Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-01-08
WASHINGTON BIRTHDAY DATE.
Records Tint Go TO Show lie WINS
Born on February 11th.
CNew York TImesD


In q small pamphlet, entitled. Ami
versaries," a reprint from the American
Historical Register, of February, lD'''
and published by Isaac Myer. IS treatise
on the subject of anniversaries i'm general
aud an Investigation concerning the an
niversary of Washingtons Birthday.
Mr.. Myer. who is also the author adj
vocatcs the changing OF Washington
Birthday from February 22d TO febIu itry
nth. and IN support OF his proposition
adduces evidence that Washington was
born on February 1lth: nevertheless adj
hitting that Washington did not attain
his legal majority until February y. l,oj'
new style by virtue Of the act of Parlia-
ment under George H., sometimes cailed
the Lord Chesterfield act.
This act. the author however, GAINS
does not change the birthday OF George
Washington. being by no means retro
active.
In the family Bible, George Washing
toms birthday is recorded as having been
eye 18th day of February lISl-32'' ana
this was without doubt the day observed
by him and his family. after the act men
toned had been passed.
A letter Of the Count de Rochambeau
is placed in evidence. which reads:
Newport. February II. isl.
yesterday Sunday was the anniNef-
sary Of your EXcelency's birthday We
have put off celebrating that holiday till
to-day. by reason Of the Lord s-Day,
etc"
The celebration referred to consisted or
a parade of French troops. firing a sa-
lutte. and suspension Of labor. The let
ter elected the following reply:
"The hattering distinction paid to the
1. H. - an hpfrnr
for which | dare not attempt to express
my gratitude. etc"
The Independent Gazette. or the New
York Journal Revived of Thursday, Feb
ruary y. 1854 No XVIII. quotes from
the New York Gazetteer Of February IL,
17S, an article signed Civis, which says,
among other things:
ITO contribute to the hlarity Of day,
which. I hope, will be annually observed
/ herewith send you a song made in this
city for the entertainment of a select
club of Wings. who had assembled, ac-
cording to their annual custom. to cele-
brate the birthday Of George Washing
| ton-Fobruary II. lSlS.'
The Pennsylvania Packet. OF Philadel-
phla. Tuesday. February u, 1884, says
NEW YORK, Friday, February b
Wednesday last. being the birthday or
his Excellency, George Washington. the
same was celebrated by all true friends
of American independence and constitu-
| tional liberty, with that hilarity and man
~ decorum ever attendant on the sons
| Of freedom"
From the same newspaper TUESDAY,
February 26. 1874. it appears that even in
| Virginia, WashingtOn's native State,
! February II. 1884. was observed:
RICHMOND, VA. Saturday. February
! 4.-Wednesday last, being the anniver-
/ sary Of his Excellency General Washing
ton. was celebrated here, with the usual
demonstrations of joy"
The author continues by saying: There
are. doubtless, many other statements Of
similar celebrations of February 18th, for
such were universal through the United
States during Washngton's lifetime.
When and why the celebration was
changed to February 22d we have not
vet ascertained. Owing TO this change,
many of the biographers Of Washington
have stated that he was born February
% 1872 which is clearly incorrect. Why
not celebrate the day Washington sane
toned as correct during his lifetime. and
which there is no warrant for ever chang
ing-February 18th. the true and actual
named day of his birth?'