The Lambertville press. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1858-1???, 1859-02-17

Laurens, after displaying the most heroic cour-
age in the trenches at Yorktown, died in tri-
fling skirmish in South Carolina; the brave but
eccentric Lee was no longer living, and Putnam,
like hopeless child was stretched upon bed
of sickness. Indeed, the battlefield and time
had thined the ranks which entered with him
into the conflict.
Washington entered the room-the hodr of
separation had come. AS he raised his eyes and
glanced on the faces of those assembled, tear
coursed down his cheek, and his voice was trem-
hlous as he saluted them Nor was he alone
Men, albeit unused to the melting mood" stood
around him, whose uplifted hands-to cover their
brows, told that the tear, which they in vain at
tempted to conceal, bespoke the anguish they
could not hide
After d moments conversation Washington;
called for glass Of wine. It was brought to
him. Turning to his officers, he THUS addressed
them -
"With heart full of love and gratitude,
now take my final leave of you most deyout.
ly wish your latter days may be as prosperous
and happy as your former ones have been glo.
rious and honorable " He then raised the glass
to his lips, drank, and added I 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 utterance.-
Washington grasped him by the hand and en-
braced him. The officers came up successfully,
and took an affectionate leave. No words were
spoken, but all was the silent e1oquence of
tears {" What were mere words at such scene
Nothing. It was the feeling of the heart =
thrilling, though unspoken. When the last of
the officers had embraced him, Washington left
the room, followed by his comrades and passed
through the lines of the light infantry. His
step was slow and measured, his head uncovered,
and the tears flowing thick and fast, as he look
ed from side to side at the veterans to whom he
now babe adieu forever. Shortly an event oc-
Cured more touching than all the rest. A gil
gantic soldier, whohad stood by his side at Tren-
ton stepped forth from the ranks and extended
his hand
Farewell, my beloved General farewell +"
Washington grasped his hand in convulsive
emotion, in both Of his. All discipline was now
at an end. The officers could not restrain the
men as they rushed forward to take Washington
by the hand and the sobs and tears of the soldi-
ers told how deeply engraven upon their atfec-
tions was their love of the commander
At length Washington reached the barge at
Whitehall, and entered it, At the first stroke
of the oars he rose, and turning to the compa-
MES of his glory, by waving his hat babe them
silent adieu Their answer was only in tears;
and officers and men, with glistening eyes,
watched the receding boat until the form of
their noble commander was lost in the dis
lance.
Contrast the farewell Of Washington to his
army at Whitehall, in 1888, and the adieu Of
Napoleon to his army at Footainbleu, in 1914
The one has accomplished every wish of his heart
His able exertions had achieved the indepen-
dence of his country, and he longed to retire to
the bosom of his home His ambition was sat-
sfed He fought for no crown or sceptre, but
for equality and mutual happiness of his fellow
beings No faint Of tyranny, no breath of
SANDER, no whisper of duplicity, marred the fair
proportions of his pnblic or private life;
but
He was a man, take him for all in all,
Wene'er shall look upon his like again.
The other great soldier was the disciple of sell
fish ambition He raised the iron weapon of
war to crush, only that he might rule. What
to him were the cries of widows and orphans
He passed to throne BY making dead bodies Of
their protectors his stepping stones. Ambition,
SELF were the gods Of his idolatry, and to them
he sacrificed hecatombs of his fellow men for the
ACKNOWLEDGMENT Of personal glory. Enthusiasm
points with fearful wonder to the name of Ma
poleon, whilst justice beneyolence, freedom, and
all the concomitants which constitute the true
happiness of man, shed almost divine halo
round the name and character of WASHING
TON.