Milford chronicle., 1931-07-03
WASHINGTON'S ONLY FOURTH
OF JULY ADDRESS

VI OOAA
The only Fourth of July address
ever made by George Washington
was delivered at Lancaster, Pa, on
Independence Day, 1891. This place,
at that time, was the largest inland
town in the United States.
Washington, in his diary, thus de-
scribes the incident:
Monday, July 4, 1891. This be-
ing the Anniversary of American In
dependence and being kindly re-
here this day and partake of the en-
tertainment which was preparing
for the celebration of it. In the
forenoon l walked about the town
at half past o'clock l received, and
answered an address from the cor
poration and the compliments of the
Clergy of different denominations
dined between and 4 o'clock
drank tea with Mrs. Hand"
The address from the corporation
was as follows:
ITO George Washington, President
of the United States:
"Sir: On behalf of the inhabi-
tants of the borough of Lancaster,
the members of the Corporation beg
leave to congratulate you on your
arrival at this place. On this jovial
occasion, they approach the First
Magistrate of the Union with hearts
impressed with no less grateful re-
spect than their fellow-citizens of
the East and South. With them they
have admired those talents, and that
firm prudence in the field, which fl
nally ensured success to the Ameri-
can arms. But at this time, rever-
cnce fOrbids the language which
would naturally flow from the re-
capitulation of the events of the
late glorious revolution. The faith
full page of history will record your
illustriOus actions for posterity. Yet
we cannot fOTbeaF to mention what
we, in our day, have beheld and wit
messed. We have seen you at the
awful PERIOD when the storm was
bursting around us, and our fertile
plains were deluged with the richest
blood of America, rising above ad-
versity, and exerting all the talents
of the patriot and the hero, to save
our country from the threatened
ruin; and when, by the will of
Heaven, these exertions had re-
stored peace and prosperity to the
United States, and the great object
for which you drew the sword was
accomplished, we have beheld you,
adorned with every private, social
virtue mingling with your fellow
citizens. Yet that transcendent love |
of country. by which you have al
ways been actuated, did not suffer
you to rest here; but when the |
united voice of myriads of freemen |
(your fellow citizens) called you |
from the repOse of domestic life, |
actuated solely by the principles of |
true glory-not seeking your own |
aggrandizement, but sacrificing the |
sweets of retired life to the wishes |
and happiness of your country, we |
have behold you, possessed of the
of a great people, pre- |
your happy administration, uniting |
them together by the great political
bond of one common interest.
1T is, therefore, that the inhabi-
tants of this borough seize with joy
the only opportunity which has Of
fered to them, to testify their appro-
baton of, and their gratitude for,
your services.
Long, very long, sir, may you en-
joy the affections of your fellow
We pray for long con-
tinuance of your health and happi-
ness, and the choicest blessings of
Heaven on our beloved Country
and on You--its Father and its
Friend"
Washingtons reply to the above
address fas as follows:
"To the Corporation and the In
habitants of the Borough of Lancas-
ter:
Gentlemen: Your congratulations
On my arrival in Lancaster are re-
ceived with pleasure, and the fiat
-ering expressions of your esteem
are replied to with sincere regard.
while I confess my gratitude for
he distinguished estimation in
which you are pleased to hold my
public service. sense of justice to
NY fellOw-citize ascribes to other
causes the peace and prosperity of
,ur highly favored country. Her
freedom and happiness are founded
n their patriotic exertions, and will,
trust, be transmitted to distant
lges through the same medium of
wisdom and virtue. With sincere
wishes for your social, l offer an
prayer for your individual
Welfare"
At 8 O'Clock the President and a
,ery large number of citizens "sat
lown to an elegant entertainment,
for the occasion, in the
Court House."
Fifteen regular toasts were given, n
md finally President Washington {
rave the toast, "The Governor and
State of Pennsylvania" and retired
When the company arose and volun-
eered toast, "The Illustrious Pres i
dent of the United States. y"
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