The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1930-02-21


large gilt letters on blue ground was
fastened, and beautifully ornamented
with flowers: The Defender Of the
Mothers will be the Protector Of the
Daughters On top Of this mass Of
evergreens was a large sunflower
which was intended to emblemize the
American people who turned toward
him as the only sun which would give
life and warmth to the body polite"
children's Tribute.
The structure had been erected the
day previous by workmen in charge
of Benjamin Yard; and the ladies had
been busy all the morning putting in
position the wreaths and emblems
which they had with such taste pre-
pared. Beneath this arch General
Washington must pass to enter Tren-
ton. AS he came to the high ground
on Mill hill, some 200 yards below the
creek, the beautiful triumphal arch
appeared. But as he passed through
the archway with uncovered head a
still more lovely sight greeted him.
On the one side of the arch he saw
six little girls dressed in white, carry
ing baskets Of flowers: on the other
side thirteen young ladies to represent
the several states, who were dressed
in similar style and also had baskets
filled with flowers. Behind all these
were number OF the matrons of the
town and neighboring villages. AS
Washington entered the arch the six
little girls began to sing beautiful
ode which had been written by Major
Howell and which, under the instruc-
ton Of Rev. James f. Armstrong. they
performed with excellence.
After the tribute of respect at the
archway the escort proceeded to Sam
uel Henry's City tavern, on the south
west corner Of Second and Warren
streets. where General Washington
dined with the principal citizens of
the place and held reception in the
parlors of the inn. Late in the after
noon he took carriage for Princeton.
Rev. Mr.. Armstrong accompanying him
that far on his journey. 1t is generally
understood that they spent that night
at the residence Of the president of
the college. Rev. DR.. John Wither-
spoon. During the afternoon copy
of the song with which the little girls
had greeted him at the Trenton bridge
had been given him.
Washineton's Gratitude.
All Of this. contrasted as 1t was
with the earlier memories of Trenton.
stirred Washington to the depths of
his emotions. and before Mr.. Arm.
strong departed on his return to Tren-
ton. Washington had written beauti-
full expression of his gratitude for the
love and confidence which had been
evidenced in Trenton toward him. This
letter he asked Mr.. Armstrong to de-
liver for him to the women of Tren-
! ton: General Washington cannot
leave this place without expressing
his acknowledgements, to the matrons
and young ladies who received him in
so novel and grateful a manner at
the triumphal arch in Trenton, for
the exquisite sensation he experienced
in that affecting moment. The aston.
ishing contrast between his former
and actual situation at the same spot
the elegant taste with which ii was
adorned for the present occasion-and
the innocent appearance of the white.
rObed choir who met him with the
gratulatory song, have made such I'M
pressions on his remembrance as he
assures them will never be effaced.'
Not much of the long journey was
now left for Washington. for he had
only to go to Elizabethport. where he
was to embark on the remarkable
barge which was to carry him across
the river and up the bay to New York
Everywhere the people turned out tc
see him and to cheer him, making thu
whole journey one Long triumphal pro
cesSon. the like Of which no other
President has ever experienced.