From Farm House to the White House - 912 Freedom Library
From Farm House to the White House - 912 Freedom Library
From Farm House to the White House - 912 Freedom Library
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<strong>Farm</strong> <strong>House</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>White</strong> <strong>House</strong>, by William M. Thayer 191<br />
announcing <strong>the</strong> surrender of Cornwallis. The scene can be better imagined than described. That body was<br />
quite unfitted for <strong>the</strong> transaction of any business, except that which eulogized <strong>the</strong> commander-in-chief, and<br />
<strong>the</strong> brave men who had fought <strong>the</strong> battles of <strong>the</strong> country. Irving says:<br />
"Congress gave way <strong>to</strong> transports of joy. Thanks were voted <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> commander-in-chief, <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> Counts De<br />
Rochambeau and De Grasse, <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> officers of <strong>the</strong> allied armies generally, and <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> corps of artillery and<br />
engineers especially. Two stands of colors, trophies of <strong>the</strong> capitulation, were voted <strong>to</strong> Washing<strong>to</strong>n; two pieces<br />
of field ordnance <strong>to</strong> De Rochambeau and De Grasse; and it was decreed that a marble column,<br />
commemorative of <strong>the</strong> alliance between France and <strong>the</strong> United States, and of <strong>the</strong> vic<strong>to</strong>ry achieved by <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
associated arms, should be erected in York<strong>to</strong>wn."<br />
Finally, Congress issued a proclamation, appointing a day for general thanksgiving and prayer, in<br />
acknowledgment of this signal interposition of Divine Providence.<br />
This done, Congress adjourned <strong>to</strong> assemble, at a later hour, in a public house of worship, <strong>the</strong>re <strong>to</strong> join, with<br />
<strong>the</strong> grateful multitude, in praise and thanksgiving <strong>to</strong> God for His blessing upon <strong>the</strong> cause of liberty.<br />
When <strong>the</strong> news of Cornwallis' surrender reached England, <strong>the</strong> disappointment and chagrin were well-nigh<br />
universal. The British ministry were as<strong>to</strong>unded by <strong>the</strong> unexpected tidings. Lord Germain announced <strong>the</strong> fact<br />
<strong>to</strong> Lord North.<br />
"And how did he take it?" inquired a public man.<br />
"As he would have taken a ball in <strong>the</strong> breast," replied Germain.<br />
"What did he say?"<br />
"He opened his arms and exclaimed wildly, as he paced up and down <strong>the</strong> apartment, 'O God, it is all over!'"<br />
As soon as Washing<strong>to</strong>n could leave he retired <strong>to</strong> Mount Vernon for a few days, from which place he wrote <strong>to</strong><br />
General Greene:<br />
"I shall remain but a few days here, and shall proceed <strong>to</strong> Philadelphia, when I shall attempt <strong>to</strong> stimulate<br />
Congress <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> best improvement of our late success by taking <strong>the</strong> most vigorous and effectual measures <strong>to</strong><br />
be ready for an early and decisive campaign <strong>the</strong> next year. My greatest fear is that Congress, viewing this<br />
stroke in <strong>to</strong>o important a point of light, may think our work <strong>to</strong>o nearly closed, and will fall in<strong>to</strong> a state of<br />
languor and relaxation. To prevent <strong>the</strong> error, I shall employ every means in my power; and if, unhappily, we<br />
sink in<strong>to</strong> that fatal mistake, no part of <strong>the</strong> blame shall be mine."<br />
To ano<strong>the</strong>r he wrote:<br />
"The hand of Providence has been so conspicuous in all this, that he must be worse than an infidel that lacks<br />
faith, and more than wicked that has not gratitude enough <strong>to</strong> acknowledge his obligations."<br />
XXIII.<br />
PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES.<br />
"Now we must follow up this grand vic<strong>to</strong>ry with harder blows," remarked Washing<strong>to</strong>n <strong>to</strong> Lafayette.<br />
"Then you do not believe <strong>the</strong> war is ended yet?" Lafayette replied inquiringly.