Gallipolis journal. [volume] (Gallipolis, Ohio) 1837-1919, 1855-02-08
NThe following letter from DR..

Plumer, respecting the interview of
Washington with Gen. Lee at the battle
of Monmouth, viii be read with inter-
est by every true American, and lover
of the Christian religion. 1t is well
known that Washington was religious
man. He was for many years mem
Der in fall communion, of the Episcopal
church; and when the army was en-
camped at Morristown, N. j., he took
the Lords supper with the Presbyterian
church, having first consulted the pastor
as to their habit of open or close COM
munion. His prayer in the woods at
Valley Forge, was not solitary act of
devotion. 1t was his habit daily to call
his family together for family worship,
shutting the parlor door, that the ex-
ercise might not be interrupted.
Historians, in their admiration of the
patriotism and craftsmanship of the
Modern Moses, raised up of God to lead
our fathers through the wilderness and
the ''Red sea, " have been prone to over
look the brightest ornament of his char
acter, his humble and consistent piety:
WASHINGTON AT MONMOUTH.
DID GENERAL WASHINGTON CURSE AND
SWEAR?
To the Editors Of the ". Y Observer:
In Harper's Magazine for last month,
1 see some statements respecting Gen
eral Washington's behavior at the battle
of Monmouth, which seem to demand a
passing notice. They are found in an
editorial criticism on Leutze's picture of
Washington at Monmouth. The excep-
tionable sentences are the following
"The one great instance, which may be
called the historical instance of his ex-
preston of violent passion, was that Of
the battle of Monmouth, when General
Lee, leading his troops In full retreat,
was met by Washington, who totally
unable to control himself called Lee
fercely to account, even swore at him."
General Lee was riding in
front of the column, and Washington
rode directly at him. He called him to
account in the severest manner, flung
at him an oath of contempt"
"Washington's great act is stemming
the retreat, not cursing the chief who
allowed it."
1 doubt not the upright intentions of
the author of these sentences, or of any
one else, who may believe as he does.
When young, 1 knew an excellent man,
who had been in the battle of Mon
mouth. He said he was within forty
yards of Washington when he met Lee,
and heard him use the name of God in
manner that at the time seemed to
him profane. But | am satisfied this is
a mistake. Ny reasons are these:
Il. General Washington greatly dis
approved of the use of profane Ian
guage. On many occasions he publicly
expressed his disapprobation of all pro-
faneness of speech, not only because it
was ungentlemanly, and unbecoming an
officer, but also because it was offensive
to God. When he took command of
the American forces, profane swearing
among the officers was not unknown to
some. He early directed his efforts to
suppress it. Nor did he ever cease to
dislike this form of wickedness. 1t is
therefore not probable that he forgot the
prophecies of his painful position, or his
duty to God, in that eEentful day at
Monmouth.
2. L have good evidence before my
mind that Washington did neither curse
nor swear at Monmouth. The late
Major James Morton, of Va, was at
the battle of Monmouth. He was, l
think, lieutenant in the army. He told
me that he was within six yards of Gen
eral Washington when he met Lee, and
that no expression, which could be fairly
called profane, escaped the lips of the
commander in-chief. Major Morton
said that Washington used the name of
God two or three times, but in man.
ner which no one had right TO pro-
nounce profane. Major Morton said
that he heard all that passed between
the Generals, and that Washington
neither cursed nor swore.
Many old soldiers have told the same
story with that of Major Morton, re
specting the beginning of the interview.
In a manner of terrible earnestness,
Washington said: "In the name of God,
General Lee, what means this move
ment?" General Lee replied: cit is
occasioned by the exercise of that ras-
cally virtue, called prudence, of which
your excellency is possessed to re-
markable degree" Upon this,' Wash
ington with increased yehemence made
solemn appeal to Lee in the name of
God, calling on him to do his duty to
his country. With a terrible rebuke he
made Lee change his position. Soon
the shouts of the Americans showed
their love of their country and their
commander. Thus were the fortunes
of the day decided. Major Morton, to
whom reference is made above, was a
ygentleman of very high standing. For
his frmness of character, no less than
for the shape of his person, he was. du-
ring the war of independence often
called sSolid Colurnn, Ha vvas the