The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1875-07-17
July, l776-ls76.

4
revival Of patriotic memories, and the re-
newed pledges of brotherhood and common
citizenship Of the Great Republic, founded
by the "Fathers" who were in council and
in arms hundred years ago. From the
celebration saf sesaays#s pass 10 . .reyiew
Of the circumstances in which our country
stood in July, 1875. Separation from
Great Britain then began as thought, 10
crystalize into hope to be entertained by
the sauguine, and as necessity to be consid-
cred by those who weighed the responsible
ties and the difficulties Of the hour. Wash
ington's opinions at this juncture are on re-
cord :-"When first took command Of the
army, | abhOrred the idea ofindependence I"
In the beginning Of the year l776, after
he had compelled the British forces to
evacuate Boston, he said, "now / am fully
convinced that nothing else will save u.s. +"
On Monday, the Sd Of July, 1875, Gen.
Washington took command of the Ameri-
can army at Cambridge, and our New
England friends have just celebrated the
anniversary of that event with appropriate
ceremonies. He was at that time 43 years
of age, and his appearance Is thus sketch
ed by DIR. james Thacher, who served as
Army Surgeon through the war 81 have
been much gratifed to-day with view Of
General Washington. His excsllency was
on horseback, in company with several
military gentlemen. 1t was not difficult
to distinguish him from all others; his per-
sOnal appearance is truly noble and majes-
tic, being tall and well proportioned. His
dress is blue coat with buff-colored
facings, rich epaulette on each shoulder,
buff under dress, and an elegant small
sword, black cockade in his hat" We
may note, by the way, that General Wash
ington left Philadelphia on June 2lst, and
reached Watertown, near Cambridge, on
the I'd of July, receiving distinguished
attentions all the way, though in New
York the same military escort which re-
ceived him in the morning did similar
military hOnors to TryOn, the royal Gov
ernor, who landed on his return from
England on the same day. These facts
are worth nothing, as giving the reader an
idea Of the character of the times hun
dred years ago.
No very marked or prominent military
events occurred during July, 1775. Va
rious colonies were further committed to
the common cause. The future nation
was drifting" towards its destiny. The
attitude Of the colonies was remonstrant
and defensive. The 10th Of the month
was designated by the recommendation of
Congress as "a Public Fast throughout the
united colonies, to implore the Divine
Benediction on our country, that any
further shedding of blood may be averted,
and that the calamities with which we are
afflicted may be removed. This is the first
General or Continental Fast ever observed
since the settlement Of the colonies" so
writes DR.. Thacher on the day of the sol
emnity.
While Washington was putting the con-
tinental army in order, reconciling difficult
ties, quieting the jealousies Of volunteers,
and impressing upon the assembled militia
men the absolute need Of discipline, Con-
gress still maintained the attitute Of forced
belligerence Articles Of war were adopt
ed, but Congress declared, in the name of
the people, ave have not raised armies
with the ambitious design of separating
from Great Britain and establishing indie
pendent States" Only in defence Of the
freedom which is our birthright," they
declared, 1--WE have taken up arms" A
petition to the Crown, the last effort at
compromise, was adopted; as were also an
address to the British people; another 10
the people Of ireland, and letter to the
Mayor and Livery Of London. The Off
cials Of that city, strongly supported by
public sentiment, had, by petition to the
Crown, protested against the policy Of
the British Ministry.
But the 'logic Of event." was working
out demonstration Of the difficulties be-
tween the colonies and the mother country
with unerring certainty. In the month Of
July, 1775, though no deeds Of prowess
are recorded, Congress took most de-
cisive step. The postal service had been,
from an early period, among the attributes
of national sovereignty" and aeminent
domain" /" and this right Congress assumed
in July, 1775, by creating postal system
Of its own, and placing Benjamin Franklin
at its head. William Goddard, of Proyi-
denee, R. l., printer, Publisher and editor,
successively in Providence, New York,
Philadelphia aud Baltimore, had opened
the way BY travelling from colony to coli
ony in the effort 70 establish econstitu.
tional pOst-of6ce" in opposition to the
"Royal Mail" franklin recognized his
usefulness bv appointino him aSnrv.vor