The Belmont chronicle, and farmers, mechanics and manufacturers advocate. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1848-1855, 1854-01-20

| uutg 10 proceed tneHCe ana surrender 10 mat
body the commission which he had received
from them seven years before.
The morning Of the 9th of December, 1888
was sad and heavy one to the remnant OF
the American army in the city Of New York.
The noon oethat day was to witness the
farewell of Washington--he was to bid adieu
to his military comrades forever. The
officers who had been with him in solemn
council, the privates who had fought and bled
in the "heavy fight" under his orders, were
to hear mis- commands no longer. The manly
form and dignifed countenace of the '.great
captain" was henceforth 10 live in their
memories.
..- AS the hour of noon approached, the whole
garrison, at the request of Washington HIM
self, was put in motion ami marched down
Broad street to Francis tavern, his head
quarters. He wished to take leave of private
soldiers alike with the officers, and bid them
all adieu. His favorte light infantry were
drawn up in the line facing inwards, through
Pearl street, at the foot of Whitehall, where
barge was in readiness to convey him to
Powell's Hook.
Assembled there were Knox, Green, Clinton
Steuben, Gates, and others, who had served
with him faithfully and truly in the "tented
tield;" but, alas! where we're others that had
entered the war with him seven years before!
Their bones crumbed in the soil from
Canada to Georgia. Montgomery had yielded
up his life at Quebec: Wooster fell at
Danbury; Woodruff was barbarously mur-
dered while prisoner at the battle of Long
Island, and Mercer fell mortally wounded at
Princeton; the brave and chivalric Laurence,
after displaying the most heroic courage in
| the trenches of York town, died in trifing
skirmish in South Carolina; the brave but
eccentric Lee was no longer living, and
Putnam, like helpless child, was stretched
upon the bed Of sickness. Indeed, the battle
field and time had thinned the ranks which
entered with him on the conflict of indepen-
dence.
Washington entered the room--the hour
of separation had come. AS he raised his
eye and glanced on the faces of those as
sembled, tear coursed down his cheek, and
his voice was tremulous as he saluted them
Nor was lie alone. Men "albeit unused to
the melting mood" stood around him, whose
uplifted hands to cover their brows, told that
the tears, which they in vain attempted to
conceal, bespoke the anguish they could moi
hide.
After moments conversation, Washing
ton called for glass of wine. 1t was brought
him. Turning to the officers he thus ad
dressed them.
J "With heart full of love and gratitude,
now take my final leave of you; and l most
devoutly wish your latter days may be at
prosperous and happy as your former ones
have been glorious and honorable" He ther
raised the glass to his lips, and added. 81
cannot come to each of you to take my leave
but shall be obliged to you if each of yo'
!, will take me by the hand"
General Knox, who stood nearest, burs
into tears, and advanced, incapable of utter
, ance. Washington grasped him by the hand
and embraced him. The officers came u
successfully and took an aflectonate leave
5 No words were spoken, but all was the "silen
=, eloquence of tears" When were mer
{ words at such scene! Nothing. 1t was th
b feeling of the hesrt-thrillng, though ur
e spoken.
When the last officer had embraced hin
e Washington left the room, followed by hi
t comrades, and passed through the line {
: light infantry. His step was slow an
measured, his head uncovered, and teal
e flowed thick and fast, as he looked from sid
!. to side at the veterans to whom he now bad
adieu forever. Shortly an event occurre
r more touching than all the rest. A ggant
= soldier, who had stood by his side at Trenton
e stepped forth from the ranks and extended h
j hand.
d Farewell, my beloved General, farewell
Z Washington grasped his hand, in conyulSiV
n emotion, in both OF his. All discipline va
Q now at an end. The officers would not re
It strain the men as they rushed forward to tax
Washington by the hand, and the 'iolel
sobs and tears of the soldiers told how deePl
o engraved upon their affe ctons was the loV
o of their commander: ..... ......
At length Washington reached the bara
5, at Whitehall, and entered it. At the tir
h stroke of the oars he rose, and turning to Il
companions OF his glory, by waving his ha
bade them silent adieu. The answer VI
only in tears; and the offers and men, wi
to glistening eyes, watched the receding boat
,k the form of their noble commander was lc
sight efin the distance. -....... ....,t
Contrast tbs farewell Of Washington 10