Sunbury American and Shamokin journal. [volume] (Sunbury, Northumberland Co., Pa.) 1840-1848, 1845-03-15

edIiisob, at 'ne request OF washington nlmselt,
was put in motion and marched down Broad st.
10 Francis tavern, his head quarters. He wish
ed TO take leave of private soldiers alike with
the officers, and bid them a u adicu. His favor
lie light infantry were drawn up in line facing
inwards, through Pearl street, to the foo, Of
White Hall, where barge was in readiness to
convey him to rowels' Hook
Within the dining room of the tavern were
assembled the general and field officers to take
their farewell.
Assembled there were Knox, Greene, Steu-
ben, Gates Clinton and others, who had served
with him faithfully and truly in the "tented
field" but, alas where were others who had
entered the war with him seven years before
Their bones crnmbled in the soil from Canada
to Georgia. Montgomery had yielded up his
life at Quebec. Wooster at Danbury, Wood
hull was barbarously murdered whilst prison
er at the battle on Long Island, Mercer fell
mortally wounded at Princeton, the brave and
chivaIric Laurens, after displaying the most he
roc courage in the trenches at Yorktown, deG
in trihing skrmish in South Carolina, the
brave but eccentric Lee was no longer living
and Putnam, like helpless child, was stretch
ed upon the bed Of sickness. Indeed, the bat
tie field and time had ,hnned the ranks which
entered with him into the conflict
Washington entered the room-the hour OF
separation had come. As he raised his eye, and
glanced on the faces of those assembled tear
coursed down his cheek and his vJice was tire.
muous as he saluted them. Nor was he alone
men,
"Albeit unused TO the melting mood"
stood around him, whose upliled hands to CO,
yer their brows, told that the tear, which they
in vain attempted to conceal, bespoke the an.
guish they could not hide.
After moments conversation, Washington
called for glass Divine. 1t was brought him
turning to his officers he thus addressed them;
"Wlth heart inll Of love and gratitude, |
now take my final leave OF yon, most de-
vouly wish your latter days may be as pros.
porous and happy as your former ones have
been glorious and honorable" He then raised
the glass to his lips, drank, and added IL can
not come 10 each OF you otake my leave, but
shall be obliged TO you, if each Of you will take
me by the hand.
General Knox, who stood nearest, bnrst in
10 tears, and dvarced-ncapable OF ut,erance
.-.W ashng,on grasped him by the hand, and
embraced him. The officers came up success.
svely end took an ailectionate leave. No words
wers spoken, but all was the ''silent elOquence
Of tears" What we're mere words at such a
scene ! Nothing. 1t was the feeling of the
heart-thrling, though unspoken.
When the last of the officers had embraced
him, Washington left the room, followed by his
comrades, and passed through the lines OF light
infantry. His step was slow and measured
his head uncovered, and the tears flowing thick
and fast as he looked from side TO side at the
veterans to whom he now babe adleu for ever.
Shortly an event occurred more touching than
all the rest gigantic soldier Who had stood
by his side at Trenton, stepped forth from the
ranks, and extended his hand.
Farewell, my beloved general, farewell
Washington grasped his hand in conyulsive
emot;on. in both of his. All discipline was now
at an end, the officers could not restrain the
men, as they rushed forward to take Washing.
ton by the hand, and the sobs and tears OF the
soldiers told how deeply engraven upon their
affections was the love of their commander.
At length Washington reached the barge at
White Hall, and entered it. At the first stroke
Of the oar, he rose. and turning to the compan.
IONS of his glory, by waving his hat, bade them
a silent adleu-ther answer was only in tears
-utficers and men, with glisening eyes watch
ed the receding boat, till tho form of their no.
Bile commander was lost in the distance.
Contrast the farewell of Washington TO his
army at White Hall, in 1888, and the adieu Of
Napoleon to his army at Fontunbeu, in 1914 {.
The one had accomplished every wish of his
heart. His noble exertIons had achieved the
Independence of his country, and he onged to
retire to the bosom OF his home-hs ambition
was satisfied He fought for no crown or scep,
tre, but for equality and the mutual happiness
of his fellow beings. No taint OF tyranny, no
breath of SANDER, no whisper of duplcty, mar
red the fair proportions OF his public or private
life-but
"He was man. take him for all in all
We ne er shall look upon his like again"
The other great soldier was the disciple of
selfish ambition. lie raiesd the iron weapon Of
war, to crush only that he might rule. What
to him were the cries Of the widows and or
phunsl He passed to a throne by making the