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Show February 15 03.qxd 12/7/2021 Page 8 3:36 PM Page 8 THE OGDEN VALLEY NEWS Volume VII Issue IX February 15, 2003 George Washington, the Virginia Planter and the Revolutionary Soldier Note: This story was taken from the book,“ American Leaders and Heroes,” printed in 1902. G e o r g e Washington owned an extensive plantation on the Virginia bank of the Potomac River. After his marriage with Mrs. Custis, who had large property of her own, Washington became a man of much wealth. He was at one time one of the largest landholders in America. As a manager of property, he had much to do. Washington spent most of his time in the open air, with his dogs and his horses. He gave to his horses rather fanciful names, such as Ajax, Blueskin, Valiant, and Magnolia, and to his dogs, Vulcan, Sweetlips, Ringwood, Forrester, and Rockwood. Out-door recreations included fishing, shooting, and horseracing. Washington was in full sympathy with his life on the plantation, and he threw himself heartily into the work of managing his immense property. He lived up to his favorite motto, “If you want a thing done, do it yourself.” He kept his own books, and looked with exactness after the smallest details. He was indeed one of the most methodical of men, and thus accomplished a marvelous amount of work. By habit an early riser, he was often up before daylight in winter. On such occasions he kindled his own fire and read or worked by the light of a candle. At seven in summer and at eight in winter he sat down to a simple breakfast, consisting of two cups of tea, and hoe-cakes made of Indian meal. After breakfast he rode on horseback over his plantation to look after his slaves, often spending much of the day in the saddle superintending the work. At two he ate dinner, early in the evening he took tea, and at nine o’clock went to bed. As he did not spare himself, he expected faithful service from everyone else. But to his many slaves he was a kind master, and he took good care of the sick or feeble. It may be a comfort to some of us to learn that Washington was fonder of active life than of reading books, for which he never seemed to get much time. But he was even less fond of public speaking. Like some other great men, he found it difficult to stand up before a body of people and make a speech. After his term of service in the French and Indian War, he was elected to the House of Burgesses, where he received a vote of thanks for his brave military services. Rising to reply, Washington stood blushing and stammering, without being able to say a word. The Speaker, equal to the occasion, said with much grace, “Sit down Mr. Washington, your modesty equals your valor, and that surpasses the power of any language to express.” While for many years after the close of the Last French War, this modest, home-loving man was living the life of a high-bred Virginia gentleman, the exciting events which finally brought on the Revolution were stirring men’s souls to heroic action. It was natural, in these trying days, that his countrymen should look for guidance and inspiration to George Washington, who had been so conspicuous a leader in the Last French War. He represented Virginia at the first meeting of the Continental Congress in 1774, going to Philadelphia in company with Patrick Henry and others. He was also a delegate from his colony at the second meeting of the Continental Congress in May, 1775. On being elected by this body Commanderin-Chief of the American army, he at once thanked the members for the election, and added, “I do not think myself equal to the command I am honored with.” He also refused to receive any salary for his services. On June 21, Washington set out on horseback from Philadelphia, in company with a small body of horsemen, to take command of Please visit me at my new Brokerage RE/MAX Associated Realtors, in our convenient location at Valley Market ! (2555 Wolf Creek Dr., Eden) Townhomes & Lots Wolf Star Townhome Wolf Creek Wonderful 2 BR/2 BA Remodeled, Pet's OK, 2 Car Garage $194,900! Lakeside Village Townhouse! $174,900 Huntsville 3 BR/2 BA almost 1200 sq ft IMMACULATE Wolf Lodge Condo Wolf Creek Lovely 2 BR/2 BA w/ the Works! $99,900 Wolf Star Townhome Wolf Creek Large End Unit! 3 BR/ 2 BA Pet's OK, 2 Car Garage $214,900! Liberty $169,900 Secluded 4.69 ac. Lot in Small Upscale Neighborhood, Ready to Build! Huntsville $89,900 Beautiful 1 ac. 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As the British now occupied Brooklyn Heights, which overlooked New York, the Americans could not hold that place, and in a short time they had to withdraw, fighting stubbornly as they slowly retreated. Washington crossed over to the Jersey side of the Hudson, and left General Charles Lee with half the army at North Castle. The British captured Forts Lee and Washington, with 3,000 men, inflicting a severe loss upon the American cause. The outlook was gloomy, but more trying events were to follow. In order to prevent the British from capturing Philadelphia, Washington put his army between them and that city. The British began to move upon him. Needing every soldier that he could get, he sent orders to General Lee to join him. Lee refused to move. Again and again Washington urged Lee to come to his aid. Each time Lee disobeyed. We now know that he was a traitor, secretly hoping that Washington might fail in order that he himself, who was second in command, might become Commander-inChief of the American army. Lee’s disobedience placed Washington in a critical position. And he and his army had to retreat from the British. To most people, in England and America alike, the early downfall of the American cause seemed certain. General Cornwallis was so sure that the war would soon come to an end, that he had already packed some of his luggage and sent it aboard ship, with the intention of returning to England at an early day. But Washington had no thought of giving up the struggle. Far from being disheartened, he confronted the gloomy outlook with all his energy and courage. Fearless and full of faith in the patriot cause, he watched with vigilance for an opportunity to turn suddenly upon his overconfident enemy and strike a blow. In the many battles he fought, Washington exemplified courage and cunning genius, bringing hope to every patriot heart. At the close of 1777 Washington retired to a strong position among the hills at Valley Forge, on the Schuylkill River, about twenty miles northwest of Philadelphia. Here his army spent a winter of terrible suffering. Most of the soldiers were in rags, only a few had bed-clothing, and many had not even straw to lie upon at night. Nearly 3,000 were barefoot. More than this, they were often for days at a time without bread. It makes one heartsick to read about the sufferings of these patriotic men during this miserable winter. But despite all the bitter trials of these distressing times, Washington never lost faith in the final success of the American cause. A beautiful story is told of this masterful man at Valley Forge. When ”Friend Potts” was near the camp one day, he heard an earnest voice. On approaching he saw Washington on his knees, his cheeks wet with tears, praying to God for help and guidance. When the farmer returned to his home he said to his wife: “George Washington will succeed! George Washington will succeed! The Americans will secure their independence!” “What makes thee think so, Isaac?” inquired his wife. “I have heard him pray, Hannah, out in the woods today, and the Lord will surely hear his prayer. He will, Hanna; thee may rest assured He will.” Cornwallis surrendered his army of 8,000 men on October 19, 1781. Washington, tired of war, was glad to become a Virginia planter once more. Be he was not permitted to live in quiet. After his retirement from the army, his home became, as he himself said, a well-resorted tavern. Two years after the close of the Revolution he wrote in his diary: “Dined with only Mrs. Washington, which I believe is the first instance of it since my retirement from public life.” When, on the formation of the Constitution of the United States, the American people looked about for a President, all eyes naturally turned to George Washington. He was elected without opposition and was inaugurated at New York, then the capital of the United States, on April 30, 1789. After serving two terms as President with great success, he again retired in 1797 to private life at Mount Vernon. Here he died on December 14, 1799, at the age of sixtyseven, loved and honored by the American people. |