamped upon the dullest brain, and warms the coldest heart; A war-cry fit for any land where freedom's to be won; Land of the West! it stands alone, --it is thy Washington!

 Rome had its Cæsar, great and brave, but stain was on his wreath; He lived the heartless conqueror, and died the tyrant's death. France had its eagle, but his wings, though lofty they might soar, Were spread in false ambition's flight, and dipped in murder's gore. Those hero-gods, whose mighty sway would fain have chained the waves-- Who flashed their blades with tiger zeal to make a world of slaves-- Who, though their kindred barred the path, still fiercely waded on, Oh, where shall be _their_ "glory" by the side of Washington!

 He fought, but not with love of strife; he struck but to defend; And ere he turned a people's foe, he sought to be a friend; He strove to keep his country's right by reason's gentle word, And sighed when fell injustice threw the challenge sword to sword. He stood the firm, the wise, the patriot, and the sage; He showed no deep, avenging hate, no burst of despot rage; He stood for Liberty and Truth, and daringly led on Till shouts of victory gave forth the name of Washington. 

 No car of triumph bore him through a city filled with grief; No groaning captives at the wheels proclaimed him victor-chief; He broke the gyves of slavery with strong and high disdain, But cast no scepter from the links when he had rent the chain. He saved his land, but did not lay his soldier trappings down To change them for a regal vest and don a kingly crown. Fame was too earnest in her joy, too proud of such a son, To let a robe and title mask her noble Washington. 

 England, my heart is truly thine, my loved, my native earth, -- The land that holds a mother's grave and gave that mother birth! Oh, keenly sad would be the fate that thrust me from thy shore And faltering my breath that sighed, "Farewell for evermore!" But did I meet such adverse lot, I would not seek to dwell Where olden heroes wrought the deeds for Homer's song to tell. "Away, thou gallant ship!" I'd cry, "and bear me safely on, But bear me from my own fair land to that of Washington. "

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WASHINGTON, THE PATRIOT

_An extract from President McKinley's address on Washington, taken froma report in the Cleveland Leader_

Washington and the American Republic are inseparable. You cannot studyhistory without having the name of Washington come to you unbidden. Bancroft said, "But for Washington the Republic would never have beenconceived; the Constitution would not have been formed, and the FederalGovernment would never have been put in operation. " Washington felt thatthe Revolution was a struggle for freedom, and it was by his strongcharacter and wonderful patriotism that the army was held togetherduring the prolonged and perilous war. In all the public affairs of thecolonies Washington was the champion of right. His military career hasnever been equaled. He continued at the head of his army until the closeof the war, overcoming jealousies and intrigues, which only the greatestcourage and the sublimest wisdom could do. The ideal he had evercherished was one in which the individual could have the greatestliberty, consistent with the country's best interests, and it was withthis ideal constantly in mind that he carried on the war and embodiedthe principles of liberty within the government. Washington had manytemptations, but the greatest of them came after the victory wasachieved. At the time when the army was in revolt, when there wasdissatisfaction in Congress, and consternation and distress throughoutthe colonies, it was proposed that the original plan of government beabandoned and that Washington be chosen as the military ruler ordictator. Washington's strong reproval of such proposals and hisinsistence upon the stronger government, showed his unselfish regard forthe country. A weaker man might have weakened, a bad one would, butWashington was determined to embody into the government all that hadbeen achieved by the war. Washington in what he did had no precedents. He and his associates made the chart which assisted them in guiding thenew government. He established credit, put the army and navy on apermanent basis, fostered commerce, and was ever on the side ofeducation. 

Everything that he did demonstrates his marvelous foresight. We cannotafford to spare the inspiration that comes from Washington. It promotespatriotism and gives vigor to national life. Washington's views onslavery were characterized by a high sense of justice and an exaltedconscience. He was the owner of slaves by inheritance, all his interestswere affected by slavery, yet he was opposed to it, and in his will heprovided for the liberation of his slaves. He set the example foremancipation. He hoped for, prayed for, and was willing to vote for whatLincoln afterward accomplished. 

VIII

THE WHOLE MAN

GEORGE WASHINGTON

BY JOHN HALL INGHAM

 This was the man God gave us when the hour Proclaimed the dawn of Liberty begun; Who dared a deed, and died when it was done, Patient in triumph, temperate in power, -- Not striving like the Corsican to tower To heaven, nor like great Philip's greater son To win the world and weep for worlds unwon, Or lose the star to revel in the flower. The lives that serve the eternal verities Alone do mold mankind. Pleasure and pride Sparkle awhile and perish, as the spray Smoking across the crests of cavernous seas Is impotent to hasten or delay The everlasting surges of the tide. 

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HISTORICAL MEMORABILIA OF WASHINGTON

COMPILED BY H. B. CARRINGTON

1732. February 22 (February 11, O. S. ), born. 1748. Surveyor of lands at sixteen years of age. 1751. Military inspector and major at nineteen years of age. 1752. Adjutant-general of Virginia. 1753. Commissioner to the French. 1754. Colonel, and commanding the Virginia militia. 1755. Aide-de-camp to Braddock in his campaign. 1755. Again commands the Virginia troops. 1758. Resigns his commission. 1759. January 6. Married. 1759. Elected member of Virginia House of Burgesses. 1765. Commissioner to settle military accounts. 1774. In First Continental Congress. 1775. In Second Continental Congress. 1775. June 15. Elected commander-in-chief. 1775. July 2. In command at Cambridge. 1776. March 17. Expels the British from Boston. 1776. August 27. Battle of Long Island. 1776. August 29. Masterly retreat to New York. 1776. September 15. Gallant, at Kipp's Bay. 1776. October 27. Battle of Harlem Heights. 1776. October 29. Battle near White Plains. 1776. November 15. Enters New Jersey. 1776. December 5. Occupies right bank of the Delaware. 1776. December 12. Clothed with "full power. "1776. December 14. Plans an offensive campaign. 1776. December 26. Battle of Trenton. 1777. January 3. Battle of Princeton. 1777. July. British driven from New Jersey, during. 1777. July 13. Marches for Philadelphia. 1777. September 11. Battle of Brandywine. 1777. September 15. Offers battle at West Chester. 1777. October 4. Battle of Germantown. 1778. Winters at Valley Forge. 1778. June 28. Battle of Monmouth. 1778. British again retire from New Jersey. 1778. Again at White Plains. 1779. At Middlebrook, New Jersey, and New Windsor. 1780. Winters at Morristown, New Jersey. 1781. Confers with Rochambeau as to plans. 1781. Threatens New York in June and July. 1781. Joins Lafayette before Yorktown. 1781. October 19. Surrender of Cornwallis. 1783. November 2. Farewell to the army. 1733. November 25. Occupies New York. 1783. December 4. Parts with his officers. 1783. December 23. Resigns his commission. 1787. Presides at Constitutional Convention. 1789. March 4. Elected President of the United States. 1789. April 30. Inaugurated at New York. 1793. March 4. Re-elected for four years. 1796. September 17. Farewell to the people. 1797. March 4. Retires to private life. 1798. July 3. Appointed commander-in-chief. 1799. December 14. Died at Mount Vernon. 

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A BIRD'S-EYE VIEW OF WASHINGTON[20]

BY HENRY MITCHELL MACCRACKEN

George Washington was a son of Augustine Washington and his second wife, Mary Ball, and a descendant of John Washington, who emigrated fromEngland about 1657, during the protectorate of Cromwell. He was born inthe English colony of Virginia, in Westmoreland County, on February 22, 1732. His education was simple and practical. To the common Englishinstruction of his time and home, young Washington added bookkeeping andsurveying. The three summers preceding his twentieth year he spent insurveying the estate of Lord Fairfax on the northwest boundary of thecolony, an occupation which strengthened his splendid physicalconstitution to a high point of efficiency, and gave him practice intopography, --valuable aids in the military campaigning which speedilyfollowed. 

In 1751, at nineteen, he was made Adjutant in the militia, with the rankof Major. In the following year he inherited the estate of Mount Vernon. In the winter of 1753-54, at twenty-one, he was sent by the Governor ofVirginia on a mission to the French posts beyond the Alleghanies. Soonafter his return he led a regiment to the headwaters of the Ohio, butwas compelled to retreat to the colony on account of the overwhelmingnumbers of the French at Fort Duquesne. In Braddock's defeat, July 9, 1755, Washington was one of the latter's aides, and narrowly escapeddeath, having had two horses shot under him. During the remaining partof the French and Indian War, he was in command of the Virginiafrontier, with the rank of Colonel, and occupied Fort Duquesne in 1758. On January 17, 1759, he married a wealthy widow, Mrs. Martha Custis, andremoved to Mount Vernon. The administration of his plantations involveda large measure of commerce with England, and he himself with his ownhand kept his books with mercantile exactness. 

Soon after the outbreak of hostilities, Washington was appointed by theContinental Congress, at forty-three years of age, Commander-in-Chief ofthe Armies of the Revolution, and assumed their control at Cambridge onJuly 3, 1775. In 1776 he occupied Boston, lost New York, thenbrilliantly restored the drooping spirit of the land at Trenton andPrinceton. In the year following he lost Philadelphia, and retreated toValley Forge. Threatened by the jealousy of his own subordinates, he putto shame the cabal formed in the interests of Gates, who had this yearcaptured Burgoyne. For three years, 1778-80, he maintained himselfagainst heavy odds in the Jerseys, fighting at Monmouth the first year, reaching out to capture Stony Point the next year, and the third yearcombating the treason of Arnold. In 1781, he planned the cooping up ofCornwallis on the peninsula of Yorktown, with the aid of the Frenchallies, and received his surrender on October 19th. 

Resigning his commission at Annapolis, December 23, 1783, he returned tohis estate at Mount Vernon, but vastly aided the incipient work offraming the Constitution by correspondence. In May, 1787, he took hisseat as President of the Constitutional Convention at Philadelphia. Hewas inaugurated the first President of the United States in April, 1789, after a unanimous election. He was similarly reflected in 1793, butrefused a third term in 1796. In the face of unmeasured vituperation hefirmly kept the nascent nation from embroiling herself in the wars ofFrance and England. Retiring again to Mount Vernon in the spring of1797, he nevertheless accepted, at sixty-six years of age, the post ofCommander-in-Chief of the provisional army raised in 1798 to meet theinsolence of the French Directorate. In December, 1799, while ridingabout his estates during a snowstorm, he contracted a disease of thethroat, from which he died on December 14, 1799. He provided by his willfor the manumission of his slaves, to take effect on the decease of hiswidow. No lineal descendants can claim as an ancestor this extraordinaryman. He belongs to his country. His tomb is at Mount Vernon, and is inkeeping of the women of America. 

FOOTNOTES:

[20] From "The Hall of Fame. " Published by G. P. Putnam's Sons, New York, 1901. 

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THE CHARACTER OF WASHINGTON

BY DANIEL WEBSTER

_A Speech Delivered at a Public Dinner, Washington, February 22, 1832_

_The Power of the Name of Washington_

We are met to testify our regard for him whose name is intimatelyblended with whatever belongs most essentially to the prosperity, theliberty, the free institutions, and the renown of our country;. Thatname was of power to rally a nation, in the hour of thick-throngingpublic disasters and calamities; that name shone, amid the storm of war, a beacon light, to cheer and guide the country's friends; it flamed, too, like a meteor, to repel her foes. That name, in the days of peace, was a lodestone, attracting to itself a whole people's confidence, awhole people's love, and the whole world's respect. That name, descending with all time, spreading over the whole earth, and uttered inall the languages belonging to the tribes and races of men, will foreverbe pronounced with affectionate gratitude by everyone in whose breastthere shall arise an aspiration for human rights and human liberty. 

We perform this grateful duty, Gentlemen, at the expiration of a hundredyears from his birth, near the place so cherished and beloved by him, where his dust now reposes, and in the capital which bears his ownimmortal name. 

All experience evinces that human sentiments are strongly influenced byassociation. The recurrence of anniversaries, or of longer periods oftime, naturally freshens the recollection, and deepens the impression, of events with which they are historically connected. Renowned places, also, have a power to awaken feeling, which all acknowledge. No Americancan pass by the fields of Bunker Hill, Monmouth, and Camden, as if theywere ordinary spots on the earth's surface. Whoever visits them feelsthe sentiment of love of country kindling anew, as if the spirit thatbelonged to the transactions which have rendered these placesdistinguished still hovered round, with power to move and excite all whoin future time may approach them. 

_Washington's Great Moral Example to the Youth of America_

But neither of these sources of emotion equals the power with whichgreat moral examples affect the mind. When sublime virtues cease to beabstractions, when they become embodied in human character, andexemplified in human conduct, we should be false to our own nature if wedid not indulge in the spontaneous effusions of our gratitude and ouradmiration. A true lover of the virtue of patriotism delights tocontemplate its purest models; and that love of country may be wellsuspected which affects to soar so high into the regions of sentiment asto be lost and absorbed in the abstract feeling, and becomes tooelevated or too refined to glow with fervor in the commendation or thelove of individual benefactors. All this is unnatural. It is as if oneshould be so enthusiastic a lover of poetry as to care nothing for Homeror Milton; so passionately attached to eloquence as to be indifferent toTully[21] and Chatham; or such a devotee to the art, in such an ecstasywith the elements of beauty, proportion, and expression, as to regardthe masterpieces of Raphael and Michel Angelo with coldness or contempt. We may be assured, Gentlemen, that he who really loves the thing itself, loves its finest exhibitions. A true friend of his country loves herfriends and benefactors, and thinks it no degradation to commend andcommemorate them. The voluntary outpouring of the public feeling, madeto-day, from the north to the south, and from the east to the west, proves this sentiment to be both just and natural. In the cities and inthe villages, in the public temples and in the family circles, among allages and sexes, gladdened voices to-day bespeak grateful hearts and afreshened recollection of the virtues of the Father of his Country. Andit will be so, in all time to come, so long as public virtue is itselfan object of regard. The ingenuous youth of America will hold up tothemselves the bright model of Washington's example, and study to bewhat they behold; they will contemplate his character till all itsvirtues spread out and display themselves to their delighted vision; asthe earliest astronomers, the shepherds on the plains of Babylon, gazedat the stars till they saw them form into clusters and constellations, overpowering at length the eyes of the beholders with the united blazeof a thousand lights. 

_A Wonderful Age and Country_

Gentlemen, we are at a point of a century from the birth of Washington;and what a century it has been! During its course, the human mind hasseemed to proceed with a sort of geometric velocity, accomplishing forhuman intelligence and human freedom more than had been done in fives ortens of centuries preceding. Washington stands at the commencement of anew era, as well as at the head of the New World. A century from thebirth of Washington has changed the world. The country of Washington hasbeen the theater on which a great part of that change has been wrought, and Washington himself a principal agent by which it has beenaccomplished. His age and his country are equally full of wonders; andof both he is the chief. 

If the poetical prediction, uttered a few years before his birth, betrue; if indeed it be designed by Providence that the grandestexhibition of human character and human affairs shall be made in thistheater of the Western world; if it be true that, "The four first acts already past, A fifth shall close the drama with the day; Time's noblest offspring is the last";

how could this imposing, swelling, final scene be appropriately opened, how could its intense interest be adequately sustained but by theintroduction of just such a character as our Washington?

_The Spark of Human Freedom_

Washington had attained his manhood when that spark of liberty wasstruck out in his own country which has since kindled into a flame andshot its beams over the earth. In the flow of a century from his birth, the world has changed in science, in arts, in the extent of commerce, inthe improvement of navigation, and in all that relates to thecivilization of man. But it is the spirit of human freedom, the newelevation of individual man, in his moral, social, and politicalcharacter, leading the whole long train of other improvements, which hasmost remarkably distinguished the era. Society, in this century, has notmade its progress, like Chinese skill, by a greater acuteness ofingenuity in trifles; it has not merely lashed itself to an increasedspeed round the old circles of thought and action; but it has assumed anew character; it has raised itself from _beneath_ governments to aparticipation in governments; it has mixed moral and political objectswith the daily pursuits of individual men; and, with a freedom andstrength before altogether unknown, it has applied to these objects thewhole power of the human understanding. It has been the era, in short, when the social principle has triumphed over the feudal principle; whensociety has maintained its rights against military power, andestablished, on foundations never hereafter to be shaken, its competencyto govern itself. 

_A New Governmental Experiment_

It was the extraordinary fortune of Washington that, having beenintrusted in revolutionary times, with the supreme military command, andhaving fulfilled that trust with equal renown for wisdom and for valor, he should be placed at the head of the first government in which anattempt was to be made on a large scale to rear the fabric of socialorder on the basis of a written constitution, and of a purerepresentative principle. A government was to be established without athrone, without an aristocracy, without castes, orders, or privileges;and this government, instead of being a democracy existing and actingwithin the walls of a single city, was to be extended over a vastcountry of different climates, interests, and habits, and of variouscommunions of our common Christian faith. The experiment certainly wasentirely new. A popular government of this extent, it was evident, couldbe framed only by carrying into full effect the principle ofrepresentation or of delegated power; and the world was to see whethersociety could, by the strength of this principle, maintain its own peaceand good government, carry forward its own great interests, and conductitself to political renown and glory. By the benignity of Providence, this experiment, so full of interest to us and to our posterityforever, so full of interest, indeed, to the world in its presentgeneration and in all its generations to come, was suffered to commenceunder the guidance of Washington. Destined for this high career, he wasfitted for it by wisdom, by virtue, by patriotism, by discretion, bywhatever can inspire confidence in man toward man. In entering on theuntried scenes, early disappointment and the premature extinction of allhope of success would have been certain, had it not been that there didexist throughout the country, in a most extraordinary degree, anunwavering trust in him who stood at the helm. 

_The World Interested in the Experiment_

I remarked, Gentlemen, that the whole world was and is interested in theresult of this experiment. And is it not so? Do we deceive ourselves, oris it true that at this moment the career which this government isrunning is among the most attractive objects to the civilized world? Dowe deceive ourselves, or is it true that at this moment that love ofliberty and that understanding of its true principles which are flyingover the whole earth, as on the wings of all the winds, are really andtruly of American origin?

_Importance of the English Revolution of 1688_

At the period of the birth of Washington there existed in Europe nopolitical liberty in large communities, except in the provinces ofHolland, and except that England herself had set a great example, sofar as it went, by her glorious Revolution of 1688. Everywhere else, despotic power was predominant, and the feudal or military principleheld the mass of mankind in hopeless bondage. One-half of Europe wascrushed beneath the Bourbon scepter, and no conception of politicalliberty, no hope even of religious toleration, existed among that nationwhich was America's first ally. The king was the state, the king was thecountry, the king was all. There was one king, with power not derivedfrom his people, and too high to be questioned; and the rest were allsubjects, with no political right but obedience. All above wasintangible power, all below quiet subjection. A recent occurrence in theFrench chamber shows us how public opinion on these subjects is changed. A minister had spoken of the "king's subjects. " "There are nosubjects, " exclaimed hundreds of voices at once, "in a country where thepeople make the king!"

Gentlemen, the spirit of human liberty and of free government, nurturedand grown into strength and beauty in America, has stretched its courseinto the midst of the nations. Like an emanation from Heaven, it hasgone forth, and it will not return void. It must change, it is fastchanging, the face of the earth. Our great, our high duty is to show, inour own example, that this spirit is a spirit of health as well as aspirit of power; that its benignity is as great as its strength; thatits efficiency to secure individual rights, social relations, and moralorder, is equal to the irresistible force with which it prostratesprincipalities and powers. The world, at this moment, is regarding uswith a willing, but something of a fearful, admiration. Its deep andawful anxiety is to learn whether free States may be stable, as well asfree; whether popular power may be trusted, as well as feared; in short, whether wise, regular, and virtuous self-government is a vision for thecontemplation of theorists, or a truth established, illustrated, andbrought into practice in the country of Washington. 

_The United States a Western Sun_

Gentlemen, for the earth which we inhabit, and the whole circle of thesun, for all the unborn races of mankind, we seem to hold in our hands, for their weal or woe, the fate of this experiment. If we fail, whoshall venture the repetition? If our example shall prove to be one notof encouragement, but of terror, not fit to be imitated, but fit only tobe shunned, where else shall the world look for free models? If thisgreat _Western Sun_ be struck out of the firmament, at what otherfountain shall the lamp of liberty hereafter be lighted? What other orbshall emit a ray to glimmer, even, on the darkness of the world?

There is no danger of our overrating or overstating the important partwhich we are now acting in human affairs. It should not flatter ourpersonal self-respect, but it should reanimate our patriotic virtues andinspire us with a deeper and more solemn sense both of our privilegesand of our duties. We cannot wish better for our country, nor for theworld, than that the same spirit which influenced Washington mayinfluence all who succeed him; and that the same blessing from above, which attended his efforts, may also attend theirs. 

_Washington's Farewell Address_

The principles of Washington's administration are not left doubtful. They are to be found in the Constitution itself, in the great measuresrecommended and approved by him, in his speeches to Congress, and inthat most interesting paper, his Farewell Address to the people of theUnited States. The success of the government under his administration isthe highest proof of the soundness of these principles. And, after anexperience of thirty-five years, what is there which an enemy couldcondemn? What is there which either his friends, or the friends of thecountry, could wish to have been otherwise? I speak, of course, of greatmeasures and leading principles. 

In the first place, all his measures were right in their intent. Hestated the whole basis of his own great character, when he told thecountry, in the homely phrase of the proverb, that honesty is the bestpolicy. One of the most striking things ever said of him is, that "_hechanged mankind's ideas of political greatness_. "[22] To commandingtalents, and to success, the common elements of such greatness, headded a disregard of self, a spotlessness of motive, a steady submissionto every public and private duty, which threw far into the shade thewhole crowd of vulgar great. The object of his regard was the wholecountry. No part of it was enough to fill his enlarged patriotism. Hislove of glory, so far as that may be supposed to have influenced him atall, spurned everything short of general approbation. It would have beennothing to him that his partisans or his favorites outnumbered, oroutvoted, or outmanaged, or outclamored, those of other leaders. He hadno favorites; he rejected all partisanship; and, acting honestly for theuniversal good, he deserved, what he so richly enjoyed, the universallove. 

His principle it was to act right, and to trust the people for support;his principle it was not to follow the lead of sinister and selfishends, nor to rely on the little arts of party delusion to obtain publicsanction for such a course. Born for his country and for the world, hedid not give up to party what was meant for mankind. The consequence is, that his fame is as durable as his principles, as lasting as truth andvirtue themselves. While the hundreds whom party excitement, andtemporary circumstances, and casual combinations, have raised intotransient notoriety, sink again, like thin bubbles, bursting anddissolving into the great ocean, Washington's fame is like the rockwhich bounds that ocean, and at whose feet its billows are destined tobreak harmlessly forever. 

_His Conduct of America's Foreign Relations_

The maxims upon which Washington conducted our foreign relations werefew and simple. The first was an entire and indisputable impartialitytowards foreign States. [23] He adhered to this rule of public conduct, against very strong inducements to depart from it, and when thepopularity of the moment seemed to favor such a departure. In the nextplace, he maintained true dignity and unsullied honor in allcommunications with foreign States. It was among the high dutiesdevolved upon him to introduce our new government into the circle ofcivilized States and powerful nations. Not arrogant or assuming, with nounbecoming or supercilious bearing, he yet exacted for it from allothers entire and punctilious respect. He demanded, and he obtained atonce, a standing of perfect equality for his country in the society ofnations; nor was there a prince or potentate of his day, whose personalcharacter carried with it, into the intercourse of other States, agreater degree of respect and veneration. 

He regarded other nations only as they stood in political relations tous. With their internal affairs, their political parties anddissensions, he scrupulously abstained from all interference; and, onthe other hand, he repelled with spirit all such interference by otherswith us or our concerns. His sternest rebuke, the most indignantmeasure of his whole administration, was aimed against such an attemptedinterference. He felt it as an attempt to wound the national honor, andresented it accordingly. 

_Foreign Influence a Foe of Republican Government_

The reiterated admonitions in his Farewell Address show his deep fearsthat foreign influence would insinuate itself into our counsels throughthe channels of domestic dissension, and obtain a sympathy with our owntemporary parties. Against all such dangers he most earnestly entreatsthe country to guard itself. He appeals to its patriotism, to itsself-respect, to its own honor, to every consideration connected withits welfare and happiness, to resist, at the very beginning, alltendencies toward such connection of foreign interests with our ownaffairs. With a tone of earnestness nowhere else found, even in his lastaffectionate farewell advice to his countrymen, he says, "Against theinsidious wiles of foreign influence, (I conjure you to believe me, fellow-citizens, ) the jealousy of a free people ought to be _constantly_awake; since history and experience prove that foreign influence is oneof the most baneful foes of republican government. "

_The Advantages of American Isolation_

Lastly, on the subject of foreign relations, Washington never forgotthat we had interests peculiar to ourselves. The primary politicalconcerns of Europe, he saw, did not affect us. We had nothing to dowith her balance of power, her family compacts, or her successions tothrones. We were placed in a condition favorable to neutrality duringEuropean wars, and to the enjoyment of all the great advantages of thatrelation. "Why, then, " he asks us, "why forego the advantages of sopeculiar a situation? Why quit our own to stand upon foreign ground?Why, by interweaving our destiny with that of any part of Europe, entangle our peace and prosperity in the toils of European ambition, rivalship, interest, humor, or caprice?"

Indeed, Gentlemen, Washington's Farewell Address is full of truthsimportant at all times, and particularly deserving consideration at thepresent. With a sagacity which brought the future before him, and madeit like the present, he saw and pointed out the dangers that even atthis moment most imminently threaten us. I hardly know how a greaterservice of that kind could now be done to the community, than by arenewed and wide diffusion of that admirable paper, and an earnestinvitation to every man in the country to reperuse and consider it. Itspolitical maxims are invaluable; its exhortations to love of country andto brotherly affection among citizens, touching; and the solemnity withwhich it urges the observance of moral duties, and impresses the powerof religious obligation, gives to it the highest character of trulydisinterested, sincere, parental advice. 

_Washington's Domestic Policy_

The domestic policy of Washington found its pole-star in the avowedobjects of the Constitution itself. He sought so to administer thatConstitution as to form more perfect union, establish justice, insuredomestic tranquillity, provide for the common defense, promote thegeneral welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty. These were objectsinteresting in the highest degree, to the whole country, and his policyembraced the whole country. 

Among his earliest and most important duties was the organization of thegovernment itself, the choice of his confidential advisers, and thevarious appointments to office. This duty, so important and delicate, when a whole government was to be organized, and all its offices for thefirst time filled, was yet not difficult to him, for he had no sinisterends to accomplish, no clamorous partisans to gratify, no pledges toredeem, no object to be regarded but simply the public good. It was aplain, straightforward matter, a mere honest choice of good men for thepublic service. 

_His First Cabinet_

His own singleness of purpose, his disinterested patriotism, wereevinced by the selection of his first cabinet, and by the manner inwhich he felled the seats of justice, and other places of high trust. Hesought for men fit for offices; not for offices which might suit them. Above personal considerations, above local considerations, above partyconsiderations, he felt that he could only discharge the sacred trustwhich the country had placed in his hands, by a diligent inquiry afterreal merit, and a conscientious preference of virtue and talent. Thewhole country was the field of his selection. He explored that wholefield, looking only for whatever it contained most worthy anddistinguished. He was, indeed, most successful, and he deserved successfor the purity of his motives, the liberality of his sentiments, and hisenlarged and manly policy. 

_Important Measures of His Administrations_

Washington's administration established the national credit, madeprovision for the public debt, and for that patriotic army whoseinterests and welfare were always so dear to him; and, by laws wiselyframed, and of admirable effect, raised the commerce and navigation ofthe country, almost at once, from depression and ruin to a state ofprosperity. Nor were his eyes open to these interests alone. He viewedwith equal concern its agriculture and manufactures, and, so far as theycame within the regular exercise of the powers of this government, theyexperienced regard and favor. 

It should not be omitted, even in this slight reference to the generalmeasures and general principles of the First President, that he saw andfelt the full value and importance of the judicial department of thegovernment. An upright and able administration of the laws he held to bealike indispensable to private happiness and public liberty. The templeof justice, in his opinion, was a sacred place, and he would profane andpollute it who should call any to minister in it, not spotless incharacter, not incorruptible in integrity, not competent by talent andlearning, not a fit object of unhesitating trust. 

_His Opinion of the Dangers of Party Spirit_

Among other admonitions Washington has left us, in his lastcommunication to his country, an exhortation against the excesses ofparty spirit. A fire not to be quenched, he yet conjures us not to fanand feed the flame. Undoubtedly, Gentlemen, it is the greatest danger ofour system and of our time. Undoubtedly, if that system should beoverthrown, it will be the work of excessive party spirit, acting on thegovernment, which is dangerous enough, or acting in the government, which is a thousand times more dangerous; for government then becomesnothing but organized party, and, in the strange vicissitudes of humanaffairs, it may come at last, perhaps, to exhibit the singular paradoxof government itself being in opposition to its own powers, at war withthe very elements of its own existence. Such cases are hopeless. As menmay be protected against murder, but cannot be guarded against suicide, so government may be shielded from the assaults of external foes, butnothing can save it when it chooses to lay violent hands on itself. 

_His Love of the Union_

Finally, Gentlemen, there was in the breast of Washington one sentimentso deeply felt, so constantly uppermost, that no proper occasion escapedwithout its utterance. From the letter which he signed in behalf of theConvention when the Constitution was sent out to the people, to themoment when he put his hand to that last paper in which he addressed hiscountrymen, the Union, --the Union was the great object of his thoughts. In that first letter he tells them that to him and his brethren of theConvention, union appears to be the greatest interest of every trueAmerican; and in that last paper he conjures them to regard that unityof government which constitutes them one people as the very palladium oftheir prosperity and safety, and the security of liberty itself. Heregarded the union of these States less as one of our blessings, than asthe great treasure-house which contained them all. Here, in hisjudgment, was the great magazine of all our means of prosperity; here ashe thought, and as every true American still thinks, are deposited allour animating prospects, all our solid hopes for future greatness. Hehas taught us to maintain this union, not by seeking to enlarge thepowers of the government, on the one hand, nor by surrendering them, onthe other; but by an administration of them at once firm and moderate, pursuing objects truly national, and carried on in a spirit of justiceand equity. 

_The American Nation Unique_

The extreme solicitude for the preservation of the Union, at all timesmanifested by him, shows not only the opinion he entertained of itsimportance, but his clear perception of those causes which were likelyto spring up to endanger it, and which, if once they should overthrowthe present system, would leave little hope of any future beneficialreunion. Of all the presumptions indulged by presumptuous men, that isone of the rashest which looks for repeated and favorable opportunitiesfor the deliberate establishment of a united government over distinctand widely extended communities. Such a thing has happened once in humanaffairs, and but once; the event stands out as a prominent exception toall ordinary history; and unless we suppose ourselves running into anage of miracles, we may not expect its repetition. 

Washington, therefore, could regard, and did regard nothing as aparamount political interest but the integrity of the Union itself. Witha united government, well administered, he saw that we had nothing tofear; and without it, nothing to hope. The sentiment is just, and itsmomentous truth should solemnly impress the whole country. If we mightregard our country as personated in the spirit of Washington, if wemight consider him as representing her, in her past renown, her presentprosperity, and her future career, and as in that character demanding ofus all to account for our conduct, as political men or as privatecitizens, how should he answer him who has ventured to talk of disunionand dismemberment? Oh how should he answer him who dwells perpetually onlocal interests, and fans every kindling flame of local prejudice? Howshould he answer him who would array State against State, interestagainst interest, and party against party, careless of the continuanceof that unity of government which constitutes us one people?

The political prosperity which this country has attained, and which itnow enjoys, has been acquired mainly through the instrumentality of thepresent government. While this agent continues, the capacity ofattaining to still higher degrees of prosperity exists also. We have, while this lasts, a political life capable of beneficial exertion, withpower to resist or overcome misfortunes, to sustain us against theordinary accidents of human affairs, and to promote, by active efforts, every public interest. But dismemberment strikes at the very being whichpreserves these faculties. It would lay its rude and ruthless hand onthis great agent itself. It would sweep away, not only what we possess, but all power of regaining lost, or acquiring new possessions. It wouldleave the country not only bereft of its prosperity and happiness, butwithout limbs, or organs, or faculties, by which to exert itselfhereafter in the pursuit of that prosperity and happiness. 

_Dismemberment of the United States the Greatest of Evils_

Other misfortunes may be borne, or their effects overcome. If disastrouswar should sweep our commerce from the ocean, another generation mayrenew it; if it exhaust our treasury, future industry may replenish it;if it desolate and lay waste our fields, still, under a new cultivation, they will grow green again, and ripen to future harvests. It were but atrifle even if the walls of yonder Capitol were to crumble, if its loftypillars should fall, and its gorgeous decorations be all covered by thedust of the valley. All these might be rebuilt. But who shallreconstruct the fabric of demolished government? Who shall rear againthe well-proportioned columns of constitutional liberty? Who shall frametogether the skillful architecture which unites national sovereigntywith State rights, individual security, and public prosperity? No, ifthese columns fall, they will be raised not again. Like the Coliseum andthe Parthenon, they will be destined to a mournful, a melancholyimmortality. Bitterer tears, however, will flow over them than were evershed over the monuments of Roman or Grecian art; for they will be theremnants of a more glorious edifice than Greece or Rome ever saw, theedifice of constitutional American liberty. 

But let us hope for better things. Let us trust in that gracious Beingwho has hitherto held our country as in the hollow of his hand. Let ustrust to the virtue and the intelligence of the people, and to theefficacy of religious obligation. Let us trust to the influence ofWashington's example. Let us hope that that fear of Heaven which expelsall other fear, and that regard to duty which transcends all otherregard, may influence public men and private citizens, and lead ourcountry still onward in her happy career. Full of these gratifyinganticipations and hopes, let us look forward to the end of that centurywhich is now commenced. A hundred years hence, other disciples ofWashington will celebrate his birth, with no less of sincere admirationthan we now commemorate it. When they shall meet, as we now meet, to dothemselves and him that honor, so surely as they shall see the bluesummits of his native mountains rise in the horizon, so surely as theyshall behold the river on whose banks he lived, and on whose banks herests, still flowing on toward the sea, so surely may they see, as wenow see, the flag of the Union floating on the top of the Capitol; andthen, as now, may the sun in his course visit no land more free, morehappy, more lovely, than this our own country!

FOOTNOTES:

[21] At the beginning of the nineteenth century Marcus Tullius Cicerowas often called Tully. 

[22] A remark by Fisher Ames (1758-1808), of Massachusetts, --perhaps theextremest Federalist of his time. 

[23] The famous phrase, "honest friendship with all nations, entanglingalliances with none, " was not Washington's but Jefferson's. 

 * * * * *

MOUNT VERNON, THE HOME OFWASHINGTON

BY WILLIAM DAY

_The following lines were written on the back of a picture at MountVernon_:

 There dwelt the Man, the flower of human kind, Whose visage mild bespoke his nobler mind. 

 There dwelt the Soldier, who his sword ne'er drew But in a righteous cause, to Freedom true. 

 There dwelt the Hero, who ne'er killed for fame, Yet gained more glory than a Cæsar's name. 

 There dwelt the Statesman, who, devoid of art, Gave soundest counsels from an upright heart;

 And, O Columbia, by thy sons caressed, There dwelt the Father of the realms he blessed; Who no wish felt to make his mighty praise, Like other chiefs, the means himself to raise; But there retiring, breathed in pure renown, And felt a grandeur that disdained a crown. 

 * * * * *

THE UNSELFISHNESS OF WASHINGTON

BY ROBERT TREAT PAINE

To the pen of the historian must be resigned the more arduous andelaborate tribute of justice to those efforts of heroic and politicalvirtue which conducted the American people to peace and liberty. Thevanquished foe retired from our shores, and left to the controllinggenius who repelled them the gratitude of his own country, and theadmiration of the world. The time had now arrived which was to apply thetouchstone to his integrity, which was to assay the affinity of hisprinciples to the standard of immutable right. 

On the one hand, a realm to which he was endeared by his services almostinvited him to empire; on the other, the liberty to whose protection hislife had been devoted, was the ornament and boon of human nature. 

Washington could not depart from his own great self. His country wasfree. He was no longer a general. Sublime spectacle! more elevating tothe pride of virtue than the sovereignty of the globe united to thescepter of the ages! Enthroned in the hearts of his countrymen, thegorgeous pageantry of prerogative was unworthy the majesty of hisdominion. That effulgence of military character which in ancient stateshas blasted the rights of the people whose renown it had brightened, wasnot here permitted, by the hero from whom it emanated, to shine with sodestructive a luster. Its beams, though intensely resplendent, did notwither the young blossoms of our Independence; and Liberty, like theburning bush, flourished, unconsumed by the glory which surrounded it. 

To the illustrious founder of our Republic it was reserved to exhibitthe example of a magnanimity that commanded victory, of a moderationthat retired from triumph. Unlike the erratic meteors of ambition, whoseflaming path sheds a disastrous light on the pages of history, hisbright orb, eclipsing the luminaries among which it rolled, neverportended "fearful change" to religion, nor from its "golded tresses"shook pestilence on empire. 

What to other heroes has been glory, would to Washington have beendisgrace. To his intrepidity it would have added no honorary trophy, tohave waded, like the conqueror of Peru, through the blood of credulousmillions, to plant the standard of triumph at the burning mouth of avolcano. To his fame, it would have erected no auxiliary monument tohave invaded, like the ravager of Egypt, an innocent though barbarousnation, to inscribe his name on the pillar of Pompey. 

 * * * * *

THE GENIUS OF WASHINGTON[24]

BY EDWIN P. WHIPPLE

The history, so sad and so glorious, which chronicles the stern strugglein which our rights and liberties passed through the awful baptism offire and blood, is eloquent with the deeds of many patriots, warriors, and statesmen; but these all fall into relations to one prominent andcommanding figure, towering up above the whole group in unapproachablemajesty, whose exalted character, warm and bright with every public andprivate virtue, and vital with the essential spirit of wisdom, has burstall sectional and national bounds, and made the name of Washington theproperty of all mankind. 

This illustrious man, at once the world's admiration and enigma, we aretaught by a fine instinct to venerate, and by a wrong opinion tomisjudge. The might of his character has taken strong hold upon thefeelings of great masses of men; but, in translating this universalsentiment into an intelligent form, the intellectual element of hiswonderful nature is as much depressed as the moral element is exalted, and consequently we are apt to misunderstand both. Mediocrity has a badtrick of idealizing itself in eulogizing him, and drags him down to itsown level while assuming to lift him to the skies. How many times havewe been told that he was not a man of genius, but a person of "excellentcommon sense, " of "admirable judgment, " of "rare virtues"! and, by aconstant repetition of this odious cant, we have nearly succeeded indivorcing comprehension from his sense, insight from his judgment, forcefrom his virtues, and life from the man. Accordingly, in the panegyricof cold spirits, Washington disappears in a cloud of commonplaces; inthe rhodomontade of boiling patriots, he expires in the agonies of rant. Now, the sooner this bundle of mediocre talents and moral qualities, which its contrivers have the audacity to call George Washington, ishissed out of existence, the better it will be for the cause of talentand the cause of morals; contempt of that is the condition of insight. He had no genius, it seems. O no! genius, we must suppose, is thepeculiar and shining attribute of some orator, whose tongue can spoutpatriotic speeches, or some versifier, whose muse can "Hail Columbia, "but not of the man who supported states on his arm, and carried Americain his brain. The madcap Charles Townshend, the motion of whosepyrotechnic mind was like the whiz of a hundred rockets, is a man ofgenius; but George Washington raised up above the level of even eminentstatesmen, and with a nature moving with the still and orderly celerityof a planet round the sun, --he dwindles, in comparison, into a kind ofangelic dunce! What is genius? Is it worth anything. Is splendid follythe measure of its inspiration? Is wisdom that which it recedes from, ortends towards? And by what definition do you award the name to thecreator of an epic, and deny it to the creator of a country? On whatprinciple is it to be lavished on him who sculptures in perishing marblethe image of possible excellence, and withheld from him who built up inhimself a transcendent character indestructible as the obligations ofDuty, and beautiful as her rewards?

Indeed, if by the genius of action you mean will enlightened byintelligence, and intelligence energized by will, --if force and insightbe its characteristics, and influence its test, --and, especially, ifgreat effects suppose a cause proportionately great, that is, a vitalcausative mind, --then is Washington most assuredly a man of genius, andone whom no other American has equaled in the power of working morallyand mentally on other minds. His genius, it is true, was of a peculiarkind, the genius of character, of thought, and the objects of thoughtsolidified and concentrated into active faculty. He belongs to that rareclass of men, --rare as Homers and Miltons, rare as Platos and Newtons, who have impressed their characters upon nations without pamperingnational vices. Such men have natures broad enough to include all thefacts of a people's practical life, and deep enough to discern thespiritual laws which underlie, animate, and govern those facts. Washington, in short, had that greatness of character which is thehighest expression and last result of greatness of mind; for there is nomethod of building up character except through mind. Indeed, characterlike his is not _built_ up, stone upon stone, precept upon precept, but_grows_ up, through an actual contact of thought with things, --theassimilative mind transmuting the impalpable but potent spirit of publicsentiment, and the life of visible facts, and the power of spirituallaws, into individual life and power, so that their mighty energies puton personality, as it were, and act through one centralizing human will. This process may not, if you please, make the great philosopher or thegreat poet; but it does make the great _man_, --the man in whom thoughtand judgment seem identical with volition, --the man whose vitalexpression is not in words, but deeds, --the man whose sublime ideasissue necessarily in sublime acts, not in sublime art. It was becauseWashington's character was thus composed of the inmost substance andpower of facts and principles, that men instinctively felt the perfectreality of his comprehensive manhood. This reality enforced universalrespect, married strength to repose, and threw into his face thatcommanding majesty which made men of the speculative audacity ofJefferson, and the lucid genius of Hamilton, recognize, with unwontedmeekness, his awful superiority. 

FOOTNOTES:

[24] From "Character and Characteristic Men. " Published by Houghton, Mifflin & Co. 

 * * * * *

WASHINGTON'S SERVICE TO EDUCATION

BY CHARLES W. E. CHAPIN

Washington's ideas concerning education have the approval of educatorsof our day. He was in advance of his age; it is a question if we havequite caught up with him. Of the two plans of his mature years andripened experience, one has been realized, the West Point idea, whichbrings together, from every State and Territory of the Union, young mento be trained for military service; that other plan of a NationalUniversity, with schools of administration and statesmanship, is yetbeing considered. 

Washington shared neither the least nor the most of the educationaladvantages of his colony. The elder brothers, Lawrence and Augustine, had realized their father's hopes, and had been sent to England fortheir schooling as he had been for his, but the early death of thefather defeated that plan for George, so he obtained the earlypreparation for his life work from the "home university, " over whichMary Washington presided, a loving and wise head. At times George waswith his brother Augustine at Bridges Creek, to be near the best parishschool, and then he was at home; but all the time he was advancingrapidly in that school of men and affairs. "He was above all thingselse, a capable, executive boy, " says Woodrow Wilson in his biography. "He loved mastery and he relished acquiring the most effective means ofmastery in all practical affairs. His very exercise books, used atschool, gave proof of it. " As he did these things with care andindustry, so he followed with zest the spirited diversions of the huntand the life in fields and forests. Very early he put his knowledge ofthe surveyor's art to practical test, and applied the chain andlogarithm to the reaches of the family lands. His skill came to thenotice of Lord Fairfax, who wished to know the extent of the lands hehad inherited in the New World. Washington, though but sixteen, wasequal to the task; in a month's time, after fording swollen streams andpenetrating the forests, he presented to Lord Fairfax maps and figureswhich showed him the extent and boundaries of his estate. For threeyears Washington followed this fascinating yet perilous work, and then, being strongly recommended by Lord Fairfax, and himself being able toshow in clear, round style his mastery of the art and science ofsurveying, he received in 1748 from the President of William and MaryCollege the appointment as official surveyor for Culpeper County; such acertificate was equivalent to a degree of civil engineer in those days. 

Thus from an institution of higher learning, George Washington receivedthe first public recognition of service, and of merit. It was theturning point in his life; it opened up fully the path to thoseexperiences which equipped him for that efficient service in the Frenchand Indian War, and the Revolution. 

The honorable position of Chancellor had been held by the Bishops ofLondon from the foundation of the College in 1693 to the Revolution. Theold statute defining the duties of the office is interesting: "TheChancellor is to be the Mæcenas, or patron of the College; such a oneas by his favor with the King and by his interest with all other personsin England may be enabled to help in all the College affairs. His adviceis to be taken, especially in such arduous and momentous affairs as theCollege shall have to do in England. If the College has any petitions atany time to the King, let them be presented by the Chancellor. " We canimagine a grim smile on Washington's countenance as he read theprovisions made concerning the functions of his office, especially thatof conferring with the King. 

In his letter to Samuel Griffin, Esq. , Rector of the College, acceptinghis appointment, he says: "Influenced by a heartfelt desire to promotethe cause of science in general and the prosperity of the College ofWilliam and Mary in particular, I accept the office of Chancellor in thesame, and request you will be pleased to give official notice thereof tothe learned body who have thought proper to honor me with theappointment. I confide fully in their strenuous endeavors for placingthe system of education on such a basis as will render it mostbeneficial to the State, and the Republic of letters, as well as to themore extensive interests of humanity and religion. " This call to theleadership of education in his own State antedated his election to thePresidency of the new Republic by a year, and he continued in thatservice to the College of William and Mary until the close of his life. 

About the close of the Revolution, the State of Maryland began tobroaden its educational institutions. The School of Kent County atChestertown was placed in 1780 under the charge of the Rev. Dr. WilliamSmith, the minister of the parish who had been President of the Collegeof Philadelphia until its charter was revoked. Dr. Smith conducted theAcademy at Chestertown with great energy and ability, and in 1782 theVisitors of the Academy asked that it be made a college; the legislaturemade provision that when a total endowment of five thousand poundscurrency should be provided for the school, it should be incorporatedinto a college, with enlarged courses of study and suitable professors, and should be denominated Washington College, "in honorable andperpetual memory of his Excellency, General Washington, the illustriousand virtuous Commander-in-Chief, of the armies of the United States. " Infive months the energetic trustees raised $14, 000; Washingtoncontributed fifty guineas. The College was at once incorporated, and inthe following year, at its first commencement, its endowment hadincreased to $28, 000. It was the first college in Maryland; Washingtonwas elected as a member of the first Board of Visitors, but being withthe army at Newburgh, was unable to take his place on the Board, untilthe second commencement of the College in 1784. Five years later, theCollege bestowed upon Washington the degree of Doctor of Laws; hisletter of acknowledgment expressed the sentiment that, "in civilizedsocieties the welfare of the state and the happiness of the people areadvanced or retarded in proportion as the morals and education of theyouth are attended to. I cannot forbear on this occasion to express thesatisfaction which I feel on seeing the increase of our seminaries oflearning through the extensive country, and the general wish which seemsto prevail for establishing and maintaining these valuableinstitutions. " The old College has suffered by fire, and thevicissitudes of fortune, yet it has lived through the years, and isto-day doing a prosperous and noble work. 

The Potomac and Virginia Company, and the James River Company were amongthose organizations for transportation which Washington aided for theopening up of the country. There was a recognition of his services tothe country, and the legislature of Virginia in 1785, through PatrickHenry, then Governor, gave Washington fifty shares in the Potomac andVirginia Company, and one hundred shares in the James River Company. Washington replied that he had resolutely shut his hand against everypecuniary recompense during the revolutionary struggle; and that hecould not change that position. He added that, if the legislature wouldallow him to turn the gifts from his own private emolument to objects ofa public nature, he would endeavor to select objects which would meetthe most enlightened and patriotic views of the Assembly of Virginia. The proposition met with hearty approval, and Washington held the stockin both companies, awaiting the time when proper and worthy objectsshould be found for the benefactions. 

In 1785 he proposed to Edmund Randolph and Thomas Jefferson, that therevenue of the stock in those companies be used for the establishment oftwo schools, one upon each river, for the education of poor children, particularly those whose parents had fallen in the struggle for liberty. The idea was a noble one, yet Washington's call to the large service ofthe College of William and Mary as its Chancellor, and to the country asits President, prevented him from carrying it out. He carried out thespirit of his idea by giving fifty pounds a year for the instruction ofpoor children in Alexandria, and by making large provision for theeducation of the sons of soldiers. In 1783 he honored a Princetoncommencement by his presence, and bestowed upon the College a gift offifty pounds. A tour through Georgia in 1790 gave him opportunity tovisit and approve of the Academy of Augusta. About the same time theindomitable Kirkland, missionary to the Iroquois, was trying everysource of influence and money in behalf of an academy in Oneida County, New York, to be located near the old Property Line, where both the sonsof the settlers and the children of the forest might be educated. Hisvisit to Philadelphia secured a generous benefaction from Washington, and at the same time his influence and that of others, so that Congressappropriated $15, 000 yearly to "instruct the Iroquois in agriculture andthe useful arts. "

Washington had now matured his idea of a national university. He wasready to lay it before the country, and to be the first contributor toits endowment. Virginia was taking new interest in its schools and theinfluence of William and Mary College was widening: there was a demandfor more thoroughly equipped academies. The school at Augusta, which theRevolution had been the means of christening Liberty Hall, had becomeprominent. In 1796 Washington settled upon Liberty Hall as the properrecipient of the one hundred shares in the James River Company toaugment its endowment. In accepting the gift the name of the academy waschanged, and the trustees were able to sign themselves, "the trustees ofWashington Academy, late Liberty Hall. " Washington was greatly touchedby the honor, and ascribed his ability to make the donation to "thegenerosity of the Legislature of the Commonwealth of Virginia. "

The institution prospered. About 1802 a new charter was granted withlarger powers, under the name of Washington College. John Robinson, asoldier of the Revolution under Washington, gave, in emulation of hisillustrious commander, his entire estate to Washington College; from itthe trustees realized $40, 000 toward the endowment. The stock of theJames River Company, which Washington transferred to the College, to-dayyields an income of six per cent, on $50, 000, and, after prosperingyears, the College has now a productive endowment of $600, 000, and aproperty worth $800, 000. The country has passed through many criticalperiods since Washington's day, and the Union is stronger than ever. Theold College is a witness to the all-healing power of time and kinship, for its name has again been added to: it is Washington and LeeUniversity now; and thus is joined with the name of the Father of HisCountry the name of one whom the South has ever loved, whom the Northlong since forgave, and whose memory the country will ever cherish. 

The Revolutionary War was a costly experiment of education in militaryaffairs in the field; it cost heavily in blood and treasure. Washingtonrealized that preparation for service in the army must be had inmilitary schools. 

From the very beginning of the war until the end of his life, byofficial message and by letter, Washington urged the importance ofmilitary instruction. In his message to Congress in 1796 he said: "Theinstitution of a military academy is recommended by cogent reasons. However pacific the general policy of a nation may be, it ought never tobe without an adequate stock of military knowledge for emergencies. Inproportion as the observance from the necessity of practicing the rulesof the military art, ought to be its care in preserving and transmittingby proper establishments the knowledge of that art. A thoroughexamination of the subject will evince that the art of war is extensiveand complicated; that it demands much previous study; and that thepossession of it in its most important and perfect state is always ofgreat moment to the security of a nation. " Congress did make provisionfor the carrying out of many of the President's recommendations; itcreated a new grade in the army, that of _Cadet_, to which young menexclusively were admitted, and money was appropriated for theireducation in the science of war that they might be prepared forpositions of command. But Congress delayed the potential part of theplan; it did not collect the regiment of artillerists and engineers at asingle station, nor did it erect buildings for the uses of education. 

The idea did not die; in 1802 Congress made the first of thoseprovisions for a military academy with the plan and scope whichWashington had so persistently urged. West Point was chosen as the placeof its location. That academy has more than once demonstrated thewisdom of the far-seeing Washington. 

West Point is the realization of Washington's plans for a nationalschool of military instruction. To-day it represents to the country theimportant features of that plan for a National University. By his lastwill and testament, Washington bequeathed the fifty shares of stock inthe Potomac Company to the establishment of a National University in thecentral part of the United States; he made provision that until such auniversity should be founded the fund should be self-accumulating by theuse of the dividends in the purchase of more stock, to still furtheraugment the endowment fund. In the transfers and changes of commerciallife apparent record of that stock has been lost, yet that last willbequeathed an ideal which in indirect ways is still inspiring ournational educational system. 

Let us take our place by the side of a student of our national historyand institutions, as after a walk through the buildings across thatnoble plain at West Point he sits down to meditate, on the granite stepsof the "Battle Monument. " He is where the history of yesterday abides, but about him is represented the strength and life of the nation, andthe strong military figures of officers, cadets, and soldiers from everysection of our country. He feels the wisdom of that great desire ofWashington's that the life and thought of the widely separated sectionsof the rising empire should become homogeneous and unified by themeeting of the young men of the land in a central school, during theyears of training for the country's service at arms. This student ofhistory would feel how that hope had been fulfilled by the loyal servicewhich the sons of West Point to so large a degree rendered the Union inits days of peril; and with deep gratitude would he acknowledge thatenthusiastic loyalty with which the North and South, the East and West, as represented at West Point and throughout the country, rushed to itsservice to release those islands of the sea from the thraldom andtyranny of a medieval monarchy. 

Then the vista of the future would open before him, and he would seethat larger hope and plan of Washington's realized in the city of hisname. There in that center in the Nation's life he would see young menassembling in the national schools of administration, commerce, consularservice, and finance, to study questions of government and internationalrelations. He would see reaching to all the lands of earth a peace morebeautiful than that of the river below him; and wider and deeper thanthat Western ocean where now is flying our flag of hope and promise. 

 * * * * *

ADDRESS AT THE DEDICATION OF THE WASHINGTON MONUMENT

BY JOHN W. DANIEL

_Delivered in the Hall of the House of Representatives, February 21, 1885_

Mr. President of the United States, Senators, Representatives, Judges, Mr. Chairman, and My Countrymen:--Alone in its grandeur stands forth thecharacter of Washington in history; alone like some peak that has nofellow in the mountain range of greatness. 

"Washington, " said Guizot, "Washington did the two greatest things whichin politics it is permitted to man to attempt. He maintained by peacethe independence of his country, which he had conquered by war. Hefounded a free government in the name of the principles of order and byre-establishing their sway. " Washington did, indeed, do these things. But he did more. Out of disconnected fragments, he molded a whole, andmade it a country. He achieved his country's independence by the sword. He maintained that independence by peace as by war. He finallyestablished both his country and its freedom in an enduring frame ofconstitutional government, fashioned to make liberty and union one andinseparable. These four things together constitute the unexampledachievement of Washington. 

The world has ratified the profound remark of Fisher Ames, that "hechanged mankind's ideas of political greatness. " It has approved theopinion of Edward Everett, that he was "the greatest of good men, andthe best of great men. " It has felt for him, with Erskine, "an awfulreverence. " It has attested the declaration of Brougham that he was"the greatest man of his own or of any age. "... 

Conquerors who have stretched your scepter over boundless territories;founders of empires who have held your dominions in the reign of law;reformers who have cried aloud in the wilderness of oppression; teacherswho have striven to cast down false doctrines, heresy, and schism;statesmen whose brains have throbbed with mighty plans for theamelioration of human society; scar-crowned vikings of the sea, illustrious heroes of the land, who have borne the standards of siegeand battle, come forth in bright array from your glorious fanes, andwould ye be measured by the measure of his stature? Behold you not inhim a more illustrious and more venerable presence? Statesman, soldier, patriot, sage, reformer of creeds; teacher of truth and justice, achiever and preserver of liberty, the first of men, founder and saviourof his country, father of his people--this is he, solitary andunapproachable in his grandeur!

Oh, felicitous Providence that gave to America our Washington!

High soars into the sky to-day, higher than the pyramid or the dome ofSt. Paul's or St. Peter's--the loftiest and most imposing structurethat man has ever reared--high soars into the sky to where--"Earthhighest yearns to meet a star" the monument which "We the people of theUnited States" have uplifted to his memory. It is a fitting monument, more fitting than any statue. For his image could only display him insome one phase of his varied character. So art has fitly typified hisexalted life in yon plain, lofty shaft. Such is his greatness, that onlyby a symbol could it be represented. As Justice must be blind in orderto be whole in contemplation, so History must be silent that by thismighty sign she may disclose the amplitude of her story. 

No sum could now be made of Washington's character that did not exhaustlanguage of its tributes and repeat virtue by all her names. No sumcould be made of his achievements that did not unfold the history of hiscountry and its institutions--the history of his age and itsprogress--the history of man and his destiny to be free. But, whethercharacter or achievement be regarded, the riches before us only exposethe poverty of praise. So clear was he in his great office that no idealof the leader or ruler can be formed that does not shrink by the side ofthe reality. And so has he impressed himself upon the minds of men, thatno man can justly aspire to be the chief of a great, free people, whodoes not adopt his principles and emulate his example. We look withamazement on such eccentric characters as Alexander, Cæsar, Cromwell, Frederick, and Napoleon, but when Washington's face rises before us, instinctively mankind exclaims: "This is the man for nations to trustand reverence, and for rulers to follow. "

Drawing his sword from patriotic impulse, without ambition and withoutmalice, he wielded it without vindictiveness, and sheathed it withoutreproach. All that humanity could conceive he did to suppress thecruelties of war and soothe its sorrows. He never struck a coward'sblow. To him age, infancy, and helplessness were ever sacred. Hetolerated no extremity unless to curb the excesses of his enemy, and henever poisoned the sting of defeat by the exultation of the conqueror. 

Peace he welcomed as a heaven-sent herald of friendship; and no countryhas given him greater honor than that which he defeated; for England hasbeen glad to claim him as the scion of her blood, and proud, like oursister American States, to divide with Virginia the honor of producinghim. 

Fascinated by the perfection of the man, we are loath to break themirror of admiration into the fragments of analysis. But, lo! as weattempt it, every fragment becomes the miniature of such sublimity andbeauty that the destructive hand can only multiply the forms ofimmortality. 

Grand and manifold as were its phases, there is yet no difficulty inunderstanding the character of Washington. He was no Veiled Prophet. Henever acted a part. Simple, natural, and unaffected, his life liesbefore us--a fair and open manuscript. He disdained the arts which wrappower in mystery in order to magnify it. He practiced the profounddiplomacy of truthful speech--the consummate tact of direct attention. Looking ever to the All-Wise Disposer of events, he relied on thatProvidence which helps men by giving them high hearts and hopes to helpthemselves with the means which their Creator has put at their service. There was no infirmity in his conduct over which charity must fling itsveil; no taint of selfishness from which purity averts her gaze; no darkrecess of intrigue that must be lit up with colored panegyric; nosubterranean passage to be trod in trembling, lest there be stirred theghost of a buried crime. 

A true son of nature was George Washington--of nature in her brightestintelligence and noblest mold; and the difficulty, if such there be, incomprehending him, is only that of reviewing from a single standpointthe vast procession of those civil and military achievements whichfilled nearly half a century of his life, and in realizing the magnitudeof those qualities which were requisite to their performance--thedifficulty of fashioning in our minds a pedestal broad enough to bearthe towering figure, whose greatness is diminished by nothing but theperfection of its proportions. If his exterior--in calm, grave, andresolute repose--ever impressed the casual observer as austere and cold, it was only because he did not reflect that no great heart like hiscould have lived unbroken unless bound by iron nerves in an iron frame. The Commander of Armies, the Chief of a People, the Hope of Nationscould not wear his heart upon his sleeve; and yet his sternest willcould not conceal its high and warm pulsations. Under the enemy's gunsat Boston he did not forget to instruct his agent to administergenerously of charity to his needy neighbors at home. The sufferings ofwomen and children thrown adrift by war, and of his bleeding comrades, pierced his soul. And the moist eye and trembling voice with which hebade farewell to his veterans bespoke the underlying tenderness of hisnature, even as the storm-wind makes music in its undertones. 

Disinterested patriot, he would receive no pay for his militaryservices. Refusing gifts, he was glad to guide the benefaction of agrateful State to educate the children of his fallen braves in theinstitution at Lexington which yet bears his name. Without any of theblemishes that mark the tyrant, he appealed so loftily to the virtuouselements in man, that he almost created the qualities which his countryneeded to exercise; and yet he was so magnanimous and forbearing to theweaknesses of others, that he often obliterated the vices of which hefeared the consequences. But his virtue was more than this. It was ofthat daring, intrepid kind that, seizing principle with a giant's grasp, assumes responsibility at any hazard, suffers sacrifice without pretenseof martyrdom, bears calumny without reply, imposes superior will andunderstanding on all around it, capitulates to no unworthy triumph, butmust carry all things at the point of clear and blameless conscience. Scorning all manner of meanness and cowardice, his bursts of wrath attheir exhibition heighten our admiration for the noble passions whichwere kindled by the aspirations and exigencies of virtue. 

Invested with the powers of a Dictator, the country bestowing them feltno distrust of his integrity; he, receiving them, gave assurance that, as the sword was the last support of Liberty, so it should be the firstthing laid aside when Liberty was won. And keeping the faith in allthings, he left mankind bewildered with the splendid problem whether toadmire him most for what he was or what he would not be. Over and aboveall his virtues was the matchless manhood of personal honor to whichConfidence gave in safety the key of every treasure on which Temptationdared not smile, on which Suspicion never cast a frown. And why prolongthe catalogue? "If you are presented with medals of Cæsar, of Trajan, or Alexander, on examining their features you are still led to ask whatwas their stature and the forms of their persons; but if you discover ina heap of ruins the head or the limb of an antique Apollo, be notcurious about the other parts, but rest assured that they were allconformable to those of a god. "

 * * * * *

"Rome to America" is the eloquent inscription on one stone of yourcolossal shaft--taken from the ancient Temple of Peace that once stoodhard by the Palace of the Cæsars. Uprisen from the sea of Revolution, fabricated from the ruins of bartered bastiles, and dismantled palacesof unrighteous, unhallowed power, stood forth now the Republic ofrepublics, the Nation of nations, the Constitution of constitutions, towhich all lands and times and tongues had contributed of their wisdom, and the priestess of Liberty was in her holy temple. 

When Marathon had been fought and Greece kept free, each of thevictorious generals voted himself to be first in honor, but all agreedthat Miltiades was second. When the most memorable struggle for therights of human nature of which time holds record was thus happilyconcluded in the muniment of their preservation, whoever else wassecond, unanimous acclaim declared that Washington was first. Nor inthat struggle alone does he stand foremost. In the name of the people ofthe United States, their President, their Senators, theirRepresentatives, and their Judges do crown to-day with the grandestcrown that veneration has ever lifted to the brow of Glory, him whomVirginia gave to America, whom America had given to the world and to theages, and whom mankind with universal suffrage has proclaimed theforemost of the founders of empire in the first degree of greatness;whom Liberty herself has anointed as the first citizen in the greatRepublic of Humanity. 

Encompassed by the inviolate seas, stands to-day the American Republic, which he founded--a freer Greater Britain--uplifted above the powers andprincipalities of the earth, even as his monument is uplifted over roofand dome and spire of the multitudinous city. 

Long live the Republic of Washington! Respected by mankind, beloved ofall its sons, long may it be the asylum of the poor and oppressed of alllands and religions--long may it be the citadel of that Liberty whichwrites beneath the eagle's folded wings, "We will sell to no man, wewill deny to no man, right and justice. "

Long live the United States of America! Filled with the free, magnanimous spirit, crowned by the wisdom, blessed by the moderation, hovered over by the angel of Washington's example, may they be everworthy in all things to be defended by the blood of the brave, who knowthe rights of man and shrink not from their assertion; may they be eacha column, and all together, under the Constitution, a perpetual Templeof Peace, unshadowed by a Cæsar's palace, at whose altar may freelycommune all who seek the union of liberty and brotherhood. 

Long live our country! Oh, long through the undying ages may it standfar removed in fact as in space from the Old World's feuds and follies;alone in its grandeur and its glory, itself the immortal monument of himwhom Providence commissioned to teach man the power of truth and toprove to the nations that their redeemer liveth. 

 * * * * *

THE CHARACTER OF WASHINGTON

BY HENRY CABOT LODGE

For many years I have studied minutely the career of Washington, andwith every step the greatness of the man has grown upon me; for analysishas failed to discover the act of his life which, under the conditionsof the time, I could unhestitatingly pronounce to have been an error. Such has been my experience, and, although my deductions may be wrong, they at least have been carefully and slowly made. I see in Washington agreat soldier, who fought a trying war to a successful end impossiblewithout him; a great statesman, who did more than any other man to laythe foundations of a republic which has endured in prosperity for morethan a century. I find in him a marvelous judgment which was never atfault, a penetrating vision which beheld the future of America when itwas dim to other eyes, a great intellectual force, a will of iron, anunyielding grasp of facts, and an unequaled strength of patrioticpurpose. I see in him, too, a pure and high-minded gentleman ofdauntless courage and stainless honor, simple and stately of manner, kind and generous of heart. Such he was in truth. The historian and thebiographer may fail to do him justice, but the instinct of mankind willnot fail. The real hero needs not books to give him worshipers. GeorgeWashington will always receive the love and reverence of men, becausethey see embodied in him the noblest possibilities of humanity. 

IX

ANECDOTES AND STORIES

ANECDOTES OF WASHINGTON

Washington's relations with children are most interesting. He alwayswrote of them as the "little ones. "

Through his life he adopted or assumed the expenses of nine of thechildren of his "kith and kin. "

Dumas says that he arrived at Providence with Washington at night. "Thewhole population had assembled from the suburbs; we were surrounded by acrowd of children carrying torches, all were eager to approach theperson of him whom they called their father, and pressed so closelyaround us that they hindered us from proceeding. General Washington wasmuch affected, stopped a few moments, and, pressing my hand, said, 'Wemay be beaten by the English, it is the chance of war; but behold anarmy which they can never conquer. '"

 * * * * *

In journeying through New England, Washington spent a night in a privatehouse where all payment was refused. Writing to his host he said: "Beinginformed that you have given my name to one of your sons, and calledanother after Mrs. Washington's family, and being, moreover, very muchpleased with the modest and innocent looks of your two daughters, Pattyand Polly, I do for these reasons send each of these girls a piece ofchintz; and to Patty, who bears the name of Mrs. Washington, and whowaited upon us more than Polly did, I send five guineas with which shemay buy herself any little ornament, or she may dispose of them in anymanner more agreeable to herself. As I do not give these things with aview to have it talked of, or even its being known, the less there issaid about the matter the better you will please me; but, that I may besure the chintz and money have got safe to hand, let Patty, who I daresay is equal to it, write me a line informing me thereof, directed tothe President of the United States at New York. "

 * * * * *

Once the General was engaged in earnest consultation with ColonelPickering until after night had fairly set in. Washington prepared tostay with the colonel over night, provided he had a spare blanket andstraw. "Oh yes, " said Primus, who was appealed to, "plenty of straw andblankets, plenty. "

Two humble beds were spread side by side in the tent and the officerslaid themselves down, while Primus seemed to be busy with duties thatrequired his attention before he himself could sleep. He worked, orappeared to work, until the breathing of the prostrate gentlemensatisfied him that they were sleeping, and then seating himself upon abox, he leaned his head upon his hands to obtain such repose as hecould. 

In the middle of the night Washington awoke. He looked about anddescried the negro. He gazed at him awhile and then spoke. 

"Primus, " said he, "Primus!" Primus started up and rubbed his eyes. 

"What, General?" said he. Washington rose up in his bed. "Primus, " saidhe, "what do you mean by saying that you had straw and blankets enough?Here you have given up your blankets and straw to me, that I may sleepcomfortably, while you are obliged to sit through the night. " "It'snothing, General, " said Primus! "It's nothing! I'm well enough! Don'ttrouble yourself about me, General, but go to sleep again. No matterabout me, I sleep very good!" "But it is matter, it is matter, " saidWashington. "I cannot do it, Primus. If either is to sit up, I will. ButI think there is no need of either sitting up. The blanket is wideenough for two. Come and lie down with me. "

"Oh no, General!" said Primus, starting and protesting against theproposition. "No, let me sit here. " "I say come and lie down here!" saidWashington. "There is room for both; I insist upon it. "

He threw open the blanket as he spoke, and moved to one side of thestraw. Primus professes to have been exceedingly shocked at the idea oflying under the same covering with the commander-in-chief, but his tonewas so resolute and determined that he could not hesitate. He preparedhimself therefore and laid himself down by Washington; on the same strawunder the same blanket, the General and the negro servant slept untilmorning. 

 * * * * *

An anecdote characteristic of Washington is related by ProfessorMcVickar, in his narrative of "The Life of Dr. Bard, " who attendedWashington during a severe illness in 1789. 

 It was a case of anthrax (carbuncle) so malignant as for several days to threaten mortification. During this period Dr. Bard never quitted him. On one occasion being left alone with him, General Washington, looking steadily in his face, desired his candid opinion as to the probable termination of his disease, adding with that placid firmness which marked his address, "Do not flatter me with vain hopes, I'm not afraid to die, and therefore can bear the worst. " Dr. Bard's answer, though it expressed hope, acknowledged his apprehensions. 

 The President replied: "Whether to-night or twenty years hence, makes no difference; I know that I am in the hands of a good Providence. "

 * * * * *

George Washington to his nephew, Bushrod Washington:

 Remember, that it is not the mere study of the Law, but to become eminent in the profession of it, which is to yield honor and profit. 

 The first was your choice, let the second be your ambition; that the company in which you will improve most, will be least expensive to you; and yet I am not such a stoic as to suppose that you will, or think it right that you should always be in company with senators and philosophers; but of the young and the juvenile kind let me advise you to be choice. It is easy to make acquaintances, but very difficult to shake them off, however irksome and unprofitable they are found, after we have once committed ourselves to them. 

 * * * * *

While absent from Mount Vernon Washington wrote to his manager:

 Although it is last mentioned, it is foremost in my thoughts to desire you will be particularly attentive to my negroes in their sickness, and to order every overseer positively to be so likewise; for I am sorry to observe that the generality of them view these poor creatures in scarcely any other light than they do a draught horse or an ox, neglecting them as much when they are unable to work instead of comforting and nursing them when they lie in a sick bed. 

 * * * * *

A part of each day was always set apart for meditation and devotion; northis in time of peace only, for we are told that one day while theAmericans were encamped at Valley Forge, the owner of the house occupiedby the General, a Quaker, strolled up the creek, and when not far fromhis mill, heard a solemn voice. He walked quietly in the direction of itand saw Washington's horse tied to a sapling. In a thicket near by wasthe chief, upon his knees in prayer, his cheeks suffused with tears. 

 * * * * *

During the Revolutionary War, General Washington's army was reduced atone time to great straits, and the people were greatly dispirited. Oneof them who left his home with an anxious heart one day, as he waspassing the edge of a wood near the camp, heard the sound of a voice. Hestopped to listen, and looking between the trunks of the large trees hesaw General Washington engaged in prayer. He passed quietly on, that hemight not disturb him; and on returning home, told his family, "Americawill prevail, " and then related what he had heard and seen. 

 * * * * *

THE ABUSE OF WASHINGTON

BY THOMAS WENTWORTH HIGGINSON

On the last day in office Washington wrote to Knox comparing himself to"the weary traveler who sees a resting-place, and is bending his body tolean thereon. To be suffered to do this in peace, " he added, "is toomuch to be endured by some. " Accordingly on that very day a Philadelphianewspaper dismissed him with a final tirade, worth remembering by allwho think that political virulence is on the increase:

 "Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, for mine eyes have seen thy salvation" was the exclamation of a man who saw a flood of blessedness breaking in upon mankind. If ever there was a time that allowed this exclamation to be repeated, that time is the present. The man who is the source of all our country's misery is this day reduced to the rank of his fellow-citizens, and has no longer the power to multiply the woes of these United States. Now more than ever is the time to rejoice. Every heart which feels for the liberty, and the happiness of the people must now beat with rapture at the thought that this day the name of Washington ceases to give currency to injustice and to legalize corruption.... When we look back upon the eight years of Washington's administration, it strikes us with astonishment that one man could thus poison the principles of republicanism among our enlightened people, and carry his designs against the public liberty so far as to endanger its very existence. Yet such is the fact, and if this is apparent to all, this day they should form a jubilee in the United States. 

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PROVIDENTIAL EVENTS IN THE LIFE OF WASHINGTON

BY IRVING ALLEN

From _The Independent_

At this season of the anniversary of Washington's birth, it seemsespecially appropriate to recall certain singular circumstances in thelife of the greatest of Americans--events remarkable in themselves inwhatever light they may be viewed; whether, in accordance with thetenets of modern Spiritism and, to a certain extent, in harmony with thedoctrines of Swedenborg and his followers in human affairs of departedspirits; or if, on the other hand, we adopt the simple teachings of theSacred Scriptures, and acknowledge the truth with men and theiraffairs. 

Authentic history records no less than six marvelous instances in whichthe life of Washington was saved under circumstances seemingly littleless than miraculous. The first of these wonderful escapes fromimpending peril occurred during the period of Washington's sole recordedabsence from the American continent--when he accompanied his brotherLawrence, then fatally ill with consumption, to the Barbadoes. 

_Smallpox_

They sailed in September of 1751, George being then in the twentiethyear of his age. Before the brothers had been a fortnight in the islandthe younger, the future hero of the Revolution, was attacked withsmallpox in its "natural" and virulent form. This disease was not thenthe fangless monster with which we are familiar, but was terrific in itsassaults and almost invariably fatal; yet Washington recovered insomething less than three weeks, and retained through his life butslight marks of the malady. 

One of General Washington's biographers well says, in reference to thisincident, in the life of the first President, that, "it may well bedoubted whether in any of his battles he was in equal danger. If thedisease entered an army, it was a foe more to be dreaded than embattledhosts.... But it belongs to that class of diseases of which, by amysterious law of our nature, our frames are, generally speaking, susceptible but once.... Thus it came to pass, that, in the morning ofhis days, Washington became (humanly speaking) safe from all futuredanger from this formidable disease. "

The reader of American history will remember that the smallpox appearedamong the British troops in Boston in the fall of 1775; that it ravagedour army in Canada in the following spring; that it prevailed the sameyear at Ticonderoga, and in 1777 at Morristown. Regarding this lastoccasion of its appearance, Washington said, in a letter to GovernorHenry, of Virginia, where vaccination was not permitted:

 You will pardon my observation on smallpox because I know it is more destructive to the army than the enemies' sword and because I shudder whenever I reflect upon the difficulties of keeping it out. 

This was the tremendous peril from which Washington was comparativelysafe after his twentieth year. "If, " says a very eminent writer, "torefer this to an overruling Providence be a superstition, I desire to beaccounted superstitious. "

_The Journey to Venango_, 1753

The next imminent danger to which Washington was exposed, and from whichhis escape was well-nigh miraculous, was on the occasion of his historicexpedition to the headquarters of the French Governor at Venango, in1753. The journey itself, in the winter season, of five or six hundredmiles through an unsettled country, most of it constantly traveled bynatives at enmity with the English, was one continued story of dangerand escape. It was but two years after this trip of Washington's toVenango that English soldiers--surrendered prisoners of war--weretortured to death by the savage natives within sight of Fort Duquesne. On his return from the fulfillment of his mission, Washington traversedthe forest with a single companion and an Indian guide. Just atnightfall, on one of the days of their perilous journey, their savageattendant suddenly turned, and at a distance of but fifteen paces firedon Washington, happily without evil result. 

After this alarming experience the two companions pursued their wayalone, footsore and weary, through the woods, with the sure knowledgethat the savages were on their trail. Reaching the Alleghany River on anight of December, they found it encumbered with drifting ice, and onlyto be crossed by means of a raft which, with only "one poor hatchet, "cost them an entire day's labor to construct. When crossing the river, Washington, while using the setting pole, was thrown violently into thewater at a depth of ten feet, and saved his life by grasping a log. Theyspent the night, in their frozen clothing, on a little island on which, had they been forced to stay till sunrise, they would, beyond question, have fallen into the hands of the Indians; but the intense cold whichfroze the feet of Washington's companion, also sealed the river andenabled them to escape on the ice. 

_Another Mission_

The year following the mission to Venango (1754) Colonel Washington wassent in command of a small force in the same direction; but by reason ofthe greatly superior strength of the enemy, the expedition resulted in acalamitous retreat. By a singular coincidence, the compulsory evacuationof the English stronghold--"Fort Necessity, " as it was called--occurredon the _Fourth of July_, 1754--a date afterward made forever glorious ingreat measure by the inestimable services of the young commander of thisearlier and ill-fated military expedition. But such were the ability, energy, and power evinced by its youthful commander, that the disasterresulted in his own greatly enhanced reputation as a born leader of men. 

_Braddock and Washington_

In the following year (1755) a gigantic effort was made by England torecover lost ground, and to repair the military misadventures of 1754. The history of Braddock's disastrous expedition is familiar to everyschoolboy in the land. At this period, Colonel Washington had retiredfrom the army in disgust at the unjust regulations which gave unduepreference to officers holding commissions from the Crown over ablermen--some of them their seniors of the same rank--in the service of theprovinces. He was, however, at length induced--in great measure frommotives of the purest patriotism, and partly, no doubt, from his strongleaning toward a military career--to accept a position on the staff ofthe commanding General, Braddock, a soldier of courage and largeexperience, but, as events afterward proved, a haughty, self-willed, andpassionate man. 

During the passage of Braddock's forces through the Alleghany Mountains, Washington was attacked by so violent and alarming a sickness that itsresult was for a time extremely uncertain; on his partial recovery theGeneral caused him to move with the heavy artillery and baggage. In thisposition Washington remained two weeks, returning to the General'sheadquarters on the eighth of July, the day preceding the fatal battleof the Monongahela. 

On the morning of this day--forever and sadly memorable in Americanannals--Washington mounted his horse, weak and worn by sickness, butstrong in hope and courage. These are his own words uttered in other andbetter days:

 The most beautiful spectacle I had ever beheld was the display of the British troops on that eventful morning.... The sun gleamed from their burnished arms, the river flowed tranquilly on their right, and the deep forest overshadowed them with solemn grandeur on the left. 

_Braddock's Defeat_

It is needless to repeat here the tale of that day of defeat andslaughter. Historians have recorded its events, and poets have sung itsstory. Throughout the action Washington was in the thickest of thefight. "I expected every moment to see him fall, " wrote Dr. Craik, hisphysician and friend. It was during this disastrous battle thatWashington escaped perhaps the most imminent peril of his life. Incompany with Dr. Craik, in the year 1770, he descended the Ohio River ona journey of observation to the Great Kanawha, and it was there that anincident occurred, which is thus described by Irving:

 Here Washington was visited by an old sachem, who approached him with great reverence and addressed him through Nicholson, the interpreter. He had come, he said, a great distance to see him. On further discourse, the sachem made known that he was one of the warriors in the service of the French, who lay in ambush on the banks of the Monongahela, and wrought such havoc to Braddock's army. He declared that he and his young men had singled out Washington, as he made himself conspicuous riding about the field of battle with the General's orders, and fired at him repeatedly, but without success; whence they concluded that he was under the protection of the Great Spirit, that he had a charmed life, and could not be slain in battle. 

Washington himself wrote thus to his brother:

 By all the powerful dispensations of Providence, I have been protected beyond all human probability and expectations; for I had four bullets through my coat and two horses shot under me; yet I escaped unhurt, although death was leveling my companions on every side. 

His marvelous preservation was the subject of general remark; Mr. Davies, later President of Princeton College, used these words in anaddress a few weeks after the Braddock defeat:

 That heroic youth, Colonel Washington, whom I cannot but hope Providence has hitherto preserved in so signal a manner for some important service to his country. 

_Escape from a Marriage_

The next apparently providential intervention in the affairs of the heroof the Revolution is connected with very different scenes from those ofbattle and carnage; it may, perhaps, be fairly described as a narrowescape from a marriage which, while it might have proved a happyalliance in so far as Washington himself was concerned, would almostcertainly have resulted in the loss of his inestimable services to hiscountry. 

Washington's attachment to Mary Philipse is a fact beyond reasonablequestion; his offer of marriage to that young lady is somewhattraditional. It is certain, however, that during his necessary absenceon military duty, Captain Morris, his associate aide-de-camp in theMonongahela engagement, became a successful suitor for the hand of MissPhilipse. 

What is far less generally known is the fact that, had Washington beensuccessful in his early matrimonial aspirations, he would certainlyhave remained a loyal adherent of the royal cause, and would thus havebeen lost to his native land. Evidences of the justice of this theoryare by no means lacking. The relatives and friends of the lady werenearly all devoted to the cause of England; Washington was the associateof many of them; and Captain Morris, his successful rival, remained inthe British service during his life. There can be, I think, little doubtthat, in the event of his marriage with Miss Philipse, Washington, likeCaptain Morris, would have returned to England and been forever lost toAmerica. Mrs. Morris survived her illustrious admirer twenty-five years, dying about the year 1825. 

_Washington Unrewarded_

A striking historical fact, --as strange as it is authentic--is thetreatment of Washington by the English Government after the death ofBraddock. Had General Braddock survived his terrible misfortune theresult might well have been very different; for it is matter of historythat the youthful officer had the undivided confidence of his commander. But by the British Ministry, and even by the King himself, the younghero of the fatal battle was treated with scarcely disguised contemptand neglect. 

In a letter to the British War Minister, Governor Dinwiddie speaks ofColonel Washington as a man of great merit and resolution, adding:

 I am confident, that, if General Braddock had lived, he would have recommended him to the royal favor, which I beg your interest in recommending. 

The sole results were a half-rebuke from the King, and a malicious flingfrom the lips of Horace Walpole. For more than three years Washingtonlabored incessantly, by personal effort and by means of influentialintercessors, to secure a royal commission. 

In view of what the world knows now of Washington's well-nigh matchlessability as a soldier, and remembering especially the reputation he hadalready acquired--amazing in so youthful an officer--his persistentneglect by the military authorities "at home, " and particularly thestubborn and doltish determination on the part of the King to ignore theman and his almost unexampled services, suggests the theory that theheart of King George, of England, was as truly and providentially"hardened" as was that of his royal prototype, Pharaoh, of ancienttimes. For, finding that all his efforts were ineffectual and believingthat the chief object of the war was attained by the capture of FortDuquesne, and the final defeat of the French on the Ohio, the young heroretired after five years of arduous and ill-requited service, in thewords of a great writer of our own land and time:

 The youthful idol of his countrymen, but without so much as a civil word from the fountain of honor. And so, when after seventeen years of private life he next appeared in arms, it was as the "Commander-in-Chief of the Army of the United Colonies, and of all the forces now raised, or to be raised by them. "

The same writer elsewhere remarks:

 Such was the policy by which the Horse Guards occasionally saved a Major's commission for a fourth son of a Duke, by which the Crown lost a continent; and the people of the United States gained a place in the family of nations. The voice of history cries aloud to powerful Governments, in the administration of their colonies: "Discite justitiam moniti. "

_A Furious Conflict_

The last of the six marvelous escapes of our hero from impending andfatal disaster occurred during the historic night march of Washingtonand the American Army on Princeton, where, on the third of January, 1776, he compassed the entire destruction of one regiment of the enemy, and captured or forced to ignoble retreat two others. This battle wasthe subject of one of Colonel Trumbull's most famous paintings; and itwas during this engagement--as Washington himself told the illustriousartist--that he was in greater peril than even at the time of Braddock'sdefeat. 

In the height of the battle the two armies were for a brief season infurious conflict, and Washington between them within range of bothfires. Washington Irving writes:

 His Aide, Colonel Fitzgerald, losing sight of him in the heat of the fight when enveloped in smoke and dust, dropped the bridle on the neck of his horse and drew his hat over his eyes, giving him up for lost. When he saw him, however, emerging from the cloud, waving his hat, and beheld the enemy giving way, he spurred up to his side: "Thank God, " cried he, "your Excellency is safe!" "Away, my dear Colonel, and bring up the troops, " was Washington's reply; "the day is our own. "

Trumbull's immortal picture shows us the hero of that decisive battlestanding on the memorable day of Princeton by the side of his whitewar-horse. Says an eloquent writer:

 Well might he exult in the event of the day, for it was the last of a series of bold and skilful manoeuvres and successful actions, by which, in three weeks, he had rescued Philadelphia, driven the enemy from the banks of the Delaware, recovered the State of New Jersey, and, at the close of a disastrous campaign, restored hope and confidence to the country. 

Such are the six memorable events which it well becomes the Americanpeople to recall with devout gratitude and awe, realizing anew theProvidence that watches alike over human beings and the affairs ofnations, and recognizing the solemn truth that ever, as, signally, inthose times that tried the souls of men, "God fulfills Himself in many ways. "

 * * * * *

CHARACTERISTICS OF WASHINGTON

_Von Braam and Washington_

Washington began to be a soldier in his boyhood. During the Britishcampaign against the West Indies, Lawrence Washington, George'shalf-brother, made the acquaintance of a Dutchman, named Jacob vonBraam, who afterwards came to Virginia. These young men were greatheroes to the ten-year-old George. Von Braam took the lad in hand andbegan his military education. He drilled him in the manual of arms andsword exercise, and taught him fortification and engineering. All thetheory of war which Washington knew was gained from von Braam; thepractice he was soon to gain in the field. 

_Washington's Athletic Skill_

Many stories are told which show Washington's athletic skill. During asurveying expedition he first visited the Natural Bridge, in Virginia. Standing almost directly under it, he tossed a stone on top, a distanceof about two hundred feet. He scaled the rocks and carved his name farabove all others. He was said to be the only man who could throw a stoneacross the Potomac River. Washington was never more at home than when inthe saddle. "The general is a very excellent and bold horseman, " wrote acontemporary, "leaping the highest fences and going extremely quick, without standing on his stirrups, bearing on his bridle, or letting hishorse run wild. "

After his first battle Washington wrote to his brother, "I heard thebullets whistle about me, and, believe me, there is something charmingin the sound. " But years after, when he had learned all there was toknow of the horrors of war, he said, sadly, "I said that when I wasyoung. "

_Punctuality_

Punctuality was one of Washington's strong points. When company wasinvited to dinner, he made an allowance of only five minutes forvariation in watches. If the guests came late he would say: "We are toopunctual for you. I have a cook who does not ask if the company hascome, but if the hour has come. "

In a letter to a friend he wrote: "I begin my diurnal course with thesun; if my hirelings are not in their places by that time I send themmessages of sorrow for their indisposition. "

A letter to his sister, Betty, shows his businesslike manner: "If yourson Howell is with you and not usefully employed in your own affairs, and should incline to spend a few months with me in my office as awriter (if he is fit for it), I will allow him at the rate of 300 ayear, provided he is diligent in discharging the duties of it frombreakfast till dinnertime.... I am particular in declaring beforehandwhat I require, so that there may be no disappointment or falseexpectations on either side. "

_His Stepchildren_

Washington's relations with his stepchildren show a very pleasant sideof his character. We find him ordering from London such articles as "10shillings' worth of toys, 6 little books for children beginning to read, 1 fashionable-dressed baby to cost 10 shillings, and a box ofgingerbread toys and sugar images, or comfits. " Later he sent for "1very good spinet, " for Patsey, as Martha Parke Custis was called. 

His niece, Hariot, who lived in the Washington home from 1785 to 1796, was a great trial to him. "She has, " he wrote, "no disposition to becareful of her clothes, which she dabs about in every hole and corner, and her best things always in use, so that she costs me enough. "

One of the characteristics of a truly great man is his readiness to askpardon. Once when Nelly Custis, Mrs. Washington's granddaughter, wasseverely reprimanded for walking alone by moonlight in the grounds ofMount Vernon, Washington tried to intercede for the girl. 

"Perhaps she was not alone; I would say no more, " he said. 

"Sir, " said Nelly Custis, "you have brought me up to speak the truth, and when I told grandmamma that I was alone, I hoped that you wouldbelieve me. "

"My child, " said Washington, bowing in his courtly fashion, "I beg yourpardon. "

_His Temper_

Stuart, the portrait painter, once said to General Lee that Washingtonhad a tremendous temper, but that he had it under wonderful control. While dining with the Washingtons, General Lee repeated the first partof Stuart's remark. Mrs. Washington flushed and said that Mr. Stuarttook a great deal upon himself. Then General Lee said that Mr. Stuarthad added that the President had his temper under wonderful control. Washington seemed to be thinking for a moment, then he smiled and said, "Mr. Stuart is right. "

_His Smile_

The popular idea that Washington never laughed is well-nigh exploded. Nelly Custis said, "I have sometimes made him laugh most heartily fromsympathy with my joyous and extravagant spirits. "

When the news came from Dr. Franklin in France that help was promisedfrom that country, General Washington broke into a laugh, waved hiscocked hat, and said to his officers, "The day is ours!" Another storyis to the effect that while present at the baptism of a child of a Mr. Wood, he was so surprised to hear the name given as George Washingtonthat he smiled. Senator Maclay tells of his smiling at a state dinner, and even toying with his fork. Various sources testify that a smile lentan unusual beauty to his face. 

At one time, as Washington entered a shop in New York, a Scotchnursemaid followed him, carrying her infant charge. "Please, sir, here'sa bairn was named after you. "

"What is his name?" asked the President. 

"Washington Irving, sir. "

Washington put his hand upon the child's head and gave him his blessing, little thinking that "the bairn" would write, as a labor of love, a lifeof Washington. 

While at his Newburgh headquarters the General was approached by AaronBurr, who stealthily crept up as he was writing, and looked over hisshoulder. Although Washington did not hear the footfall, he saw theshadow in the mirror. He looked up, and said only, "Mr. Burr!" But thetone was enough to make Burr quail and beat a hasty retreat. 

A man who, well for himself, is nameless, made a wager with some friendsthat he could approach Washington familiarly. The President was walkingup Chestnut Street, in Philadelphia, when the would-be wag, in full viewof his companions, slapped him on the back and said, "Well, old fellow, how are you this morning?" Washington looked at him, and in a freezingtone asked, "Sir, what have I ever said or done which induces you totreat me in this manner?"

_Thoughtfulness_

After Washington's retirement from the Presidency, Elkanah Watson was aguest at Mount Vernon. He had a serious cold, and after he retired hecoughed severely. Suddenly the curtains of his bed were drawn aside, and there stood Washington with a huge bowl of steaming herb tea. "Drinkthis, " he said, "it will be good for that cough. "

Washington possessed in a peculiar degree the great gift of rememberingfaces. Once, while visiting in Newburyport, he saw at work in thegrounds of his host an old servant whom he had not seen since the Frenchand Indian war, thirty years before. He knew the man at once, andstopped and spoke kindly to him. 

_Modesty_

Any collection of anecdotes about Washington is sure to refer to hisextreme modesty. Upon one occasion, when the speaker of the Assemblyreturned thanks in glowing terms to Colonel Washington for his services, he rose to express his acknowledgments, but he was so embarrassed thathe could not articulate a word. "Sit down, Mr. Washington, " said thespeaker, "your modesty equals your valor, and that surpasses the powerof any language which I possess. "

When Adams suggested that Congress should appoint a general, and hintedplainly at Washington, who happened to sit near the door, the latterrose, "and, with his usual modesty, darted into the library room. "

Washington's favorite quotation was Addison's "'Tis not in mortals tocommand success, " but he frequently quoted Shakespeare. 

_Taste for Literature_

His taste for literature is indicated by the list of books which heordered for his library at the close of the war: "Life of Charles theTwelfth, " "Life of Louis the Fifteenth, " "Life and Reign of Peter theGreat, " Robertson's "History of America, " "Voltaire's Letters, " Vertol's"Revolution of Rome, " "Revolution of Portugal, " Goldsmith's "NaturalHistory, " "Campaigns of Marshal Turenne, " Chambaud's "French and EnglishDictionary, " Locke "On the Human Understanding, " and Robertson's"Charles the Fifth. " "Light reading, " he wrote to his step-grandson, "(by this I mean books of little importance) may amuse for the moment, but leaves nothing behind. "

_His Dress_

Although always very particular about his dress, Washington was nodandy, as some have supposed. "Do not, " he wrote to his nephew in 1783, "conceive that fine clothes make fine men any more than fine feathersmake fine birds. A plain, genteel dress is more admired and obtains morecredit than lace or embroidery in the eyes of the judicious andsensible. "

Sullivan thus describes Washington at a levee: "He was dressed in blackvelvet, his hair full dress, powdered, and gathered behind in a largesilk bag, yellow gloves on his hands; holding a cocked hat, with acockade in it, and the edges adorned with a black feather about an inchdeep. He wore knee and shoe buckles, and a long sword.... The scabbardwas of white polished leather. "

After Cornwallis's surrender at Yorktown, Washington said to his army:"My brave fellows, let no sensation of satisfaction for the triumphs youhave gained induce you to insult your fallen enemy. Let no shouting, noclamorous huzzaing increase their mortification. It is sufficient for usthat we witness their humiliation. Posterity will huzza for us. "

While there are many stories which show Washington'sstraightforwardness, here is one which shows much diplomacy. He wasasked by Volney, a Frenchman and a revolutionist, for a letter ofrecommendation to the American people. This request put him in anawkward position, for there were good reasons why he could not give it, and other good reasons why he did not wish to refuse. Taking a sheet ofpaper, he wrote:

C. Volney needs no recommendation from

Geo. Washington. 

 * * * * *

GREAT GEORGE WASHINGTON[25]

BY KATE DOUGLAS WIGGIN AND NORA A. SMITH

All this time while George Washington had been growing up, --first alittle boy, then a larger boy, and then a young surveyor, --all this timethe French and English and Indians were unhappy and uncomfortable in thecountry north of Virginia. The French wanted all the land, so did theEnglish, and the Indians saw that there would be no room for them, whichever had it, so they all began to trouble each other, and toquarrel and fight. 

These troubles grew so bad at last that the Virginians began to beafraid of the French and Indians, and thought they must have somesoldiers of their own ready to fight. 

George Washington was only nineteen then, but everybody knew he was wiseand brave, so they chose him to teach the soldiers near his home how tomarch and to fight. 

Then the king and the people of England grew very uneasy at all thisquarreling, and they sent over soldiers and cannon and powder, andcommenced to get ready to fight in earnest. Washington was made a major, and he had to go a thousand miles, in the middle of winter, into theIndian and French country, to see the chiefs and the soldiers, and findout about the troubles. 

When he came back again, all the people were so pleased with hiscourage and with the wise way in which he had behaved, that they madehim lieutenant-colonel. 

Then began a long war between the French and the English, which lastedseven years. Washington fought through all of it, and was made acolonel, and by and by commander of all the soldiers in Virginia. Hebuilt forts and roads, he gained and lost battles, he fought the Indiansand the French; and by all this trouble and hard work he learned to be agreat soldier. 

In many of the battles of this war, Washington and the Virginians didnot wear a uniform, like the English soldiers, but a buckskin shirt andfringed leggings, like the Indians. 

From beginning to end of some of the battles, Washington rode aboutamong the men, telling them where to go and how to fight; the bulletswere whistling around him all the time, but he said he liked the music. 

By and by the war was over; the French were driven back to their ownpart of the country, and Washington went home to Mount Vernon to rest, and took with him his wife, lovely Martha Washington, whom he had metand married while he was fighting the French and Indians. 

While he was at Mount Vernon he saw all his horses again, --"Valiant" and"Magnolia" and "Chinkling" and "Ajax, "--and had grand gallops over thecountry. 

He had some fine dogs, too, to run by his side, and help him hunt thebushy-tailed foxes. "Vulcan" and "Ringwood" and "Music" and "Sweetlips"were the names of some of them. You may be sure the dogs were glad whenthey had their master home again. 

But Washington did not have long to rest, for another war was coming, the great war of the Revolution. 

Little children cannot understand all the reasons for this war, but Ican tell you some of them. 

You remember in the story of Thanksgiving I told you about the Pilgrimfathers, who came from England to this country because their king wouldnot let them pray to God as they liked. That king was dead now, andthere was another in his place, a king with the name of George, like ourWashington. 

Now our great-grandfathers had always loved England and Englishmen, because many of their friends were still living there, and because itwas their old home. 

The king gave them governors to help take care of their people, andsoldiers to fight for them, and they sent to England for many things towear and to eat. 

But just before this Revolutionary War, the king and the great men whohelped him began to say that things should be done in this country thatour people did not think right at all. The king said they must buyexpensive stamps to put on all their newspapers and almanacs andlawyer's papers, and that they must pay very high taxes on their tea andpaper and glass, and he sent soldiers to see that this was done. 

This made our great-grandfathers very angry. They refused to pay thetaxes, they would not buy anything from England any more, and some meneven went on board the ships, as they came into Boston Harbor, and threwthe tea over into the water. 

So fifty-one men were chosen from all over the country, and they met atPhiladelphia, to see what could be done. Washington was sent fromVirginia. And after they had talked very solemnly, they all thoughtthere would be great trouble soon, and Washington went home to drill thesoldiers. 

Then the war began with the battle of Lexington, in New England, andsoon Washington was made commander-in-chief of the armies. 

He rode the whole distance from Philadelphia to Boston on horseback, with a troop of officers; and all the people on the way came to see him, bringing bands of music and cheering him as he went by. He rode intocamp in the morning. The soldiers were drawn up in the road, and men andwomen and children who had come to look at Washington were crowded allabout. They saw a tall, splendid, handsome man in a blue coat with bufffacings, and epaulets on his shoulders. As he took off his hat, drew hisshining sword, and raised it in sight of all the people, the cannonbegan to thunder, and all the people hurrahed and tossed their hats inthe air. 

Of course, he looked very splendid, and they all knew how brave he was, and thought he would soon put an end to the war. 

But it did not happen as they expected, for this was only the beginning, and the war lasted seven long years. 

Fighting is always hard, even if you have plenty of soldiers and plentyfor them to eat; but Washington had very few soldiers, and very littlepowder for the guns, and little food for the men to eat. 

The soldiers were not in uniform, as ours are to-day; but each wasdressed just as he happened to come from his shop or his farm. 

Washington ordered hunting shirts for them, such as he wore when he wentto fight the Indians, for he knew they would look more like soldiers ifall were dressed alike. 

Of course many people thought that our men would be beaten, as the warwent on; but Washington never thought so, for he was sure our side wasright. 

I hardly know what he would have done, at last, if the French people hadnot promised to come over and help us, and to send us money and men andships. All the people in the army thanked God when they heard it, andfired their guns for joy. 

A brave young man named Lafayette came with the French soldiers, and hegrew to be Washington's great friend, and fought for us all through theRevolution. 

Many battles were fought in this war, and Washington lost some of them, and a great many of his men were killed. 

You could hardly understand how much trouble he had. In the winter, whenthe snow was deep on the ground, he had no houses or huts for his men tosleep in; his soldiers were ragged and cold by day, and had not blanketsenough to keep them warm by night; their shoes were old and worn, andthey had to wrap cloths around their feet to keep them from freezing. 

When they marched to the Delaware River, one cold Christmas night, asoldier who was sent after them, with a message for Washington, tracedthem by their footprints on the snow, all reddened with the blood fromtheir poor cut feet. 

They must have been very brave and patient to have fought at all, whenthey were so cold and ragged and hungry. 

Washington suffered a great deal in seeing his soldiers so wretched, andI am sure that with all his strength and courage, he would sometimeshave given up hope, if he had not talked and prayed to God a great deal, and asked Him to help him. 

In one of the hardest times of the whole war, Washington was staying ata farmer's house. One morning he rode out very early to visit thesoldiers. The farmer went into the fields soon after, and as he waspassing a brook where a great many bushes were growing, he heard a deepvoice from the thicket. He looked through the leaves, and saw Washingtonon his knees, on the ground, praying to God for his soldiers. He hadfastened his horse to a tree, and come away by himself to ask God tohelp them. 

At last the war came to an end; the English were beaten, and our armiessent up praise and thanks to God. 

Then the soldiers went quietly back to their homes, and Washington badeall his officers good-by, and thanked them for their help and theircourage. 

The little room in New York where he said farewell is kept to show tovisitors now, and you can see it some day yourselves. 

Then Washington went home to Mount Vernon to rest; but before he hadbeen there long, the people found out that they must have someone tohelp take care of them, as they had nothing to do with the king ofEngland any more; and they asked Washington to come and be the firstPresident of the United States. 

So he did as they wished, and was as wise and good, and as careful andfine a President as he had been surveyor, soldier, and general. 

You know we always call Washington the Father of his Country, because hedid so much for us, and helped to make the United States so great. 

After he died, there were parks and mountains and villages and towns andcities named for him all over the land, because people loved him so, andprized so highly what he had done for them. 

In the city of Washington there is a building where you can see many ofthe things that belonged to the first President, when he was alive. There is his soldier's coat, his sword, and in an old camp chest arethe plates and knives and forks that he used in the Revolution. 

There is a tall, splendid monument of shining gray stone in that city, that towers far, far, above all the highest roofs and spires. It wasbuilt in memory of George Washington by the people of the United States, to show that they loved and would always remember the Father of hisCountry. 

FOOTNOTES:

[25] From "The Story Hour" by Kate Douglas Wiggin and Nora A. Smith. Houghton, Mifflin & Co. , publishers. 

 * * * * *

HEADQUARTERS IN 1776[26]

BY PAUL LEICESTER FORD

On September 15, a group of horsemen, occupying a slight eminence ofground on the island of Manhattan, were gazing eastward. Below andnearer the water were spread lines of soldiers behind intrenchments, while from three men-of-war lying in the river came a heavy cannonadethat swept the shore line and spread over the water a pall of smokewhich, as it drifted to leeward, obscured the Long Island shore fromview. 

"'Tis evidently a feint, your Excellency, " presently asserted one of theobservers, "to cover a genuine attack elsewhere--most likely above theHaarlem. "

The person addressed--a man with an anxious, care-worn face that madehim look fifty at least--lowered his glass, but did not reply for somemoments. "You may be right, sir, " he remarked, "though to me it has theair of an intended attack. What think you, Reed?"

"I agree with Mifflin. The attack will be higher up. Hah! Look there!"

A rift had come in the smoke, and a column of boats, moving withwell-timed oars, could for a moment be seen as it came forward. 

"They intend a landing at Kip's Bay, as I surmised, " exclaimed thegeneral. "Gentlemen, we shall be needed below. " He turned to Reed andgave him an order concerning reinforcements, then wheeled, and, followedby the rest, trotted over the plowed field. Once on the highway, hespurred his horse, putting him to a sharp canter. 

"What troops hold the works on the bay, Mifflin?" asked one of theriders. 

"Fellows' and Parsons' brigades, Brereton. "

"If they are as good at fighting as at thieving, they'll distinguishthemselves. "

"Ay, " laughed Mifflin. "If the red coats were but chickens or cattle, the New England militia would have had them all captured ere now. "

"They'll be heard from to-day, " said a third officer. "They'veearthworks to git behind, and they'll give the British anuther BunkerHill. "

"Then you ought to be quick, General Putnam, " said Brereton, "for that'sthe fighting you like. "

The road lay in the hollow of the land, and not till the party reached aslight rise were they able once more to get a glimpse of the shores ofthe bay. Then it was to find the flotilla well in toward its intendedlanding-place, and the American troops retreating in great disorder fromtheir breastworks. 

Exclamations of surprise and dismay sprang from the lips of the riders, and their leader, turning his horse, jumped the fence and gallopedacross the fields to intercept the fugitives. Five minutes brought themup to the runaways, who, out of breath with the sharpness of their race, had come to a halt, and were being formed by their officers into alittle less disorder. 

"General Fellows, what was the reason for this shameful retreat?"demanded the general, when within speaking distance. 

"The men were seized with a panic on the approach of the boats, yourExcellency, and could not be held in the lines. "

Washington faced the regiments, his face blazing with scorn. "You ranbefore a shot had been fired! Before you lost a man, you deserted worksthat have taken weeks to build, and which could be held against any suchforce. " He paused for a moment, and then, drawing his sword, called withspirit: "Who's for recovering them?"

A faint cheer passed down the lines; but almost as it sounded, the redcoats of fifty or sixty light infantry came into view on the road, askirmishing party thrown forward from the landing to reconnoiter. Hadthey been Howe's whole army, however, they could not have proved moreeffective, for instantly the two brigades broke and dissolved once moreinto squads of flying men. 

At such cowardice, Washington lost all control of himself, and, dashingin among the fugitives, he passionately struck right and left with theflat of his sword, thundering curses at them; while Putnam and Mifflin, as well as the aides, followed his example. It was hopeless, however, tostay the rush; the men took the blows and the curses unheeding, whilethrowing away their guns and scattering in every direction. 

Made frantic by such conduct, Washington wheeled his horse. "Charge!" hecried, and rode toward the enemy, waving his sword. 

If the commander-in-chief had hoped to put some of his own courage intothe troops by his example, he failed. Not a man of the runaways ceasedfleeing. None the less, as if regardless of consequences in hisdesperation, Washington rode on, until one of the aides dashed his spursinto his horse and came up beside his general at a mad gallop. 

"Your Excellency!" he cried, "'tis but hopeless, and will but end in--"Then, as his superior did not heed him, he seized the left rein of hishorse's bridle, and, pulling on it, swung him about in a large circle, letting go his hold only when they were riding away from the enemy. 

Washington offered no resistance, and rode the hundred yards to wherethe rest of his staff were standing, with bowed head. Nothing was saidas he rejoined the group, and Blueskin, disappointed in the charge forwhich he had shown as much eagerness as his rider, let his mind recur tothoughts of oats; finding no control in the hand that held his bridle, he set out at an easy trot toward headquarters. 

They had not ridden many yards ere Washington lifted his head, theexpression of hopelessness, which had taken the place of that ofanimation, in turn succeeded by one of stern repose. He issued threeorders to as many of the riders, showing that his mind had not beendwelling idly on the disaster, slipped his sword into its scabbard, andgathered up his reins again. 

"There!" thought Blueskin, as a new direction was indicated by his bit, "I'm going to have another spell of it riding all ways of a Sunday, justas we did last night. And it's coming on to rain. "

Rain it did very quickly; but from post to post the horsemen passed, thesternly silent commander speaking only when giving the necessary ordersto remedy so far as possible the disaster of the afternoon. Not tilleleven, and then in a thoroughly drenched condition, did they reach theMorris House on Haarlem Heights. It was to no rest, however, that thegeneral arrived; for, as he dismounted, Major Gibbs of his life guardsinformed him that the council of war he had called was gathered, andonly awaited his attendance. 

"Get you some supper, gentlemen, " he ordered, to such of his aides aswere still of the party, "for 'tis likely that you will have more ridingwhen the council have deliberated. "

"'Tis advice he might take himself to proper advantage, " said one ofthe juniors, while they were stripping off their wet coverings in a sideroom. 

"Ay, " asserted Brereton. "The general uses us hard, Tilghman, but heuses himself harder. " Then aloud he called, "Billy!"

"Yis, sah!"

"Make a glass of rum punch and take it in to his Excellency. "

"Foh de Lord, sah, I doan dar go in, an' yar know marse neber drink nospirits till de day's work dun. "

"Make a dish of tea, then, you old coward, and I'll take it to him sosoon as I get these slops off me. 'Fore George! How small-clothes stickwhen they're wet!"

The make-shift meal was still unfinished when the general's body-servantappeared with the tea. Taking it, Brereton marched boldly to the councildoor, and, giving a knock, he went in without awaiting a reply. 

The group of anxious-faced men about the table looked up, andWashington, with a frown, demanded, "For what do you interrupt us, sir?"

The young officer put the tea down on the map lying in front of thegeneral. "Billy didn't dare take this to your Excellency, so I made boldto e'en bring it myself. "

"This is no time for tea, Colonel Brereton. "

"'Tis no time for the army to lose their general, " replied the aide. "Ipray you drink it, sir, for our sake, if you won't for your own. "

A kindly look supplanted the sternness of the previous moment on thegeneral's face. "I thank you for your thoughtfulness, Brereton, " hesaid, raising the cup and pouring some of the steaming drink into thesaucer. 

FOOTNOTES:

[26] From "Janice Meredith. " Dodd, Mead & Co. 

X

SELECTIONS FROM WASHINGTON'S SPEECHES AND WRITINGS

SELECTIONS FROM THE RULES OF CIVILITY

 [Copied by Washington at the age of fourteen from an old translation of a French book of 1595. "Washington was entirely aware, " writes Owen Wister, "of the great influence for good exerted upon his own character by the Rules of Civility. It is a misfortune for all American boys in all our schools to-day, that they should be told the untrue and foolish story of the hatchet and the cherry tree, and denied the immense benefit of instruction from George Washington's authentic copy-book. "]

Show not yourself glad at the misfortune of another, though he were yourenemy. 

When you see a crime punished you may be inwardly pleased; but alwaysshow pity to the suffering offender. 

Superfluous compliments and all affectation of ceremony are to beavoided, yet, where due, they are not to be neglected. 

Do not express joy before one sick or in pain, for that contrary passionwill aggravate his misery. 

When a man does all he can, though it succeed not well, blame not himthat did it. 

Be not hasty to believe flying reports to the disparagement of any. 

In your apparel be modest, and endeavor to accommodate Nature, ratherthan to procure admiration; keep to the fashion of your equals. 

Associate yourself with men of good quality, if you esteem your ownreputation; for 'tis better to be alone than in bad company. 

Speak not injurious words neither in jest nor in earnest; scoff at none, although they give occasion. 

Gaze not at the marks or blemishes of others, and ask not how they came. What you may speak in secret to your friend, deliver not before others. 

Nothing but harmony, honest industry, and frugality are necessary tomake us a great people. First impressions are generally the mostlasting. It is therefore absolutely necessary, if you mean to make anyfigure upon the stage, that you should take the first steps right. 

There is a destiny which has the control of our actions not to beresisted by the strongest efforts of Human Nature. 

Let your heart feel for the afflictions and distresses of everyone, andlet your hand give in proportion to your purse; remembering always thewidow's mite, but that it is not everyone who asketh that deservethcharity; all, however, are worthy the inquiry, or the deserving maysuffer. 

I consider storms and victory under the direction of a wise Providencewho no doubt directs them for the best purposes, and to bring round thegreatest degree of happiness to the greatest number. 

Happiness depends more upon the internal frame of a person's mind, thanon the externals in the world. 

The thinking part of mankind do not form their judgments from events, and that chief equity will ever attach equal glory to those actionswhich deserve success, as to those which have been crowned with it. 

To see plants rise from the earth and flourish by the superior skill andbounty of the laborer, fills a contemplative mind with ideas which aremore easy to be conceived than expressed. 

To constitute a dispute there must be two parties. To understand itwell, both parties and all the circumstances must be fully heard; and toaccommodate differences, temper and mutual forbearance are requisite. 

Idleness is disreputable under any circumstances; productive of no good, even when unaccompanied by vicious habits. 

It is not uncommon in prosperous gales to forget that adverse windsblow. 

Economy in all things is as commendable in the manager, as it isbeneficial and desirable to the employer. 

It is unfortunate when men cannot or will not see danger at a distance;or seeing it, are undetermined in the means which are necessary to avertor keep it afar off. 

Every man who is in the vigor of life ought to serve his country inwhatever line it requires, and he is fit for. 

Rise early, that by habit it may become familiar, agreeable, healthy, and profitable. It may, for a while, be irksome to do this, but thatwill wear off; and the practice will produce a rich harvest foreverthereafter, whether in public or in private walks of life. 

 * * * * *

SAID BY WASHINGTON

To be prepared for war is one of the most effectual means of preservingpeace. 

 * * * * *

There is a rank due to the United States among nations which will bewithheld, if not absolutely lost, by the reputation of weakness. 

 * * * * *

The propitious smiles of Heaven can never be expected on a nation thatdisregards the eternal rules of order and right which Heaven itself hasordained. 

 * * * * *

The very idea of the power and right of the people to establishgovernment presupposes the duty of every individual to obey theestablished government. 

 * * * * *

If there was the same propensity in mankind for investigating themotives, as there is for censuring the conduct, of public characters, itwould be found that the censure so freely bestowed is oftentimesunmerited and uncharitable. 

 * * * * *

Where is the man to be found who wishes to remain indebted for thedefense of his own person and property to the exertions, the bravery, and the blood of others, without making one generous effort to repay thedebt of honor and gratitude?

There is no truth more thoroughly established than that there exists inthe economy and course of nature an indissoluble union between virtueand happiness, between duty and advantage, between the genuine maxims ofan honest and magnanimous policy and the solid rewards of publicprosperity and felicity. 

 * * * * *

Against the insidious wiles of foreign influence the jealousy of a freepeople ought to be constantly awake. 

 * * * * *

It is our true policy to steer clear of permanent alliances with anyportion of the foreign world. 

 * * * * *

The great rule of conduct for us in regard to foreign nations is to havewith them as little political connection as possible. 

 * * * * *

There can be no greater error than to expect or calculate upon realfavors from nation to nation. 

 * * * * *

Why, by interweaving our destiny with that of any part of Europe, entangle our peace and prosperity in the toils of European ambition, rivalship, interest, humor? or caprice?

 * * * * *

The name American must always exalt the just pride of Patriotism. 

 * * * * *

To the efficacy and permanency of your union a government for the wholeis indispensable. 

Every attempt to alienate any portion of our country from the restshould be indignantly frowned upon. 

 * * * * *

Let us impart all the blessings we possess, or ask for ourselves, to thewhole family of mankind. 

 * * * * *

Let us erect a standard to which the wise and honest may repair. 

 * * * * *

'Tis substantially true that virtue or morality is a necessary spring ofpopular government. 

 * * * * *

It is incumbent upon every person of every description to contribute tohis country's welfare. 

 * * * * *

It would be repugnant to the vital principles of our governmentvirtually to exclude from public trusts, talents and virtue, unlessaccompanied by wealth. 

 * * * * *

Give such encouragements to our own navigation as will render ourcommerce less dependent on foreign bottoms. 

 * * * * *

I have never made an appointment from a desire to serve a friend orrelative. 

 * * * * *

Labor to keep alive in your breast that little spark of celestial fire, conscience. 

 * * * * *

WASHINGTON BEFORE THE BATTLE OF LONG ISLAND, AUGUST, 1776

The time is now near at hand which must probably determine whetherAmericans are to be freemen or slaves; whether they are to have anyproperty they can call their own; whether their houses and farms are tobe pillaged and destroyed, and themselves consigned to a state ofwretchedness from which no human effort will deliver them. The fate ofunborn millions will now depend, under God, on the courage and conductof this army. Our cruel and unrelenting enemy leaves us only the choiceof a brave resistance, or the most abject submission. We have, therefore, to resolve to conquer or to die. 

Our own, our country's honor, calls upon us for a vigorous and manlyexertion; and if we now shamefully fail, we shall become infamous to thewhole world. Let us, then, rely on the goodness of our cause and the aidof the Supreme Being, in whose hands victory is, to animate andencourage us to great and noble actions. The eyes of all our countrymenare now upon us; and we shall have their blessings and praises if, happily, we are the instruments of saving them from the tyrannymeditated against them. Let us, therefore, animate and encourage eachother, and show the whole world that a freeman contending for liberty onhis own ground is superior to any slavish mercenary on earth. 

Liberty, property, life, and honor are all at stake. Upon your courageand conduct rest the hopes of our bleeding and insulted country. Ourwives, children, and parents expect safety from us only; and they haveevery reason to believe that Heaven will crown with success so just acause. The enemy will endeavor to intimidate by show and appearance; butremember they have been repulsed on various occasions by a few braveAmericans. Their cause is bad, --their men are conscious of it; and, ifopposed with firmness and coolness on their first onset, with ouradvantage of works and knowledge of the ground, the victory is mostassuredly ours. Every good soldier will be silent and attentive, waitfor orders, and reserve his fire until he is sure of doing execution. 

 * * * * *

FROM VARIOUS LETTERS, SPEECHES, AND ADDRESSES

_To the Captains of Several Independent Companies in Virginia. Philadelphia, June, 1775_

"Gentlemen, "I am now about to bid adieu to the companies under your respectivecommands, at least for a time. I have launched into a wide and extensivefield, too boundless for my abilities, and far, very far, beyond myexperience. I am called by the unanimous voice of the Colonies to thecommand of the Continental army; an honor I did not aspire to, an honorI was solicitous to avoid, upon a full conviction of my inadequacy tothe importance of the service. I have only to beg of you, therefore, before I go, by no means to relax in the discipline of your respectivecompanies. 

"I cannot doubt but the asserters of freedom and the right of theConstitution are possessed of your most favorable regards and wishes forsuccess. As descendants of freedom, and heirs with us of the sameglorious inheritance, we flatter ourselves that, though divided by oursituation, we are firmly united in sentiment. The cause of virtue andliberty is confined to no continent or climate. It comprehends withinits capacious limits the wise and good, however dispersed and separatedin space and distance. "

_To the Inhabitants of the Island of Bermuda_

"While we are contending for our own liberty, we should be very cautiousnot to violate the rights of conscience in others, ever considering thatGod alone is the judge of the hearts of men, and to Him only they areanswerable. "

_To Colonel Benedict Arnold, 1775_

"The man who means to commit no wrong will never be guilty ofenormities; consequently he can never be unwilling to learn what isascribed to him as foibles. If they are really such, the knowledge ofthem in a well-disposed mind will go half way towards a reform. If theyare not errors he can explain and justify the motives of his actions. "

_To Patrick Henry, Valley Forge, 27th March, 1778_

"I have ever been happy in supposing that I had a place in your esteem, and the proof you have afforded makes me peculiarly so. The favorablelight in which you hold me is truly flattering; but I should feel muchregret, if I thought the happiness of America so intimately connectedwith my personal welfare as you so obligingly seem to consider it. All Ican say is, that she has ever had, and I trust she ever will have, myhonest exertions to promote her interest. I cannot hope that my serviceshave been the best; but my heart tells me they have been the best that Icould render. 

"However it may be the practice of the world and those who see objectsbut partially or through a false medium, to consider _that_ only asmeritorious which is attended with success, I have accustomed myself tojudge human actions very differently, and to appreciate them by themanner in which they are conducted more than by the event; which it isnot in the power of human foresight and prudence to command. 

"My political creed is, to be wise in the choice of delegates, supportthem like gentlemen while they are our representatives, give themcomplete powers for all federal purposes, support them in the dueexercise thereof, and lastly, to compel them to close attendance inCongress during their delegation. 

"We ought not to look back unless it is to derive useful lessons frompast errors, and for the purpose of profiting by dearly boughtexperience. To enveigh against things that are past and irremediable isunpleasing; but to steer clear of the shelves and rocks we have struckupon is the part of wisdom, equally as incumbent on political as othermen who have their own little bark or that of others to navigate throughthe intricate paths of life, or the trackless ocean, to the haven ofsecurity or rest. "

_Extracts from a Circular Letter Addressed to the Governors of All theStates on Disbanding the Army, Newburgh, 8 June, 1783_

"Sir:--The great object for which I had the honor to hold an appointmentin the service of my country, being accomplished, I am now preparing toresign it into the hands of Congress, and to return to that domesticretirement which it is well known I left with the greatest reluctance; aretirement for which I have never ceased to sigh, through a long andpainful absence, and in which I meditate to pass the remainder of life, in a state of undisturbed repose. But before I carry this resolutioninto effect, I think it a duty incumbent on me to make this, my lastofficial communication; to congratulate you on the glorious events whichHeaven has been pleased to produce in our favor; to offer my sentimentsrespecting some important subjects which appear to me to be intimatelyconnected with the tranquillity of the United States, to take my leaveof your excellency as a public character, and to give my final blessingto that country in whose service I have spent the prime of my life, forwhose sake I have consumed so many anxious days and watchful nights, andwhose happiness, being so extremely dear to me, will always constituteno inconsiderable part of my own. "

From the same circular letter:

"The foundation of our empire was not laid in the gloomy age ofignorance and superstition, but at an epoch when the rights of mankindwere better understood and more clearly defined than at any formerperiod. The researches of the human mind after social happiness havebeen carried to a great extent; the treasures of knowledge, acquired bythe labors of philosophers, sages, and legislators through a longsuccession of years, are laid open for our use, and their collectedwisdom may be happily applied in the establishment of our forms ofgovernment. "

From the same:

"The free cultivation of letters, the unbounded extension of commerce, the progressive refinement of manners, the growing liberality ofsentiment, and, above all, the power and benign light of revelation, have had a meliorating influence on mankind, and increased the blessingsof society. An indissoluble union of the states under one federalhead--a sacred regard to public justice--the adoption of a proper peaceestablishment, and the prevalence of that pacific and friendlydisposition among the people of the United States which will induce themto forget their local prejudices and politics; to make those mutualconcessions which are requisite to the general prosperity, and in someinstances to sacrifice their individual advantages to the interest ofthe community--these are the pillars on which the glorious fabric of ourindependence and national character must be supported. Liberty is thebasis, and whoever would dare to sap the foundation or overturn thestructure, under whatever specious pretext he may attempt it, will meritthe bitterest execration, and the severest punishment which can beinflicted by his injured country. "

From the same:

"I now make it my earnest prayer that God would have you and the Stateover which you preside in His holy protection, that He would incline thehearts of the citizens to cultivate a spirit of subordination andobedience to the government; to entertain a brotherly affection and lovefor one another and for their fellow-citizens of the United States atlarge, and particularly for their brethren who have served in the field, and finally that He would most graciously be pleased to dispose us allto do justice, to love mercy, and to demean ourselves with that charity, humility, and pacific temper of mind, which were the characteristics ofthe Divine Author of our blessed religion, and without an humbleimitation of whose example in these things we can never hope to be ahappy nation. "

_Washington on Slavery_

"There is not a man living who wishes more sincerely than I do to see aplan adopted for the abolition of slavery; but there is only one properand effectual mode by which it can be accomplished, and that is bylegislative authority, and this as far as my suffrage will go shallnever be wanting. "

_In a Letter to Lafayette, Washington Expresses His Views on Commerce_

"Although I pretend to no peculiar information respecting commercialaffairs, nor any foresight into the scenes of futurity, yet, as a memberof an infant empire, as a philanthropist by character, and if I may beallowed the expression, as a citizen of the great republic of humanityat large, I cannot help turning my attention sometimes to this subject. I would be understood to mean I cannot avoid reflecting with pleasure onthe probable influence that commerce may hereafter have on human mannersand society in general. On these occasions I consider how mankind may beconnected like this one great family of fraternal ties. I indulge afond, perhaps an enthusiastic idea, that as the world is evidently muchless barbarous than it has been, its melioration must still beprogressive; that nations are becoming more humanized in their policy, that the subjects of ambition and causes for hostility are dailydiminishing, and in fine, that the period is not very remote when thebenefits of a liberal and free commerce will pretty generally succeed tothe devastations and horrors of war. 

"Men's minds are as varied as their faces, and where the motives totheir actions are pure, the operation of the former is no more to beimputed to them as a crime than the appearance of the latter; for bothbeing the work of nature, are equally unavoidable. Liberality andcharity, instead of clamor and misrepresentation, which latter onlyserve to foment the passions without enlightening the understanding, ought to govern in all disputes about matters of importance. "

_From a Letter, 1793_

"If it can be esteemed a happiness to live in an age productive of greatand interesting events, we of the present age are very highly favored. The rapidity of national revolutions appears no less astonishing thantheir magnitude. In what they will terminate is known only to the GreatRuler of events; and confiding in His wisdom and goodness, we may safelytrust the issue to Him, without perplexing ourselves to seek for thatwhich is beyond human ken, only taking care to perform the partsassigned to us in a way that reason and our own conscience approve. "

_From a Speech to Both Houses of Congress, 1790_

"To administer justice to and receive it from every power with whom theyare connected will, I hope, be always found the prominent feature in theadministration of this country; and I flatter myself that nothing shortof imperious necessity can occasion a breach with any of them. 

"Knowledge is in every country the surest basis of public happiness. Inone of which the measures of government receive their impression soimmediately from the sense of the community as in ours, it isproportionably essential. To the security of a free constitution itcontributes in various ways; by convincing those who are entrusted withthe public administration that every valuable end of government is bestanswered by the enlightened confidence of the people, and by teachingthe people themselves to know and to value their own rights; to discernand to provide against invasions of them; to distinguish betweenoppression and the necessary exercise of lawful authority; todiscriminate the spirit of liberty from that of licentiousness, cherishing the first, avoiding the latter, and uniting a speedy buttemperate vigilance against encroachment with an inviolable respect tothe laws. "

_From a Speech to Both Houses of Congress, 1794_

"Let praise be given to every description of citizens. Let thempersevere in their affectionate vigilance over that precious depositoryof American happiness, the Constitution of the United States. Let themcherish it, too, for the sake of those, from every clime, daily seekinga dwelling in our land. 

"Let us unite, therefore, in imploring the Supreme Ruler of nations tospread His holy protection over these United States; to enable us at alltimes to root out internal seditions and put invasion to flight; toperpetuate to our country that prosperity which His goodness has alreadyconferred; and to verify the anticipations of this government being asafeguard to human rights. "

 * * * * *

WASHINGTON'S FAREWELL TO THE ARMY

_Dated at Rocky Hill, near Princeton, New Jersey, November 2, 1783_

It is universally acknowledged that the enlarged prospects of happiness, opened by the confirmation of our independence and sovereignty, almostexceed the power of description. And shall not the brave men who havecontributed so essentially to these inestimable acquisitions, retiringfrom the field of war to the field of agriculture, participate in allthe blessings which have been obtained? In such a republic, who willexclude them from the rights of citizens and the fruits of their labors?

To those hardy soldiers who are actuated by the spirit of adventure, thefisheries will afford ample and profitable employment, and theextensive and fertile regions of the West will yield a most happy asylumto those who, fond of domestic employment, are seeking personalindependence. 

Little is now wanting to enable the soldier to change the militarycharacter into that of a citizen but that steady and decent behaviorwhich has distinguished not only the army under this immediate command, but the different detachments and separate armies through the course ofthe war. To the various branches of the army the general takes this lastand solemn opportunity of professing his inviolable attachment andfriendship. He can only again offer in their behalf his recommendationsto their grateful country and his prayers to the God of armies. Mayample justice be done them here, and may favors, both here andhereafter, attend those who, under the divine auspices, have securedinnumerable blessings for others!

With these wishes and this benediction the commander-in-chief is aboutto retire from service. The curtain of separation will soon be drawn, and the military scene to him will be closed forever!

 * * * * *

PRESIDENT WASHINGTON'S RESPONSE TO THE FRENCH AMBASSADOR ON RECEIPT OFTHE COLORS OF FRANCE, 1769

Born, sir, in a land of liberty, having early learned its value, havingengaged in a perilous conflict to defend it, having, in a word, devotedthe best years of my life to secure it a permanent establishment in ourown country, my anxious recollections, my sympathetic feelings, and mybest wishes are irresistibly excited whensoever, in any country, I seean oppressed nation unfurl the banners of freedom. But above all, theevents of the French Revolution have produced the deepest solicitude aswell as the highest admiration. To call your nation brave were topronounce but common praise. Wonderful people! Ages to come will readwith astonishment the history of your brilliant exploits. 

I rejoice that the period of your toils and of your immense sacrificesis approaching. I rejoice that the interesting revolutionary movementsof so many years have issued in the formation of a constitutiondesignated to give permanency to the great object for which you havecontended. I rejoice that liberty, which you have so long embraced withenthusiasm, liberty, of which you have been the invincible defenders, now finds an asylum in the bosom of a regularly organized government; agovernment which, being formed to secure the happiness of the Frenchpeople, corresponds with the ardent wishes of my heart, while itgratifies the pride of every citizen of the United States by itsresemblance to their own. On these glorious events accept, sir, mysincere congratulations. 

In delivering to you these sentiments, I express not my own feelingsonly, but those of my fellow-citizens, in relation to the commencement, the progress, and the issue of the French Revolution; and they willcordially join with me in purest wishes to the Supreme Being that thecitizens of our sister republic, our magnanimous allies, may soon enjoy, in peace, that liberty which they have purchased at so great a price, and all the happiness which liberty can bestow. 

I receive, sir, with lively sensibility, the symbol of the triumphs andof the enfranchisements of your nation, the colors of France, which youhave now presented to the United States. The transaction will beannounced to Congress, and the colors will be deposited with thosearchives of the United States which are at once the evidences and thememorials of their freedom and independence. May these be perpetual; andmay the friendship of the two republics be commensurate with theirexistence!

 * * * * *

WASHINGTON'S FAREWELL ADDRESS

_To the People of the United States. September 17, 1796_

Friends and Fellow-Citizens:

The period for a new election of a citizen, to administer the executiveGovernment of the United States, being not far distant, and the timeactually arrived, when your thoughts must be employed in designating theperson, who is to be clothed with that important trust, it appears to meproper, especially as it may conduce to a more distinct expression ofthe public voice, that I should now apprise you of the resolution Ihave formed, to decline being considered among the number of those, outof whom a choice is to be made. 

I beg you, at the same time, to do me the justice to be assured, thatthis resolution has not been taken without a strict regard to all theconsiderations appertaining to the relation which binds a dutifulcitizen to his country; and that, in withdrawing the tender of servicewhich silence in my situation might imply, I am influenced by nodiminution of zeal for your future interest; no deficiency of gratefulrespect for your past kindness; but am supported by a full convictionthat the step is compatible with both. 

The acceptance of, and continuance hitherto in the office to which yoursuffrages have twice called me, have been a uniform sacrifice ofinclination to the opinion of duty, and to a deference for what appearedto be your desire. I constantly hoped, that it would have been muchearlier in my power, consistently with motives, which I was not atliberty to disregard, to return to that retirement, from which I hadbeen reluctantly drawn. The strength of my inclination to do this, previous to the last election, had even led to the preparation of anaddress to declare it to you; but mature reflection on the thenperplexed and critical posture of our affairs with foreign nations, andthe unanimous advice of persons entitled to my confidence, impelled meto abandon the idea. 

I rejoice that the state of your concerns, external as well as internal, no longer renders the pursuit of inclination incompatible with thesentiment of duty, or propriety; and am persuaded, whatever partialitymay be retained for my services, that, in the present circumstances ofour country, you will not disapprove my determination to retire. 

The impressions, with which I first undertook the arduous trust, wereexplained on the proper occasion. In the discharge of this trust, I willonly say, that I have, with good intentions, contributed towards theorganization and administration of the government the best exertions ofwhich a very fallible judgment was capable. Not unconscious, in theoutset, of the inferiority of my qualifications, experience in my owneyes, perhaps still more in the eyes of others, has strengthened themotives to diffidence of myself; and every day the increasing weight ofyears admonishes me more and more, that the shade of retirement is asnecessary to me as it will be welcome. Satisfied, that, if anycircumstances have given peculiar value to my services, they weretemporary, I have the consolation to believe, that, while choice andprudence invite me to quit the political scene, patriotism does notforbid it. 

In looking forward to the moment, which is intended to terminate thecareer of my public life, my feelings do not permit me to suspend thedeep acknowledgment of that debt of gratitude, which I owe to my belovedcountry for the many honors it has conferred upon me; still more for thesteadfast confidence with which it has supported me; and for theopportunities I have thence enjoyed of manifesting my inviolableattachment, by services faithful and persevering, though in usefulnessunequal to my zeal. If benefits have resulted to our country from theseservices, let it always be remembered to your praise, and as aninstructive example in our annals, that under circumstances in which thepassions, agitated in every direction, were liable to mislead, amidstappearances sometimes dubious, vicissitudes of fortune oftendiscouraging, in situations in which not unfrequently want of successhas countenanced the spirit of criticism, the constancy of your supportwas the essential prop of the efforts, and a guarantee of the plans bywhich they were effected. Profoundly penetrated with this idea, I shallcarry it with me to my grave, as a strong incitement to unceasing vowsthat Heaven may continue to you the choicest tokens of its beneficence;that your union and brotherly affection may be perpetual; that the freeConstitution, which is the work of your hands, may be sacredlymaintained; that its administration in every department may be stampedwith wisdom and virtue; that, in fine, the happiness of the people ofthese States, under the auspices of liberty, may be made complete, by socareful a preservation and so prudent a use of this blessing, as willacquire for them the glory of recommending it to the applause, theaffection and adoption of every nation, which is yet a stranger to it. 

Here, perhaps, I ought to stop. But a solicitude for your welfare, whichcannot end but with my life, and the apprehension of danger, natural tothat solicitude, urge me, on an occasion like the present, to offer toyour solemn contemplation, and to recommend to your frequent review, some sentiments, which are the result of much reflection, of noinconsiderable observation, and which appear to me all important to thepermanency of your felicity as a People. These will be offered to youwith the more freedom, as you can only see in them the disinterestedwarnings of a parting friend, who can possibly have no personal motiveto bias his counsel. Nor can I forget, as an encouragement to it, yourindulgent reception of my sentiments on a former and not dissimilaroccasion. 

Interwoven as is the love of liberty with every ligament of your hearts, no recommendation of mine is necessary to fortify or confirm theattachment. 

The unity of Government, which constitutes you one people, is also nowdear to you. It is justly so: for it is a main pillar in the edifice ofyour real independence, the support of your tranquillity at home, yourpeace abroad; of your safety; of your prosperity; of that very liberty, which you so highly prize. But as it is easy to foresee, that, fromdifferent causes and from different quarters, much pains will be taken, many artifices employed, to weaken in your minds the conviction of thistruth; as this is the point in your political fortress against which thebatteries of internal and external enemies will be most constantly andactively (though often covertly and insidiously) directed, it is ofinfinite moment, that you should properly estimate the immense value ofyour national Union to your collective and individual happiness; thatyou should cherish a cordial, habitual, and immovable attachment to it;accustoming yourself to think and speak of it as of the Palladium ofyour political safety and prosperity; watching for its preservation withjealous anxiety; discountenancing whatever may suggest even a suspicion, that it can in any event be abandoned; and indignantly frowning upon thefirst dawning of every attempt to alienate any portion of our countryfrom the rest, or to enfeeble the sacred ties which now link togetherthe various parts. 

For this you have every inducement of sympathy and interest. Citizens, by birth or choice, of a common country, that country has a right toconcentrate your affections. The name of AMERICAN, which belongs to you, in your national capacity, must always exalt the just pride ofPatriotism, more than any appellation derived from localdiscriminations. With slight shades of difference, you have the samereligion, manners, habits, and political principles. You have in acommon cause fought and triumphed together; the Independence and Libertyyou possess are the work of joint counsels, and joint efforts, of commondangers, sufferings, and successes. 

But these considerations, however powerfully they address themselves toyour sensibility, are greatly outweighed by those, which apply moreimmediately to your interest. Here, every portion of our country findsthe most commanding motives for carefully guarding and preserving theUnion of the whole. 

The _North_, in an unrestrained intercourse with the _South_ protectedby the equal laws of a common Government, finds, in the productions ofthe latter, great additional resources of maritime and commercialenterprise and precious materials of manufacturing industry. The_South_, in the same intercourse, benefiting by the agency of the_North_, sees its agriculture grow and its commerce expand. Turningpartly into its own channels the seamen of the _North_, it finds itsparticular navigation invigorated; and, while it contributes indifferent ways, to nourish and increase the general mass of the nationalnavigation, it looks forward to the protection of a maritime strength, to which itself is unequally adapted. The _East_, in a like intercoursewith the _West_, already finds, and in the progressive improvement ofinterior communications by land and water, will more and more find, avaluable vent for the commodities which it brings from abroad, ormanufactures at home. The _West_ derives from the _East_ suppliesrequisite to its growth and comfort, and, what is perhaps of stillgreater consequence, it must of necessity owe the _secure_ enjoyment ofindispensable _outlets_ for its own productions to the weight, influences, and the future maritime strength of the Atlantic side of theUnion, directed by an indissoluble community of interest as _one_nation. Any other tenure by which the _West_ can hold this essentialadvantage, whether derived from its own separate strength, or from anapostate and unnatural connection with any foreign power, must beintrinsically precarious. 

While, then, every part of our country thus feels an immediate andparticular interest in Union, all the parts combined cannot fail to findin the united mass of means and efforts greater strength, greaterresource, proportionally greater security from external danger, a lessfrequent interruption of their peace by foreign nations; and, what is ofinestimable value, they must derive from Union an exemption from thosebroils and wars between themselves, which so frequently afflictneighboring countries not tied together by the same Governments, whichtheir own rivalships alone would be sufficient to produce, but whichopposite foreign alliances, attachments, and intrigues would stimulateand embitter. Hence, likewise, they will avoid the necessity of thoseovergrown military establishments, which, under any form of government, are inauspicious to liberty, and which are to be regarded asparticularly hostile to Republican Liberty. In this sense it is, thatyour Union ought to be considered as a main prop of your liberty, andthat the love of the one ought to endear to you the preservation of theother. 

These considerations speak a persuasive language to every reflecting andvirtuous mind, and exhibit the continuance of the UNION as a primaryobject of Patriotic desire. Is there a doubt, whether a commongovernment can embrace so large a sphere? Let experience solve it. Tolisten to mere speculation in such a case were criminal. We areauthorized to hope, that a proper organization of the whole, with theauxiliary agency of governments for the respective subdivisions, willafford a happy issue to the experiment. It is well worth a fair and fullexperiment. With such powerful and obvious motives to Union, affectingall parts of our country, while experience shall not have demonstratedits impracticability, there will always be reason to distrust thepatriotism of those who, in any quarter, may endeavor to weaken itsbands. 

In contemplating the causes, which may disturb our Union, it occurs asmatter of serious concern, that any ground should have been furnishedfor characterizing parties by _Geographical_ discriminations, _Northern_and _Southern_, _Atlantic_ and _Western_; whence designing men mayendeavor to excite a belief, that there is a real difference of localinterests and views. One of the expedients of party to acquireinfluence, within particular districts, is to misrepresent the opinionsand aims of other districts. You cannot shield yourselves too muchagainst the jealousies and heart-burnings, which spring from thesemisrepresentations; they tend to render alien to each other those whoought to be bound together by fraternal affection. The inhabitants ofour western country have lately had a useful lesson on this head; theyhave seen, in the negotiation by the Executive, and in the unanimousratification by the Senate, of the treaty with Spain, and in theuniversal satisfaction at that event, throughout the United States, adecisive proof how unfounded were the suspicions propagated among themof a policy in the General Government and in the Atlantic Statesunfriendly to their interests in regard to the MISSISSIPPI; they havebeen witnesses to the formation of two treaties, that with GreatBritain, and that with Spain, which secure to them everything they coulddesire, in respect to our foreign relations, towards confirming theirprosperity. Will it not be their wisdom to rely for the preservation ofthese advantages on the UNION by which they were procured? Will they nothenceforth be deaf to those advisers, if such there are, who would severthem from their brethren, and connect them with aliens?

To the efficacy and permanency of your Union, a Government for the wholeis indispensable. No alliances, however strict, between the parts can bean adequate substitute, they must inevitably experience the infractionsand interruptions, which all alliances tn all times have experienced. Sensible of this momentous truth, you have improved upon your firstessay, by the adoption of a Constitution of Government better calculatedthan your former for an intimate Union and for the efficaciousmanagement of your common concerns. This Government, the offspring ofour own choice, uninfluenced and unawed, adopted upon full investigationand mature deliberation, completely free in its principles, in thedistribution of its powers, uniting security with energy, and containingwithin itself a provision for its own amendment, has a just claim toyour confidence and your support. Respect for its authority, compliancewith its laws, acquiescence in its measures, are duties enjoined by thefundamental maxims of true Liberty. The basis of our political systemsis the right of the people to make and to alter their Constitutions ofGovernment. But the Constitution which at any time exists, till changedby an explicit and authentic act of the whole people, is sacredlyobligatory upon all. The very idea of the power and the right of thepeople to establish Government presupposes the duty of every individualto obey the established Government. 

All obstructions to the execution of the laws, all combinations andassociations, under whatever plausible character, with the real designto direct, control, counteract, or awe the regular deliberation andaction of the constituted authorities, are destructive of thisfundamental principle and of fatal tendency. They serve to organizefaction, to give an artificial and extraordinary force; to put in theplace of the delegated will of the nation, the will of a party, often asmall but artful and enterprising minority of the community; and, according to the alternate triumphs of different parties, to make thepublic administration the mirror of the ill-concerted and incongruousprojects of faction, rather than the organ of consistent and wholesomeplans digested by common counsels, and modified by mutual interests. 

However combinations or associations of the above descriptions may nowand then answer popular ends, they are likely in the course of time andthings, to become potent engines, by which cunning, ambitious, andunprincipled men will be enabled to subvert the power of the people, andto usurp for themselves the reins of Government; destroying afterwardsthe very engines, which have lifted them to unjust dominion. 

Towards the preservation of your Government, and the permanency of yourpresent happy state, it is requisite, not only that you steadilydiscountenance irregular opposition to its acknowledged authority, butalso that you resist with care the spirit of innovation upon itsprinciples, however specious the pretext. One method of assault may beto effect, in the forms of the Constitution, alterations, which willimpair the energy of the system, and thus to undermine what cannot bedirectly overthrown. In all the changes to which you may be invited, remember that time and habit are at least as necessary to fix the truecharacter of governments, as of other human institutions; thatexperience is the surest standard, by which to test the real tendency ofthe existing constitution of a country; that facility in changes, uponthe credit of mere hypothesis and opinion, exposes to perpetual change, from the endless variety of hypothesis and opinion; and remember, especially, that, for the efficient management of your common interests, in a country so extensive as ours, a Government of as much vigor as isconsistent with the perfect security of liberty is indispensable. Liberty itself will find in such a government, with powers properlydistributed and adjusted, its surest guardian. It is, indeed, littleelse than a name, where the Government is too feeble to withstand theenterprise of faction, to confine each member of the society within thelimits prescribed by the laws, and to maintain all in the secure andtranquil enjoyment of the rights of person and property. 

I have already intimated to you the danger of parties in the state, withparticular reference to the founding of them on geographicaldiscriminations. Let me now take a more comprehensive view, and warn youin the most solemn manner against the baneful effects of the spirit ofparty, generally. 

This spirit, unfortunately, is inseparable, from our nature, having itsroot in the strongest passions of the human mind. It exists underdifferent shapes in all governments, more or less stifled, controlled, or repressed; but, in those of the popular form, it is seen in itsgreatest rankness, and is truly their worst enemy. 

The alternate domination of one faction over another, sharpened by thespirit of revenge, natural to party dissension, which in different agesand countries has perpetrated the most horrid enormities, is itself afrightful despotism. But this leads at length to a more formal andpermanent despotism. The disorders and miseries, which result, graduallyincline the minds of men to seek security, and repose in the absolutepower of an individual; and sooner or later the chief of some prevailingfaction, more able or more fortunate than his competitors, turns thisdisposition to the purposes of his own elevation, on the ruins of PublicLiberty. 

Without looking forward to an extremity of this kind (which neverthelessought not to be entirely out of sight), the common and continualmischiefs of the spirit of party are sufficient to make it the interestand duty of a wise people to discourage and restrain it. 

It serves always to distract the Public Councils, and enfeeble thePublic Administration. It agitates the Community with ill-foundedjealousies and false alarms; kindles the animosity of one party againstanother, foments occasionally riot and insurrection. It opens the doorto foreign influence and corruption which find a facilitated access tothe Government itself through the channels of party passions. Thus thepolicy and the will of one country are subjected to the policy and willof another. 

There is an opinion, that parties in free countries are useful checksupon the administration of the Government, and serve to keep alive thespirit of Liberty. This within certain limits is probably true; and inGovernments of a Monarchical cast, Patriotism may look with indulgence, if not with favor, upon the spirit of party. But in those of a popularcharacter, in Governments purely elective, it is a spirit not to beencouraged. From their natural tendency, it is certain there will alwaysbe enough of that spirit for every salutary purpose. And, there beingconstant danger of excess, the effort ought to be, by force of publicopinion, to mitigate and assuage it. A fire not to be quenched, itdemands a uniform vigilance to prevent its bursting into a flame, lest, instead of warming, it should consume. 

It is important, likewise, that the habits of thinking in a free countryshould inspire caution in those intrusted with its administrations, toconfine themselves within their respective constitutional spheres, avoiding in the exercise of the powers of one department to encroachupon another. The spirit of encroachment tends to consolidate the powersof all the departments in one, and thus to create, whatever the form ofGovernment, a real despotism. A just estimate of that love of power, andproneness to abuse it, which predominates in the human heart, issufficient to satisfy us of the truth of the position. The necessity ofreciprocal checks in the exercise of political power, by dividing anddistributing it into different depositories, and constituting each theGuardian of the Public Weal against invasions by the others, has beenevinced by experiments ancient and modern; some of them in our countryand under our own eyes. To preserve them must be as necessary as toinstitute them. If, in the opinion of the people, the distribution ormodification of the constitutional powers be in any particular wrong, let it be corrected by an amendment in the way which the Constitutiondesignates. But let there be no change by usurpation; for, though thisin one instance may be the instrument of good, it is the customaryweapon by which free Governments are destroyed. The precedent mustalways greatly overbalance in permanent evil any partial or transientbenefit, which the use can at any time yield. 

Of all the dispositions and habits, which lead to political prosperity, Religion and Morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that manclaim the tribute of Patriotism, who should labor to subvert thesegreat pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties ofMen and Citizens. The mere Politician, equally with the pious men, oughtto respect and to cherish them. A volume could not trace all theirconnections with private and public felcity. Let it simply be asked, Where is the security for property, for reputation, for life, if thesense of religious obligation _desert_ the oaths, which are theinstruments of investigation in Courts of Justice? And let us withcaution indulge the supposition that morality can be maintained withoutreligion. Whatever may be conceded to the influence of refined educationon minds of peculiar structure, reason and experience both forbid us toexpect, that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religiousprinciple. 

It is substantially true, that virtue or morality is a necessary springof a popular Government. The rule, indeed, extends with more or lessforce to every species of free Government. Who that is a sincere friendto it, can look with indifference upon attempts to shake the foundationof the fabric?

Promote, then, as an object of primary importance, institutions for thegeneral diffusion of knowledge. In proportion as the structure of aGovernment gives force to public opinion, it is essential that publicopinion should be enlightened. 

As a very important source of strength and security, cherish publiccredit. One method of preserving it is to use it as sparingly aspossible; avoiding occasions of expense by cultivating peace, butremembering also that timely disbursements to prepare for dangerfrequently prevent much greater disbursements to repel it; avoidinglikewise the accumulation of debt, not only by shunning occasions ofexpense, but by vigorous exertions in time of peace to discharge thedebts, which unavoidable wars may have occasioned, not ungenerouslythrowing upon posterity the burden, which we ourselves ought to bear. The execution of these maxims belongs to your representatives, but it isnecessary that the public opinion should co-operate. To facilitate tothem the performance of their duty, it is essential that you shouldpractically bear in mind, that towards the payment of debts there mustbe Revenue; that to have Revenue there must be taxes; that no taxes canbe devised, which are not more or less inconvenient and unpleasant, thatthe intrinsic embarrassment, inseparable from this selection of theproper objects (which is always a choice of difficulties), ought to be adecisive motive for a candid construction of the conduct of theGovernment in making it, and for a spirit of acquiescence in themeasures for obtaining revenue, which the public exigencies may at anytime dictate. 

Observe good faith and justice towards all Nations; cultivate peace andharmony with all. Religion and Morality enjoin this conduct; and can itbe, that good policy does not equally enjoin it? It will be worthy of afree, enlightened, and, at no distant period, a great Nation, to give tomankind the magnanimous and too novel example of a people always guidedby an exalted justice and benevolence. Who can doubt, that, in thecourse of time and things, the fruits of such a plan would richly repayany temporary advantages which might be lost by a steady adherence toit? Can it be that Providence has not connected the permanent felicityof a Nation with its Virtue? The experiment, at least, is recommended byevery sentiment which ennobles human nature. Alas! is it renderedimpossible by its vices?

In the execution of such a plan, nothing is more essential than thatpermanent, inveterate antipathies against particular Nations, andpassionate attachments for others, should be excluded; and that, inplace of them, just and amicable feelings towards all should becultivated. The Nation, which indulges towards another an habitualhatred, or an habitual fondness, is in some degree a slave to itsanimosity or to its affection, either of which is sufficient to lead itastray from its duty and its interest. Antipathy in one nation againstanother disposes each more readily to offer insult and injury, to layhold of slight causes of umbrage, and to be haughty and intractable, when accidental or trifling occasions of dispute occur. Hence frequentcollisions, obstinate, venomed, and bloody contests. The Nation promptedby ill-will and resentment, sometimes impels to war the Government, contrary to the best calculations of policy. The Government sometimesparticipates in the national propensity and adopts through passion whatreason would reject; at other times, it makes the animosity of thenation subservient to projects of hostility instigated by pride, ambition, and other sinister and pernicious motives. The peace often, sometimes perhaps the liberty, of Nations has been the victim. 

So likewise, a passionate attachment of one Nation for another producesa variety of evils. Sympathy for the favorite Nation, facilitating theillusion of an imaginary common interest, in cases where no real commoninterest exists, and infusing into one the enmities of the other, betrays the former into a participation in the quarrels and wars of thelatter, without adequate inducement or justification. It leads also toconcessions to the favorite Nation of privileges denied to others, whichis apt doubly to injure the Nation making the concessions; byunnecessarily parting with what ought to have been retained; and byexciting jealousy, ill-will, and a disposition to retaliate, in theparties from whom equal privileges are withheld. And it gives toambitious, corrupted, or deluded citizens (who devote themselves to thefavorite Nation), facility to betray or sacrifice the interests of theirown country, without odium, sometimes even with popularity; gilding, with the appearance of a virtuous sense of obligation, a commendabledeference for public opinion, or a laudable zeal for public good, thebase of foolish compliances of ambition, corruption, or infatuation. 

As avenues to foreign influence in innumerable ways, such attachmentsare particularly alarming to the truly enlightened and independentPatriot. How many opportunities do they afford to tamper with domesticfactions, to practice the arts of seduction, to mislead public opinion, to influence or awe the Public Councils! Such an attachment of a smallor weak, towards a great and powerful Nation, dooms the former to be thesatellite of the latter. 

Against the insidious wiles of foreign influence (I conjure you tobelieve me, fellow-citizens), the jealousy of a free people ought to beconstantly awake; since history and experience prove that foreigninfluence is one of the most baneful foes of Republican Government. Butthat jealousy to be useful, must be impartial; else it becomes theinstrument of the very influence to be avoided, instead of a defenseagainst it. Excessive partiality for one foreign Nation, and excessivedislike of another, cause those whom they actuate to see danger only onone side, and serve to veil and even second the arts of influence on theother. Real patriots, who may resist the intrigues of the favorite, areliable to become suspected and odious; while its tools and dupes usurpthe applause and confidence of the people, to surrender their interests. 

The great rule of conduct for us, in regard to foreign nations, is, inextending our commercial relations, to have with them as little_political_ connection as possible. So far as we have already formedengagements, let them be fulfilled with perfect good faith. Here let usstop. 

Europe has a set of primary interests, which to us have none, or a veryremote relation. Hence she must be engaged in frequent controversies, the causes of which are essentially foreign to our concerns. Hence, therefore, it must be unwise in us to implicate ourselves, by artificialties, in the ordinary vicissitudes of her politics, or the ordinarycombinations and collisions of her friendships or enmities. 

Our detached and distant situation invites and enables us to pursue adifferent course. If we remain one people, under an efficientGovernment, the period is not far off when we may defy material injuryfrom external annoyance; when we may take such an attitude as will causethe neutrality we may at any time resolve upon to be scrupulouslyrespected; when belligerent nations, under the impossibility of makingacquisitions upon us, will not lightly hazard the giving us provocation;when we may choose peace or war, as our interest, guided by justice, shall counsel. 

Why forego the advantages of so peculiar a situation? Why quit our ownto stand upon foreign ground? Why, by interweaving our destiny with thatof any part of Europe, entangle our peace and prosperity in the toils ofEuropean ambition, rivalship, interest, humor, or caprice?

It is our true policy to steer clear of permanent alliances with anyportion of the foreign world; so far, I mean, as we are now at libertyto do it; for let me not be understood as capable of patronizinginfidelity to existing engagements. I hold the maxim no less applicableto public than to private affairs, that honesty is always the bestpolicy. I repeat it, therefore, let those engagements be observed intheir genuine sense. But, in my opinion, it is unnecessary and would beunwise to extend them. 

Taking care always to keep ourselves, by suitable establishments, in arespectable defensive posture, we may safely trust to temporaryalliances for extraordinary emergencies. 

Harmony, liberal intercourse with all nations, are recommended bypolicy, humanity, and interest. But even our commercial policy shouldhold an equal and impartial hand; neither seeking nor granting exclusivefavors or preferences; consulting the natural course of things;diffusing and diversifying by gentle means the streams of commerce, butforcing nothing; establishing, with powers so disposed, in order to givetrade a stable course, to define the rights of our merchants, and toenable the Government to support them, conventional rules ofintercourse, the best that present circumstances and mutual opinion willpermit, but temporary, and liable to be from time to time abandoned orvaried, as experience and circumstances shall dictate; constantlykeeping in view that it is folly in one nation to look for disinterestedfavors from another; that it must pay with a portion of its independencefor whatever it may accept under that character; that, by suchacceptance, it may place itself in the condition of having givenequivalents for nominal favors, and yet of being reproached withingratitude for not giving more. There can be no greater error than toexpect or calculate upon real favors from nation to nation. It is anillusion which experience must cure, which a just pride ought todiscard. 

In offering to you, my countrymen, these counsels of an old andaffectionate friend, I dare not hope they will make the strong andlasting impression I could wish; that they will control the usualcurrent of the passions or prevent our Nation from running the coursewhich has hitherto marked the destiny of Nations. But, if I may evenflatter myself, that they may be productive of some partial benefit, some occasional good; that they may now and then recur to moderate thefury of party spirit, to warn against the mischiefs of foreign intrigue, to guard against the impostures of pretended patriotism; this hope willbe a full recompense for the solicitude for your welfare, by which theyhave been dictated. 

How far in the discharge of my official duties I have been guided by theprinciples which have been delineated, the public records and otherevidences of my conduct must witness to you and to the world. To myself, the assurance of my own conscience is, that I have at least believedmyself to be guided by them. 

In relation to the still subsisting war in Europe, my Proclamation ofthe 22d of April, 1793, is the index of my Plan. Sanctioned by yourapproving voice, and by that of your Representatives of both Houses ofCongress, the spirit of that measure has continually governed meuninfluenced by any attempts to deter or divert me from it. 

After deliberate examination, with the aid of the best lights I couldobtain, I was well satisfied that our country, under all thecircumstances of the case, had a right to take, and was bound in dutyand interest to take, a neutral position. Having taken it, Idetermined, as far as should depend upon me, to maintain it, withmoderation, perseverance, and firmness. 

The considerations, which respect the right to hold this conduct, it isnot necessary on this occasion to detail. I will only observe, that, according to my understanding of the matter, that right, so far frombeing denied by any of the Belligerent Powers, has been virtuallyadmitted by all. 

The duty of holding a neutral conduct may be inferred, without anythingmore, from the obligation which justice and humanity impose on everyNation, in cases in which it is free to act, to maintain inviolate therelations of peace and amity towards other Nations. 

The inducements of interest for observing that conduct will best bereferred to your own reflections and experience. With me, a predominantmotive has been to endeavor to gain time to our country to settle andmature its yet recent institutions, and to progress without interruptionto that degree of strength and consistency, which is necessary to giveit, humanly speaking, the command of its own fortunes. 

Though, in reviewing the incidents of my administration, I amunconscious of intentional error, I am nevertheless too sensible of mydefects not to think it probable that I may have committed many errors. Whatever they may be, I fervently beseech the Almighty to avert ormitigate the evils to which they may tend. I shall also carry with methe hope, that my Country will never cease to view them withindulgence; and that, after forty-five years of my life dedicated to itsservice with an upright zeal, the faults of incompetent abilities willbe consigned to oblivion, as myself must soon be to the mansions ofrest. 

Relying on its kindness in this as in other things, and actuated by thatfervent love towards it, which is so natural to a man, who views in itthe native soil of himself and his progenitors for several generations, I anticipate with pleasing expectation that retreat, in which I promisemyself to realize, without alloy, the sweet enjoyment of partaking, inthe midst of my fellow-citizens, the benign influence of good laws undera free Government, the ever favorite object of my heart, and the happyreward, as I trust, of our mutual cares, labors, and dangers. 

XI

EXERCISES

DECORATIONS FOR WASHINGTON'S BIRTHDAY EXERCISES

The hall in which the exercises in celebration of Washington's Birthdayare held should be decorated with all the patriotic emblemsobtainable, --flags, banners, flowers, etc. ; including a portrait ofWashington centrally and prominently exhibited, with the motto, "Firstin war, etc. , " and the figures 1732 and 1799, the dates of his birth anddeath; the former trimmed with flowers, the latter with crepe. Nothingavailable should be omitted to render the hall as bright and attractiveas possible. 

The orations should be delivered by boys, but the other portions of theexercises may be rendered by girls, or by both girls and boys, as may befound most suitable to the text and the occasion. 

 * * * * *

SOME YEARS IN WASHINGTON'S LIFE

BY M. LIZZIE STANLEY

An Exercise for Boys From "_The Popular Educator_"

_Let the scholars who represent the ghosts of the vanished years standin the background and come forth as they are called. Each should bear inhis hand a standard with the date of his year in large letters upon it, or wear a badge with the same. Hang a large picture of Washington on thewall; above it place the motto, "First in war, first in peace, first inthe hearts of his countrymen, " and beneath it the dates of his birth anddeath_. 

SCHOLAR. 

This wintry month of storm and coldDoth in its rough old heart enfoldA memory bright as burnished gold, Which still lives on while years grow old. It pales not with the lapse of time, But burns with steady glow sublime--Through all the years from age to age, A light upon our history's page--The name and memory of one, Our country's hero--Washington. 

SCHOOL. 

Go, ring the bells and fire each gunIn honor of George Washington. 

SCHOLAR. 

Come, boys, let's have some historic fun, Its theme to be grand Washington, 'Tis better far than simple play, So range yourselves in close array, While each in turn his deeds do cite, And thus we'll keep his memory bright. 

SCHOLAR. 

Call up the ghosts of the vanished years, And question each as he appears. 

SCHOOL. 

Aha! ye years that thought ye were gone, We'll call you back with your faces wan. 

(SIX OR MORE VOICES IN CONCERT. )

Arise, thou ghost of seventeen thirty-two, And to our questions give us answers true. What knowest thou of Washington, the grave?What canst thou tell of Washington, the brave?

(_Arise 1732_. )

In February of my year, Unto my mind 'tis very clear, Upon the twenty-second day, In old Virginia far away, Was born a sweet and gentle child, On whom the heavens looked down and smiled. 

VOICES. 

Is that all thou canst tell?

(_1732 speaks again_. )

Ah! there's another thing, just one:They called the child George Washington. On all things else I am but dumb;Ask of the years that after come. [_Retire. _

VOICES. 

Arise, ye ghosts of his youthful days, And tell us of his acts and ways. 

(_Arise 1733, 1735, 1738, 1741, 1743, and 1752. Each speaks in turn_. )

1733. In seventeen hundred thirty-threeHe was a baby, full of glee. 

1735. In seventeen hundred thirty-fiveHe was a child, all wide-awake, alive. 

1738. I speak for seventeen thirty-eight, He told no falsehood, small or great. 

1741. Thus speak the lips of seventeen forty-one:His work in copybooks was nearly done. 

1743. In seventeen hundred forty-threeHe loved in military sports to be. 

1752. My days of seventeen fifty-twoNo finer form could bring to view. 

VOICES. 

Away, ye years! No more, no more! [_They retire_. Arise, thou ghost of fifty-four. 

(_Arise 1754. _)

The French and Indian War this year begun, Its first gun fired by youthful Washington;The shots flew fast from hidden foe, And many a one was then laid low, Yet never a wound that grand form felt, Though shots like rain at him were dealt. Old Indian chiefs declared a charmPreserved his life from every harm. [_Retire. _

VOICES. 

Come forth, ye vanished seventeen seventy-five. No man methinks that knew thee is alive. 

(_Arise 1775. _)

I proudly rise from the vanished past, Behold a dark cloud gathering fast!At first no bigger than a hand, 'Tis spreading over all the land, And men are hurrying here and there, Their brows all grave with anxious care. Upon the green at Cambridge gaze, List to the shouts the people raise, As on his war-horse, proud and calm, Sits he, the nation's strong right arm;Beneath the spreading elm-tree's shade, Commander-in-chief he there is madeOf young America's armies all. Who is it thus the people call?'Tis Washington, the star of light, That shone through all the country's night. [_Retire. _

VOICES. 

Come back, ye years that now are o'er, And tell us of this man yet more. 

(_Arise 1776 and 1777. In concert_. )

Together we rise to speak his fame, Who won a grand, immortal nameAt Trenton and at Princeton too. More brilliant deeds where can we view?On History's page they brightly gleam. Him "first in war" we rightly deem. [_Retire. _

VOICES. 

Behold a shadow dark and weighty!Stand forth, thou ghost of seventeen eighty. 

(_Arise 1780_. )

Hunger and cold, and suffering greatIn my last days was the sad fateOf Washington and his soldiers brave. The name "hard winter" to me clave. But still the grand old patriot fireWithin one breast did ne'er expire. In cause so grand he placed a faith sublime, That far outweighed the sorrows of the time. [_Retire. _

VOICES. 

What canst thou tell us, seventeen eighty-one, Of this far-famed, immortal Washington?

(_Arise 1781_. )

I see the British soldiers, one by one, Surrendering their arms to Washington. The war of revolution now is o'er, And joyful shouts from every hillside pour. As soon as war's black flag is furled, The admiration of the world, Bearing the love of countless grateful hearts, George Washington unto his home departs. The "first in war, " and "first in peace, "His memory shall never cease. [_Retire. _

VOICES. 

Once more we call. Come forth and shine, Spirit of seventeen eighty-nine. 

(_Arise 1789_. )

My year beheld George WashingtonAbove all men the ruling one, Of the United States first President, His name a glory to our country lent. [_Retire. _

VOICES. 

Come forth, thou ghost, the last in line;Come back, oh seventeen ninety-nine. 

(_Arise 1799_. )

I rise with sorrow in my face, Which time can never quite efface. In the last month of the Last yearOf the LAST century (dost thou hear?)There passed away a kingly soul, And sadly all the bells did toll;The people mourned their leader much;Their feelings in one mighty rush!Swept back o'er all the years gone by, And heartfelt was the nation's cryO'er Washington whom tongue and penProclaim the first in hearts of countrymen. [_Retire. _

SCHOOL. 

"First in war, first in peace, first in the heartsof his countrymen. "

VOICES. 

Who would have thought the vanished yearsCould come back thus with smiles and tears!

(_The years come back in procession, 1732 in advance, and recitetogether_. )

Together we come farewell to say, Ere in our graves we hide away. Till another year hath passed its round, Our voices shall utter forth no sound. Our lips have only told a partAbout this great and noble heart;But go and study history's page, You'll find him there from age to age. Before we go a challenge brave we sendUnto this year, and on till time shall end, To e'er produce a greater oneThan _our_ immortal Washington. [_Pass out in order, repeating_ "_Farewell, farewell!_"

_If there is a bell on the school-building, have some boy at this pointring it with bright, quick strokes_. 

SCHOLAR. 

List! I hear the bells a-ringing, High within their steeples swinging. Loud let them ring, and ring, and ring, And all abroad their music fling, For honor doth belong to himWhose memory ages cannot dim. 

SCHOOL. 

Ay, ring the bells, and raise the shout, And drag the massive cannon out, Let all unite as though in oneTo praise immortal Washington. 

_School sing in closing "Speed Our Republic"etc. , or some other patriotic hymn_. 

 * * * * *

SOMETHING BETTER

BY CLARA J. DENTON

_For a Very Little Girl_

 I cannot be a Washington, However hard I try, But into something I must grow As fast the days go by. 

 The world needs women, good and true, I'm glad I can be one, For that is even better than To be a Washington. 

 * * * * *

THE STATES CROWNING WASHINGTON

BY KATE BOWLES SHERWOOD

_For Forty-five Children_

This exercise will require forty-five children, boys or girls, or both, as most convenient. Where a stage and curtain are obtainable, have thespeakers grouped upon the stage at rise of curtain. If a stage andcurtain are impossible let the speakers sit near the platform, eachcoming forward quickly, as the predecessor retires. A bust or framedportrait of Washington must occupy the center of the stage or platform;surrounding it must be an arch containing forty-five nails. Each speakerat the close of speech hangs upon a nail the wreath he or she carries. Where flowers cannot be obtained in the winter time, use wreaths ofevergreen. If a stage is possible, but not a curtain, the States mayform at back of schoolroom and march upon the stage in time to martialor patriotic music. Each State may wear a badge with name if convenient. 

 1. Maine comes marching on as one To crown immortal Washington. 

 2. New Hampshire brings him honor, too, In offerings both sweet and true. 

 3. Vermont here comes to take her stand To crown him with a lavish hand. 

 4. Massachusetts, Pilgrim state, Proclaims him hero grand and great. 

 5. Rhode Island comes with willing feet To place a garland fair and sweet. 

 6. Connecticut, with laurel's light, Would keep our hero's honor bright. 

 7. New York, a mighty empire now, Still crowns her gallant leader's brow. 

 8. Pennsylvania holds him great, Who spurned a crown to make a state. 

 9. New Jersey, Trenton can't forget, Her hero claims her honor yet. 

 10. Delaware will wreathe her bays To tell our hero's matchless praise. 

 11. Maryland crowns the peaceful heart Unspoiled by cruel deed or art. 

 12. Virginia hails her first-born son, The proud and peerless Washington. 

 13. West Virginia will proclaim The splendors of a patriot's name. 

 14. North Carolina's wreath is brought To him who independence wrought. 

 15. South Carolina follows on To twine a wreath for Washington. 

 16. Georgia exalts him high Who made the flag of freedom fly. 

 17. Alabama's lore is pure, For him whose fame shall aye endure. 

 18. Florida a tribute brings To him exalted over kings. 

 19. Ohio twines with generous hand The garlands of a goodly land. 

 20. Indiana's wreath is green For him of grave and gentle mien. 

 21. Illinois cannot forget That Washington is speaking yet. 

 22. Michigan with love is stirred For him who always kept his word. 

 23. Wisconsin hangs the victor's palm For him, in peace or tumult calm. 

 24. Kentucky would his praise prolong, For fortitude and valor strong. 

 25. Missouri comes with gifts of love For Washington's all men above. 

 26. Iowa exalts the man Who shaped his life on honor's plan. 

 27. Minnesota will revere The name that all the world holds dear. 

 28. Nebraska brings from summits high Immortal gifts that cannot die. 

 29. Kansas speaks of duties done, Of battles fought and victories won. 

 30. Mississippi tells the tale Of glorious acts that never pale. 

 31. Louisiana counts the deeds By duty done where valor leads. 

 32. Arkansas brings an offering bright To him who struggled for the right

 33. Texas will her honor show To faithful friend and generous foe. 

 34. Tennessee exultant bears The crown a conquering hero wears. 

 35. Nevada from her mountain height Has plucked this garland kissed with light. 

 36. California's thousand flowers Will crown this patriot of ours. 

 37. Oregon brings offerings rare For him she holds in loving care. 

 38 Montana, from the mountains blue, Has brought him love, and honor, too. 

 39. North Dakota loves him well, And comes his valiant deeds to tell. 

 40. South Dakota follows on To crown the patriot Washington. 

 41. Washington is proud to claim The glory of his noble name. 

 42. Colorado ever true Will bring him loving garlands, too. 

 43. Wyoming from her mountain height Would crown the man who stood for right. 

 44. Idaho brings garlands fair For him whose life's beyond compare. 

 45. Utah comes with fadeless pine In his immortal crown to shine. 

 _Chorus of States_

 We all will honor Washington, His fame will ever lead us on To better lives and nobler deeds, To guard our land in all her needs, To keep us ever kind and true To friends, and home, and country, too, In virtue strong, in honor bright, The foe of wrong, the friend of right. 

 We all will honor Washington, The first in war when wrong was done. The first in peace when freedom came To crown him with immortal fame, The first in all our hearts to-day, To bind us all as one for aye, While battle and freedom lead us on We all will honor Washington. 

(_Issued under the auspices of the George Washington MemorialAssociation. Used by permission of the New England Publishing Co_. )

 * * * * *

THE NEW GEORGE WASHINGTON

ANONYMOUS

_To Be Recited by a Small Boy_

 I am six years old, And like play and fun. I mean to grow up Like George Washington. 

 So, when mother said, "Who ate all the pie?" I, spoke like a man, And said, "It was I. "

 But she didn't say She'd rather lose the pie, And know that her boy Would not tell a lie. 

 She just shut me up Where I couldn't see, Then sent me to bed Without any tea. 

 * * * * *

IN PRAISE OF WASHINGTON

_For Nine Pupils_

FIRST PUPIL. --To the historian few characters appear so little to haveshared the common frailties and imperfections of human nature as that ofWashington. _William Smyth_. 

SECOND PUPIL. --No matter what may have been the immediate birthplace ofsuch a man as Washington! No clime can claim, no country can appropriatehim; the boon of Providence to the human race, his fame is eternity, hisresidence creation. _Charles Phillips_. 

THIRD PUPIL. --As a ruler of mankind, he may be proposed as a model. Deeply impressed with the original rights of human nature, he neverforgot that the end, and meaning, and aim of all just government was thehappiness of the people. _William Smyth_. 

FOURTH PUPIL. --As a general, he marshaled the peasant into a veteran, and supplied by discipline the absence of experience. As a statesman, heenlarged the policy of the cabinet into the most comprehensive system ofgeneral advantage; and such was the wisdom of his views and thephilosophy of his counsels that to the soldier and the statesman healmost added the character of the sage. _Charles Phillips_. 

FIFTH PUPIL. --Immortal man! He took from the battle its crime, and fromthe conquest its chains; he left the victorious the glory of hisself-denial, and turned upon the vanquished only the retribution of hismercy. Happy, proud America! The lightnings of heaven yielded to yourphilosophy! The temptations of earth could not seduce your patriotism!_Charles Phillips_. 

SIXTH PUPIL. --It is the happy combination of rare talents and qualities, the harmonious union of the intellectual and moral powers, rather thanthe dazzling splendor of any one trait which constitutes the grandeur ofhis character. _Jared Sparks_. 

SEVENTH PUPIL. --Washington did the two greatest things which, inpolitics, man can have the privilege of attempting. He maintained, bypeace, that independence of his country which he had acquired by war. Hefounded a free government, in the name of the principles of order, andby re-establishing their sway. _Guizot_. 

EIGHTH PUPIL. --Greater soldiers, more intellectual statesmen, andprofounder sages have doubtless existed in the history of the Englishrace, perhaps in our own country, but not one who to great excellence inthe threefold composition of man--the physical, intellectual, andmoral--has added such exalted integrity, such unaffected piety, suchunsullied purity of soul, and such wondrous control of his own spirit. He illustrated and adorned the civilization of Christianity, andfurnished an example of the wisdom and perfection of its teachings whichthe subtlest arguments of its enemies cannot impeach. _Vance_. 

NINTH PUPIL. --He fought, but not with love of strife; he struck but to defend;And, ere he turned a people's foe, he sought to be a friend. He strove to keep his country's right by Reason's gentle wordAnd sighed when fell injustice threw the challenge sword to sword. He stood, the firm, the calm, the wise, the patriot and sage;He showed no deep, avenging hate, no burst of despot rage;He stood for liberty and truth, and dauntlessly led on, Till shouts of victory gave forth the name of Washington. _Eliza Cook_. 

IN CONCERT. --Washington, the brave, the wise, the good. Supreme in war, in council, and in peace. Valiant without ambition, discreet without fear, confident without presumption. In disaster, calm; in success, moderate; in all, himself. The hero, the patriot, the Christian. The father of nations, the friend of mankind, Who, when he had won all, renounced all, and sought in the bosom of his family and of nature, retirement, and in the hope of religion, immortality. _Inscription at Mount Vernon_.