Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-10-18
BY JOHN CLACETT PROCTOR.

tomorrow, should be preserved in the hearts
and minds of the American people.
The District of Columbia, as such, did not
exist at that time, but Mortg merry County
and Prince Georges County Md, out of which
the Federal Capital We find it today was
carved, were very much in evidence during the
Revolutionary War and unquestionably were
fully represented at the great surrender.
Washington, Lafayette de Grasse, Rocham-
beau Won Stauban, Nelson Mercer, Hamilton!
All, the very mention of such familiar names
tends but to arouse emotion in the patriotic
breast and bring tears OF national joy to the
eye of the citizen whose devotion to the cause
of liberty is unfegned and sincere, and causes
him to sing with added fervency-with all his
heart and soul-those God-inspired words Of
S. F. Smith:
MY country, It's Of thee,
Sweet land of liberty,
OF thee I sing:
Land where my fathers died,
Land of the pilgrims pride,
From evry mountain side
Let freedom ring.
4 IUCH has been written regarding the War
wi Of the American Revolution and the men
who played important parts in that great
struggle. Washington, Of course is to us the
greatest and dearest character Of ALL and even
the most fluent writer living, or yet to come
should he so desire-cannct lessen his greatness
and Importance in the hearts of his county
men," and what Lincoln said Of him, was not
only true then. but is true now, and always
will be- 1t was this:
washington is the mightiest name on earth
long since mightiest in the cause Of civil
liberty still mightiest in moral reformation.
On that name no eulogy is expected 1t cannot
be. To add brightness to the sun or glory to
the name of washington is alike impossible.
Let none attempt it. In solemn awe pronounce
the name and in its naked deathless splendor
leave it shining on"
DERHAPS OF all the men who were present
] with Washington at Yorktown, and for
that matter, assisted him throughout the en-
tire war, none was as much responsible as
Alexander Hamilton fer placing the Capital
on the present site, no doubt most ardently
desired by Washington. This young man had
brains and he knew how to use them, and be-
sides, whatever he engaged in or undertook,
he did enthusiastically; just as he did at York.
town. when he requested Washington to per-
nit him to lead the assault on the redoubt on
the night of October IA, which was performed,
we are told, with billiancy of courage and
success that could not be surpassed.
Referring to this particular heroic incident,
George Washington Parke Gusts has this to
say in his recollectionS:
"At the siege of Yorktown, 1t was determined
TO storm the two advanced redoubtS of the
enemy, ana the SelcctlCn OF omcerS ana men
for this daring achievement intrusted to
Maj. Gen. the Marquis de Lafayette. The mar
quis lost no time in choosing as the gallant
officer who was to lead the assault Lieut.. Col.
Gimet, a gallant Frenchman, who had been at
tached to the marquis's military family. Ham,
nton belonging to the division Of light infan-
try commanded by Lafayette. was about to
prefer his claim when his warmeSt friends
and admirers dssuaded him, owing as they said,
to the vast influence in favor Of the French
man, from the presence Of splendid French
feet and army, and the universal desire Of do
Ing every possible honor to our generous and
gallant allies. Hamilton observed, I am
aware that I have mighty influences to con-
tend with, but feel assured that Washington
Is inhexibly just. will not urge my claim
On the plea Of my long and faithful services,
coeval with nearly the whole war; will only
plead my rank He accordingly repaired to
headquarters. The general received his for
ner and favorite aide-de-camp with great cor
diality and kindness, listened patiently to his
representations and finally granted his claims;
and Lieut.. Col Hamilton, in presence Of three
armies. led the assault Of the redoubt on the
go o." - - -''', r" N~+obnr