The voice of freedom. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1839-1848, 1846-12-31
A Hero in Tears.

We like to keep bright the links of WASH
INGToN's influence on its way to posterity-
links that are visible in printers ink, though
felt in the invisible beating of the hearts adj
miration. We extract the following interest
ing passage from Watson's Annals of New
York" =
WAsHINGToN's DEPARTURE FROM THIS
CITY About a year since friend of ours
visiting the metropolis, spent an hour with
Mr., Gusts at his residence, and heard from
him graphic and eloquent description of the
final departure of Washington from New
York. The scene has often been narrated,
but it bears peculiar interest, when coming
from the lips Of an eyewitness. Our friend
h kindly furnished us with description tax
en- at the time and although probably de6c-
lent in the vivid eloquence of the narrator, it
is still worthy of preservation. The account
which Mr.. Curtis gives Of the appearance
and extent Of New York at the time, is high
ly curious and interesting -
" We then staid at McComb's House near
the Battery" said Mr.. Gusts, (which is now
called Bunkcr's, and that was nearly the ex-
tent CT the compact part ofthe city. st. Pauls
church was quite out Of town, and used to
play on a fine green common, where the Park
theatre now stands. Instead Of paved streets
in that vicinity, there were fenced fields, in
which | could sport freely as if on my own
estate. could now point to the spot where
Washington embarked, and babe his final
adieu to his army and the citizens of New
York, although am sure it must be entirely
changed in appearance during the time which
has since then elasped. 1t was a point at
Whitehall, just off the Battery, and instead
of the wharf now bound with stately ships,
the shore was then naked as the waves which
murmured on its banks. | remember the
morning as if yesterday it was clear, cool,
bracing day in December and as the Gener-
al left the house, he took my hand, and l
thought never saw him look so sad. We ar
rived at the appointed place of departure
| see the spot plainly before me-the crowd
was immense, the army being drawn up in
lines which faced the General as he passed
them: the eyes ofthe multitude were steadily
bent upon him, but not whisper among the
whole was audible. When Washington arriv-
ed at the spot, he paused and for a moment
surveyed the scene. saw his heart was to
full for utterance, and his eyes seemed burst
ing with suppressed tears; still, he calmly
looked on all around; but it could not long be
thus. Nature was at length supreme-the
General hastily approached one Of the officers
who was standing with several of the staff
near him, and falling on his neck, gave way
to his feelings in a flood Of tears. He then
embraced each of his officers separately; with
an almost convulsive grasp, and as he thus
babe his long loved and loving companions
adeu, the tears seemed each momont to start
afresh. Not word was yet spoken, the sigh
or sob alone broke the silence of the solemn
scene. At length, when the last officer had
been embraced, the General seemed for a
moment to gain selfpossession, and with a
firm step turned towards the boat in waiting;
he stepped on board, and almost sunk upon
the seat; it was but for an instant, for as the
boat showed off, he stood upright, and quickly
raising his hat with that grace and dignity
which seemed peculiarly to belong to him, he
surveyed once more his officers, his army,
and his friends and after pausing a moment,
he murmured with emphasis can never for.
get, so full of mingled sorrow and affection,
so deep and earnest, so soul-felt in its accents
the single word FAREWELL and waving
his hat, the fresh gushsrs tears prere1tee liz