“I'll be home for Christmas.” A catchy yet melancholy holiday tune. 229 years ago, General George Washington sat in his cold command tent and promised his long-suffering wife, Martha, that he would be back at Mount Vernon in time to celebrate Christmas.
If he is able to return home, it will be his first time in over 10 years. Since his appointment as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army after the battles of Lexington and Concord in 1775, Washington has always served his country and never left the battlefield.
washington promise
As they sat in a tent in Newburgh, New York, Washington reluctantly got up and let Martha go ahead, solemnly promising to be home in time to pour her a glass of cordial.
Meanwhile, the retired general had to endure a month-long stay before being reunited with his wife at Mount Vernon. If Washington is to keep his promise to be by Martha's side on Christmas morning, he has several important tasks to accomplish. He was to accept the transfer of control of New York City from Britain and bid farewell to his subordinates. And perhaps most importantly in Washington's mind, he would formally resign from his commission and then submit his final report to Congress in Annapolis, Maryland — and he would You'll get it all done within a month. Our first stop on the way home was New York City.
On September 3, 1783, the Treaty of Paris was ratified by British negotiators in France, setting the wheels in motion for the departure of the occupiers from the newly recognized American republic. The British occupied American fortifications for another ten years, but in New York City, Red Army soldiers happily evacuated American military barracks and outposts and boarded ships bound for their coveted island home.
francis tavern
While performing necessary duties in New York, Washington said his first of several farewells. This was left behind by his commanding cadre and took place on December 4, 1783 at the popular public house Francis Tavern.
Wanting to have access to his rear during the day, Washington got up earlier than usual and in turn woke his master to take him to the Long Room for a luncheon for generals and their officers to be held at noon that day. I asked Francis to prepare.
Washington entered the Long Room shortly after noon and, contrary to his expectations, found it filled with a corps of dedicated and admiring officers. Washington wore his finest uniform (blue with buff trim and bright brass buttons). He quickly studied everyone's faces, all focused on the face of the commander and man widely regarded as the liberator of the nation. Washington was pleased to recognize that all present were officers and gentlemen in word and deed. Because all of them sacrificed to the best of their means and endured remarkable hardship together as comrades in arms. There are no exceptions, and the general himself is no exception.
commander and his subordinates
As usual, the assembled veterans followed their commander's instructions and began eating the ham and waiting for the signal to begin drinking the brandy wine that Francis dutifully provided. Filled with brotherly love for his fellow officers, Washington motioned for the men to join him for the meal and fill their glasses.
As the last glass of wine was poured, Washington gulped, tilting his head as if to hold back tears and focusing on his swirling thoughts. Then, with some effort to overcome his emotions, he raised his glass with his right hand and, visibly holding back tears, gave the following heartfelt toast: It was as dignified and moving as the speaker himself. “It is with feelings of love and gratitude that I bid you farewell. I sincerely hope that your later years will be as rich and happy as those of your earlier glorious and honorable years. I hope so.'' The soldiers awkwardly tried to clink their glasses, overcome with a debilitating depression at the thought of never seeing their departing commander again.
heartfelt farewell
Washington's eyes filled with tears of heartfelt emotion as he asked the assembled soldiers to “come and take my hand.” Obediently, one by one, starting with Henry Knox, the stout and powerful hero of Ticonderoga (he was the senior officer), the solemn soldiers approached Washington, shook his hand, and unashamedly expressed their admiration. I showed him and kissed him on the cheek. The details of this scene are described in a letter by Lieutenant Colonel Tallmadge of the Second Continental Army, one of the participants:
I have never seen such sadness and tears in my life… It was so shocking that I could not last long–for tears of deep sensitivity filled every eye–and my heart was so full that I felt like I would burst out of my habitual abode. . We shall soon part from that man, who brought us a long and bloody war, and under whose actions the glory and independence of our country were achieved, and we should no longer see his face in this world. That's a simple idea. The world seemed completely untenable to me.
General George Washington hugged and saluted each of his men individually, then turned away to leave the Long Room, stopping at the door to wave a final farewell.
Resignation
After stops in New Jersey, Philadelphia, and Baltimore, Washington headed to Annapolis to do what many thought he would never do: voluntarily relinquish command of the military to civilian authorities.
On December 23, 1783, he did just that. His resignation was so sudden that Britain's King George III called his former enemy “the greatest man of his time.”
On Promised Day, with only 48 hours left to keep his promise to his beloved, Washington entered the Maryland State House and addressed Congressional President Thomas Mifflin.
Mr. President, the major event that will lead to my resignation has finally occurred. I now extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Congress, and have the honor of appearing before it, placing in their hands the trust entrusted to me, and claiming indulgence to retire from the service of my country. . Having completed the task assigned to me, I am retiring from the great action theater. And as I bid fond farewell to this dignified organization under whose command I have so long acted, I hereby offer my commission and take a leave of absence from all duties of public service.
Upon hearing this, Washington took the 1775 parchment commission from his pocket and handed it to Mifflin, mission accomplished.
Washington's peaceful relinquishment of command, despite the offers of the throne and crown, demonstrated his dedication to freedom. This one scene is just one in a larger album of similar scenes that capture Washington's nobility, humility, unwavering virtue, and dedication to Republicanism.
promise kept
Later that day, on Christmas Eve, Washington and his companions took a ferry across the Potomac River and drove up the road to Mount Vernon.
After enjoying the party, Washington arranged for an intimate family Christmas with only Martha, stepchildren, nieces, nephews, and other close family members in attendance, enjoying a meal of turkey, pig, cider, and wine. Washington brought presents for everyone from New York City and Philadelphia. Martha had a rocket and an umbrella, the boy had a book and a spinning toy, and the girl had a tea set and a gingerbread toy. George Washington, a civilian who attended this small gathering, shared stories and food worthy of a “Father of the Fatherland.” But he is now more happily and proudly working as a father to his family.
