The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1931-12-03
WASHINGTON'S FAREWELL
TO HIS FELLOW OFFICERS

General washington last meeting
with his officers took place in the
back parlor of Black Sam Fraunces'
Tavern, 14S years ago this Decem-
Der 4.
On this day, we are told by the
United States George Washington BIZ
centennial Commission, George Wash
ington called together for the last
time the officers of the Revolutionary
Army, then stationed in New York
CITY. These were the men with whom
for eight years he had counseled and
fought and starved in the War Of In
dependence. 1t was not necessary to
say farewell.
All realized the significance of the
summons from their chief. And when,
shortly after noon, General Washing
ton entered the room they knew ne
had come to give them their last or
ders." A month previously he had
said goodbye to his soldiers and sub
alterns, had sent most Of them back
TO their fall blowing. But now he
must take his leave of these, his vet
eran brother officers, who had shared
with him in measure the heavy burden
Of command.
The tavern they were meeting IN
had associations of itself. In the days
before men began to gather in knots
on street corners and to stop their
buggies at cross roads to talk of in
alienable rights" and taxation with
ont representation" this tavern had
had for device on its sign the head
of Queen Charlotte, and was known IN
New York as "Queen's Head Tavern"
But when Samuel Fraunces, stew
ard. began to invite the murmurers
in the streets into his back parlor to
continue their talk of liberty, the
name was changed to "FraunceS
Tavern" Later when the Revolution
broke out in earnest and BLACK Sam
Fraunces was active on the Colonial
side the place became more and
more resort for "Rebels."
This historic old house still stands
at the corner of Broad and Pearl
streets, and is visited annually by
thousands of tourists.
The room where Washington and
his officers assembled, known as the
Long Room" ten days before had
been the scene Of an elaborate dinner
in Washington's honor celebrating the
evacuation of New York by the Brit
fsh. Candles had then blazed from
the chandeliers, bands had played,
toasts had been given and tributes
paid amid loud applause.
But this December noon the cham
Der was undecorated. The only sound
was the clank of swords as the officers
came to attention at the entrance of
their Commander. In all the years of
campaigning they had never seen
Washington as visiby moved as he
was at that moment.
Without any formal preliminaries
he began to speak. with a heart
=
leave of you. l most devouely wish
that your latter days may be as pros
porous as your former have been glor
ious and honorable" And with these
simple words he turned to General
Knox, who happened to be standing
at his side, and embraced him.
"Gentlemen," he then addressed the
other officers, Il cannot come to each
of you to take my leave, but shall
be obliged if each Of you will come
and take me by the hand"
They gathered around him then to
shake his hand in long, firm clasp.
There was little said on either side.
1t is this scene that painters have de-
picted so Washington sur
rounded by his officers in full dress
uniform. many Of them almost over
come by emotion. 1t was the end OF
an association of eight years, years Of
starvation, calumny, misunderstand-
ings. as well as Of triumphant ac-
complshments.
The boat was waiting for him at
the water front, ready to take him to
the Jersey shore on the first lap of
his journey to Annapolis to present
to the Continental Congress his res
ignation as Commander in Chief of
the Continental forces. When the final
farewells had been exchanged the Of
fcers accompanied their chief to the
harbor, making an aisle through the
cheering and sobbing troops drawn up
to present arms for the last time to
their commander.
Washington stepped into the boat,
followed by General Won Steuben, who
was to make the journey with him.
Turning then, as the boat pulled off,
he lifted his hat in last gesture of
farewell to the gentlemen who had
served him so well.
on EADANCE CATE 0E