George Washington day by day

Preface

T has been claimed, and frequently conceded, that the world — however much it may admire the patriot, the warrior, the statesman — does not know the man, George Washington. No better way can be adopted for the study of the life and character of an individual than by the presentation of a direct, well-supported statement of events of that life, though, compared with historic narrative, such a work must lose in grace of composition. Acting upon this self-evident fact, the author offers to students incidents in the life of Washington on the day of their occurrence, endeavoring to bring their minds into intimate relation with events, pubKc and personal, which show all sides of his character — from which they can draw their own conclusions and adjust their own standards. The pui-pose of this book is educational — such education as should spring from, flourish in, and be forever associated with, the home. As a whole, it is suggestive and intended to arouse a spirit of inquiry ; it contains more than a thousand facts illustrating the daily walk and conversation of Washington. The field for a work that may be so happy as to nourish patriotism extends from ocean to ocean — from the noble pines of the North to the cotton-fields of the South. It is with the hope of leading the American youth to a direct personal acquaintance with the man to whom the world from generation to generation has given the first place in American citizenship that this book is offered. It has been a work of labor and of love.

No other country has ever possessed a representative who by all countries has been so enthusiastically appreciated. Lord Byron truly says

"Washington 's a watchword such as ne'er Shall sink while there 's an echo left to au-."

Therefore, any expression of pride we utter may be pardoned. Let us not only take pride in Washington's memory, but let us emulate his virtues; and his greatest virtue was his sorely tried, self-forgetting, unflinching, exalted patriotism.

viii GEOEGE WASHINGTON DAY BY DAY.

"With the Greeks, love of country was piety. Let it become more a part of our religion, that part which rises above all theories, philosophies, and creeds, uniting us, if in nothing else, in the divine fellowship of the love of country.

There is much to encourage the young in the close study of the events in "Washington's life, which show an evolution upon philosophical principles — from a boyhood loving and strong, a manhood honest and patriotic, to an old age illustrious and beloved. The youth of America who have educational advan- = tages which "Washington could not command, may develop on the same principles, the canons of which are high purpose and duty never ignored. Note "Washington's first crude, ill-spelt efforts; and yet, in the years of his laborious life he became — to quote one who has studied him in detail — " the most felicitous letter-writer of the ages." His letters, it is truly said, are his most complete biography, and for that and other reasons should be placed in the hands of every American boy and girl. His evolution in mihtary affaii'S was the wonder of all Europe. He had no master, was not in the beginning familiar with the dogmatic etiquette of academies, nor even with the usual routine, as is indicated by his correspondence with Governor Dinwiddle ; yet he learned in the hard school of experience, and so developed that at the very opening of the struggle for Independence he gave severe rebukes to Lord Howe regarding military amenities. He never failed to yield all the coui-tesy the enemy could claim; he never failed to demand every iota that was his due — not for his own aggrandizement, but for the dignity of that body whose servant he was, " The Congress."

In studying the life of "Washington, one thing cannot be overlooked ; and that is, his reverence for law. There were many opportunities in his career when he could have exalted the military over the civil ; but to none of these, save under dire pressm^e, did he yield. He honored civil authority in letter and in spirit, and strove to imbue his soldiers with the same principle. Though a mihtary chieftain, he stood with uncovered head before the President of Congress ; and when a grateful people wished to perpetuate him in marble, he said : " Let it be as a private citizen." A deeper reverence for law and a greater devotion to our national institutions are the lessons of the day. The very life of the nation depends on sustaining the majesty of the law, and instilUug into the hearts of American children an earnest reverence for its sacred power.

This record must of necessity be a disjointed, kaleidoscopic presentation, a mosaic of events ; but it is given with the hope of preserving the theme, so that the result will be a character-study. The aim wiU have been achieved if the youtliful reader reahzes the immense labor, devotion, and chief attributes of George"Washington. The difaculties of collecting facts ior this book and of estabhshing events on the day of their occurrence, cannot be appreciated. The negligence of biographers — it being so much easier to gracefully describe an event than to be exact — has caused labor, doubt, and confusion. Much good work is being accomplished in "Washingtoniana, and more penetrating light thrown on "the days that tried men's souls." Hale, Ford, Conway, Baker, and Toner have

GEOEGE WASHINGTON DAY BY DAY. ix

placed students of history under new and agreeable obligations by presenting the real Washington, who will forever fill the niche so long occupied by the ideal Washington. The author of " George Washington Day by Day " would do herself injustice if she failed to express earnest gi-atitude for the aid she has received from the rich and eminently trustworthy record of WiUiam S. Baker's " Itinerary of General Washington," and from Dr. Joseph M. Toner's conscientious, painstaking transcriptions of " Washington's Journals." To Dr. Toner, for his tenacious regard of truth and absolute adherence to text, the future biographer of Washington will owe more than to any other man ; but one regrets that Dr. Toner's work is chiefly confined to Washington's youth and early manhood, and does not embrace his entire career.

Washington's life is the history of the early life of the nation ; his name is linked with every eminent name and with every pivotal event of the latter half of the eighteenth century. This book was written especially for the boys and girls of oiu* country, and if, through it, a more earnest patriotism is promoted, the writer will have received her reward — the highest to which she can aspire. The feature of utilizing it as a birthday souvenir is secondary and incidental ; but, if so utilized, it will connect the birthdays of boys and girls with some essential service rendered our common country, or with some social or personal incident in the life of Washington.

ILLUSTEATIONS.

In illustrating " George WasMngton Day by Day," the writer lias endeavored to emphasize the great principle, too often ignored, that art promotes patriotism. One of the strongest sinews binding the republic of France to-day is the love of art, which has been encouraged and protected by the Government. The selections of public buildings and headquarters have been as nearly as possible reproductions of these historic places as they appeared a century ago.

The head-bands are all original drawings in which the artist, Mr. E. H. Miller, has with skilful pencil introduced or symbolized the events in their respective months — each one a beautiful lesson in history.

The medallion on the cover is after a beautiful miniature by John Ramage which has recently been found, having been given to a connection of the famUy. In the back of the miniature was inserted " A lock of my dear Lady's hair " ; and the monogram in gold, "G. W."

MOUNT VERNON— WEST FRONT Frontispiece

MOUNT VERNON— RIVER FRONT Opposite page 1

PHOTOGRAPHED BY FRANCES B. JOHNSTON.

In Mount Vernon, where "Washington lived and where he now rests, there centers more interest than in any dwelling of the New World. It has been styled " The Mecca of America." It is more than that — it is a spot the world holds sacred through association with Washington's name, and hallowed by the love he gave it. The west side was the entrance, and was approached through a heavy woodland from the country road a mile distant. The generous lawn was Washington's pleasure: he planted the trees, still standing; planned its walks; and ornamented its mounds. On either side were large gardens, orchards, and stables. The offices, houses for various industries, and negro • quarters were all visible from the hall door. The river front, with its pillared veranda facing the broad Potomac, is more beautiful and more familiar. The country is not ignorant nor unappreciative of the care given Washington's home by the " Ladies' Mount Vernon Association of the Union."

HEADQUARTERS AT VALLEY FORGE Opposite page 17

DRAWN AFTER PHOTOGRAPH BY H. HOBERT NICHOLS.

If one could select a synonym for patient suffering, devoted patriotism, heroic manhood, " Valley Forge " would embody this sublime triune of virtue. The

3di GEOEGE WASHINGTON DAY BY DAY.

headquarters of the Commander-in-chief in the modest stone farm-house of Isaac Potts, a thrifty Quaker, have been purchased and are kept in good condition by " The Centennial and Memorial Association of Valley Forge." The oath of allegiance was taken by the army at this camp, General Stii'ling administering it to the officers. It was here that the glad news of the French alliance cheered patriot hearts, and from here the Continentals marched to Monmouth and to victory.

HEADQUARTERS AT MORRISTOWN Opposite page 33

DRAWN AFTER PHOTOGRAPH BY H. HOBERT NICHOLS.

" The Washington Association of New Jersey " is the faithful custodian of the Morristown headquarters, where may be studied one of the most interesting collections of relics of the Revolution in the country. It was the commodious home of the widow of Colonel Jacob Ford, and was taken possession of by Washington in the autumn of 1779. This spot was the scene not only of heart-rending suffering, but of some of the grandest pageants of the war.

CHRIST CHURCH, ALEXANDRIA Opposite page 41

DRAWN BY E. H. MILLER.

This interesting old edifice, antedating the Revolution, and built of brick brought from England, has no architectural claims. A slab beside the chancel of white marble memorializes the fact of Colonel George Washington having been a vestryman of this church, A similar one is placed to the memory of General Robert E. Lee, who held the same office.

FEDERAL HALL Opposite page 49

DRAWN BY DE LANCEY W. GILL.

The scene enacted on the balcony of this beautiful old building, April 30, 1789, was the solemn inauguration and proclamation to the world of '' a government of the people, by the people, for the people." In this stately edifice was Congress Hall, designed and ornamented by that accomplished French officer. Major L'Enfant. This has, most unhappily, not been preserved, and the change of name of the edifice to the " Sub-Treasury " is also a matter of regret. The citizens of New York have memorialized the spot by a superb statue of Washington. The centenary of the " fii'st inaugui'ation " was celebrated with great splendor and enthusiasm.

HEADQUARTERS AT NEWBURG Opposite page 65

DRAWN BY E. H. MILLER.

This quaint old Dutch homestead, the Hasbrouck House, was occupied by Washington longer than any other place during the struggle for independence ;

ILLUSTRATIONS. xiii

and it is probable that if he had been called upon he would have said : " Here I most suffered ; here my brave soldiers were most tried." The two years following Yorktown were a sore test, and the Newburg Addresses bear witness that the delays of Congress grew intolerable. Washington's diplomacy was, however, equal to the occasion, and his veterans justified the faith he reposed in them. But the most important service rendered at Newburg was his " Circular Letter " — the plea for Union.

INDEPENDENCE HALL Opposite page 81

DRAWN BY E. H. MILLER.

The drawing of Independence HaU is after an old print presenting this sacred edifice as it looked when G-eorge Washington of Virginia was chosen Commander-in-chief of the Continental army, or on that summer day when the old Liberty Bell spoke to the world with brazen tongue the sentiments so prophetically encircling its rim ; or as it looked at dawn, when the voice rang from the belfry the magic words : "A bright morning, and Cornwallis taken."

HEADQUARTERS AT CAMBRIDGE Opposite page 97

DRAWN BY E. H. MILLER.

" The VassaU House," a handsome mansion of old colony days, was destined to become famous through two illustrious names — Washington, the founder of the nation, and Long-fellow, " the poet of the people." The poet thus wrote of the warrior :