Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1876-02-19
EVACUATION DAY.

The story Of the Evacuation OF New York
by the EuEIish---woshington Bids Good
bye to the Army.
On the morning of November 25th,
1873, a bright, clear, frosty day, the
American army marched from Kings
bridge to the Bowery lane, and halted
at the British picket line, near the site
of Cooper Institute. At one o'clock in
the afternoon pickets were withdrawn,
and the military and civil authorities
made their formal entry into the city.
General Washington and Governor
Clinton, with their respective staffs, led
the procession, escorted by a troop of
Westchester cavalry. The military pro-
cession enteredthe city through Chatham
street, and was composed of light dra-
goons, infantry, artillery, and Massa-
chusetts battalion, which, joined to the
civic display, made an imposing demon
stration. 1t was three o'clock when the
column reached Whitehall, and General
Knox took formal possession of Fort
George. In the bay rode the British
fleet, ready for departure, awaiting only
the barges that were hurrying across the
quiet waters, bringing back their de-
feated army. They heard the salvos of
artillery and the cheers of the populace;
they saw the brilliant display of bunting,
when, as if by magic, the American flag
waved simultaneously from thousand
windows; there was nothing to palliate
their chagrin, and little heed was paid
to their departure.
A young American lady, who for a
year had been a resident of the city,
wrote of the scenes of Evacuation day :
"The troops just leaving us were as if
equipped for show, and, with their scar
let uniforms and FURNISHED arms, made
brilliant display the troops that
marched in, on the contrary, were i'll
clad and weather beaten, and made q
forlorn appearance; but then they were
our troops, and as looked at them, and
thought upon all they had done for us,
my heart and my eyes were full, and I
admired and gloried in them the more
because they were weather beaten and
forlorn. The time was when New
York religiously observed the memory
of this event. Thirty years ago Evacua-
tion day was kept as public holiday.
and all the schoolboys gathered exult-
ingly about the military procession with
which it was celebrated, and solemnly
envied the veterans who had "smelt
powder" in 1912, and to whom was ac-
corded the privilege of raising the flag
and firing the salute of thirteen guns on
the Battery.
Feasting and rejoicing, in public and
private, followed this memorable day.
Yet the general joy was pervaded by a
tone of sadness, which was none the
less deep because it seldom found
speech. New York was soon to lose the
hero who was the central figure in the
festivities, and the hearts of soldiers and
civilians alike were loath to part with
him.
On the fourth of December, at noon,
the principal officers of the army assem-
bled at Fraunces' tavern, which is yet
standing in Broad street, at the corner
of Pearl, to take final leave of their
old commander. AS Washington en-
tered the room and met the saddened
gaze of those who had been his COM
panions in SO many scenes of danger and
hardship, he lost his habitual self-con-
troll, and with great difficulty regained
command of his feelings. One moment
he gave to nature and to tears, and then
mastered himself. Turning to the heroes
from whom peace had now separated
him, he said "With a heart full OF
owe and gratitude, I now take leave OF
you, most devoutly wishing that your
latter days may be as prosperous and
happy as your former ones have been
glorious aud honorable" Then he add.
ed, with emotion "I cannot come to
each of you to take my leave, but shall
be obliged if each of you will come and
take me by the hand"
The stout old soldier, General Henry
Knox, who had risen from booksellers
counter in Boston to the rank of major
general, was nearest to Washington,
and was the first te advance and take his
hand. He received brothers embrace
from his late chief, and both Of them
were affected to tears. Then each came
slowly forward and received the same
affectionate salutation.
In silence the company of officers fol,
lowed their beloved chief as he passed
on foot through corps of light infantry
to the ferry at Whitehall. Therea barge
received him, and as the oars fell into
the water he turned and waved them a
silent adieu. Silently they watched him
pass out of sight, and then returned
sadly to their homes