Gold Hill daily news. [volume] (Gold Hill, N.T. [Nev.]) 1863-1882, 1866-02-21

como forth again into tho camp, but there
stretched on the straw, passed the weary
days and nights in intense suffering. As
the cold increased, they dared not lie down
at night, so unprotected and naked we're
they, but slept sitting up around their
fires. Without a mouthful of meat to
satisfy their hunger, they thus passed days
and weeks, and yet not a movement of
dissension. On such an army, did Wash
ington gaze with anxiety, and his noble
heart yearned towards the bravo fellows.
who thus chung to him in the midst Of
neglect and suffering.
On the 18th OF September, 1777, was
fought the battle Of the B~randywine, fol-
lowed by the memorable battle of Mon
mouth, Juno 28th, l778. Passing over
other events which followed, we come to
the time when, the war ended, Washing
ton took leave of the army, on the 4th Of
December, 1882. There were Knox,
Greene, Hamilton, Steuben and Others,
whose locks had grown white in the storms
Of freedoms battles, gazing mournfully
upon him. Washington gazed on them
for q moment in silent sorrow, and then
turning to Knox, grasped his hand, and
| clasped him in his arms. When he APP
peared before the soldiers. all discipline
was at an end, and the soldiers broke their
order and rushing around him, seized him
by the hands, covering them with tears
and sobs Of sorrow.
In December, 1882, General Washington
resigned his commission as Commander
in-Chief, amid the deepest devotion and
love Of the nation. The demonstrations
Of the people were lavished upon him
wherever he went. His progress was q
triumphal march. For eigh years he had
served his country in the battlefield and
now that she wal in peace. he sat down in
contentment with his family on the banks
Of the Potomac.
At the close Of the Revolution, the gen.
eral voice called On Washington to become
Chief Magistrate of the Union. He was
looked to as its savior from the strife Of
factions. The lettering structure needed
his mighty hand to steady il, and public
faith required his virtue to satisfy it.
Every electoral vote was cast for him, and
he was chosen President by universal &C.
clamation. Against his will, but yielding
to a strong sense Of duty, he consented to
leave his private life so dear to him, and
take upon his shoulders the responsibility
he had so long borne. The people well
coined his election with the greatest dem
o~nstrations of Joy and gratitude.
After filling for eight years the highest
Office in the gift Of the people, Washing
ton, at the age OF s~ixty-fve, babe adieu to
the cares Of public life, and turned his
weary steps to Mt. Vernon. AS we zee
him approach his quiet home, his locks
white with the frosts Of time, his benevo-
lent cheek furowed with age and the
cares and anxiety OF a life Of toll in his
country's service, we ~involuntarily say,
"Great and good man, peace be to thy
declining years, and the smile Of God on
thy last hours" The history Of the world
furnishes no nobler example than that of
this hero, in seeking that reposc in which
his latter years were spent.
His last hours were in perfect harmony
with the goodness and purity Of his whole
life. A sewers cold. brought on by expos
ure, hurried him rapidly to the grave. On
the l4th Of December, 1893, two days after
his attack he ceased to breathe. Not in
the delirium Of battle did his soul take its
flight, but calmly he sunk to rest, and the
lamentations Of a heart-broken people, the
mourners over his death, were scattered
over every hill and valley Of this free land.
His work was done, his fierce battles over,
and crowned by the noblest laurels ever
worn by mortal brow, the, sleeper was laid
in his last resting place, his memory be-
dewed with the tears of q sorrowing ma
ton; and ever to be embalmed in the
affections Of a grateful posterity.
SAN RRANCIsCO DlsPATCn.