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 86<br />
"All that may be true; it probably is true; never<strong>the</strong>less, <strong>the</strong> governor understands what <strong>the</strong> popular demand is,<br />
and has acted accordingly," his friend re<strong>to</strong>rted. "My advice is, accept <strong>the</strong> position, and bury your modesty."<br />
"It is not modesty," protested Washing<strong>to</strong>n. "I have <strong>to</strong>o much love for my country <strong>to</strong> do anything <strong>to</strong> prejudice<br />
her interests."<br />
On declining <strong>to</strong> assume <strong>the</strong> chief command, Washing<strong>to</strong>n wrote <strong>to</strong> Colonel Corbin, who desired that he should<br />
accept, as follows:<br />
"The command of <strong>the</strong> whole forces is what I nei<strong>the</strong>r look for, expect, or desire, for I must be impartial enough<br />
<strong>to</strong> confess it is a charge <strong>to</strong>o great for my youth and inexperience <strong>to</strong> be intrusted with. Knowing this, I have <strong>to</strong>o<br />
sincere a love for my country <strong>to</strong> undertake that which may tend <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> prejudice of it. But, if I could entertain<br />
hopes that you thought me worthy of <strong>the</strong> post of lieutenant-colonel, and would favor me so far as <strong>to</strong> mention it<br />
at <strong>the</strong> appointment of officers, I could not but entertain a true sense of <strong>the</strong> kindness. I flatter myself that, under<br />
a skilful commander or man of sense (which I most sincerely wish <strong>to</strong> serve under), with my own application<br />
and diligent study of my duty, I shall be able <strong>to</strong> conduct my steps without censure, and, in time, render myself<br />
worthy of <strong>the</strong> promotion that I shall be favored with now."<br />
Colonel Joshua Fry was appointed <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> chief command, and Washing<strong>to</strong>n was made lieutenant-colonel.<br />
While Washing<strong>to</strong>n was attending <strong>to</strong> his duties at Alexandria, an incident occurred which illustrates <strong>the</strong><br />
strength of his moral character. There was an election for members of <strong>the</strong> <strong>House</strong> of Burgesses, and <strong>the</strong> two<br />
opposing candidates in that district were Colonel George Fairfax and a Mr. Elzey.<br />
"I am well acquainted with Colonel Fairfax," remarked Washing<strong>to</strong>n <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> bystanders, "and I know him <strong>to</strong> be<br />
abundantly qualified for <strong>the</strong> position. He is able, and a true patriot."<br />
"As much can be said of Mr. Elzey, and perhaps more," replied a man by <strong>the</strong> name of Payne, a great friend<br />
and admirer of <strong>the</strong> latter gentleman. "His experience qualifies him for <strong>the</strong> office beyond most men in <strong>the</strong><br />
district."<br />
Here Washing<strong>to</strong>n remarked, somewhat sarcastically, that character, after all, in such times, was <strong>the</strong> highest<br />
qualification, a remark that was readily construed in<strong>to</strong> an insinuation that Payne's candidate did not possess it,<br />
whereupon Payne struck him so violently with a stick as <strong>to</strong> knock him down.<br />
A scene followed. Washing<strong>to</strong>n's friends sprang forward <strong>to</strong> his rescue, but he was on his feet before <strong>the</strong>ir help<br />
reached him. They turned upon his assailant.<br />
"What do you mean, you dastard?" exclaimed one.<br />
"Take him in<strong>to</strong> cus<strong>to</strong>dy"! shouted ano<strong>the</strong>r.<br />
"Knock him down!" bawled a third.<br />
"No, gentlemen," interrupted Washing<strong>to</strong>n, just in season <strong>to</strong> prevent a collision, "do not <strong>to</strong>uch <strong>the</strong> man. Perhaps<br />
he was not al<strong>to</strong>ge<strong>the</strong>r <strong>to</strong> blame. My remark was hasty. Let us have no more trouble."<br />
The officers and o<strong>the</strong>rs present were nearly as much surprised by Washing<strong>to</strong>n's intercession for his assailant<br />
as <strong>the</strong>y were by <strong>the</strong> latter's heartless blow, and <strong>the</strong>y s<strong>to</strong>od speechless. The young commander remained until<br />
<strong>the</strong> excitement ceased, when he repaired <strong>to</strong> his lodgings at <strong>the</strong> hotel, where he immediately wrote a note <strong>to</strong><br />
Mr. Payne, asking him <strong>to</strong> call in <strong>the</strong> morning.