Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1854-03-01
RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA, WEDNESDAY,

barge was in readiness to convey him to
PowelPs Hook.
Within the dining-room of the tavern
were gathered the generals and field officers
to take their farewell.
Assembled there were Knox, Greene,
Clinton, Steuben, Gates, and others, who
had served with him faithfully in the tented
field : but, alas where were others that
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
at Danbury, Woodruff was barbaronsly muir
dered while prisoner at the battle on Long
Island, and Mercer fell mortally wounded
at Princeton the brave and chivalric Lau-
rens after displaying the most heroic cour-
age in the trenches of Yorktown, died in a
trifing skirmish in South Carolina the brave
but eccentric Lee was no longer living, and
Putnam like child, was stretched upon the
bed Of sickness. Indeed, the battlefield
and time had thinned the ranks which enter
ed with him on the conflict of Independence.
Washington entered the room-the hour
of separation had come. AS he raised his
eye and glanced on the faces of those assem-
bled, tear coursed down his cheek, and his
voice was tromulous as he saluted them
Nor was he alone Men, albeit unused to the
melting mood stood around him, whose
hands uplifted to cover their brows, told that
the tears which they in vain attempted to
conceal, bespoke the anguish they could not
hide.
After moments conversation, Washing
ton called for glass of wine. 1t was brought
to him. Turning to the officers. he thus
addressed them
With heart full of love and gratitude
now take my final leave Of you, and most
devoutly wish your latter days may be as
prosperous and happy as your former ones
have been glorious and honorable, He
then raised the glass to his lips, and added
L 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 successfully, and took an affectionatt
leave. No words were spoken, but all was
the silent eloquence of tears What were
mere words at such a scene? Nothing
1t was the feeling of the heart-thrilline
though unspokcn.
When the last officer had embraced him
Washington left the room, followed by hi
comrades and passed through the line o
light infantry. His step was slow anc
measured, his head uncovered, aad tear
flowing thick and fast, as he looked iron
side to side at the verterans to whom HI
now bade adieu forever. Shortly, an even
occurred more touching than all the rest
A gigantic soldier, who had stood by hi
side at Trenton, stepped forth from tn
ranks, and extended his hand.
Farewell, my beloved general, farewell
Washington grasped his hand, in convul
sive emotion, in both of his. All disciplin
was now at an end. The officers could nc
restrain the men as they rushed forward to TAX
Washington by the hand, and the viOler
sobs and tears of the soldiers told how deepl
engraved upon their affections was the love
their commander.
At length, Washington reached the barge
Whitehall, and entered it. AT the first strok
of the oars he rose, and turning to the compal
ions of his glory, by waving his hat, badc the
silent adieu. Their answer was only in tear
and the officers and men, with glistening eye
watched the receding boat till the form
their noble commander was lost sight of
the distance.