Western news and the Libby times. [volume] (Libby, Mont.) 1920-1933, 1931-11-26
RE-ENTRY
INTO NEW YORK

One of George Washington's hopes
throughout the entire Revolutionary
War was to repossess the City of New
York, taken early in the conflict by the
British forces Again and again he laid
plans for the capture of the place, only
to have them defeated because Of an
insufficient American naval force. But
on November Is, 1888, he realized the
peaceful fulfillment OF the triumph
which had. been denied him during the
war
On that Tuesday afternoon, l48' years
ago, Washington rode into the evacu-
ated city at the head of an imposing
cavalcade. The British troops, ending
more than seven year long occupa-
ton of the American metropolis, had
embarked earlier in the day The
American soldiers had already marched
to Harlem, and as the redcoats left
their post in the bowery, the triumph
ant procession into New York was be-
gun.
The great parade was composed of
military and civil authorities together
with a number Of citizens who had
been exiled from their homes in the
city by reason Of the British occupa-
ton The prospect Of returning to
firesides so long held by the enemy
must certainly have been joyful one.
The newspapers. of 1888 have left il
Eliminating descriptions of the Ameri-
can repossession of New York Accord
ing to the Pennsylvania Packet, the
triumphal procession was headed by
General Washington and Governor
Clinton and their suites on horseback
Following them came the lieutenant
governor and members of the council
riding four abreast. Then came Major
General Knox and the officers Of the
army, widening into line eight
abreast followed by great crowd of
citizens, some afoot and some on horse
back. Proceeding down Queen Street,
we are told by the Packet the parade
moved through the Broadway to
Cape's Tavern. Later in the day a
public dinner was given by Governor
Clinton at which Washington and other
general officers were present.
The celebration continued several
days. A great display of fireworks was
given by the soldiers who received the
compliments of their commander-in-
chief on the excellence of their work
A number of banquets were given, and
many were the toasts that were offered
to Washington At last the festivities
were brought to a close by great en-
tertainment given in honor of the Gen
eral and Governor Clinton on Friday
November g.
When Washington rode into New
York that November afternoon he still
held his commission as conmander-in-
chief of the American armies which
Congress had given him more than
eight years before. But he was hasten
ing to Annapolis where Congress was
then in session to surrender that com
mission apd return to private life. He
had done his work well. He had
brought peace and independence to
his country after one Of the most sig
nificant wars in the history Of the
world
Washington's re-entry into New York
symbolized the victory for which he
had struggled through the long years
of the Revolution 1t was one of his
last acts in military capacity. His
work finished, he was ready enough
to relinguish his command and retire
to the peace and quiet of his home.
The event is noted by the United
States George Washington Bicentennia
Commission as an important one II
the life Of the Great American. The an
niversary Of it should be commemor-
ated not only in New York bu
throughout the Nation which owes its
existence to George Washington.