The White Pine news. [volume] (Treasure City, Nev.) 1868-1906, 1883-11-03
SATURDAY. NOVEMBER 3, 1sS
Interesting Scrap of American History

tuis scrap VI nlstOIy coucsIulnB
Washington's refusal to accept u die
tatorship at the close of the Revolu-
ton : "As the months went on and
the prospects of peace became more
certain, this social everyday life lat
Newburgh) and these quiet occupa-
tions were overshadowed by great
events On which hang the destiny of
the country. Both officers and men
were getting very restless over the
prospects before them, and indignant
at the neglect of Congress to pay them
their wages and provide for their
wants, while their families were suf-
fering at home. In the uncertainty
and dread which surrounded them
the officers ~instinctively turned to
Washington for safety. A papeS en-
bodying their views was drawn up,
and Colonel Nicola-an old officer
held in high esteem and confidence
BY Washington = was selected to
present ir. Riding up to headquar-
ters one morning, he asked to see
Washington on important business.
Conducted into his presence, be pre-
sented the paper. The document,
after describing the perilous state OF
feeling in the army and the danger
Gus aspect OF affairs, and showing the
necessity of settling at once on a form
of government, took up the several
forms of government in the world,
discussed the good and bad features
OF each, and summed up by declar-
ing that a republican government
was the most unstable and insecure
OF all, and a constitutional monarchy
with certain notifications, like that
OF England, the strongest and the
safest; continued; such being the
fact, 1t is plain that the same abilities
which have ever led US through diff
culties unsurmountable by human
power to victory and glory, those
qualities that have merited anu OBJ
tanned the universal esteem and ven
Grafton of the army would be most
likely to conduct us in the smoother
path of peace In short, it declared
that he alone could uphold the nation
he had saved by his valor, and offer
ed to make him Dictator, and con
Guided by saying that, lowing to the
prejudices of the people, it might not
at first be prudent to the title
OF royalty, but II all other things
were adjusted we believe strong ar.
guments might be produced for adj
hitting the title of King When
Washington had read this paper the
light died out of his eyes, and a look
OF insxpressible sadness stole over
has countenance. He had borne and
suffered so much for these seven lonu
years to have it all end i'm this. The
emotion that crowded his heart and
shook his stong soul may be gathered
from the sudden burst of indignation
with which this proposion to make
him king was received. Sir, said
he, ut is with a mixture of surprise
and establishment that / have read
the sentiments you have submitted to
my perusal. Be assured, sir, no &C.
currences in the course of the war
nave have given me more painful
sensations than your information of
the Q being such ideas existing in the
army as you have expressed, and
which l must view with adherence
and reprehend with severity. 1 am
much at loss 10 conceive what part of
my conduct could have given o
ment to an address which to me
seems big with the greatest mischief
that can befall my country. II lam
not deceived in the knowledge of nv
sell, you could not have found a per-
son TO whom your schemes are more
disagrseable. Let me conjure you.
then, as you have regard for your
country, for yourself, or posterity, or
respect for me, to Danish these