Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1852-05-06
gathered the general and field officers to take

gathered the general and field officers to take
their farewell
Assembled there were Knox, Green, 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 crumbled in the soil
from Canada to Georgia Montgomery had
yielded up his life at Quebec, Wooster fell a,
Danbury, Woodruff was barbarously mur dered
whilst prisoner at the battle on Long Island,
and Mercer fell mortally wounded at Prince.
ton ; the brave and chivalrous Laurens after
displaying the most heroic courage in the
trenches at Yorktown, died in a trifing skir-
mish in South Carolina the brave but eccen-
trio Lee was no longer living, and Putnam,
like helpless child, was stretched upon the
bed of sickness. Indeed, the battlefield and
time had thinned the ranks which entered with
him into the conflict
Washington entered the room-the hour Of
separation had come. As he raised his eve,
and glanced on the faces of those assembled, a
tear coursed down his cheek, and his voice was
iremulous as he saluted them. Nor was he
alone. Men, 'albeit unused to the melting
mood stood around him, whose uplfied hands
to cover their brows, told that the tear, which
they in vain attempted to conceal, bespoke the
anguish they could not hide.
After moments conversation, Washington
called for a glass of wine. 1t was brought
him. Turning to his officers, he thus ad-
dressed them
'With heart full of love and gratitude,
now take my final leave of you. most de-
voutly 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 10 his lips, drank, and added q
cannot come to each Of you to take my leave,
but shall be obliged to you if each Of you will
take me by the hand"
General Knox, who stood nearest, burst
into tears, and advanced, incapable of utter
ance. Washington grasped him by the hand,
and embraced him. The officers came up sue
cessively and took an aifectiona,e leave. No
words were spoken, but all was the silent el-
oquence of tears What were mere words
at such a scene! Nothing. 1t was the feel
ing of the heari-thriling, 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
the 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 bade
adieu forever. Shortly an incident occurred
more touching than all the rest, gigantic sol
dier, who had stood by his side at Trenton
stepped forth from the ranks and extended hi.
hand.
Farewell, my beloved General, farewell !
Washington grasped his hand, in convulsive
emotion, in both of his. All discipline was
now at an end. The officers could not restrain
the men as they rushed forward to take Wash
ington by the hand, and the sobs and tears o.
the soldiers told how deeply engraven upor
their affections was the love of their command
er.
At length Washington reached the barge at
Whitehall, and entered it. AT the first stroke
of the oars he rose, and turning TO the compan
ions of his glory, by waving his hat bade them
silent adieu. Their answer was only ir
tears and officers and men, with gistening
eyes, watched the receding boat till the form
of their noble commander was lost in the dis
tance.
Contrast the farewell of Washington to his
army at Whitehall, in 1888, and the adieu Of
Napoleon to his army at Fontanbleu, in 1914
The one had accomplished every wish of hi;
heart. His noble exertions had achieved the
independence of his country, and he longed tt
retire to the bosom of his home His ambi
tion was satisfied. He fought for no crown o.
sceptre, but for equality and the mutual hap
piness of his fellow beings No taint of tyr
ranny, no breath of SANDER, no whisper of du
PIoi'y, Hoiioo 'hO iaii PtoPoitiOhS vi hiS pun
lie or private life; but
"He was a man, take him for all in all,
We ne'er shall look upon his like again"
The other great soldier was the disciple o
selfish ambition. He raised the iron weapon
of war to crush, only that he might rule
What to him were the cries of the widows ant
orphans! He passed to throne by making
the dead bodies of their protectors his stepping
stones. Ambition, self, were the gods Of hi.
idolatry, and to them he sacrificed hecatomb'
of his fellow-men for the ACKNOWLEDGEMENT o
personal glory. Enthusiasm points with fear
fnl wonder to the name of Napoleon, willis
justice, benevolence, freedom, and all the con
comitants which constitute the true happiness
of mar, shed almost divine halo round tn,
name and character Of WAsHlNcroN.-N Y
Sunday Times.
The Insubordinate Officer anc