The Hawaiian star. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu]) 1893-1912, 1893-08-01
GEORGE w. GREEN.
A Story Of the New England Fourth Of
IuIv

him as the artist rather than the hero.
He was inhicting original designs in
fresco upon the ceiling Of the orthodox
church. In my youthful mind this
work impaired something of sanctity to
his character, though in reality it de-
tracted seriously from that of the edi-
fee. Mr. Green became to me man
above the ordinary, partly because he
had been thought good enough TO paint
a church, but more because he could
stand upon a high, swinging ladder and
chew tobacco as calmly as if he had
been on the firm floor. l was dimly
conscious that such courage must COM
mand some honor in the world, and l
took speedy occasion to ask my-father
whether Mr. Green had ever been cap.
tain of anything, or perhaps First
Selectman of the town.
Mr.. Green needs no such honors,
replied my father "He is the George
Washington of Rockport."
This answer filled me with lively
curiosity about George Washington,
which my father grati6ed with humid
red stories. l came to know the great
patriot very well, considering my years;
and the American. boy who does not
admire him is a mistake of nature. AS
to Mr.. Green's right to be called the
George Washington of Rockport, l
suppose that bis name and the forti-
tude with which he bore the peril OF
high places, sufficiently established it.
The literal Interpretation did not come
to me until the following Fourth OF
July.
On the morning Of that day George
Washington Green took down the
sword of Bunker Hill from the wall OF
his kitchen, and with its dented edge
Topped off the last five letters of his
name. Green no longer, but George
Washington in all his glory, he rode
forth in full uniform and took his
station at the head of the procession.
My eyes were dazzled by the sight of
him. thought there was halo round
his continental hat. began to under
stand how great a man Washington
had been.
He drew his sword (Which Mrs.
Green always secured with brick dust
on the evening of July 3rd) he waved
it with gesture of command and
the procession moved. | was one OF
the miniature sailors on the brigantine
Gabriel Grays yawlboat, which, rugged
as the Ship of State, was drawn by
three yoke of oxen. We sailed along
near the head of the column, and /
kept my eyes fixed upon Washington.
l remember nothing more Of the parade
except that there was man dressed as
the devil, character | admired next
to that of Washington.
l was not surprised to learn after
ward that Mr.. Green always took the
part of Washington. He was supposed
to resemble the portraits of the Father
of His Country. He had first assumed
the roll at masquerade ball about
twenty years ago, and the likeness had
impressed everybody, especially in the
early part of the evening when George
had been sober. Since then he had
appeared as Washington on every oc.
casion when fancy dress had been per
missible, and on several others, by the
accounts of his enemies.
In the next halfdozen years l saw
Mr.. Green as Washington about fifty
times. He was especially conspicuous
at Dickens Suppers," where the
creations of the novelist were embodied
by the townspeople. 1t was considered
questionable at first whether George
Washington was one of Dickens char
acters; but at least he is mentioned ir
"The Tale of the Two Cities" Mr.
Green could quote the passage. Nc
formal protest was ever entered.
Nobody ever dreamed OF being hi.
rival in those days. If Mr.. Green hae
gone to masquerade ball and hae
there found somebody else in the guist
of Washington, he would have felt al
the great general might had an
other arisen up to command his arm,
before Yorktown. There was Jealous,
of course, and some sign of rebellion
appeared every year just before tn,
Fourth. But he held his place, ant
each succeeding year increased his fit
ness for it. He trained the muscles o
his face he improved the details o
his makeup" he practiced militar,
attitudes, and especially those tina
were to be found in Washington
portraits. These became natural t.
hiyh. l have seen him when he ha
betn painting my fathers barn, take
few minutes for rest and lean against
COW in the exact position in which
Washington is shown beside his charge
on the battle field
Far more remarkable, however, wa
the effect Of this reflected glory upol
his moral nature. Twas too young t,
understand it then, but the facts hav
since come to me. George w. Greer
was wild fellow, to begin with, mucl
addicted to the cup, and of boisterou
demeanor; and in town where tn
teller of sea tale never halted for tn