Evening star., 1938-12-25

Joseph boucher, MS WlIc anu SlSCeT,
and accompanied Mr.. Williams
Diggs and his four daughters and
Mr.. George Diggs across the river
to their home, Warburton Manor.
For these river trips and calls the
Washingtons. Diggs, Marshalls, Ma
sons and other families whose
estates were along the river made
use of large barges, usually smart
and trim in appearance, especially
in the summer with their gay
canopies and colored fiddlers. These
were manned by eight or more col
ored rowers, who soon made the
trip across the Potomac.
Very different was the Washing
ton household Christmas of l773, for
death had come swiftly during the
summer to young Martha Gusts,
beloved by every one on the estate
from her stepfather down to the
humblest slave on the farthest-
away farm.
Vastly different from all that had
gone before was the Christmas of
ITS. Behind him lay his private
life and peaceful home Behind
him 16 busy, happy care-free years
as country squire and legislator.
Behind him, too, his ringing pledge
to- raise a thousand men and lead
them to the relief of Boston. The
over Lexington and Bunker Hill and
George Washington-commander in
Chief-had come to the relief of
Boston and the defense of all of the
13 Colonies. War held the land in
its clutch. the seige of Boston was
on, and the hopes of the patriot
cause were resting on the broad
shoulders of commander who must
create an efficient fighting machine
of a patriot army from the ploW,
bench. forge and nets, lacking every
material essential, save courage.
However, though there was not
sufficient ammunition for a single
round, this was not a dismal holi-
day. Mrs Washington had arrived
a few weeks before with her son
and his young wife, and there was
great delight in Bostons social
circles and all Cambridge buzzed in
anticipation. Following her arrival
there was much dinner giving, call
ing and many parties. all of which
Mrs. Washington enjoyed and con-
sidered necessary to the morale of
the officers. Always a charming
gracious hostess, she organized
horseback riding parties, teas and
dances and by Christmas was busy
with plans for a ball to create
friendliness and promote good feel
ing. She selected January 6, their
wedding anniversary, as a suitable
date for the ball. Midst all of the
commotion and manifold tasks and
duties they had a real Christmas
celebration with the little family to-
gether, and that to both Gen. and
Mrs. Washington was matter of
mutual satisfaction.
The most important of all of Gen
Washington's professions of Christ
masses was also the most important
day in the history of the American
A$ooAoAA-CtldU VI 1StO-do ~ DlOuslll
to the Nation a brilliant victory
after series of defeats and turned
the tide of the Revolution. Decem-
Der of 1776 found the general at
the head of completely discour-
aged and demoralized army. The
enthusiasm of the Colonies hao
waned and the patriots were in the
depths of despair. The last day OF
the month marked the termination
OF the short-time enlistments and
1t was very doubtful if many would
re-enlist. He fully realized the des-
perate state of affairs and knew
that the only hope of the American
cause in this dark hour was strik-
ing victory by the American Army
Early in the month, following his
retreat across New Jersey with
CORVALLIS close upon his heels, he
transported his 5000 men across the
Delaware into Pennsylvania tt
safety. BY seizing all of the boats
of every description within 10 miles
he made it impossible for the Brit.