New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1894-07-01
WASHINGTON.
BIOGRAPHY BY GENERAL BRADLEY 7.
JOHNSON


The distinguishing feature of General John
sons biography of Washington is not So much It's
military character as its essentially Southern
point Of view Naturally, it has the excellences,
and the defects we'll of it's authors sympa-
thfes. Familiarity with Southern social life past
and present enables General Johnson to explain
many things which have been mislnterpreted
For example. at the assembling Of the second
Continental Congress in 1775 at Philadelphia
washington appeared in his uniform a colonel
or the Virginia militia. sometimes described
blue and buff. But General Johnson. referring
to the portrait painted by c. W. Peale in 1772.
shows that Washngton's military dress at that
time must have been blue coat with waist
GOAT and breeches OF scarlet and this was the
uniform Of his rank in Virginia. Practically he
appeared as he did in the campaign under Brad
dock. The fact that he military dress has
been commented upon significant BY his
clothes it is said. Washington indicated his
opinion that the time for debate had ceased and
that the time for action had come. Aside from
the simplicity of Washington's character. which
was not at all adapted to the clothes philosophy
since eXpounded by Carlyle General Johnson
points out that the blue and scarlet regimentals
were probably the best that the greatest Viz
g1nian who was soon TO be recognized the
greatest American. had for important occasions.
1t was the work of a London tailor. He had
signed the Articles prohibiting importation, and
had thus willingly cut himself off from the
supply of clothing such it his habit TO
But In the society to which he belonged
'the uniform of a mans rank considered the
dress suit for occasions Of ceremony" To men
of the Northern colonies. unaccustomed TO such
things. Washington's attire may have seemed
significant II did 10 some Of his biOgraph
ers who associated II with what took place
later. Franklin showed his appreciation of the
rustic notions OF Pennsylvania on the subject at
the time of Braddocks march TO the West. AS
General johnson tells the story. Franklin OBJ
served that Sir John ST. Clair wore Hussar
uniform. Now there a traditional dread Of
Hussars among the people who had come TO
Pennsylvania from Germany. They were very
slow in responding to the demand for horses
and wagons, and Sir Joh: who was Deputy
Quartermaster- General. was about TO supply his
needs by impressment. To this Washington,
then aide-de-camp Braddock's stan. and
Franklin. both objected. Franklin published a
letter to the inhabitants of the region about
Frederick Md. where the little army had halted.
warning them that by coming in promptly with
wagons and teams they could earn at least
$4,000 in gold and silver of the Kings money,
but that If they delayed. Sir John St Clair. the
Hussar" with a body OF soldiers would enter the
province of Pennsylvania within a fortnight
(Which I should be sorry TO hear OF. added
Franklin. What the promised 10000 would per-
haps not have accomplished, the allus!on TO the
Hussar uniform did in a hurry.
While Washington may have attached no
meaning TO his uniform In the Congress- he new
ertheless knew the Importance of ceremony. He
could hardly have been a man Of his time in
Virginia or anywhere else without this knowl-
edge. The first affair which brought him inter-
colonial distinction wholly matter of cere-
mony. He sent by Governor Dinwiddie TO
warn the French from trespassing on that part
of Virginia northwest OF the Ohio River. Ac-
cording to modern ideas. the mission was worse
than useless French officers and soldiers who
entered the territory did under orders from
their own Government. and they could not be
expected to accede TO demands from a foreign
power. much less from colonial ruler whom
they had perhaps never heard Of until his envoy
visited them. But such a warning was deemed
the proper and necessary thing at that time
The man TO carry the message must be one who
could make the Journey. The Governor had sent
one man already. but the Indians turned him
back before he had gone far Experience In
woodcraft and in savage ways was ndispensa-
HE Washington had gained the necessary
training as a surveyor and as commander Of a
soldiery accustomed to the irregular marching.
and fighting or the forest. but lNt envoy Hlurt
also be able TO meet on equal terms men who
had brought TO the wilds the views and culture
Of Paris. Washington found equal 10 this
test also He had not the advantage Of an edu
cation in England but he had associated from
his youth UP with TO whom life in Europe
and particularly at the universities was tamil
lar within a days ride Of Mount Vernon,
says General Johnson, were dozen country
houses the masters Of which were university
graduates and had made the grand tour-the
Fftzhughs at Eagles Nest and at Marmion. the
Masons at Gunston Hall, the Lees at Stratford'
the Carriers at Sabine Hall. the Faunteroys In
Richmond Colonel John Lewis httepage. OF
Newcastle. had been the chamberlain 10 the
last King Of Poland Colonel John Parke had
been aide-de-camp to the Duke OF Marlborough
at Blenheirn, and had carried the dispatch or VIC
tory TO Queen Anne and received from her fair
hand for reward her miniature set IN brilliants.
Colonel William Byrd. of Westoyer had been the
intimate friend and was the constant CORES
spondent Of the Earl Of Orrery. the inventor OF
the astronomical instrument which bears his
name Lord Fairfax had been one Of the bucks
of the court the compa Mon Of Addison and Dick
Steele and had contributed to The Spectator
Above all. Washington's Oldest brother, Law
renee Washington. was also man OF university
training and he had taken the deepest interest
in the education OF the boy who was now sent
10 deal with cOurtly Frenchmen He delivered
his message with the studied politeness OF the
times and II received in the same way.
though Of course, the answer implied that the
wishes OF Virginia Of Virginia's Governor
were OF no moment. With the Indians Wash
tnRton succeeded better At a council Of IrO-
ouois and their allies the site OF Pittsburg.
ne persuaded the chieftains to renew their friend
ship with the English
Long afterward-that is. when Washington was
Presdent-his dress and his ceremonious ways
were misnterpreted this time with rancorous
and vulgar sptefuness. AT his receptions he
invariably wore a velvet suit silk stockings.
lace riIffies a dress sword and q powdered wig.