Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1931-12-04
Washington's Farewell To His
Officers.

4
General Washineton's last meeting with
his officers took place in the back parlor
of Black Sam Frances Tavern. 148 years
ago this December 4.
On this day. we are told by the United
States George Washington Bicentennial
Committee. George Washington called to-
eether 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 Independence
1t was not necessary to say farewell.
All realized the Significance of the
summons from their chief. And when,
shortly after noon, General Washington en-
tered the room they knew he came to give
them their last "orders." A month before
he had said goodbye to his soldiers and
subalterns. had sent most of them back to
their fall ploughing. But now he must
take his leave Of these. his veteran 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 "inalienable rights" and
taxation without representation" this tav-
ern had had for device on its sign the hea d
of Queen Charlotte. and was known in New
York as Queens Head Tavern"
But when Samuel Fraunces, steward,
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 Revo-
luton 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 WashinetonS
honor, celebrating the evacuation of New
York by the British. 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 Chamber
was undecorated. The only sound was
the clank of swords as the officers came to
attention at the entrance of their Com
mander. In all the years of campaigning
they had never seen Washington as visably
moved as he was at that moment.
Without any formal preliminaries he
began to speak.
with heart full of love and gratitude
now take leave of you. most devoutly
wish that your latter days may be as
prosperous as your former have been elori-
Gus 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
OthCA OiuSCASs Ouhuot NOAAO " CoSh VI
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
lite said on either side. It is this scene
that painters have depicted so often
Washington surrounded by his officers in
full-dress uniform. many of them almost
overcome by emotion. 1t was the end of
an association of eight years. years of
starvation. calumny, misunderstanding.
as well as triumphant accomplishments.
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 An
napols to present to the Continental Con-
eress his resignation as Commander-in-
Chief Of the Continental forces. When the
final farewells had been exchanged the
officers accompanied their chief to the
harbor. making an aisle through the cheer
ing and sobbine troops drawn up to present
arms for the last time to their Commander.
Washington stepped into the boat. fol-
lowed by General Won Steuben who was
to make the journey with him. Turning
then. as the boat pulled off. he lifted his
hat in a last gesture of farewell to the
gentlemen who had served him so well.