Fremont journal. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County [Ohio]) 1853-1866, 1855-03-09

brows, told that the tears which they il
vain attempted TO conceal, bespoke the an.
guish they could not hide. .fH4
After moments conversation, Wash.
ington called for glass Of wine. 1t was
brought him. Turning 10 the officers he
thus addressed them:
with heat full of love and gratitude,
| now take my final leave of you; and l
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. Il 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 and successively took an stfectionate
leave. No words were spoken, but all was
the "silent eloeuence tears" What were
mere words at such a scene? Nothing
1t was the feeling of the heart-thrilliug
though unspoken.
When the last officer had embraced him,
Washington left the room, followed by bis
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 he
now bade adieu forever. Shortly an event
occurred more touching than all the rest.
A gigantic soldier who had stood at his side
at Trenton, stepped forth from the ranks and
extended bis hand
Farewell, my beloved General fare
WE'LL" -
Washington grasped his hand, in convuls-
i've emotion, in both of his. All discipline
was now at an end. The officers would
not restrain ;he men az they rushed for
ward to take Washington by the hand. and
the violent sobs and tears of the soldiers
:old how deeply engraved upon their affec
tons was the love Of their commander.
Atlength Washington reached the barge
at Whitehall, and entered it. AT the first
stroke of the oars he rose, and turning to
the companions Of his glosy, by waving his
hat, bade them silent sdieu. The ans
swer was only in tears; and and the Off
GERS and men. with glistening eyes, watched
the receding boat ill the form of their no.
bic commander was lost sight of in the dis
tance.
Contrast the farewell of Washington to
his army at Whitehall, in 1888, and the
farewell o! Napoleon to his army a. Fon-
;ainbleau, in 1915. The one bad accom-
plished every wish of his heart. His noble
exertions had achieved the independence of
his country, and be longed to retire to the
bosom of his home. His ambition was sat-
is6ed. He fought for no crown. no scep;er,
but for the equality and mutual happiness
of his fellow beings. No taint Of ty amy.
no breath Of slander, no whisper Of duplici-
ty marred the fair proportions of his public
or private life, but
"He was man. take him for all in all.
We ne'er shall look upon his like again."
The other great soldier was the disciple
Of selfish ambition. He raised The iron
weapon of war 10 crush, only that be might
rule. What to him were the cries of wild
ows and orphans? He passed to throne,
making the dead bodies Of their protectors
his stepping stones. Ambition. self, we're
he Gods of his idolatry, and to them he |
sacrificed hectacombs of bis fellow men,
Tor the agrandizemento of personal glory
points with fearful wonder to
he name Of Napoleon. while justice. benev.
1lence. freedom, and all The concomit ants
which constitute the true happiness Of man,
shed almost divine halo around the name
and character Uf George Washington.