The Wilmington daily Republican., 1900-03-01

| EuhTu ilDici uhu luou
The French ared fort. and fled
| EsAt approach Of him and his men.
| And as England's flag now claimed,
The ruined ramparts, there To wave,
| The gateway Of our west was named,
And ii sito for Pittsburgh gave.
Then he in Revolution days,
by Second Congress called. was made
| Commander-in-ch chief Of those to bo raised,
The cause of freedom to aid.
| Aud the Third Of July at Cambridge there
Meath The famous elm tree;
| He assumed command Of this his share,
OF those who sought to be free.
Tho much hardship the patriots mot
And some blood stained tracks did leave
on
The frozen ground thro Jersey, yet,
Their flight did not abandon.
And thon while camped at Valley Forge,
Were blood marked footprints made
But with him to inspire heir courage,
Our patriot their tagged strength did
did.
Think of entry iuto Boston city
Amid rejoicings great!-
Recrossing Delaware, mid sleet and ice
Memorable Christmas night!
Tho victory gained DER Hessians there,
Which patriotism set aglow-
And his VISIT with Greene to leader,
That such feelings show!
Then when he again to Trenton came,
And, leaving cnmplires burning,
E,caIed from him who said OF him.
lie could catch tho fox in the morning
But he heard the firing thon elsewhere,
Through the keen frosty air Of MORN
Ho had been outgeneralod there
A victory gained by ano her turn.
And OF tho achievements of him and his
band,
During the notable six weeks following
That memorable Chiistmas crossing ana,
With suoh successes attending
Frederick OF Prussia is said to have
Declared the most brilliant recorded;
On pages OF military histOry-and they
Great aid to his country afforded.
And his rally at Monmouth after
Ice ordered retreat that day; .-
When he came riding up there,
And bitterly rebuked hi:n-thoy
Went back against them then.
From out the swamp to fight
And finally Clinton left with men,
In the darkness OF that night.
Then that scene Of surrender imposing
OF Yorktown, when vanquished march
ed thro';
Between French and American Innings
Either side, in viCtOrs full view!-
Ard when there our loved General di-
rected,
The CORVALLIS sword from o Hara, to
10 General Lincoln delivered,
Who surrender at Charleston did see.
And when king he was invited to be,
The proposal Indignantly spurned-
And us once, rising to address his officers,
Besought hom not to mar fair record
earned;
Taking off his spectacles and speaking
or his eyes in the service grown dln,
or his cduntry-but then declaring,
Her justice ne'er doubted by him.
Bidding his officers an affecting farewell, |
After treaty at Paris was signed,
He retired to Mt. Vernon beloved so we'll.
And with thanksgiving Of people re-
signed;
But WREN for 4 first president we sought,
10 him once again hearts turned
And he who for country SO fought,
With regret loft his home to govern,
His Journey to New York shows
Much feeling and ovation
Garlands and baskets of flowers they |
chose!-
And joyful shouts gave for hero Of ma
tlOn,
There upon the balcony Of old Federal
Hail,
He the oath OF his office took;
Thus obeying again his country's call,
Her interests to overlook.
And then in Seveptee Ninety three,
Was the corner stone of Capitol laid;
BY him tho "Father of his Country"
Who such history for hor had made.
Ho to whom great material wealth was in
trust.
And possessed OF high rank socially
Was bravo, yet cautious, perseyering, ro-
bust
In victory sober defeat took calmly.
Now mark this we'll ye rural lads
He was country boy
And such life oft more beauty adds,
10 those who do it enjoy.
And agriculture, ho has said. Is the
Most healthful, most useful and most
noble,
Employ of man and he
In his quiet country home loved to
dwell.
Ye children of future yearsl
Fer to him look In lovo--and be led
To do like deeds, through hopes and fears,
As he of whom Lord Brougham said,
"Until time shall be nc more, a test
or the progress which our race has made
In wisdom and virtue will be derived
From the veneration'- to this name paid.
Marshullton. Dol. G. H. W. CLOUD,