The Port Gibson reveille. (Port Gibson, Miss.) 185?-1857, 1854-01-25
conceal. bespoke the anguish they could not

hide.
After nfbment's conversation. Washing.
ton called for glass Of wine. Il was brought
hun. Turning to the officers he thus address
ed them
With n heart full of love and gratitude.
now take my fnal 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 lie
then raised the glass to his lips. and added,
cannot come to each OF you to take my
leave, but shall be obliged to you if each Of
you will take Inc By the hand"
General Knox. VINO stood nearest, burst In
to tears. and advanced incapable Of utter
ance. Washington grasped him BY the hand.
and embraced him. The officers came up
successfully aud took an afectionate leave
No words we're spoken, but all was the "si-
lent eloquenco Of tears" What were mere
words at such a scene ? Nothing It was
the feeling Of the heart-thilling, though un-
spoken.
When the last officer had embraced him,
Washington left the room, followed by his
comrades, and passed through the line Of light
infantry. His step was slow and measured.
his head uncovered, and tears flowed thick
and fast, as he looked from side to side at the
veterans to whom lie now babe adicu for
ever Shortly an event occurred more touch
ing than all the rest A gigantic soldier, who
had stood BY his side at Trenton, stepped
forth from the ranks aud extended his hand
Farewell, my beloved General farewell"
Washington grasped his hand. in convul-
sive emotion, in both Of his. All discipline
was now at an end The officers would NOT
restrain the men as they rushed forward to
take Washington BY the hand, and the violent
sobs and tears of the soldiers told how deep
ly engraved upon their affections was the
love Of their commander.
At length Washington reached the barge at
Whitehall, and enteredit At the first stroke
Of the oars he rose. and turning to the
companions Of his glory, by waving his hat,
babe them a silent adieu. Their answer was
only in tears and the officers and men, with
glistening eyes, watching the receding boat
till the form Of their noble commander was
lost sight OF in the distance.
Contrast the farewell Of Washington to his
army ut Whitehall. iu 1888, aud the farewell
Of Napoleon to his army at Fontainebleau. in
1915. The one bad accomplished every wish
Of his heart. His noble exertions had achiey
ed the Independence Of his country, and he
longed to retire to the bosom Of his home -
His ambition was satisfied. lie fought for no
crown, no scepter, but for the equality and
mutual happiness Of his fellow-beings. No
tint Of tyranny, no breath Of slauder, no
whisper Of dupliety marred the fair proper
tions Of his public or private life +; but
He was man, take him all in all,
We 'er shall look upon his like again."
The other great soldier was the disciple Of
selfish ambition. lie raised the iron weapon /
Of war to crush, only that lie might rule -
What to him we're the cries Of widows and or
phans! lie passed to throne BY making
the deal bodies Of their protectors his stepp- +
ng stones. Ambition, self. were the gods Of
Ills idclatry, and to them he sacrificed heca-
.ombs Of Ills fell0w-men, for the aggrandlze-
nent of personal glory Enthusiasm points
With fearful wonder 10 the name Of Napoleon,
while Justice. Dencvolence. freedom, and all
he concomitanis which constitute the true
happiness Of man, she'd almost a divine halo
lround the name and character of George
IVashiugton-New York Journal of Com
nercc.