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 195<br />
His journey <strong>to</strong> New York was accomplished in his own carriage, drawn by four horses. No king or conqueror<br />
was ever treated <strong>to</strong> a more enthusiastic ovation than was he from Mount Vernon <strong>to</strong> New York. The expression<br />
of a lad <strong>to</strong> his fa<strong>the</strong>r indicates <strong>the</strong> exalted notions which <strong>the</strong> common people entertained of <strong>the</strong> great general.<br />
On getting a good view of him <strong>the</strong> lad exclaimed:<br />
"Why, pa, he is only a man, after all!"<br />
At Tren<strong>to</strong>n, where he crossed <strong>the</strong> Delaware with his retreating, depleted army, his welcome was both<br />
imposing and beautiful. Upon <strong>the</strong> bridge an arch was erected, adorned with laurel leaves and flowers. Upon<br />
<strong>the</strong> crown of <strong>the</strong> arch, formed of leaves and flowers, were <strong>the</strong> words:<br />
"DECEMBER 26TH, 1776."<br />
Beneath was <strong>the</strong> sentence:<br />
"THE DEFENDER OF THE MOTHERS WILL BE THE PROTECTOR OF THE DAUGHTERS!"<br />
The president was obliged <strong>to</strong> pass under this arch <strong>to</strong> enter Tren<strong>to</strong>n, where <strong>the</strong> female portion of <strong>the</strong> population<br />
met him. On one side little girls dressed in white s<strong>to</strong>od, each one bearing a basket of flowers. On <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
side were arranged <strong>the</strong> young ladies, and behind <strong>the</strong>m <strong>the</strong> married women. The moment Washing<strong>to</strong>n and his<br />
suit approached <strong>the</strong> arch, <strong>the</strong> girls scattered <strong>the</strong>ir flowers before him, and <strong>the</strong> whole company of females sung<br />
<strong>the</strong> following ode, written for <strong>the</strong> occasion by Governor Howell:<br />
"Welcome, mighty chief! once more Welcome <strong>to</strong> this grateful shore! Now no mercenary foe Aims again <strong>the</strong><br />
fatal blow. Aims at <strong>the</strong>e <strong>the</strong> fatal blow.<br />
Virgins fair and matrons grave, Those thy conquering arm did save, Build for <strong>the</strong>e triumphal bowers. Strew,<br />
ye fair, his way with flowers! Strew your hero's way with flowers!"<br />
The reader may well suppose that his reception in New York as <strong>the</strong> first President of <strong>the</strong> United States, and<br />
<strong>the</strong> "greatest general on earth," as many supposed, was grand indeed. No expense or pains were spared <strong>to</strong><br />
make it worthy of <strong>the</strong> occasion.<br />
Washing<strong>to</strong>n called <strong>to</strong> his cabinet, Thomas Jefferson, Secretary of State; Alexander Hamil<strong>to</strong>n, Secretary of <strong>the</strong><br />
Treasury; General Knox, Secretary of War; Edmund Randolph, At<strong>to</strong>rney-General; and John Jay, Chief<br />
Justice.<br />
He said, in his inaugural address:<br />
"When I contemplate <strong>the</strong> interposition of Providence, as it was visibly manifested in guiding us through <strong>the</strong><br />
Revolution, in preparing us for <strong>the</strong> reception of a general government, and in conciliating <strong>the</strong> good will of <strong>the</strong><br />
people of America <strong>to</strong>wards one ano<strong>the</strong>r after its adoption, I feel myself oppressed and almost overwhelmed<br />
with a sense of <strong>the</strong> divine munificence. I feel that nothing is due <strong>to</strong> my personal agency in all those<br />
complicated and wonderful events, except what can simply be attributed <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> exertions of an honest zeal for<br />
<strong>the</strong> good of my country."<br />
The parade and pomp attending <strong>the</strong> first presidency in New York City exceeded anything of <strong>the</strong> kind we<br />
behold at <strong>the</strong> present day. Considering <strong>the</strong> condition of <strong>the</strong> country, as compared with its wealth and<br />
prominence now, <strong>the</strong> style of living and display in presidential circles was remarkable. Washing<strong>to</strong>n rode in a<br />
chariot drawn by six fine horses, attended by a retinue of servants. These horses were expensively<br />
caparisoned. His stable, under <strong>the</strong> charge of Bishop, his favorite servant, held twelve of <strong>the</strong> finest horses in <strong>the</strong><br />
country. Two of <strong>the</strong>m were splendid white chargers for <strong>the</strong> saddle. After <strong>the</strong> seat of government was removed