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26
18
7
7
Freeinan, Doughs Southall. George Washington :
To MARK LANGE
a Biography V.5 (Victory with Me
"I HAVE GROWN GRAY IN YOUR SERVICE"
429
help of France) New York, C. Scibneis Sons
neglected; but it is too much while I am suffering in every other way
P
(and hardly able to keep my own estate from sale) to be saddled with
1952,
all the expense of hers and not to be able to derive the smallest return
CHAPTER XXVI
from it." With that, he asked "Jack" to help him comply with his
mother's request and to find a new overseer."
"I HAVE GROWN GRAY IN YOUR SERVICE"
Officially, there was the usual embarrassment of winter over the
(January I-March 19, 1783)
absence of senior officers 10 and sharp distress over the death of Lord
Stirling." Besides all this, Washington felt much concern because of
the situation in Vermont,²² and he had a disappointment when a
THE COMING of January, 1783, found Washington of opinion that
secretly planned surprise on Oswego was a failure." Fortunately, the
Charleston had been or soon would be evacuated and that the issue of
British commanders at New York and in Canada had given orders to
early peace or continued war would not be settled until the British
the Indians to abstain from raids,¹⁴ with the result that the savages did
Parliament met.2 When confirmation of the reported abandonment of
not make the American advance an excuse for arson and massacre.
the South Carolina city was received, Washington had the problem of
In fashioning the larger designs of 1783, Washington scarcely knew
deciding how many troops should remain in that region and when and
on what scale to project his operations. Sound strategy would prompt
in what manner the others should start their northward march.
a powerful blow against New York, in order to drive the British from
The good news had come at a time of some personal annoyances to
their last stronghold in the United States; but he hesitated to attempt
Washington in what he termed the "rugged and dreary mountains"
this, because of continental finance and the peace negotiations, and he
around Newburgh. Heavy use of his eyes had led him to "try" the
could bring himself to do no more than to have estimates made of the
spectacles worn by some of his companions and from these he selected
requirements of a siege.¹ⁿ For such a major effort, he believed he could
lenses he asked that David Rittenhouse duplicate for him.⁶ A distress
rely on the Army, which still was better fed, better clothed and better
of different nature that gave him "extreme pain" concerned a member
sheltered than ever it had been in winter quarters,¹⁸ nor did he question
of his family. "In God's name," he wrote, "how did my brother Samuel
the willingness of officers to meet any challenge by the enemy. It was
contrive to get himself so enormously in debt?" Besides this, Wash-
different with officers' attitude toward Congress and their own future.
ington's mother was complaining that the overseer of the Falls Quarter
Many of Washington's subordinates displayed a restlessness, discontent
a
+
was sending her nothing. From Newburgh, Washington wrote "Jack," I
and ill-temper he had no means of overcoming. Some of the men close
who as always was his confidant: "It is pretty evident, I believe, that
to Washington thought that Gates and his supporters were responsible
00 " get nothing from thence, which I have the annual rent of between
for at least a part of the demoralization of the officers, but the Com-
eighty and a hundred pounds to pay. The whole profit of the planta-
mander-in-Chief had no proof of this.¹⁷ "The predicament in which I
tion, according to her account, is applied to [the overseer's] own use,
9 Ibid.. 42-43, repunctuated. Another family matter, Washington's interest in his nephew
I
which is rather hard upon me, as I had no earthly inducement to
Bushrod, is mentioned in the sketch with which this volume closes.
10 26 G. W., 146.
I
meddle with it but to comply with her wish, and to free her from care.
11 Stirling expired Jan. 14, 1783. See Richard Sill to Washington, Jan. 14, 17th3: 214 Papers
T
This like every other matter of private concern with me, has been totally
of G. W., 43, LC; 26 G. W., 52, 6: 24 JCC., 96-97; 7 Burnett, 26-27. The original of Wash-
ington's letter of Jan. 20, 1783, to Lady Stirling is in the Stirling Papers, NYHS.
2 Thid., 17, 25, 77-78.
12 26 G. W., 121.
6
1 26 G. W., 15, January 37. 22. See ihid, 59. 61. Cf. 7 Burnett, 18. Evacuation was completed his
13 For the preparations and the detailed instructions of the commanding officer, Lieut. Col.
00
a This was 1782 by (3 Greene's Greene, 481-82). Some of Greene's observations on to Joseph own
Marinus Willett, see 26 G. W., 47, 52, 57. 90-93. Washington's comments on the failure are
Dec. emotions 14-15, and on the condition of Charleston appear in his letter of Dec. 20-21, 1783,
in ibid., 165, 190.
I
14 35 G. W., TOR, 206, 208, 200: 26 thid., 96.
Reed (Reed Papers, NYHS).
15 26 G. W., 82, 85. 88. 185 ff.
-
5 lbid., 97.
16 thid., 97: Freeman's Journal (Philadelphia), Jan. 22, 1783, P. 3.
4 26 G. W, 76, 101.
N
7 lbid., 41.
17 Washington went no further than to remark that the "old leaven" was said to be at
6 lbid., 27.
8 He may have meant to write "while," instead of "which."
work. The context scareely affords ground for doubt of his meaning. See 26 G. W., 186.
I
428
GEORGE WASHINGTON
"I HAVE GROWN GRAY IN YOUR SERVICE"
430
431
1
0
stand as citizen and soldier," he wrote Alexander Hamilton, now in
was disbanded they would have a humiliating place, financially, in a
.
Congress, "is as critical and delicate as can well be conceived." He ex-
society they had spent their years and fortunes to free."
P
plained: "The sufferings of a complaining Army on one hand, and the
Congress recognized both the obligations and the limitations on its
inability of Congress and the tardiness of the States on the other, are
ability to meet the whole at once. The obstacle to approving commuta-
the forebodings of evil
18
tion of half pay immediately was the belief of some Delegates that the
As late as the 4th of March, when he wrote this, he confided that he
individual States, which had been made responsible for the compensa-
was under "no great apprehension" that the dangerous spirit in the
tion of their own retired officers, might prefer varying methods of satis-
Army would exceed "the bounds of reason and moderation." 10 Both
fying the veterans.²⁴
for that reason and because of his respect for civil government he did
Argument and delay angered the officers on the Hudson but nothing
not take the full leadership in dealing with Congress that Hamilton
especially ominous occurred until the roth of March. Then Washington
and other Delegates urged him to display on the Army's behalf.20 These
was handed a written copy of a call that was being circulated for a
members were anxious for Washington to intervene persuasively after
meeting of general and field officers the next day. He was given, also,
they had done the little they could in Philadelphia to remove officers'
a transcript of a fiery and rhetorical appeal to the holders of commis-
suspicion that no promise of money, or land or half pay would be re-
sions to make a vigorous demand for the compensation sought in the
membered after the Army was discharged.21 The address of senior
address McDougall had taken to Philadelphia. This appeal, like the
officers, which had been presented formally by McDougall's committee,
call for an assembly of officers, was anonymous 25 and where it referred
had asked money for discharging part of the accumulated pay of the
to the action that officers should take, it read as follows: "Tell [Con-
troops. Short weight of rations was exposed; the neglected pledge to
gress] that though you were the first, and would wish to be the last to
compensate the men for clothing not delivered them was brought to
encounter danger: though despair itself can never drive you into dis-
the mind of Delegates. "We beg leave," the officers said, "to urge an
honor, it may drive you from the field: that the wound often irritated
immediate adjustment of all dues; that as great a part as possible be
and never healed, may at length become incurable; and that the
paid, and the remainder put on such a footing as will restore cheerful-
slightest mark of indignity from Congress now, must operate like the
ness in the Army, revive confidence in the justice and generosity of its
grave, and part you forever: that in any political event, the Army has
constituents, and contribute to the very desirable effect of re-establishing
its alternative. If peace, then nothing can separate them from your arms
public credit." On their own account, the officers complained in mod-
but death: if war, that courting the auspices, and inviting the direction
IN
erate language of the opposition of the States to voting half pay for life
of your illustrious leader, you will retire to some unsettled country, smile
to those incapacitated or retired. "We have reason to believe," the ad-
in your turn, and 'mock when their fear cometh on." 26 As Washing-
ID
"
dress stated, "that the objection generally is against the mode [of pay-
ton interpreted this violent language, it meant that if the war continued,
00
ment] only." Officers proposed therefore that promised half pay should
the anonymous counsellor wished the Army to desert Congress, to leave
be commuted to full pay for a number of years or even to a flat sum,
the coast defenceless, and to set up a new state in the wilderness. The
as might be agreed between Congress and the committee. In this settle-
alternative proposed by the writer might be the maintenance, if peace
I
ment, disabled officers and soldiers and the dependents of those who
came, of an Army that would refuse to lay down its weapons.
had lost their lives in the war should be included." Unexplained, but
This appalled Washington. Here seemed to be defiance of civil au-
deep in the mind of many officers was the feeling that when the Army
23 Cf. Walter Stewart to Gates, May 28, 1783: ". And the poor, deluded crowd must
6
18 lbid.
10 Thid., 187.
return home the ridicule of their neighbors, and when their present plumage is lost, they must
00
20 3 LTW., 551; also in 9 A. Hamilton, 311-12 and 7 Burnett, 32-35-
return to labor and, what is worse, they must recollect with poignant grief that they themselves
21. See 7 Burnett, 6, 14 n. T9 fi, 22, 29, 57: 24 ICC., 93- 146; 8 Sparks, 552; Letters Joseph
have worked the mighty changes" (Emmet Col., NYPL).
I
Jones, 100; Knox to McDougall, Mch. 3, 1783, McDougall Papers, NYHS.
24 24 JCC,, 146-47.
-
22 24 ICC., 291-93. The address was dated December, 1782, and was referred on January
25 For the question of authorship, see infra, n. 48.
N
6 to the Grand Committee which reported January 22. CE shid., 93-95-
IN 24 JCC., 297. The quotation is 2 paraphrase of Proverbs I, 26.
I
R
1
may have been overlap on part of
this Page
43°
GEORGE WASHINGTON
"I HAVE GROWN GRAY IN YOUR SERV
432
GEORGE WASHINGTON
0
stand as citizen and soldier," he wrote Alexander Hamilton, now in
was disbanded they would have a humiliating place, fi
thority, the threat of mutiny of a new sort, a revolt that
Congress, "is as critical and delicate as can well be conceived." He ex-
society they had spent their years and fortunes to free.
leadership sufficiently experienced and intelligent to ove
P
plained: "The sufferings of a complaining Army on one hand, and the
Congress recognized both the obligations and the lin
gress and the governments of all the States. The Genera
inability of Congress and the tardiness of the States on the other, are
ability to meet the whole at once. The obstacle to appro
meet the danger, if he could, by reporting what Congress
the forebodings of evil
18
tion of half pay immediately was the belief of some Del
the Army, and by urging officers to be moderate in seek:
As late as the 4th of March, when he wrote this, he confided that he
individual States, which had been made responsible for
else could reasonably be granted at the time. He put in G
was under "no great apprehension" that the dangerous spirit in the
tion of their own retired officers, might prefer varying m
of March II a denunciation of "such an irregular invita
Army would exceed "the bounds of reason and moderation." 18 Both
fying the veterans.²⁴
"such disorderly proceedings." A new meeting was set by
for that reason and because of his respect for civil government he did
Argument and delay angered the officers on the Huds
15th, at which representatives of all Regiments would
not take the full leadership in dealing with Congress that Hamilton
especially ominous occurred until the noth of March. The
further measures should be adopted "to attain the just ai
and other Delegates urged him to display on the Army's behalf." These
was handed a written copy of a call that was being ci
object in view." The senior officer in attendance would
members were anxious for Washington to intervene persuasively after
meeting of general and field officers the next day. He v
Although Washington acted quickly and decisively, he
they had done the little they could in Philadelphia to remove officers'
a transcript of a fiery and rhetorical appeal to the holde
developments to the President of Congress "with inexpress
suspicion that no promise of money, or land or half pay would be re-
sions to make a vigorous demand for the compensation
and he did not pretend to say whether success would atte
membered after the Army was discharged.21 The address of senior
address McDougall had taken to Philadelphia. This a]
to avert a crisis. He would exert himself to the utmost, h
officers, which had been presented formally by McDougall's committee,
call for an assembly of officers, was anonymous 25 and wl
belief that-Congress intended to do "ample justice to the 2
had asked money for discharging part of the accumulated pay of the
to the action that officers should take, it read as follows
as circumstances will possibly admit." 28 Before he could
troops. Short weight of rations was exposed; the neglected pledge to
gress] that though you were the first, and would wish tq
alarming news, a second anonymous appeal was in circ
compensate the men for clothing not delivered them was brought to
encounter danger: though despair itself can never drive
author-he still was unidentified-must have realized
the mind of Delegates. "We beg leave," the officers said, "to urge an
honor, it may drive you from the field: that the wound
Orders would keep most of the officers from the meeting
immediate adjustment of all dues; that as great a part as possible be
and never healed, may at length become incurable;
and he consequently argued that Washington's langua
paid, and the remainder put on such a footing as will restore cheerful-
slightest mark of indignity from Congress now, must 01
Commander-in-Chief the advocate of the complainants. T
ness in the Army, revive confidence in the justice and generosity of its
grave, and part you forever: that in any political event, i
haps, some recoil from the vehement spirit of the first
constituents, and contribute to the very desirable effect of re-establishing
its alternative. If peace, then nothing can separate them fr
Washington thought it appealed more to emotion and pa
public credit." On their own account, the officers complained in mod-
but death: if war, that courting the auspices, and inviting
reason and judgment. In a postscript to the letter he was
erate language of the opposition of the States to voting half pay for life
of your illustrious leader, you will retire to some unsettled
Q
gress he simply mentioned the circulation of the second
to those incapacitated or retired. "We have reason to believe," the ad-
in your turn, and 'mock when their fear cometh on.' 26
IN
of which he enclosed. As often he had in the past, Wash
"
dress stated, "that the objection generally is against the mode [of pay-
ton interpreted this violent language, it meant that if the
privately to sympathetic Delegates-in this instance Alex
00.
ment] only." Officers proposed therefore that promised half pay should
the anonymous counsellor wished the Army to desert Cor
ton and Joseph Jones-to explain what he had not thou
be commuted to full pay for a number of years or even to a flat sum,
the coast defenceless, and to set up a new state in the wi
incorporate in his letter to the President. The substance of
as might be agreed between Congress and the committee. In this settle-
alternative proposed by the writer might be the mainter
the discontent of officers had been fomented "upon the ar
D
ment, disabled officers and soldiers and the dependents of those who
came, of an Army that would refuse to lay down its weap
I
tain gentleman from Philadelphia in camp." Washington
had lost their lives in the war should be included." Unexplained, but
This appalled Washington. Here seemed to be defian
T
assertions the returning soldier had made, and confided
deep in the mind of many officers was the feeling that when the Army
23 Cf. Walter Stewart to Gates, May 28, 1783: ". And the poor, de
issued his orders in an effort to keep the officers from I
6
IS Ibid.
18 Ibid., 187.
return home the ridicule of their neighbors, and when their present plumage
20 3 LTW., 551; also in 9 A. Hanritton, 311-12 and 7 Barnett, 32-35.
return to labor and, what is worse, they must recollect with poignant grief tll
Any Delegates who were "really opposed to doing justice
00
21 See 7 Burnett, 6, 14 n, 19 fE, 22, 29, 57: 24 ICC., 93, 146: 8 Sparks, 552; Letters Joseph
have worked the mighty changes" (Emmet Col., NYPL).
should be told that "if matters should come to extremity
I
Jones, 100; Knox to McDougall, Mch. 3. 1783, McDongall Papers, NYHS.
24 24 JCC., 146-47.
N
32 24 ICC., 291-93. The address was dated December, 1782, and was referred on January
25 For the question of authorship, see intra, n. 48.
6 to the Grand Committee which reported January 22, Cf, ibid., 93-95.
26 24 ICC., 297. The quotation is 2 paraphrase of Proverbs I, 26.
27 24 JCC., 298; 26 G. W.. 208.
N
28 26 G. W., 211-12.
I
il
(I
"I HAVE GROWN GRAY IN YOUR SERVICE"
433
Extended 1.
night have
be answerable for all the ineffable horrors which may be occasioned
Grow Con-
thereby."
resolved to
Washington continued doubtless to collect information on the temper
doing for
of the men under him and he decided that the wide circulation of the
whatever
emotionally-eloquent anonymous papers made it prudent, if not down-
Geral Orders
right necessary, to anticipate further trouble by publishing at once a num-
won" and of
ber of sympathetic resolutions that Congress had adopted on January
im for the
25,30 regarding the settlement of the claims of the Army. This was the
ecide what
report Washington had said the meeting would receive, and while it
important
was inconclusive in some particulars, it might convince right-minded,
eside."
reasonable officers that Congress would not play the cheat. Washington
:ported the
consequently included the text in GOs of the 13th, "for the information
le concern"
of the Army"-and without a single moralizing word. Justice to the
his efforts
Army at the hands of Congress was presented as a matter of course.³¹
said, in the
Still further reflection on the results of possibly desperate action by
my as soon
the officers convinced Washington that he must do what he had not
ispatch this
contemplated in the orders for a meeting on the 15th: he must go before
ation. The
his subordinates in person and must exert all the influence he had over
at General
them to reduce the chance of a foolish step. A public appearance of this
n the 11th,
sort was worse than distasteful; but nothing less than this might suffice,
made the
and even this might not be enough. He must do, in effect, what Hamil-
re was, per-
ton and some of the others had thought he should have done soon: he
olemic, but
must take the lead and make the officers' cause his own. Once this was
ion than to
decided, he began preparation of a statement.³²
nding Con-
On the 15th, with this paper in his pocket, Washington went to the
per, a copy
large wooden structure the soldiers had completed a few weeks previ-
gton wrote
ously. The moment he entered, he may have become aware that
der Hamil-
20 26 G. W., 214-16. This letter and that to Hamilton are in Washington's autograph and
t proper to
probably were his own composition. As is explained infra, B. 48, the "certain gentleman" un-
doubtedly was Col. Walter Stewart, for whose appointment as "Inspector of the Northern
his was that
Army," see 23 G. W., 495.
val of a cer-
30 24 JCC., 93-95. These resolutions provided (1) that the Superintendent of Finance make
allotment For current pay as soon as possible: (2) that the States be called on to settle to Aug.
eviewed the
1, 1780, the claims of all the soldiers of their respective lines: and (3) Congress study methods
hat he had
by which all creditors of the United States could be given security, to which, it was specifically
stated, they were entitled.
ing too far.
31 16 G. W., 221-22.
32 He probably had the help of Jonathan Trumbull, Jr., because the brief appeal. though
the Army"
in Washington's autograph, contains phrasing and a conclusion more in the style of the Secre-
they must
tary than of the General.
33 Information on this building, used both as a chapel and as a dancing academy, will be
found in Gates to Washington, Dec. 31, 1782 (213 Papers of G. W., 84. LC), in 1 Pickering.
309, 339, in 25 G. W., 464, and in Heath, 374, 400. The meeting place was known familiarly
as "The Temple."
434
GEORGE WASHINGTON
"I HAVE GROWN GRAY IN YOUR SERVICE"
435
N
0
almost every man in the room was looking at him, eagerly, anxiously;
the world had never seen the last stage of perfection to which human
but with no bows, acknowledgment or other preliminaries, Washington
nature is capable of attaining.' 38
a
strode to the crude lectern, visibly agitated,3 and began by excusing his
This was the finest phrase with which he ever had exhorted dis-
attendance. At the time he issued the order for the meeting, he said,
gruntled, sullen or resentful men; but he was not quite sure he had con-
it was by no means his intention to participate in the deliberations; but
vinced his comrades of the perplexities and the good faith of Congress.
the pains taken to circulate the anonymous addresses made it necessary
He had brought with him a letter he had received not long previously
that he give his sentiments to the Army on the nature and the tendency
from Joseph Jones, a discerning member of Congress from Virginia
of these papers. To do this plainly, he had put his thoughts in writing
who spoke with sympathetic acknowledgment of the fiscal mountains
and, with the permission of his brother-officers he would read what he
the Delegates had to remove before they could discharge justly the
wished to say." The anonymous address, he said, was finely written
proper claims of the Army. The reading of part of this communication,
but was "calculated to impress the mind with an idea of premeditated
Washington told himself, perhaps might confirm whatever impression
injustice in the sovereign power of the United States, and rouse all those
he had made. He stumbled through a few sentences, but as the manu-
resentments which must inevitably flow from such a belief." 36 For ven-
script probably was closely written and without paragraphs, Washing-
turing to put this unsparing interpretation on the paper, Washington
ton had trouble in making it intelligible to his auditors. He paused,
gave as his warrant his long army service, which he sketched proudly;
reached into his pocket, took out his new spectacles, and put them on.
and he went on to assert that the alternatives proposed by the anony-
"Gentlemen," he said, in effect, as he fumbled with the glasses, "you
mous agitator were to leave the country defenceless and to go into the
must pardon me. I have grown gray in your service and now find my-
wilderness, perhaps to perish, or else to turn the arms of aggrieved
self growing blind." 39
officers against their own government. He denounced these courses and
That observation, made in the simplest manner, completed the rally
their advocate and then voiced the assurance he had resolved to give:
to Washington. When he-left the hall a few minutes later, Gates acted
«
in the attainment of complete justice for all your toils and
as presiding officer in accordance with General Orders,⁴⁰ and some of
dangers, and in the gratification of every wish, so far as may be done
the most trusted lieutenants of the Commander-in-Chief took charge of
consistently with the great duty I owe my country, and those powers
the proceedings. In the face of mild opposition by Timothy Pickering,11
we are bound to respect, you may freely command my services to the
Washington received a vote of thanks; a committee presented a report
utmost of my abilities."
38 lbid.
He proceeded: let me entreat you, gentlemen, on your part,
30 Samuel Show, 103-05. The traditional account of this incident had its origin in 2 letter
N
not to take any measures which, viewed in the calm light of reason, will
addressed to Timothy Pickering, Nov. 9, 1825, by David Cobb, who had left Washington's
ID
staff temporarily in January, 1783, to be Lieutenant Colone) Commandant of the Fifth Massa-
lessen the dignity and sully the glory you have hitherto maintained; let
chusetts. Cobb was 77 at the time be answered Pickering's inquiry concerning an event that
had occurred forty-two years previously. Shaw's account, in contrast, was written within 1 few
00
me request you to rely on the plighted faith of your country, and place
weeks of the meeting and, of course, is to be preferred. The one material point of difference
a full confidence in the purity of the intentions of Congress
37
between the two parratives concerns the time at which Washington made the remark about
"growing blind." The letter of which the General read a part could not have been one from
There followed two or three minutes more of explanation in the same
Delegate Samuel Hartly as John Armstrong later wrote (1 Pickering, 409). Burnett found no
D
spirit that led to a fine climax: "you will, by the dignity of your con-
such letter of this period; Matteson's General Index to G. W. includes no reference to any letter
from Washington to Hardy. A natural surmise would be that "Hardy" was the mistake of an
I
duct, afford occasion for posterity to say, when speaking of the glorious
old man's memory, and that Washington was quoting his known correspondent, John Harvie:
T
but that Virginian was not in 1783 a member of Congress. The letter that perfectly fits Samuel
example you have exhibited to mankind, 'had this day been wanting,
Shaw's description is that of Joseph Jones to Washington, Feb. 27, 1783, in 7 Burnett, 60 f.
Identification is rendered complete by (1) Pickering's admitted contemporary opinion that Jones
34 J. A. Wright to John Webb, Mch. 16, 1783; 3 Webb, 5. and TO Ford, 178 1.
was the author (see I Pickering, 438) and (2) the remark of Washington in his address that
00
30 These sentences merely paraphrase the summary of Washington's opening remarks, as
"like all other large bodies, where there is a variety of different interests to reconcile, [the Dete-
given in a letter of Samuel Shaw's, Apr. n.d., 1783, the most detailed of the contemporary
gates"} deliberations are slow" (26 G. W., 226). Jones had written Washington: ". with
I
accounts of the meeting. See Samuel Shaw, 103-05.
those acquainted with the deliberations of public bodies, and especially so mixed a body as that
1-
se 26 G. W., 223, 240.
of Congress, allowances will be made for slow determination" (7 Burnett, 61).
37 tbid., 226-27.
N
40 26 G. W., 208.
41 I Pickering, 438-39, 440, 442.
P
(I
436
GEORGE WASHINGTON
"I HAVE GROWN GRAY IN YOUR SERVICE"
437
0
in which the officers expressed their confidence in the justice of Con-
However it might be judged, it had been an alarming experience, and
P
gress, asked the General to act in their behalf, repudiated the proposals
most inopportune, because it had come just at the time to dampen re-
of the anonymous addresses, and called on McDougall and his associates
joicing over the greatest news that ever had come to headquarters, the
to remain in Philadelphia until they accomplished their object. The
glorious tidings of a treaty of peace that recognized the independence
report was discussed and amended slightly and then adopted without
of the United States.
a show of dissent; 42 the meeting adjourned quietly. Many officers left
in deep emotion and with higher admiration for their leader. Samuel
sistence, to active duty as inspector (26 G. W., 46-47, 143) made full report to his friends
regarding the plans of Congress for early dissolution of the Army, and he asserted that officers
Shaw phrased admirably what men of mind less well ordered doubtless
must make common cause and must act, if need be, with other creditors, in demanding that
Congress pay promptly all that had been promised them. Stewart spread this view everywhere
were thinking: "On other occasions, he [Washington] had been sup-
he went in camp (John Armstrong, Jr. in U. S. Mag., Jan. 1823, p. 40) and when he became
ported by the exertions of an Army and the countenance of his friends;
satisfied that Washington would not take the lead in making demands on Congress he turned to
Gates (Refus King, V. 3, p. 621-22), who proved sympathetic. John Armstrong, Jr., wrote the
but in this he stood single and alone. There was no saying where the
addresses which Gates's friend, Capt. Christopher Richmond copied, and Maj. William Harber,
passions of an Army, which were not a little inflamed, might lead; but
one of the Inspectors, distributed (Gates to Armstrong, June 23, 1783; U. S. Mag. as supra).
Barber sometimes was confused with Col. Francis Barber, who had been killed accidentally
it was generally allowed that longer forebearance was dangerous, and
in February (3 Webb, 2) and with one of several officers named Barker, but his identity is
beyond dispute. That he remained with the Army on intimate terms with Stewart is plain from
moderation had ceased to be a virtue. Under these circumstances he
his letter of Aug. 24, 1783 to that officer (Stewart Papers; Force Transcripts, LC). In spite
appeared, not at the head of his troops, but as it were in opposition to
of what had happened at the meeting of March 15, renewal of demands was considered in
April by Armstrong and others but was abandoned because Armstrong thought it had been dis-
them; and for a dreadful moment the interests of the Army and its
closed to Washington. See Armstrong to Gates, Apr. 29, 1783, 7 Burnett, 155 n. Cr. same to
General seemed to be in competition! He spoke-every doubt was dis-
same, June 9, and Christopher Richmond to Gates, June 15, 1783, Emmet Col., NYPL. A
controversy in 1823 over the authorship of the addresses served only to disclose the peculiarities
pelled, and the tide of patriotism rolled again in its wonted course.
of Armstrong's temperament and the unreliability of Timothy Pickering's memory. See U. S.
Mag., January, 1823, p. 40 and 1 Pickering, 406 ff.
Illustrious man! What he says of the Army may with equal justice be
applied to his own character. 'Had this day been wanting, the world
had never seen the last stage of perfection to which human nature is
capable of attaining.'
44
Washington felt immense relief and told himself and his friends in
Congress that the result was what he "had reason to expect"; 45 but his
M
common sense and numerous evidences of continuing deep discontent
ID
were warnings that action by Congress, prompt and adequate action,
"
was the only guarantee against another storm. He went further, if pos-
00
sible, than ever he had gone in urging immediately that Congress satisfy
the officers' claims,⁴⁰ and he wrote his friend Joseph Jones that Congress
should not rely "on any influence of mine to dispel other clouds if any
should arise, from the causes of the last." 47 Realist that he was, he knew
he could not hope again to placate his officers with promises Congress
did not redeem.⁴⁸
0
42 Timothy Pickering wrote that he did not hold up his hand. Letter of Mch. 16, 1783, to
00
Samuel Hodgdon: , Pickering. 449.
43 See the proceedings in 24 JCC., 310-11.
44 Sammel Shaw, 105.
45 26 G. IK, 228.
46 thid., 229-32.
47 Hid., 233.
N
4S The history of the "Newburgh addresses" was never known in its entirety to the General
but was briefly this: Col. Walter Stewart, or returning from Philadelphia, at Washington's in-
P
APR 27 '89 13:53
CHICAGO, IL
N
DAIS GUESTS
PAGE. 02
4/24/89
NAME
TITLE
SPOUSE/GUEST
ST FED CRU FLOT PREZ XTR
RESP
PAUL
HALL
ISE
ILLA
BALL
TIX
....
1
Abrams, Robert
Attorney General, NYS
Ms. Rachel Abrams (da
yes
2
2
no
no
2
1
2
Ackerman, Gary L.
Rep., NYCCD
yes
1
1
1
1
1
3
Anderson, Donald K.
Clerk, House of Rep.
Mrs. Anderson
yes
2
2
2
2
2
4
Arter, Robert
Lt. Gen., U.S. Army (Ret)
Mrs. Lois Arter
yes
2
2
2
2
2
5
Bernstein, Richard B.
Historian, NYCCBC
yes
1
1
no
1
2
6
Blanc, Pierre-Louis
U.N. Ambassador, France
Mrs. Jutta Von Cramm-
yes
2
2
2
3
2
1
7
Boggs, Lindy
Chair., House Bicen.
yes
1
1
no
no
1
8
Brieant, Charles
Chief Judge, Fed'l
Mrs. Virginia Brieant
yes
2
2
2
2
2
9
Brown, Rev. Percival Go.
Trinity Church
Ms. Delores Young
yes
2
2
2
no
2
10
Brown, William Holmes
House Parliamentarian
yes
2
2
2
2
2
11
Brownell, Herbert
Former Attorney General
Mrs. Marion R. "Riki"
yes
2
2
no
no
2
12
Burger, Warren E
Chair., Bicen. Comm.
Mrs. Burger
yes
2
2
no
no
2
13
Bush, George
President
Mrs. Barbara Bush
yes
2
2
no
no
?
14
Bush, Jonathon
yes
?
7
?
?
?
15
Cables, Herbert S. Jr.
Dep. Dir, Nat'l Park Svc
Mrs. Lucienne Cables
yes
no
2
no
no
2
16
Casson, Rev. Canon Lloyd S.
Vicar, Trinity & S.P's
Mrs. Shirley Casson
yes
2
2
2
no
2
17
Coffey, Diane M.
Chief of Staff, NYC
yes
1
1
1
1
2
18
Crane, Philip
Rep., Burger Com.
Mrs. Crane
yes
2
2
no
no
2
19
Crosson, Matthew T.
Chief Administrator
guest
yes
2
2
2
2
2
20
Cuomo, Mario
Governor of New York
yes
1
no
no
no
no
21
Dayal, Virendra
Chief of Cab., UN Sec-Gen.
yes
1
1
no
no
no
22
de Aldasoro, Miguel I.
Consul General, Spain
yes
2
2
2
2
2
23
Dinkins, David
Manhattan BoΓo Pres.
Mrs. Joyce Dinkins
yes
no
no
no
no
2
24
Dornan, Bob
Rep., OCD
Mrs. Sally Dornan
yes
2
2
2
2
2
25
Dunlop, Becky Norton
Asst. Sec. of the Interior
Mr. George Dunlop
yes
no
2
no
no
2
26
d'Aboville, Benoit
Consul General, France
Elaine de Dampierre
yes
1
1
2
2
no
27
D'Amato, Alfonse M.
Senator, NYSCO
Ms. Donna Kaufman
yes
2
2
2
2
2
28
Eliasson, Jan
U.N. Ambassador, Sweden
Mrs. Kerstin Eliasson
yes
no
no
2
no
2
29
Engel, Eliot
Rep., OCD, NYCCD
yes
2
2
?
?
?
30
Feinberg, Wilfred
Chief Judge, Fed'l (Ret)
Mrs. Feinberg
yes
2
2
2
2
2
31
Ferrer, Fernando
Bronx Boro Pres.
yes
?
?
?
7
7
32
Fisher, Zachary
Chrmn, Intrepid Museum
Mrs. Elizabeth Fisher
yes
2
2
no
yes
no
10
33
Flom, Joseph H.
Chairman, NYCCBC
Mrs. Claire Flom
yes
2
2
2
2
.
$
34
Ford, Dr. James D.
Chaplain, House
Mrs. Marcy Ford
yes
2
2
2
2
2
35
Gerstein, Rabbi Louis C.
Temple Shearith Israel
Mrs. Amy Gerstein
yes
2
2
2
no
2
36
Goldin, Harrison J.
Comptroller, NYC
Mrs. Diana Goldin
yes
2
2
2
2
?
n.y. (Guest List
APR 27 '89 13:54 CHICAGO, IL
N
PAGE. 04
GW_200 LOR' CENSUS 1990 TEL No. 212-732-3152
Apr 25.89 13:34 No. 025 P.03
DAIS GUESTS
PAGE 2
NAME
TITLE
SPOUSE/GUEST
ST FED CRU FLOT PREZ XTR
RESP PAUL HALL ISE ILLA BALL TIX
Gray, Gen. Alfred A.
Commandant, USMC
Mrs. Jan Gray
yes
2
2
no
no
2
I
Green, S. William
Rep., NYCCD
Mrs. Patricia Green
yes
no
1
2
no
no
1
Hayes, Helen
James MacArthur (son)
yes
2
2
no
no
7
)
Hochbrueckner, George J.
Rep., NYSCD
Mrs. Carol Ann H.
yes
2
2
2
2
2
I
Takovos, Archbishop Iakvos
Greek Orth. Archdiocese
yes
2
2
2
no
1
!
Jacobovits de Szeged, Adriaan
U.M. Ambass., Netherlands
Mrs. J. de Szeged
yes
2
2
2
2
2
1
Jewkes, Gordon W., CMG
Consul Gen'l, Gt. Brit.
yes
2
2
no
no
2
1
Koch, Edward 1.
Mayor, NYC
yes
1
1
1
1
1
5
Lautenberg, Frank
NJ Senator
yes
2
2
7
?
?
6
Loway, Nita M.
Rep., NYSCD
Mr. Stephen Lowey
yes
2
2
no
no
2
7
Lujan, Manuel Jr.
Sec. of the Interior
Nrs. Jean Lujan
yes
2
2
no
no
7
8
Manoogian, Most Rev. Torkom
Eastern Diocese, Armenian C
yes
1
1
1
no
1
9
Manton, Thomas J.
Rep. NYCCD
Mrs. Diane Manton
yes
2
2
2
2
2
0
Marsh, John O., Jr.
Sec. of the Army
Mrs. Glenn Ann Marsh
yes
2
2
no
no
3
11
Matthews, Rev.Dr.Daniel Paul
Rector, Trinity Church
Mrs. Diane Matthews
yes
2
2
no
no
no
4
52
Mollen, Milton
Presiding Justice
Mrs. Bebe Mollen
yes
2
2
2
2
2
63
Molloy, Ames T.
House Doorkeeper
Mrs. Roseanne Molloy
yes
2
2
?
?
?
54
Moody, Rev. John W.
Trinity Church
Ms. Caroline Stacey (
yes
2
no
2
no
no
55
Moore, Rt. Rev. Paul, Jr.
Bishop, Episcopal Diocese
yes
1
no
no
no
no
56
Moynihan, Daniel P.
Senator, NYSCD
Mrs. Liz Moynihan
yes
2
2
2
2
2
57
Mulloy, Father Matthew
Church of St. Peter
yes
1
2
2
no
RD
58
Murphy, Francis T.
Presidg Justice, Appel. Div
Mrs. Shirley Murphy
yes
no
no
2
no
2
59
Ohrenstein, Manfred
Minority Ldr., NYS Senate
Mrs. Lynn Ohrenstein
yes
no
2
2
no
2
60
Owens, Major
Rep., OCO, NYCCD
yes
2
2
7
7
7
61
O'Connor, H.E. John Cardinal
R.C. Archdiocese
Monsignor McCarthy
yes
no
2
?
no
?
62
Perelman, Ronald
Chairman, Revlon Inc.
Mrs. Claudia Perelman
yes
2
2
2
2
.
S
63
Phelan, John
Pres., NY Stock Exchange
yes
2
2
2
2
-
$
64
Pickering, Thomas
Chief Delegate to the U.N.
Mrs. Alice Pickering
yes
2
2
no
no
no
65
Pierce, Lawrence W.
Circuit Judge, Ct. of Appls
Mrs. Cynthia StrakerP
yes
2
2
2
2
2
66
Reed, Joseph Verner Jr.
Chief of Protocol (Pres)
yes
1
1
no
no
?
67
Regan, Ned
NY State Comptroller
yes
1
1
no
no
2
6
68
Ridenour, James
Director, NPS
yes
no
1
no
no
no
69
Ross, Steven J.
Chairman, Warner Comm.
yes
2
2
2
2
-
$
70
Rota, Robert V.
House Postmaster
yes
2
2
?
7
?
71
Russ, Jack
Sergeant at Arms, House
Mrs. Susan Russ
yes
2
2
2
2
2
72
Santamaria, Julian
U.S. Ambassador, Spain
Mrs. Santamaria
yes
2
2
2
2
2
73
Scheuer, James H.
Rep., Dean, NYCCD
Mrs. Emily Schewer
yes
no
2
no
no
2
** TOTAL PAGE. 04 **
APR 27 '89 13:54
CHICAGO,
IL
N
PAGE 03
GW_200 OR CENSUS 1990 IEL NO
npi
DAIS GUESTS
PAGE 3
NAME
TITLE
SPOUSE/GUEST
ST FED CRU FLOT PREZ XTR
RESP PAUL HALL ISE ILLA BALL TIX
I
Sherman, Rev. Elizabeth A.
Trinity Church
yes
?
no
?
no
?
;
Shulman, Claire
Queens Boro Pres.
Dr. Melvin Shulman
yes
no
2
no
no
?
$
Smith, Lt.Gen. Carl R.
Asst. Vice Cf Staff, USAF
Ms. Mariana Smith
yes
2
2
2
2
2
7
Smock, Dr. Raymond W.
Historian, House
Mrs. Phyllis Smock
yes
2
2
2
2
2
B
Solarz, Stephen
Rep., OCD
yes
no
1
no
no
1
9
Sorensen, Gillian
Comm., UM 1 Consular Affrs
Mr. Theodore Sorensen
yes
2
2
2
no
2
0
Sununu, John H.
Chief of Staff to the Pres.
yes
1
1
no
no
?
1
Thoren, Arne
Consul General, Sweden
yes
1
1
2
no
2
2
Tickell, Crispin Sir
U.N. Ambassador, Gt. Britai
Lady Penelope T.
yes
2
2
2
no
2
3
Tieleman, Adrien F.
Consul Gen'l, Netherlands
yes
1
1
no
1
no
4
Towns, Edolphus
Rep., OCD, NYCCD
yes
no
1
no
no
1
5
Vallone, Peter J.
Majority Ldr., Bd of Est.
Mrs. Tena Vallone
yes
2
no
2
no
2
5
Villar, Don Francisco
U.N. Ambassador, Spain
Mrs. Isabel Villar
yes
2
2
no
no
no
17
Wachtler, Sol
Chief Judge, Ct. of Appls
Ms. Joy Silverman
yes
no
2
no
no
no
18
Wachtmeister, Wilhelm
U.S. Ambassador, Sweden
yes
2
2
2
no
no
39
Weinstein, Jack B.
Chief Judge, Fed'l (Ret)
Mrs. Evelyn Weinstein
yes
2
2
2
2
?
1
10
Weiss, Ted
Rep., Sec. of NYCCD
yes
no
1
no
no
no
Totals
127
140
88
62
98
23
1. Gjelde, Earl
Und Seet of distein MRS, Sandra YES no 2 no no 2
142
100
TON
[APRIL
1789]
A WHITE-ROBED CHOIR
291
ATE OF
elegant taste with which it was adorned for the present occa-
sion, and the innocent appearance of the white-robed Choir
who met him with the gratulatory song,⁴⁷ have made such im-
April 21, 1789.
pressions on his remembrance, as, he assures them, will never
:nts to the Presi-
be effaced.48
to communicate
entlemen of the
*THE FIRST INAUGURAL ADDRESS
'm his escort to
ade his arrange-
[April 30, 1789.]
New York, at a
Fellow Citizens of the Senate and the House of Representatives.
essity of leaving
Among the vicissitudes incident to life, no event could have
is likely to prove
filled me with greater anxieties than that of which the notifica-
military Gentle-
Washington has entered on pp. 17-18 of this volume of the "Letter Book" the
ne manner they
words of the song which was sung by the white robed Choir," and also a copy of his
1 their good in-
acknowledgment to the ladies, which is the only entry in the volume in his writing.
$From the original in the Trenton Public Library. For a photostat of this, and
taking any un-
Jane Ewing's description, I am indebted to Dr. Carlos E. Godfrey, director of New
Jersey Public Record Office.
proofs of their
"The Triumphal Arch supported by thirteen Pillars adorned with wreaths of flow-
ers the form was thus [a rough diagram of arch and pillars, entwined with
flowers. The inscription on the arch reads: 'The Protector of the Mothers will also
protect their Daughters.' Below the center of the arch was hung a small square on
which was the date December 26, 1776] the writing large letters painted yellow on
ASSEMBLED
white; the pillars on one side 6 the other 7 observe all the Scollops is wreaths of
46
laurel and pillars flowers. the Ladies was rang'd in a line from the arch along the
Bridge and thirteen Girls dress't in white with Baskets of flowers they sung the inclos'd
song and when they come these words Build and strew thy way with flowers they
skaterd them round that is the flowers out of their Baskets round his horses feet.
pril 21, 1789.
he sat on his horse while they sung and then made them a low Bow say'd the Ladies
vithout express-
had done them a very great honour requested them to except his most greateful
thanks, the most respectable Carecters met him at the ferry, the Infantry and Dragoons
Young Ladies
they made a grand apearance he stayd all night at Vandigrifts Mr. Ewing and a few
others spent the Evening with him and next morning at Sunrise accompanied him 8
manner at the
miles out of town. "-Jane Ewing to James Hunter, jr., at Philadelphia, Apr. 23, 1789.
sensation he ex-
The original is in the Public Record Office at Trenton, N. J.
Marshall's account gives the inscription as: "The Defender of the Mothers will be
tishing contrast
the Protector of the Daughters," and says the dates of the two memorable events
were on a dome or cupola of flowers and evergreens above the arch. Sparks, quoting
same spot, the
from Marshall, V. 12, p. I49-50, gives the verses sung by the young ladies. Joseph
Vandegrift's tavern was on North Warren Street. Jane Ewing was the wife of Mas-
kell Ewing, and daughter of James Hunter, of Philadelphia.
Washington reached Princeton April 21, where he received and answered an ad-
idge, which extends
dress from the president and faculty of the College of New Jersey and the inhabitants.
ssanpink" before the
He reached New Brunswick April 22, and lodged at Woodbridge; and arrived at
Bridgetown April 23. A specially built barge, rowed by I3 pilots, with Capt. Thomas
Randall acting as coxswain, conveyed him across New York bay to the city, which he
292
WRITINGS OF WASHINGTON
[APRIL
1789]
THE HAND OF PROVIDENCE
293
tion was transmitted by your order, and received on the four-
be peculiarly improper to omit in this first official Act, my fer-
teenth day of the present month. On the one hand, I was
vent supplications to that Almighty Being who rules over the
summoned by my Country, whose voice I can never hear but
Universe, who presides in the Councils of Nations, and whose
with veneration and love, from a retreat which I had chosen with
providential aids can supply every human defect, that his bene-
the fondest predilection, and, in my flattering hopes, with an
diction may consecrate to the liberties and happiness of the
immutable decision, as the asylum of my declining years: a re-
People of the United States, a Government instituted by them-
treat which was rendered every day more necessary as well as
selves for these essential purposes: and may enable every instru-
more dear to me, by the addition of habit to inclination, and of
ment employed in its administration to execute with success,
frequent interruptions in my health to the gradual waste com-
the functions allotted to his charge. In tendering this homage
imperfect
mitted on it by time. On the other hand, the magnitude and
to the Great Author of every public and private good, I assure
difficulty of the trust to which the voice of my Country called
myself that it expresses your sentiments not less than my own;
me, being sufficient to awake in the wisest and most experi-
nor those of my fellow-citizens at large, less than either. No
enced of her citizens, a distrustful scrutiny into his qualifica-
tions, could not but overwhelm with dispondence, one, who,
untinited
People can be bound to acknowledge and adore the invisible
hand, which conducts the Affairs of men more than the People
inheriting inferior endowments from nature and unpractised
of the United States. Every step, by which they have advanced
in the duties of civil administration, ought to be peculiarly con-
to the character of an independent nation, seems to have been
scious of his own deficencies. In this conflict of emotions, all I
distinguished by some token of providential agency. And in
dare aver, is, that it has been my faithful study to collect my
duty from a just appreciation of every circumstance, by which
the important revolution just accomplished in the system of
it might be affected. All I dare hope, is, that, if in executing
their United Government, the tranquil deliberations and vol-
this task I have been too much swayed by a grateful remem-
untary consent of so many distinct communities, from which
brance of former instances, or by an affectionate sensibility to
the event has resulted, cannot be compared with the means by
this transcendent proof, of the confidence of my fellow-citizens;
which most Governments have been established, without some
and have thence too little consulted my incapacity as well as
return of pious gratitude along with an humble anticipation of
disinclination for the weighty and untried cares before me; my
the future blessings which the past seem to presage. These re-
error will be palliated by the motives which misled me, and its
flections, arising out of the present crisis, have forced them-
consequences be judged by my Country, with some share of the
selves too strongly on my mind to be suppressed. You will join
partiality in which they originated.
with me I trust in thinking, that there are none under the influ-
Such being the impressions under which I have, in obedience
ence of which, the proceedings of a new and free Government
to the public summons, repaired to the present station; it would
can more auspiciously commence.
By the article establishing the Executive Department, it is
reached about 2 o'clock p. m. This barge was afterwards presented to the President.
(The letter from a number of gentlemen of New York City to Captain Randall, Apr.
made the duty of the President "to recommend to your con-
20, 1789, is in the Washington Papers.)
sideration, such measures as he shall judge necessary and
*as appored to Presidentail
294
WRITINGS OF WASHINGTON
[APRIL
1789]
PRESIDENTIAL PAY
295
expedient." The circumstances under which I now meet you,
considered as deeply, perhaps as finally staked, on the experi-
will acquit me from entering into that subject, farther than to
ment entrusted to the hands of the American people.
refer to the Great Constitutional Charter under which you are
Besides the ordinary objects submitted to your care, it will
assembled; and which, in defining your powers, designates the
remain with your judgment to decide, how far an exercise of
objects to which your attention is to be given. It will be more
the occasional power delegated by the Fifth article of the Con-
consistent with those circumstances, and far more congenial
stitution is rendered expedient at the present juncture by the
with the feelings which actuate me, to substitute, in place of a
nature of objections which have been urged against the System,
recommendation of particular measures, the tribute that is due
or by the degree of inquietude which has given birth to them.
to the talents, the rectitude, and the patriotism which adorn
Instead of undertaking particular recommendations on this
the characters selected to devise and adopt them. In these hon-
subject, in which I could be guided by no lights derived from
His
orable qualifications, I behold the surest pledges, that as on one
official opportunities, I shall again give way to my entire con-
with
that
side, no local prejudices, or attachments; no seperate views, nor
fidence in your discernment and pursuit of the public good:
party animosities, will misdirect the comprehensive and equal
For I assure myself that whilst you carefully avoid every altera-
eye which ought to watch over this great assemblage of com-
tion which might endanger the benefits of an United and effec-
munities and interests: so, on another, that the foundations of
tive Government, or which ought to await the future lessons
our National policy will be laid in the pure and immutable
of experience; a reverence for the characteristic rights of free-
principles of private morality; and the pre-eminence of a free
men, and a regard for the public harmony, will sufficiently in-
Government, be exemplified by all the attributes which can
fluence your deliberations on the question how far the former
win the affections of its Citizens, and command the respect of
can be more impregnably fortified, or the latter be safely and
the world.
advantageously promoted.
I dwell on this prospect with every satisfaction which an ar-
To the preceeding observations I have one to add, which will
dent love for my Country can inspire: since there is no truth
be most properly addressed to the House of Representatives.
more thoroughly established, than that there exists in the œcon-
It concerns myself, and will therefore be as brief as possible.
omy and course of nature, an indissoluble union between virtue
When I was first honoured with a call into the Service of my
and happiness, between duty and advantage, between the gen-
Country, then on the eve of an arduous struggle for its liberties,
uine maxims of an honest and magnanimous policy, and the
the light in which I contemplated my duty required that I
solid rewards of public prosperity and felicity: Since we ought
should renounce.every pecuniary compensation. From this res-
to be no less persuaded that the propitious smiles of Heaven,
olution I have in no instance departed. And being still under
can never be expected on a nation that disregards the eternal
the impressions which produced it, I must decline as inappli-
rules of order and right, which Heaven itself has ordained:
cable to myself, any share in the personal emoluments, which
And since the preservation of the sacred fire of liberty, and the
may be indispensably included in a permanent provision for
destiny of the Republican model of Government, are justly
the Executive Department; and must accordingly pray that
296
WRITINGS OF WASHINGTON
[APRIL
1789]
THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR
297
the pecuniary estimates for the Station in which I am placed,
lature of Virginia in opposition to my express desire signified
may, during my continuance in it, be limited to such actual
in the clearest terms to the Governor of that State, appointed
expenditures as the public good may be thought to require.
me a Delegate to the federal Convention. Never was my em-
Having thus imparted to you my sentiments, as they have
barrassment or hesitation more extreme or dis.
been awakened by the occasion which brings us together, I
[5]
At the beginning of the late War with Great Brit-
shall take my present leave; But not without resorting once
ain, when we thought ourselves justifiable in resisting to blood,
more to the benign parent of the human race, in humble sup-
is was known to those best acquainted with the different con-
plication that since he has been pleased to favour the American
dition of the combatants and the probable cost of the prize in
people, with opportunities for deliberating in perfect tranquil-
dispute, that the expence in comparison with our circumstances
ity, and dispositions for deciding with unparellelled unanimity
as Colonists must be enormous, the struggle protracted, dubious
on a form of Government, for the security of their Union, and
and severe. It was known that the resources of Britain were, in
the advancement of their happiness; so his divine blessing may
a manner, inexhaustible, that her fleets covered the Ocean, and
be equally conspicuous in the enlarged views, the temperate
that her troops had harvested laurels in every quarter of the
consultations, and the wise measures on which the success of
globe. Not then organised as a nation, or known as a people
this Government must depend.
upon the earth, we had no preparation. Money, the nerve of
War, was wanting. The Sword was to be forged on the Anvil
[PROPOSED ADDRESS TO CONGRESS] ⁵¹
of necessity: the treasury to be created from nothing. If we had
a secret resource of a nature unknown to our enemy, it was in
[April ?, 1789.]
the unconquerable resolution of our Citizens, the conscious
myself with the idea it was all that would ever be ex-
rectitude of our cause, and a confident trust that we should not
pected at my hand. But in this I was disappointed. The Legis-
be forsaken by Heaven. The people willingly [6] offered them-
"This request was, after consideration, seen to establish an awkward precedent, and
selves to the battle; but the means of Arming, clothing and
Congress fixed the compensation of the President at $25,000 a year. Washington
drew only $196,121 from the Treasury during his two terms, but the $3,879, which
subsisting them; as well as of procuring the implements of hos-
is the difference between $200,000 and his warrants, is almost exactly the salary for
tility were only to be found in anticipation of our future wealth.
the 56 or 57 days which his first administration lacked of being 4 full years. The
curious may be further satisfied by the following figures taken from the Govern-
Paper bills of credit were emitted: Monies borrowed for the
ment's statement of warrants drawn for the use of the President: From Sept. 26, 1789,
to Dec. 27, 1791, $72,150; from Jan. 3, 1792, to Dec. 19, 1792, $22,500; Jan. 4 to
his friends. The complete manuscript was more than 62 pages in length, Washington
Dec. 27, 1793, $27,500; Mar. 17 to Dec. II, 1794, $24,000; Jan. I to Dec. 22, 1795,
having numbered each page himself. It was most carefully written and evidently was
$19,500; Jan. 5 to Dec. 21, 1796, $23,596; Jan. 13 to Mar. 7, 1797, $6,875. In all,
considered of importance at the time it was inscribed. Some of the widely separated
$196,121.
pages bear Sparks's initialed statement that this is Washington's handwriting, and on
From the original in the files of the United States Senate, in the National Archives,
the margin of page 33 Sparks has written "Washington's handwriting, but not his
Washington, D. C. (See Washington's letter to James Madison, May 5, 1789, post.)
composition. J.S." Comment is needless. It is extremely doubtful that the complete
This document now exists in fragmentary form only. The first pages are missing.
document can ever be recovered. Those pages that are numbered have been placed in
Apparently intended as Washington's inaugural address, or as his first annual message
sequence and the unnumbered fragments have been tentatively placed. Washing-
to Congress, it was discarded and not used. Jared Sparks, finding that the document
ton's numbering is inserted at the beginning of the page texts in brackets, for the sake
had no official existence, did as he had done in other instances (specifically the Wash-
of record. Photostats of all the known fragments (with the exception noted, pp-57-58)
ington "Diaries"), split up the document and presented pages and cuttings of pages to
are in the "Washington Photostats" in the Library of Congress.
04/26/89 16:16
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Date:
4/26/89
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174.5
A45
1986
THE
ALMANAC
OF
AMERICAN
HISTORY
General Editor:
ARTHUR M. SCHLESINGER, JR.
Executive Editor: JOHN S. BOWMAN
Consultants: Marcus Cunliffe Robert H. Ferrell S.L. Mayer
Richard C. Wade Gordon S. Wood
BRAMHALL HOUSE
New York
OCTOBER 10, 1792
publishes an account of his botanizing expeditions
8 MAY 1792
droughout North and South Carolina, Georgia, end
Indian Affairs Faced with the growing Indian hos-
East and West Florida Bartram's Travels will be
tilities in the Northwest Territory. Congress passes the
construction of
highly valued by such European writers as Chateau-
Militia Act which authorizes the states to draft all
1 essential pre-
briand. Wordsworth and Coleridge; and the book also
able-bodied free white men between the ages of 18
INC commerce.
becomes at seminal document of romanticism, helping
and 45 into militia brigades.
he widespread
0 a semblance
to inspire its interest in American landscape.
In Massachuserts, Boston clergyman and historian
If MAY 1792
IV necessary to
is striking our
Jeremy Belknap founds the first American historical
Discovery On a second voyage of circumnavigation
association, the Massachusetts Historical Society. The
of the globe, Boston Captain Robert Gray discovers
goal of the society is to collect and preserve signifi-
the 1214-mile-long Columbia River in the Washington-
to of even the
naL One sur-
cant documents of American history.
Oregon territory. Gray names the river after his ship.
The Columbia River will not be explored overland un-
2 journey de-
": aspect of
til the 1805 Lewis and Clark Expedition.
12 JANUARY 1792
depth of six,
International South Carolina Federalist Thomas
The immense
IT MAY 1792
priments with
Pinckney is appointed the first minister of the United
Finance The New York Stock Exchange is organ-
deh were paid
States to Great Britain. Pinckney departs with instruc-
tions to obtain favorable commercial terms for Ameri-
ized by 24 brokers who gather at the Merchants Cof-
taxpayers. In
truction of the
can trade. On the same day, Congress confirms the
fee House.
incester Tum-
appointment of Gouverneur Morris as minister to
I JUNE 1792
hiladelphia to
France. Morris is already in France, where he has
Westward Movement Kentucky becomes the 15th
in private in
been at witness to the French Revolution.
state to enter the Union. with a state constitution
This success
well 23 local
providing for male suffrage, slavery and a bill of
JANUARY 1792
turnpike dur-
Ideas/Beliefs The second part of Tom Paine's political
rights.
ubsidized the
as much BS
pamphiet, The Rights of Man. is issued. This tract sup-
18 JULY 1792
n grants. De-
ports the revolutionery cause and argues that power
Life/Customs In Paris. John Paul Jones. the naval
stually and to
should rest in the will of the democratic majority.
hero of the Revolutionary War, dies at the age of 45.
cuse of poor
focus sittled
21 FEBRUARY 1792
21 AUGUST 1792
the earlier -
National Congress passes the Presidential Succes-
Finance In Pennsylvania, the whisky excise tax of
biguous posi-
sion Act, providing for the succession of the president
1791 is protested at a Pittsburgh convention. Re-
it supported
pro tempore of the Senate and then the speaker of the
publican leader Albert Gallatin heads 2 committee to
Iso known as
House in case of the removal, death, resignation or
draft a series of resolutions opposing the tax, and the
È from Com-
disability of both the president and vice-president.
convention seeks to determine legal means to circum-
ut laner such
Thomas Jefferson's attempt to place the secretary of
vent the tax. Opposition to the whisky excise tax is
from James
state next in the line of succession is defeared by the
strong throughout the South, especially in central
of federal Fi-
Federalists: this proposal is finally incorporated into
North Carolina.
used OZ con-
the Presidential Succession Act in 1886.
in that such
29 SEPTEMBER 1792
of the artion
5 MARCH 1792
Finance In reaction to the Pittsburgh proclamation
lem," which
Indian Affairs Following his November 1791 defear
opposing the whisky excise tax. President Washington
fan based O=
by the Ohio Indians. General Arthur St. Clair. gover-
issues a proclamation warning against avoidance of
nals. coupled
nor of the Northwest Territory, is replaced 25 the mill-
the tax and insisting that the tax will be collected as
an industry.
tary commander of the troops E' the Ohio territory by
provided for in the law.
government.
General Anthony Wayne.
the 19th -
2 OCTOBER 1792
Oregon and
I mud holes,
2 APRIL 1792
National Ar Mount Vernon, President Washington
of the anto-
Finance Congress passes the Coinage Act. establish-
meets with Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson in an
vermment TO
mg a national mint in Philadelphia, mandating a deci-
unsuccessful attempt to mediare an end to the feud.
mai system of coinage. and setting the ratio of silver
between Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton The quar-
to gold in the United States dollar at 15 to L Astrono-
rel has been fueled by a series of articles in the op-
mer and markematicien David Rittenhouse is ap-
posing partisan journals, the Jeffersonian Narional
nocratic ENG-
pointed the first director of the mint.
Gazerre and the Hamiltonian Gozette of the United
4 the general
States. Hamilton accuses Jefferson of opposing the
president of
APRIL 1792
Constitution and the Washington Administration and
if resentment
Slavery At the Kentucky constinutional convention.
of being the source of political intrigue undermining
sident's son,
Presbyterian clergyman David Rice unsuccessfully
the government.
icola papers
tries to exclude siavery from Kentucky. A second are
54 the demo-
tempt, in 1799, to abolish slavery from Kenrucky also
10 OCTOBER 1792
fails.
Regional The Virginia legislature enscts a bill
am Berram
161
VOLUME IX
THE DIARY OF
(Senator from Pennsylva
WILLIAM MACLAY
AND
OTHER NOTES ON
SENATE DEBATES
Forfohn Biley, Enjoy Maclou's
KENNETH and R. BOWLING
HELEN E. VEIT
view ofc.w!
Editors
Kenneth RP ARBowling
The Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore and London
DIARY OF WILLIAM MACLAY
30 APRIL 1789
13
12
shall he be received? a Silly kind of Resolution of the Committee on that
Business was done, was communicated to the Croud by Proclamation 8cca.,
Business, 19 had been laid on the Table some days ago, the amount of it was
who gave three Cheets, and repeated it on the Presidents bowing to them-
that each house should communicate to the other what and how they
as the Company returned into the Senate Chamber, the President took the
choose. it concluded however something in this way, that everything should be
Chair, and the Senate and Representatives their Seats, he rose & all atosc
be done with all the propriety that was proper. the question was shall this
also. and addressed them (see the address) this great Man was agitated and
adopted, that we may know how to receive the Clk, it was objected. this will Lee
embarrassed more than ever he was by the levelled Cannon or pointed
throw no light on the Subject, it will leave you where you are. Mr.
Musket. he trembled, and several times could scarce make out to read, the it
brought the House of Commons before Us again. he reprobated the Rule
must be supposed he had often read it before. he put the part of the fingers
declared that the Clerk should not come within the Bar of the House, That the
of his left hand, into the side, of what I think the Taylors call the fall, of his
mode was for the Sergeant at Arms with the Mace on his shoulder
Breetches. changing the paper into his left hand, after some time, he then
proper should to meet the Clerk at the door and receive his Communications we are
did the same with some of the fingers of his left right hand. When he came
not however provided for this ceremonious way of doing business, having
to the Words all the World, he made a flourish with his right hand, which had
neither Mace nor Sergeant, not masters in chancery, who carry down Bills--
left rather an ungainly impression. I-sin I sincerely, for my part, wished all
from the English Lords.
set ceremony in the hands of the dancing Masters. and that this first of Men,
Mr. Izard got up, and labored unintelligibly to show the great distinction,
had read off, his address, in the plainest Manner without ever taking his Eyes
between a Communication and a delivery of a thing. but he was not
off From, the paper. for I felt hurt, that he was not first in every thing. he was
MOUNT VERNON
minded. Mr. Elsworth shewed plainly enough that if The Clerk was not
dressed in deep brown, with Metal buttons, with an Eagle on them, White
permitted to deliver the Communication, the Speaker might as well send it
Stockings a Bag and Sword- from the Hall there was a grand Procession to
inclosed. repeated accounts came the Speaker and representatives were at
St. Pauls Chutch where prayers were said by the Bishop. the Procession was
the door. confusion insued. the members left their Seats. Mr. Read rose
well conducted and without accident, as far as I have heard, the Militias were
and called the attention of the Senate to the neglect that had been shewed to
all under Atms. lined the Street near the Church, made a good figure and
Mr. Thomson late Secretary. Mr. Lee rose to answer him, but I could not hear
behaved well The Senate returned to their Chamber after Service, formed &
one word he said. the Speaker was introduced followed by the Representar
took up the Address. Our President called it his most gracious Speech I
tives. here we sat an hour and ten minutes, before the President arrived-
cannot approve of this. a Committee was appointd on it, Johnson, Carrol,
this delay was owing to Lee(,) Izard and Dalton, who had staid with us untill
Patterson. adjourned. in the Evening there were grand fite Works. The
the Speaker came in, instead of going to attend the President. the President
Spanish Ambassadots House was adomed with Transparent paintings, The
advanced between the Senate and Representatives bowing to each. he was
French Ministers House was illuminated, and had some transparent pieces"
170378020000
placed in the Chair by the President of the Senate, the Senate, with Presi- their
the Hall was grandly illuminated. and after all this the People went to bed.
President on the right the Speaker and Representatives on his left. the
dent of the Senate rose and address'd a short Sentence to him. The import of
1783, as secretary for foreign aftairs between 1781 and 178 and as il Federalist member of his
it was that he should now take the Oath of Office as President. he seemed to
state's ratification convention.
"Samuel Provoost.
have forgot half of what he was to say for he made a dead pause and stood for
Don Diego de Gardoqul (1733-98), who resided at No. I Broad Way, had represented
some time, to appearance, in a vacant mood. he finished with a formal
Spanish Interests in the United States since 1785 Much of this time Wils spent in unsuccessful
bow. and the President was conducted out of the middle Window into the the
negotiations over D boundary treaty between Spain and the United States. Gardoqui left the
Gallety and the Oath administered by the Chancellor. Notice of that
United States at the end of the first session of the FFC, (DGIV New York, PP. 19, 83)
16:20
Releanor Françols Elle, Comte de Moustier (1751-1817); who resided near the Bowling
Green at the foot of Broad Way, served its French Minister during 1788 and 1789, He was
pp. X-XV. (PMHB 72:54-59: E. Griffith Dodson, cd., Speakers and Clerks of the Virginia
unsocial proud, and did little to conceal his "illicit connection" with his sister-In-law, with
House of Delagates, 1776-1955 [Richmond, 1955), pp. 19-20)
whom he lived. The United States successfully urged his recall. (New York, PP. 26, B5-86;
"The resolution of the joint committee on communication between the Houses was
DGIV PTJ 340-11)
04/26/89
Transparencies were a popular att form at times of celebiation and had been employed in
tabled on 28 April.
*Robert R. Livingston (1746-1813) held the post of Chancellor of New York from member 1777 to
America at least since the 1760s, Color WAS applied to window shades, to canvas, or to this
and for that reason was asked to administer the oath of office to Washington. A from
paper pasted on a framework behind which il candle or other source of light provided
1801 of wealthy, landed, and politically influential New York family, Livingston graduated of varlous New
Illumination. (Kenneth Silverman, 4 Cultural History of the American Revolution [New
a College in 1765. Admitted to the bar in 1770, he served as a member between and
York, P. 96)
Kings York revolutionary bodies, as a delegate to Congress for several terms 1775
04/26/89 16:22
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MOUNT VERNON
E
312
F82
V.6
c.3
GEORGE
WASHINGTON
A BIOGRAPHY
By
Douglas Southall Freeman
VOLUME SIX
PATRIOT AND PRESIDENT
With a Foreword
BY
DUMAS MALONE
NEW YORK
CHARLES SCRIBNER'S SONS
nioning a
nodel and
tor statue
vork, has
OF THE PEOPLE'S OWN CREATION
373
ossible dis
delphia to organize a Jacobin Club; the National Gazette was in a rap-
ut he said
ture; Fenno's teeth chattered as he wrote that the word "club" was
orcing the
"almost synonymous to faction." 102 Neither Federalist nor republican
proclama
editors seemed to regard the fact-if indeed they discerned it-that rela-
0 "refrain
tions with Britain were slowly approaching a settlement. Hamilton
hat might
soon was to receive a confidential report that Lord Hawkesbury 103 had
cials were
said, "as long as Washington is at the head of the executive and the
g that the
Federal party prevail, there will be no war with this country, as peace
not delude
is the interest and wish of both governments. 104 Further, after some
he procla
maneuvering to prevail upon both Ternant and Hammond to visit
osed may
Mount Vernon,¹ the British Minister arrived late in September.1
in time to
Considerately, he did not tarry long, though doubtless the President
vas to be
extended his warmest hospitality to the young diplomat.¹⁰⁷
y at once,
After Hammond's departure, Washington completed his arrange-
S raised.
ments at Mount Vernon, as far as this was possible, and made prepara-
st be used
tions for his own leave-taking. Already he had called on several of his
d through
subordinates to give him their suggestions for his annual "speech" to
Congress, 108 and, during spare moments toward the end of Hammond's
uld be re
visit, he had had opportunity of talking with Jefferson, who stopped on
ays of the
the Potomac en route to Philadelphia from Monticello. Before break-
10 ransom
Fast on the morning of the Ist of October, the two had a long, frank
= Barbary
discussion of the desire both had to retire from public service. Wash-
ton daily
ington explained his state of mind and confessed that he still was in
in Phila-
doubt about a second term, though all his inclination was to return
to Mount Vernon; only there was he happy.109 He said the evidence
0 be pursued
pers, 68, 73;
he had from Tobias Lear, whom he had instructed to make inquiry,
lept. 8, 1797,
was that it seemed to be the wish of the people in the North for him
102 Garette of U. S., June 23, 1792, p. 3- See National Gaz, June 18, p. 2: "The patriotic
express. See
French SODE of Ça be may be considered as the funeral dirge of tyrants"; ibid June 2I,
70 15, 1792,
P. 3: "Few people have 2 proper sense of the importance of the success of the French revolu-
tion to the welfare and happiness of America
Should the French Revolution eventually
succeed. 2 moderate degree of vigilance on the part of the people of this country will preserve
G 59. State
= Dure republican system ibid., July 7, 1792, P. 1: The friends of the French Revolu-
IC capture of
tion are "the real friends a the revolution in America."
6, 374- The
102 This was Charles Jenkinson. later (1796) first Earl of Liverpool, usually known in
may be traced
British history of the seventeen-nineties as Lord LiverpooL
104 Conversation of Aug. I9, 1792, with "Mr. Baring," almost certainly Francis Baring, who
88. William
received 2 baronetry in May, 17931 I7 Hamilton Papers, 2310.
tches on the
105 See Knox to Washington, Sept. 16, 1792; Know Papers, MHS.
ive than the
106 34 G. W, 163.
= the advan-
107 Hammond's dispatch to Foreign Secretary Grenville, dated Oct. 3, 1792, fails to
mis's These
elaborate on the derails of the visit but does mention a tour of the proposed site of the Federal
United States
City: British Photostats, Foreign Office 4. V. 16, No. 39, LC.
108 32 G. W, 132-36, 140, I72-74.
109 I Jefferson, 315.
374
GEORGE WASHINGTON
to remain in office. "Those who expressed a doubt of his continuance,
in the
did it in the language of apprehension, and not of desire." 110
the
Jefferson took this to be a hint that Washington wished to draw from
tales
him a statement of the view of Southerners, if their opinion differed
to (
from that of the region above the Delaware; but he did not have to
Was
employ the diplomatic art in answering. He affirmed that the President
Mer
was "the only man in the United States who possessed the confidence
gres:
of the whole; that government was founded in opinion and confidence,
agai
and that the longer [Washington] remained, the stronger would be-
Mer
come the habits of the people in submitting to the Government, and
hear
in thinking it a thing to be maintained; that there was no other person
with
who would be thought anything more than the head of a party.' 111
tion
This brought the conversation to the doubt that troubled Washing-
com
ton as much as any other-whether he could and should attempt to go
the
on when deep division existed between Jefferson and Hamilton. The
Fr
President had never been aware, he told Jefferson, of the magnitude of
fami
the rift. "He knew, indeed, that there was a marked difference in our
cerve
political sentiments, but he had never suspected it had gone so far in
men
producing a personal difference, and he wished he could be the medi-
wine
ator to put an end to it" 112 Washington proceeded to explain in com-
men
plete candor that he thought it important to have Jefferson among the
II no
officers of administration "in order to keep things in their proper
it is 1
channel, and prevent them from going too far." 118 As for the idea of
a tax
changing the government into a monarchy, Washington said, "he did
delic
not believe there were ten men in the United States whose opinions
dmn
were worth attention, who entertained such a thought." 114 Here, of
VOICE
course, Jefferson dissented, and, in citing what he considered proof that
best
the monarchist element was considerable, he reverted to the allegations
Octo
he previously had made against Hamilton as one of this large number.
As
A call to breakfast ended the discussion.115
of hi
The next move of Washington was back to Philadelphia, via George-
still
town, where, on the 8th of October, he attended a sale of lots in the
to m
new Federal City. The satisfactions of this evidence of public faith
to be
110 This is Jefferson's paraphrase of Washington's quotation of Lear and not the precise
tion,
words of the General's secretary; ibid 316.
111 Ibid, 317.
112 Ibid
113 lbid.
114 Ibid.
had t
115 I Jefferson, 317-19. The quotations are from Jefferson's minutes of the conversation as
set down later that day at Bladensburg and subsequently incorporated in the "Anas"
117
116 32 G. W-, 170. Original deeds and titles, with every lot and its purchaser accounted for,
119
are compiled in Erastus Thatcher, Founding of Washington City.
120
04/26/89
16:26
170378020000 256
MOUNT VERNON
009
OF THE PEOPLE'S OWN CREATION
375
nuance,
in the future of the "permanent seat of government" were marred by
the second report Washington had received of strange electioneering
W from
tales told by John Francis Mercer, 2 Maryland candidate for reelection
liffered
to Congress. The first yam, promptly and indignantly denied by
have to
Washington, had been to the effect that the President had endorsed
esident
Mercer as "the best representative that now goes or ever did go" to Con-
fidence
gress from the State. Washington, of course, never had spoken for or
idence,
against any candidate and he set down that fact stiffly in a letter to
uld be-
Mercer 117 The second report, which Washington did not have time to
nt, and
hear in full at Georgetown, was that Mercer bad charged Hamilton
person
with attempting to bribe the Marylander to "vote for a further assump-
111
tion of the State debts." Washington put this away in his mind, in-
ashing-
complete though the story was, so that, later on, he might investigate
st to go
the charge. 118
L The
From Georgetown, with Martha and the other members of the
tude of
family, Washington went to Baltimore and there on the roth he re-
in our
ceived entertainment at the hands of gentlemen of the city, entertain-
) far III
ment that included the inescapable toasts with artillery salute as the
e médi
wine was drunk. 119 This sort of hospitality was becoming an embarrass-
in com
ment to Washington. He had told James McHenry: it oftentimes,
ong the
if not always, proves inconvenient to some of the party bestowing, if
proper
it is not to the party receiving, the compliment of a public dinner, being
idea of
a tax which I am as unwilling to impose, as many are to pay, if false
"he did
delicacy would allow them to express their real sentiments. 120 The
pinions
dinner had been arranged in spite of this protest, which had been
Here, of
voiced in advance. With thanks to his host, the President made the
of that
best speed he could to Philadelphia and arrived there on the 13th of
egations
October.¹ⁿ¹
number.
As soon as he reopened his office, Washington found that the routine
of his daily life had to be changed somewhat. Public duties, of course,
George-
still came first and would demand many hours, because Congress was
$ in the
to meet on the 5th of November and affairs in the Federal District had
lic faith
to be supervised. Without stinting here or in his general administra-
the precise
tion, Washington had to devote much thought to Mount Vernon and
had to write many long, long letters to the manager, Anthony Whiting.
ersation as
IIT Ibid.. I47 II, 165-66.
118 thid, 193-94-
sunted for.
110 Scharf, The Chronicles of Baltimore, z64.
120 32 G. W., IIO.
131 lbid 177; Baker, 243-
04/26/89 16:28
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- Brad Blakeman (516)825-7575 - bad advance
fay Cathy Parmer.
(212) (214) 938 - 7100 938 9100
x 7806
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289-8300
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BICENT. COMM
TEL No. 2026535219
Apr 26,89 16:25 P.01
/ stares
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THE COMMISSION ON THE BICENTENNIAL
m.
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/
OF THE U.S. CONSTITUTION
TELECOPIER PHONE NO.: (202)653-5219
DATE: 4/26/89
TIME: 5:25
To:
Name: Rhett Wallace
Office Symbol:
Organization: White House
OFFICE PHONE No.: 456-7750
FROM: Name: JACK BARLOW
Office Symbol: B.C. COMMISSION
OFFICE PHONE No.:
653-5174
SUBJECT: WASHINGTON INAUGURAL EXCERPTS
No. OF PAGES: 2
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-
If you have problems receiving this document, please call (202)653-2142
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BICENT. COMM
TEL No 2026535219
Apr 26,89 16:25 P.02
[Possible excerpts from George Washington's first Inaugural
Address for use in the reenactment:)
Fellow-citizens of the Senate, and of the House of
Representatives:
Among the vicissitudes incident to life, no event could have
filled me with greater anxieties, than that of which the
notification was transmitted by your order, and received on the
14th day of the present month. On the one hand, I was summoned
by my country, whose voice I can never hear but with veneration
and love, from a retreat which I had chosen as the asylum of my
declining years. On the other hand, the magnitude and difficulty
of the trust to which the voice of my country called me, being
sufficient to awaken in the wisest and most experienced of her
citizens, a distrustful scrutiny into his qualifications, could
not but overwhelm with despondence, one, who ought to be
peculiarly conscious of his own deficiencies.
By the article establishing the Executive Department, it is
made the duty of the President "to recommend to your [the
Congress's) consideration, such measures as he shall judge
necessary and expedient." The circumstances under which I now
meet you, will acquit me from entering into that subject, further
than to refer to the great constitutional charter under which you
are assembled, and which in defining your powers, designates the
objects to which your attention is to be given. It will be more
consistent with those circumstances, and far more congenial with
the feelings which actuate me, to substitute in place of a
recommendation of particular measures, the tribute that is due to
BICENI. COMM
TEL No 2026535219
Apr 26,89 16:26 P.03
the talents, the rectitude, and the patriotism, which adorn the
characters selected to devise and adopt them. I dwell on this
prospect with every satisfaction which an ardent love of my
country can inspire: since there is no truth more thoroughly
established, than that there exists in the economy and course of
nature, an indissoluble union between virtue and happiness; and
since the preservation of the sacred fire of liberty, and the
destiny of the republican model of government, are justly
considered as deeply, perhaps as finally, staked on the
experiment entrusted to the hands of the American People.
Having thus imparted to you my sentiments, as they have been
awakened by the occasion which brings us together, I shall take
my present leave; but not without resorting once more to the
benign parent of the human race, in humble supplication, that,
since he has been pleased to favor the American People with
opportunities for deliberating in perfect tranquility, and
dispositions for deciding with unparalleled unanimity on a form
of government for the security of their union, and the
advancement of their happiness; so his divine blessing may be
equally conspicuous in the enlarged views, the temperate
consultations, and the wise measures, on which the success of
this government must depend.
[NOTE: Ellipses within sentences are not marked as such in this
text. ]
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GEORGE BUSH
710 NORTH POST OAK ROAD
SUITE 208
HOUSTON, TEXAS 77024
(713) 467-1980
September 4, 1979
Mr. Ralph L. Benson
21 Tallmadge Avenue
Chatham, NJ 07928
Dear Mr. Benson,
Thank you for your recent letter.
I certainly understand your concern about inflation
and rising costs. We are never going to hold down
the cost of living until we hold down the cost of
government. Excessive government spending is the
chief cause of inflation.
As President, I would exert every effort to reduce
government spending in conjunction with a tax cut
and a cut-back in government regulation. In my view,
these actions would greatly reduce the inflationary
pressure.
I'm most grateful for your support.
Sincerely,
George Bush
This letter from President George Bush is one of 41 presidential letters to
be featured in "By George: Presidential Autographs from George
Washington to George Bush" commemorating the 200th anniversary
celebration of George Washington's inauguration. In the 1979 letter,
George Bush indicates that when he becomes president there will be no
new taxes and a freeze on spending, a policy later included in his 1988
campaign platform. The exhibit will be open April 22 until May 6, 1989 at
Place des Antiquaires, 125 East 57th Street in New York. Hours are
11 a.m until 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
For:
Place des Antiquaires
From:
Delibes Communications Ltd.
200 West 57th Street
New York, N.Y. 10019
(212) 247-7295
Claude Delibes
Beth Tuseck
ner haon under wha London.
proper
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This letter from former President George Washington is one of 41
presidential letters to be featured in "By George: Presidential Autographs
from George Washington to George Bush" commemorating the 200th
anniversary celebration of George Washington's inauguration. An
extraordinary letter to the Director General of Hospitals and Physician-
in-Chief to the Continental Army, Dr. John Morgan, written on March 22,
1776, two days following a British retreat from Boston. George Washington
declines the gift of a horse captured from the Tory, Doctor Lloyd, explaining
that he has not as yet established a moral policy for such situations. The
exhibit will be open April 22 until May 6, 1989 at Place des
Antiquaires, 125 East 57th Street in New York. Hours are 11 a.m until
6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
For:
Place des Antiquaires
From:
Delibes Communications Ltd.
200 West 57th Street
New York. N.Y. 10019
(212) 247-7295
Claude Delibes
Beth Tuseck
MIXING THE PRESENT WITH THE PAST
PRESIDENTIAL AUTOGRAPHS ON VIEW
The exhibition at Place des Antiquaires, 125 East 57th Street, New York
to commemorate the 200th Anniversary of George Washington's
Inauguration held on April 30th, 1789 is called "By George: Presidential
Autographs from George Washington to George Bush." It is open from April
22nd until May 6th, 1989.
Located in a special exhibition area at Place des Antiquaires, the "By
George" show is being organized by Dr. George Szabo, the director of the
center, and Kenneth W. Rendell, owner of a gallery at Place des
Antiquaires which bears his name. Mr. Rendell, who for 30 years has
been a dealer in historical letters and documents, has this to say about the
show: "The world of historical letters is a way of mixing the past with the
present. In this show at Place des Antiquaires, for instance, we are
showing letters from all the presidents. One dating back to 1979 from
George Bush indicates that when he becomes president there will be no
new taxes, and a freeze on spending. As you know, that was his 1988
campaign platform."
The "By George" exhibition, free and open to the public, will contain letters
and documents which reveal the human aspect of the 41 presidents. Ken
Rendell will give a talk on this subject, and will give his brand-new
booklet: "A Guide to Collecting Presidents" free to all guests who attend
both the exhibition and his talk.
According to Mr. Rendell, the typical historical letter and document
collector is usually self-assured, intelligent, an entrepreneur and a
decision-maker, not professional scholar but generally has a deep interest
in a subject such as a period of history, music, art or literature.
Hours at Place des Antiquaires (212-758-2900) are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Monday through Saturday.
For:
Place des Antiquaires
From:
Delibes Communications Ltd.
200 West 57th Street
New York, N.Y. 10019
(212) 247-7295
Claude Delibes
Special Fact Sheet on Kenneth Rendell,
Historical Letter and Document Specialist
at Place des Antiquaires
1.
New York gallery at Place des Antiquaires, 125 East 57th Street.
Offices in Cambridge, with an enormous collection in Newton, Mass-
achusetts. Sells autographs to many Japanese collectors through his
Tokyo gallery.
2.
He's a co-editor of Autographs and Manuscripts: A Guide to Collecting
sponsored by The American Library Association as an outstanding
reference book. He is a consultant to CBS News, the FBI, the Treasury
Department, Newsweek (he wrote the Hitler Diary cover story) and
numerous universities, libraries and museums.
3. Clients of Kenneth Rendell who are collectors of historical letters and
documents, past and present, include Malcolm Forbes, Armand
Hammer (who has purchased gifts for the Russian leaders as well as
Leonardi deVinci's notebooks), Ross Perot, Barbara Streisand, Joan
Sutherland, Robert F. Kennedy, Senator Ted Kennedy, The Getty
Museum, and Emperor Hirohito's brother.
4.
He is working on a book on collecting autographs with information on
rarity, authenticity and value.
For:
Place des Antiquaires
From: Delibes Communications Ltd.
200 West 57th Street
New York. N.Y. 10019
(212) 247-7295
Claude Delibes
Supreme Court of the United States
Washington, B. 4. 20543
CHAMBERS OF
CHIEF JUSTICE BURGER
RETIRED
December 15, 1988
Dear Mr. Vice President:
You may recall that sometime ago the New York City
Commission, chaired by Joseph Flom, wrote you a letter
about the same time that I wrote you concerning a
significant Bicentennial program for April 30, 1989 in
New York to commemorate George Washington's first
inaugural.
The program would actually commence with George
Washington and two friends stepping out of Mt. Vernon at
10:00 in the morning on April 16, and proceeding for
seven and one-half days to New York. They would then
cross the bay in order for a reenactment of the First
Inaugural on Wall Street on April 30. The reenactment,
of course, would take place on the same site where
Washington took the oath.
Our Commission is prepared to take the
responsibility for the trip of George Washington's
double from Mt. Vernon to New York with stops being
made along the route, coordinated with schools and
patriotic organizations. The New York City Commission
would control the reenactment and they have not defined
the April 30 program in detail.
The New York City Commission has been pressing us
to secure a commitment from you to be present on April
30 but without indicating what you would be invited to
do. I assume this is because the broadcast producers are
in turn pressing them for such a commitment from you.
The New York City Commission represents to us that they
cannot proceed with their plans until and unless they
have such a commitment from you. We have responded to
this by pointing out that you have many important
burdens between now and January 20 and as a result such
a commitment may not be feasible.
I write you now chiefly at the urging of the New
York Commission. We assume that the planning for
national radio and television coverage will be greatly
enhanced if the commitment is obtained from you.
If you wish to have your staff discuss this with
us, I will make myself available at any time.
Warren S Cordially, Bragen
Chairman
Commission on the Bicentennial
of the United States Constitution
Vice President George Bush
The White House
Washington, D.C. 20500
Benjamn Hacrison 1989 1989
11.110
The Two Hundredth
Anniversary of
George Washington's
Inauguration
April 30, 1989
Edward I. Koch
Mayor
City of New York
Mario M. Cuomo
Richard Nixon
Gerald R. Ford
Jimmy Carter
Honorary Chairmen
March 3, 1989
Joseph H. Flom
Chairman
Richard S. Heffner
Anna Murdoch
Vice Chairmen
Peter S. Kohlmann
John G. Keller, Jr.
Executive Director
Director of Presidential Advance
The White House
Washington, DC 20500
Dear Mr. Keller:
We are in the latter stages of planning for the
commemoration of the 200th Anniversary of George
Washington's Inauguration, to take place New York City on
April 30, 1989. This is following in the tradition of
previous celebrations of this historic occasion.
For the 50th, 100th and 150th Anniversary of
Washington's Inauguration, Presidents and former Presidents
have led grand festivities in New York City to honor this
event. Accordingly, President Bush has been invited to lead
this celebration on April 30.
Enclosed for your review is a draft protocol for the
President's participation on April 30th. We have been
working with the President's scheduling office, as well as
Chief of Staff Sununu, and have also submitted this protocol
to them.
While we have not received an official determination
from the scheduling office, we are anxious to meet with you
and your staff to begin preliminary conversations in
anticipation of the President's participation.
We have hired Radio City Music Hall Productions to
produce the main ceremony at Federal Hall National Memorial.
They have extensive background in producing Presidential
events, including the parade for the Bicentennial of the
Constitution in Philadelphia in 1987.
New York City Commission on the
Bicentennial of the Constitution
John G. Keller
March 3, 1989
page 2
I will be in contact with you to discuss arranging a
meeting with you or your staff as soon as possible. If you
or Jay Parmer are going to be in New York City for the
President's visit on March 9, we would welcome the
opportunity to meet with you then.
Thank you in advance for your consideration,
Sincerely,
action
Peter Kohlmann
Executive Director
cc: Jay Parmer
The Two Hundredth
Anniversary of
George Washington's
Inauguration
April 30, 1989
Revised Protocol for
The President and First Lady
of the United States
On the Occasion of the Commemoration of
The 200th Anniversary of George Washington's Inauguration
April 30, 1989, New York City
There are two alternative arrival plans:
1) 1000 Wheels Down New York Metropolitan Area. The
President and Mrs. Bush travel by Helicopter to
the Wall Street Heliport.
or
2) 0930
Wheels Down New York Metropolitan Area. The
President and Mrs. Bush travel by Helicopter to a
landing site on Governor's Island, board Coast
Guard ship "Eagle," and sail across NY Bay to the
South Street Seaport.
1020
President and Mrs. Bush motorcade to St. Paul's
Chapel on Broadway between Fulton and Vesey
Streets.
1030
President and Mrs. Bush attend the commemorative
Service of Thanksgiving at St. Paul's Chapel,
Parish of Trinity Church, at the invitation of The
Right Reverend Paul Moore, the Bishop of New York.
St. Paul's Chapel is the same church in which
George Washington attended services following his
inauguration in 1789. Washington's pew (the
"President's Pew") still occupies its original
location in the Chapel.
The Service will be lead by the Rev. Daniel Paul
Matthews, Rector, Parish of Trinity Church, and
the Participants will include the leaders of New
York's religious community, such as John Cardinal
Connor, Archbishop Iakovos, and Archbishop
Manoogian, as well as the Chaplains of the United
States Senate and House of Representatives.
Attendees will likely include former Presidents,
Congressional leaders, New York City and State
Officials, foreign dignitaries and judges.
New York City Commission on the
Bicentennial of the Constitution
Revised Protocol for
April 30, 1989
Page 2
1115
Service concludes. The President and Mrs. Bush
depart St. Paul's Church and proceed down Broadway
by motorcade to Pine Street. The President and
Mrs. Bush enter Federal Hall National Memorial
through the Pine Street entrance. (rear door)
Federal Hall was the meeting place of the First
Congress and the site of George Washington's
inauguration in 1789. The present Federal Hall
National Memorial was built in 1840.
1125
The President and Mrs. Bush tour the new Museum of
American Consitutional Government located inside
Federal Hall. The Museum is a project of the
National Park Foundation and the legacy of this
event. A select group of school children will
demonstrate the unique concepts of the museum.
1145-1200 Holding time (if needed)
1200
Commemorative Inaugural Ceremony begins. Program
includes:
The National Anthem.
Performances by:
The United States Army Band
Continental Color Guard
The Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps
Brief Remarks by distinguished guests:
Former Presidents
Congressional leaders
Chief Justice Burger
Governor Cuomo
Mayor Koch
The United States Army Herald Trumpeters sound
"Ruffles and Flourishes" followed by "Hail to the
Chief. "
The President of the United States walks out onto
the steps of Federal Hall and stands at the very
site where George Washington was sworn in 200
years ago. From a special podium which recreates
the balcony upon which Washington stood, the
President delivers an Address to the Nation, after
having completed his 100th day in office.
In his Address, the President officially dedicates
the National Park Service's new Museum of American
Constitutional Government at Federal Hall.
Revised Protocol for
April 30, 1989
Page 3
1300
The program concludes with the raising of the
American Flag over Federal Hall, as was done in
1789, and the firing of a 50 gun Salute to the
Nation from the Battery by the United States Army.
The President reviews the Bicentennial Procession
up Wall Street, which features military units from
all five branches of the Armed Forces and civic
organizations from throughout the region, many
representing those groups which participated in
celebrations in 1789 and 1889.
1315
At a designated point in the procession, the
President and Mrs. Bush depart Federal Hall using
the Pine Street door they travel by motorcade
around the block and enter the parade route.
1400
When they have reached the end of the
approximately two mile route, the President and
First Lady continue to the Waldorf=Astoria and
maintain a private schedule for the afternoon.
The Presidential Suite has been reserved for the
President and First Lady.
1830
The President and the First Lady depart the
Waldorf=Astoria and travel by motoracde to the
Intrepid Sea Air and Space Museum.
1845
Arrive at the Intrepid. Attend Crew Party for
2-3,000 sailors, in conjunction with Fleet Week
1989, at the invitation of Zachary Fisher.
1915
Depart Intrepid for the Waldorf=Astoria for the
President's Ball.
1930
Arrive at Waldorf=Astoria as guests of honor at
the President's Ball--a gala dinner-dance--chaired
by Mrs. Milton Petrie and Mr. Steven J. Ross;
Honorary Chair Mrs. Vincent Astor.
2200
The President and Mrs. Bush depart.
Revised Protocol for
April 30, 1989
Page 4
There are two departure plans:
1) 2200 Motorcade travels to the Wall Street Heliport.
Wheels Up for Airport.
or
2) 2200
President and Mrs. Bush retire to the Presidential
Suite at the Waldorf=Astoria, which has been
reserved for them should they wish to remain
overnight.
Monday, May 1
0730
Motorcade departs for Wall Street Heliport prior
to rush hour. Wheels up for airport.
(3/1/89)
GW 200 OR- 1991 CENSUS TEL No.1-212-566-1919
Mar 27,89 11:42 No. 010 P.02
Schedule for Stephen M. Studdert and John G. Keller, Jr.
Site Visit to New York City
Wednesday, March 29, 1989
20
9:45 am Arrive Newark International Airport, Butler
Aviation. Phone: (201) 642-1660. Met by Peter
Kohlmann, Director, NYC Commission on the
Bicentennial.
624-1660
I 9:55 am Wheels up for Manhattan.
10:00 am Arrive Downtown Manhattan Heliport (Pier 6).
Phone: (212) 466-4353
10:15 am Arrive South Street Seaport.
Walk through proposed arrival plan at Pier 16.
Phone: (212) 669-9430 (Kathleen Madden's Office)
10:30 am Depart South Street Seaport for St. Paul's Chapel.
10:40 am Arrive St. Paul's Chapel, Broadway between Fulton
and Vesey Streets. Meet Father Percival Brown,
Parish of Trinity Church, and Michael Fiur, Deputy
Director of the Bicentennial Commission.
Briefing on Chapel Service.
Phone: (212) 602-0809 (Father Brown's Office)
11:30 am Depart St. Paul's Chapel for Federal Hall. (walk)
11:40 am Arrive at Federal Hall National Memorial, Wall and
Nassau Streets, (enter Pine Street door). Meet
Barnett Lipton, Senior Producer, Radio City Music
Hall Productions, and John Lucas, Director of
Production, Radio City Music Hall Productions.
Briefing on museum dedication, commemorative
ceremony and parade.
Phone: (212) 264-4456 (Robert Mahoney's Office)
1:00 pm Depart Federal Hall
Optional review of additional sites:
Parade route; Intrepid Sea Air and Space Museum
(Fleet Week Crew Party Site); Waldorf-Astoria
(Dinner Location)
Lunch
2:30 pm Return to appropriate heliport
2:45 pm Wheels up Newark International Airport,
Butler Aviation. Phone: (201) 642-1660
3:30 pm Wheels up Washington D.C.
BICENT. COMM
TEL No. 2026535219
Mar 28,89 10:13 P.02
WATER
Commission on the Bicentennial of
/
1 0
The United States Constitution
808 17th Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20006
202/USA-1787
Warren E. Burger
March 28, 1989
Chairman
Frederick K. Biebel
MEMORANDUM FOR PEGGY HAZELRIGG
Lindy Boggs
WHITE HOUSE ADVANCE
Herbert Brownell
Lynne V. Cheney
FROM:
Ted Director McConnell Sal
Philip M. Crane
Marketing and Public Relations
Dennis DeConcini
William J. Green
SUBJECT:
Potential Visit of the President to
New York/Washington Inaugural
Edward Victor Hill
Re-enactment
Cornelia G. Kennedy
Edward M. Kennedy
Peggy, the attached memo clearly outlines the views of the Chief
Justice and the Commission, relating to the potential April 30th visit
Harry McKinley Lightsey, Jr.
of the President to New York in conjunction with the re-enactment
William Lucas
of President Washington's first inaugural. Paul Clark (the
Betty Southard Murphy
Commission's Director of Governmental Affairs) is the individual
Thomas H. O'Connor
appointed by the Chief Justice as liaison to the New York activities.
Phyllis Schlafly
Not holding this re-enactment of Washington's oath taking
Barnard H. Siegan
would be similar to an inaugural day for President Bush without the
Ted Stevens
oath, it would be incomplete. In this Commission's opinion the oath
re-enactment is the centerpiece of the April 30th activities and the
Obert C. Tanner
event most newsworthy (as opposed to the church service at St.
Strom Thurmond
Pauls, the parade and the gala that we understand President Bush
Ronald H. Walker
has been invited to).
Charles E. Wiggins
This in formation is intended as background for your advance
Charles Alan Wright
staff only. We merely.wish you to know the Chief Justice and
Commission's strong feelings about an oath re-enactment:
Mark W. Cannon
Staff Director
Thank you for your assistance. Please let me know if I can
provide any further Information.
JGK- for you V steve
to see only.
Peg
3-28
BICENT. COMM
TEL No. 2026535219
Mar 28,89 10:13 P.03
Commission on the Dicentennial of
The United States Constitution
%
TENNIAL
808 17th Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20006
202/USA-1787
Warren E. Burger
March 28, 1989
Chairman
Frederick K. Blebel
MEMORANDUM
Lindy Boggs
TO
: Ted McConnell
Herbert Brownell
Lyrme V. Cheney
FROM
: Paul Clark
Philip M. Crane
SUBJECT: President Bush to NYC April 30
Dennis DeConcini
William J. Green
Edward Victor Hill
If the President decides to attend the Bicentennial
events in New York City on April 30--as I believe he
Cornelia G. Kennedy
should--it would be helpful to our Commission if his
Edward M. Kennedy
staff would encourage the New York organizers to include
Harry McKinley Lightsey, Jr.
a reenactment segment to their program.
William Lucas
I believe the President should attend the proposed
Betty Southard Murphy
noontime ceremony at Federal Hall (where he is being
Thomas H. O'Connor
asked to make remarks). It would provide him a large
national media audience, as well as a New York metro
Phyllis Schlafly
area audience. It is an opportunity to speak to a live
Bornard H. Slegan
crowd that is present largely because they are
Ted Stevens
patriotic. Also, it is a once-in-a-lifetime historical
Obert C. Tanner
anniversary that relates directly to the Presidency. As
you know, the Inaugural Committee took as its theme--
Strom Thurmond
from George (Washington) to George (Bush). What better
Ronald H. Walker
way for the President to extend his identification with
Charles E. Wiggins
George Washington.
Charles Alan Wright
The ceremony will provide the President an
Mark W. Cannon
opportunity to be photographed with an actor who looks
Staff Director
very much like Washington. I believe this photo would
appear on the front page of a large number of Monday
morning newspapers (Sunday being a notoriously slow news
day). In my opinion there is no downside to his
attending the NYC event. They have made it clear the
President may speak on any subject he chooses, for as
long or short as he wants. It is a patriotic event, in
an excellent media market.
If the President decides to go to New York, his
advance staff could be very helpful to us by encouraging
the people in New York (the NYC Commission and Radio
City Music Hall) to have a short portion of the program
BICENT. COMM
TEL No. 2026535219
Mar 28,89 10:14 P.04
dedicated to a reenactment of the swearing-in of
President Washington. This would, in essence, provide
the patriotic overtones to the ceremony. Chief Justice
Burger would take about five minutes at the podium and
lead into the actual reenactment. He would provide the
historical background to the entire occasion. Then one
of Chancellor Livingston's descendents (Robert
Livingston swore in Washington as President) would hold
the original 1789 bible while Chief Judge Sol Wachtler
of New York swears-in Washington--all in 18th Century
costume. The entire reenactment should only take S-10
minutes.
The New York City Commission for several months has
told us that they cannot commit to a reenactment
ceremony until the President says okay. They "will do
what the President wants done." Our Chairman, Chief
Justice Burger, very much wants such a reenactment. Very
much. If the President's staff could encourage New York
to include a reenactment I know it would help us and
please the Chairman. It also, I believe, would enhance
the whole event and the President would benefit from the
clear historical association with our first President--
George Washington.
-end-
Kenneth W. Rendell, owner of a gallery at Place des Antiquaires which
bears his name dealing in historical letters and documents, examining rare
letters from President George Washington and President George Bush to be
featured in "By George: Presidential Autographs from George Washington to
George Bush" commemorating the 200th anniversary celebration of George
Washington's inauguration. The exhibit will be open from April 22 until
May 6, 1989 at Place des Antiquaires, 125 East 57th Street in New
York. Hours are 11 a.m until 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
For:
Place des Antiquaires
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TheAmorican Presidents
I have seen without despondency (even for a moment)
the hours which America has styled her gloomy ones.
The Commander in Chief was reconnoitering near White
and one of Washington's first acts was to protest that shortage. It
Plains, N.Y., when a courier dashed up. crying: "The British are
was, for him, too often that kind of niggling war. But he learned
on the camp. Sir!" The general galloped full tilt back to camp.
as he went along, and on the bloodstained road that led to York-
where he was told that his outposts had been beaten in. He turned
town, he made some major discoveries: this war went by no Old
to his officers. "Gentlemen," said George Washington, "you will
World book; in the American vastness, mere territorial gains
repair to your respective posts and do the best you can."
meant little; mobility was the key, and even the fleetness of foot
George Washington always did the best he could-and it was
which his men often displayed when things went badly could be
enough. to create and sustain a nation. Perhaps he provided the
an advantage-they could run and live to fight another day. Valley
key to his own achievements. "We ought not to look back." he
Forge was a nadir best described by a member of the Connecticut
once wrote, "unless it is to derive useful lessons from past errors."
Line: "Poor food-hard lodging-cold weather-fatigue-nasty
His learning was hard-earned. His father, big "Gus" Washing-
clothes-nasty cookery-vomit half my time-smoked out of my
ton, a Virginia land speculator and iron-mine owner, died when
senses-the devil's in it-I can't endure it." But Washington made
George was eleven, leaving hîm with a querulous mother whom
good use even of those grim days: he turned his ragtags over to
he spent much of his life trying to avoid. He had less formal edu-
the Prussian drillmaster Steuben, who made soldiers of them.
cation than any other early American President, picking up
And finally, unbelievably, it was all over: George Washington
enough math to get started as a surveyor and painstakingly copy-
was free to return to "the shadow of my own vine and my own fig
ing 110 "Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior." Samples:
tree."
"Cleanse not your teeth with the tablecloth," and "Labor to keep
But not for long. He watched restively as the frail coalition of
alive in your breast that-little-spark of celestial fire called
former colonies began to fall apart, and when a call came to go to
conscience."
Philadelphia, he was ready. On May 25, 1787, he was unani-
There is something not quite pleasant about the young Wash-
mously named president of the Constitutional Convention. For
ington. As a soldier rising to colonel in Virginia's militia, he was
four months, he sat on a low dais, taking almost no part in the
forever squabbling with British authorities about "honor" and
debate. But it is entirely possible that there would have been no
"preferment," which seemed synonymous in his mind. He was
Constitution had it not been for Washington's presence, and it is
less than modest: "I can truly say and confidently assert that no
almost certain that the Constitution would not have taken the
soldiers were ever under better command," he said, speaking of
form it did had it not been for the expectation that Washington
his own men. But he was also-and always-brave. After his first
would be the first President. Wrote Pierce Butler, a Maryland
battle, in which he defeated a French force near Fort Duquesne
delegate: "Many of the members cast their eyes toward General
in the Western wilderness, he reported: "I heard the bullets
Washington as President, and shaped their ideas of the powers to
whistle, and, believe me, there is something charming in the
be given to a President by their opinions of his virtue." In New
sound." During the woodlands massacre of Britain's General Ed-
York's Federal Hall, on April 30, 1789, after unanimous election,
ward Braddock and his forces, Washington had two horses shot
George Washington was sworn in as the first President of the
from beneath him, his coat shredded by bullets that not only
United States.
whistled but pierced. Years later, as the American Commander in
He was keenly conscious of being the first. "I walk on untrod-
Chief at Princeton, he rode to within 30 yards of the British line
den ground," he wrote. "There is scarcely any part of my conduct
and (as an aide covered his own face with his hat so as not to see
which may not hereafter be drawn into precedent." Thus he set
what must surely happen) survived the crossfire between enemy
about creating precedents-on everything from Presidential pro-
troops and his own.
tocol to constitutional meanings. Example: unsure about the re-
In 1758, at age 26, he left military service and settled into
quirement that the President have both the "advice" and the "con-
Mount Vernon, the family estate on the Potomac. There he spent
sent" of the Senate on treaties, he appeared before the Senate in
the next 17 years of his life. and there he may be caught in the
person to present a proposed pact with the Creek Indians. After
cameo of repose. By the standards of his day he was immense,
two tedious days of bickering he left declaring that he would be
standing, as he described himself, "6 ft. high" (though after his
"damned if he ever went there again." He never did, and to this
death his secretary measured him at 6 ft. 3½ in.), weighing nearly
day Senate advice has taken a back seat to Senate consent.
200 lbs., with huge hands and feet (size 13 boots), chestnut hair
He was 62, weary and worried about his failing memory
and light smallpox scars on the end of his nose. He married 27-
when, with great reluctance, he accepted a second term-again by
year-old Martha Custis, one of the wealthiest widows in America
unanimous vote. As at Princeton years before, he was once more
(her inheritance was reckoned at £23,632), who was barely 5 ft.
caught between hostile firing lines, this time the opposing politi-
tall and, whenever she wished to speak to him, had to pluck at his
cal forces of Treasury Secretary Alexander Hamilton and Secre-
coat buttons for attention. Besides farming. Washington served
tary of State Thomas Jefferson. But Washington endured. At the
quietly but effectively in the Virginia House of Burgesses where.
same time, he performed one of his greatest services to his coun-
as a member named Thomas Jefferson noted, he was "in action
try: in the explosive aftermath of the French Revolution, he in-
cool, like a bishop at his prayers."
sisted that the U.S. remain neutral and unentangled in Europe's
As his long sojourn neared its end, he was elected to the Con-
wars. Excepting only the twitch that was the War of 1812, Wash-
tinental Congress in Philadelphia, and there, because he was the
ington's policy remained America's until 1917.
most experienced officer from a militarily and politically strategic
He left office on March 4, 1797, returning to his beloved
state, he was unanimously named head of the revolutionary
Mount Vernon. There, on a December morning in 1799, he awak-
army. The date: June 15, 1775.
ened Martha to say that he was suffering ague, but he refused
On the eve of command Washington wrote: "I am now em-
to let her summon a servant lest, in getting out of bed. she catch
barked on a tempestuous ocean, from whence, perhaps, no
cold herself. He continued to sicken. and in his final seconds he felt
friendly harbor is to be found." Not many privies were to be
his own pulse. silently counting to the beat of faint and fading
found either in the Continental encampments outside Boston,
drums.
I would rather be shut up in a very modest cottage with my books, my family and a few old friends, dining on simple bacon
and letting the world roll by as it liked, than to occupy the most splendid post which any human power can give.
Thretterson
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created
to write the Declaration himself. A conversation (recorded by
equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalien-
Adams) took place that is still being felt round the world:
able Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of
Jefferson: Why will you not? You ought to do it.
Happiness.
Adams: Reasons enough.
Jefferson: What can be your reasons?
After 200 years, the words carry pure as a bugle's call. But the
Adams: Reason 1st. You are a Virginian and a Virginian
bugler stands behind a veil of his own making. Thomas Jefferson
ought to appear at the head of this business. Reason 2nd. I am
defies his biographers. To Henry Adams, his character could be
obnoxious, suspected and unpopular. You are very much other-
caught only in "the shifting and uncertain flicker of its semi-
wise. Reason 3d. You can write ten times better than I can.
transparent shadows." Said Merrill Peterson, author of a massive
Jefferson: Well, if you are decided, I will do as well as I can.
work: "It is a mortifying confession, but he remains for me, fi-
Thomas Jefferson did more than that. Between May 17 and
nally, an impenetrable man." Even Dumas Malone, who has
June 28, 1776, in a historic explosion of genius, he wrote both a
spent most of his 84 years on a Pulitzer-prizewinning biography,
constitution for Virginia and the Declaration of Independence.
once admitted: "In my youthful presumptuousness I flattered
But then, when the Declaration came under attack from other
myself that some time I would fully comprehend and encompass
members of the Continental Congress, Jefferson sat almost mute
him. I do not claim that I have yet done so, and I do not believe
while Adams defended it thought for thought.
that I or any other single person can."
Some years later, the Virginian's great antagonist, Alexander
The most public of men, Thomas Jefferson was the most pri-
Hamilton, paid a visit to Jefferson, saw three portraits on the wall
vate of persons. He was a member of Virginia's colonial House of
and asked whomsthey portrayed. Replied Jefferson: "They are
Burgesses and of its revolutionary House of Delegates, an alter-
my trinity of the three greatest men the world has ever pro-
nate delegate to the Second Continental Congress and a delegate
duced-Sir Francis Bacon, Sir Isaac Newton and John Locke."
to the Continental Congress elected in 1783, wartime Governor
Hamilton stood bemused for a moment, then asserted: "The
of Virginia, Minister to France, the first U.S. Secretary of State,
greatest man that ever lived was Julius Caesar."
the second Vice President and (for two terms) the third President.
That, at any rate, was the way Jefferson later was fond of tell-
He was, in words he composed for his own epitaph, the "father of
ing the story. If the point was that Hamilton was a would-be ty-
the University of Virginia," and he was a founder of the Ameri-
rant or dictator, it was utterly unfair. But if it was meant to illus-
can political party system (though he once said: "If I could not go
trate the fact that beyond brilliance, Thomas Jefferson and
to heaven but with a party, I would not go there at all"). He was
Alexander Hamilton had absolutely nothing in common, it was
the author of treatises that illumined the way on man's long and
perfectly to the point.
continuing progress toward freedom: A Summary View of the
Jefferson was the son of a Virginia planter and surveyor who
Rights of British America, the Statute of Virginia for Religious
died when Tom was a 14-year-old; Hamilton was a West
Freedom-and the Declaration of Independence. He left a legacy
Indies-born bastard. Jefferson's inheritance was an estate of more
of 18,000 letters, many of them written with a crippled hand (the
than 2,000 acres; Hamilton got nothing. Jefferson read Cicero in
result of an injury suffered when, while walking along the Seine
Latin, Plato in Greek, Montesquieu in French; Hamilton under-
with Maria Cosway, a married woman with whom he had a brief
stood finance by instinct. Jefferson stood for individual rights
and perhaps platonic affair, he exuberantly vaulted a fence and
under a loosely knit federal system; Hamilton believed in a
fell). As collected and indexed in the remarkable Jeffersonian
strong central Government. Jefferson saw America as the agrar-
Cyclopedia (Funk & Wagnalls, 1900), his writings cover 1,256
ian land of his nativity; Hamilton foresaw it as a commercial
subjects, from abilities ("Men of high learning and abilities are
power. Both were right, but their quarrel was basic and bitter.
few in every country") to zeal ("I fear that my zeal will make me
It was fitting in the course of human events that Thomas Jef-
expose myself to ridicule").
ferson became President of the nation he had done so much to
Yet rarely does Thomas Jefferson offer a glimpse of the inner
bring into being. (Hamilton, under the Constitutional require-
man. Indeed, it seems obvious that he deliberately drew the veil,
ment that the President be a native-born American, was not even
even destroying the copies-and he did make copies-of his letters
eligible.) His Presidency has often been accounted a dis-
to his mother and his wife. Though his pen blazed, his public
appointment; if so, it was mainly one of historical second guess-
speaking voice, choked by tension, was guttural and indistinct.
ing. During his first term, the Louisiana Territory was purchased;
Controversial, he dreaded face-to-face confrontations: they gave
Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, at Jefferson's specific be-
him migraines. Time after time, he withdrew to the peace and
hest, opened the American frontier to the Pacific shores, and a
solitude of Monticello in moments of high crisis and drama. In
limited war put the Barbary pirates out of business. During his
1774, when he first risked his neck to the King's noose by writing
second term, trying to steer clear of both Britain and Napoleonic
A Summary View ("Let not the name of George the Third be a
France, Jefferson mandated an embargo on all foreign commerce
blot in the pages of history"), he set out for Williamsburg to de-
by the U.S., thereby pleasing almost no one.
liver the politically heretical document; but he soon turned back
Still, he was urged to run for a third term, and could have had
with dysentery, and Peyton Randolph read it for him.
it. But at age 66, he opted to retire to the small mountain crowned
Jefferson was enigmatic even about the Declaration of Inde-
by Monticello. One of the highest accolades to the man and his
pendence, though there has never been the slightest doubt that it
mind came from a Presidential successor, a member of the party
was written with his heart and soul. When, in 1776, the Continen-
fathered by Jefferson. President John F. Kennedy, once playing
tal Congress named a committee of five to write an enunciation
host to a group of Nobel prizewinners, described his guests as
of common colonial policy, it was generally assumed that Mas-
"the most extraordinary collection of talent that has ever been
sachusetts' John Adams would take the lead. But Adams, for per-
gathered together at the White House-with the possible excep-
haps the only time in his life, deferred to another man, declining
tion of when Thomas Jefferson dined alone."
There were all kinds of things of which I was afraid at first.
ranging from grizzly bears to "mean" horses and gunfighters;
but by acting as if I was not afraid I gradually ceased to be afraid.
Theodore Rooserely,
Theodore Roosevelt roared into the White House with the ex-
where he was deeply moved by his constant prowling on the beats
ploding vitality, the volcanic optimism, the flaming soul of the
through the slums. "I am dealing with the most important and yet
new century. He was the man who gave substance to the spirit of
most elementary problems of our municipal life," he wrote.
America that had been gathering from Concord Bridge to the
"There is nothing of the purple in it. It is grimy."
Oregon Trail, from Gettysburg to "Remember the Maine!" He
Appointed by President McKinley in 1897 to serve as Assis-
was the man who was to change the nation, change the world, and
tant Secretary of the Navy. T.R. argued for war with Spain, not
not just for the new century. "The world has set its face hopefully
just to liberate Cuba, but to rally the U.S. into the kind of ener-
toward our democracy," said T.R. Nobody called him Teddy to
getic world involvement advocated by Admiral Alfred Thayer
his face. His eyes would ignite behind the steel-rimmed spec-
Mahan, author of The Influence of Sea Power Upon History. As
tacles, his fists clench, his mustache bristle. His high voice pro-
colonel of the 1st U.S. Volunteer Cavalry-the "Rough Riders"-
pelled ballistically: "And, oh, my fellow citizens, each-one-of-
he led the famous charge against the Spanish defenses on San
you-carries on your shoulders the burden of doing well for the
Juan Hill and became the national hero of the war. As Governor
sake of your own country-and of seeing that this nation does
of New York only months afterward, T.R. sponsored so many re-
well for the sake of mankind."
form measures that he was promoted upstairs by standpat Re-
Specifically, Theodore Roosevelt, as President, went to work
publican bosses to run for Vice President on the ticket headed by
defining what kind of nation America ought to be: Jeffersonian
William McKinley (whom Roosevelt-once described as having
for "genuine faith in democracy and popular government," and
the backbone of-a-chocolate éclair). After McKinley's assassina-
Hamiltonian for "the need of the exercise of broad powers by the
tion, he took the oath of office on September 14, 1901-at 42, the
national Government." He mobilized the American people to
youngest President of the U.S. "My ambition," he wrote a friend,
help put down robber industrialists and radical labor leaders pre-
"is that, in however small a way, the work I do shall be along the
cisely so he could protect-and project-both U.S. business and
Washington and Lincoln lines."
U.S. labor as U.S. institutions. "There had been a riot of individ-
In domestic affairs, he launched the first successful antitrust
ualistic materialism." and "malefactors of great wealth," but for
suit ever brought by an American President to dissolve a corpo-
doubt there would be faith, for "don't care" there would be dedi-
rate monopoly (the Northern Securities Co.) to safeguard the
cation, and America for all time would be the land of opportunity
right of fair competition. In the great anthracite coal strike, his
to which the golden gates would never snap shut. America would
was the first Presidential mediation to protect the public interest
become a new kind of country in which Americans would align
in a massive struggle between management and labor. T.R. gal-
"never between section and section, never between creed and
vanized press and public in successive drives for the U.S.'s first
creed, and never, thrice never, between class and class, but-that-
pure food bill, the right for the Interstate Commerce Cómmission
the-line-be-drawn-on the line of conduct."
to regulate fair railroad rates.
He was also the first U.S. President to mobilize the American
In international affairs, T.R. was the first U.S. President to win
people to work for the U.S. interest in world peace and order.
the Nobel Peace Prize, for his brilliant negotiation of a con-
"Speak softly and carry a big stick, you will go far," he counseled,
clusion to the Russo-Japanese War. He deterred Germany's
and the new concept for the new century was deterrence. U.S.
rampaging Kaiser Wilhelm II from adventures in Venezuela and
armed forces would be deployed with visible strength and effi-
Morocco and helped hold off the outbreak of World War I. He
ciency for the first time, not just to win wars, but to discourage
dug the Panama Canal. In what he considered his greatest service
1905
other nations from starting wars.
to peace, he sent 16 battleships, all painted white-"the Great
Finally, Theodore Roosevelt was the first U.S. President not
White Fleet"-on a year-long. good-will mission around the
only to envision but to enact measures for the conservation of na
world. This was the American assurance that the American
tional resources: "I do not recognize the right to rob, by waste-
Dream might be global, and was surely here to stay.
ful use, the generations that come after us." He appealed to the
In his personal conduct in the White House T.R.'s example
conscience of the nation as he set aside an incredible-at the
was as significant as his accomplishments. The White House is a
time-150.000.000 acres of timberland for national use.
"bully pulpit," he said, and he was forever heckling. hectoring,
It was on October 27, 1858. that this President was-born, son
encouraging his fellow citizens to lead more fruitful lives. "When
of a wealthy merchant-banker. at 28 East 20th Street in New
I see a husky man going along with his wife. letting her carry the
York City. A frail, asthmatic youngster, he exercised so devotedly
baby, I know that sort of fellow is no good." said the President.
he was able to box at Harvard, where he graduated Phi Beta
The White House was an arena of family romps and pillow fights.
Kappa. Always oriented toward public service, he joined Man-
Presidential boxing and judo matches, crag-climbing excursions
hattan's 21st District Republican Club and was elected and re-
with foreign diplomats in Rock Creek Park. "the strenuous life"
elected as a reform member of the lower house of the New York
also of verse. biography and natural history. "Theodore
is
State legislature. After the death of his first wife. Alice Lee. he
drunk with himself." said one friend; Henry Adams, and another,
headed west to work on the Maltese Cross and Elkhorn cattle
Edith Wharton, thought the President lived each moment so in-
ranches in the Badlands beneath the thunderclouds of the Dakota
tensely and so entirely that each encounter glowed like radium. A.
Territory. "Black care rarely sits behind a rider whose pace is fast
third. Oscar Straus. summed up. "He had the quality of vitalizing
enough," he explained.
things." and as T.R. stepped down in favor of his friend William
Revitalized, T.R. wed a childhood playmate. Edith Kermit
Howard Taft. the U.S.'s morale was soaring to the stars.
Carow, and they settled into Sagamore Hill, at Oyster Bay, Long
On January 6, 1919, after a doomed, third-party. Bull Moose
Island. which was to be his beloved, trophy-cluttered, lifelong
run for the Presidency in 1912. and after passionate advocacy of
home. He served six years as a reform Civil Service Commis-
U.S. entry into World War I, T.R. died, aged 60. "Both life and
sioner under Presidents Harrison and Cleveland. That was fol-
death are part of the same Great Adventure," said the unforget-
lowed by two years as police commissioner of New York City,
table President Theodore Roosevelt.
I come from the very heart of America.
Screaming eagle patches on their battle jackets. cocoa-and-
uncommon type."
linseed-oil camouflage on their faces, the officers and men of the
After Stateside service in World War I and marriage to Den-
101st Airborne Division thronged around the Supreme Com-
ver's vivacious belle, Mamie Doud, Ike was thrown some useful
mander on the afternoon of D-day minus one. Dwight Eisen-
forward passes by his commanding officer in the Canal Zone,
hower moved about informally and cheerfully, with his war-win-
Brigadier General Fox Conner. Encouraged to study military his-
ning grin. his casual banter: Where are you from? What did you
tory and advanced strategy, Eisenhower was well prepared for
do in civilian life? How many bushels per acre did you raise? One
the Army's Command and General Staff School: out of his class
of the paratroopers was licking at the camouflage mixture on his
of 275, he graduated first. As Chief of Staff of the Third Army in
lips. "Does it taste good?" Ike asked. "Damn good," said the
the Louisiana maneuvers of 1941, after years of staff service to
paratrooper. laughing.
Douglas MacArthur in Washington and. the Philippines, Ike
At the last airfield he visited, Ike watched the paratroops
planned movements of 270,000 men. His virtuoso performance
climbing into their planes en route for the highly hazardous-
was disturbed mainly by General George S. Patton Jr., who led a
some said murderous-night drop into the marshlands of the Co-
force of tanks on to a ridge that commanded miles of country be-
tentin Peninsula behind Utah Beach. Ike swallowed hard and his
hind Ike's lines. Ike declared profanely that Patton could not be
eyes blinked hard. "Good luck," he shouted, holding back the
there. But Patton was.
tears. He raised his hand and waved. "Good luck. and godspeed."
Throughout World War II, Ike was named by President
That morning Ike had visited British soldiers as they loaded
Roosevelt for the major supreme Allied commands of the West-
into Landing Craft Infantry for their role in the seaborne assault
ern front. The Allied statesmen were haunted by memories of
on the Normandy coast. Ike was, as Winston Churchill once re-
inter-Allied discord in World War I but, under Ike, the World
marked, "a creative, constructive and combining genius," and he
War II coalition succeeded miraculously. He and his men moved
was commanding a D-day attack force of more than 156,000 Brit-
forward from North Africa through Sicily, from Salerno on to
ish and Canadian as well as American troops, along with a scat-
Normandy, from the Battle of the Bulge to the approaches to Ber-
tering of Free French. "This is an Allied battle," he said. "Men
lin. There Ike stopped, and his decision is still being debated.
will be praised or blamed for what they do, not for their nation-
Churchill wanted to take Berlin, but Ike, supported by President
ality." In his pockets were three good-luck coins-one American.
Roosevelt, let the city fall to the Russians. Eisenhower's reasons:
one British, one French.
the area around Berlin had already been allotted to the Russians
In World War II, Supreme Commander Dwight David Eisen-
as a zone of occupation, and there was no need for further loss of
hower led Allied forces of approximately 4 million men to one of
life. History may say that the halt was the mistake of Ike's war-
history's most complete victories with his own brand of welding
time career; few of his soldiers, still living, would agree.
humanity and sensible coalition building. Ike and his men also
Appointed Army Chief of Staff (1945-1948) and Supreme
knew why they fought in this war. "To preserve his freedom of
Commander for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (1950-
worship, his equality before the law, his liberty to speak and act
1952), Eisenhower was sought as President by many leading Re-
as he sees fit, subject only to provisions that he trespass not upon
publicans and Democrats, few if any of whom knew where his af-
similar rights of others-a Londoner will fight," said Ike. Then he
filiations actually lay. Declaring himself a Republican, Ike said:
added: "So will a citizen of Abilene." As twice-elected President
"The path to America's future lies down the middle of the road."
of the U.S., Ike attempted to unify the nation and lead it through
In 1952 he defeated conservative Ohio Senator Robert A. Taft for
the calm and consolidation he felt the country desperately
the G.O.P. nomination and liberal Democrat Adlai E. Stevenson
needed after two wars within less than a decade.
for the Presidency. Ike won 442 electoral votes to 89 for Steven-
Dwight Eisenhower was born Oct. 14, 1890, in Denison,
son, 33,936,137 popular votes to Stevenson's 27,314,649. The
Texas, and was moved as an infant to Abilene, Kans. His father. a
landslide slogan was I LIKE IKE. In 1956 Ike was re-elected over
creamery mechanic, and his mother, both members of the River
Stevenson by a somewhat larger margin.
Brethren. a Mennonite sect. raised six boys on an income that
As President, Ike did indeed lead along the middle of the
rarely exceeded $100 a month. The family was so poor that Ike
road. In international relations, he fortified the thermonuclear
had to wear his mother's button-top shoes to school. He and his
deterrent while exploring coexistence. He settled the Korean War
brothers worked in the Belle Springs Creamery, pulling ice,
for a draw and resisted demands for U.S. intervention in In-
washing cream cans and firing furnaces, and they held together in
dochina. He opposed the British-French landings at Suez-but
their share of neighborhood fights. Ike once took on a bigger boy.
then, two years afterward, landed U.S. troops in Lebanon to
Wesley Merrifield, in a drawn battle in a vacant lot at Third and
shore up the world's still-shakiest status quo.
Broadway that lasted an astonishing two hours. Said Wes, who
In domestic affairs, President Eisenhower declined to take on
was to become superintendent of grounds and buildings at St.
Wisconsin's Senator Joseph R. McCarthy. He was, he said, deter-
John's Military Academy, Delafield, Wis.: "Ike, I can't lick you."
mined "never to admit that he has damaged me, upset me or any-
Ike gritted through swollen lips, "Wes, I haven't licked you.
thing else." In fact, he rightly believed that the U.S. would finally
Ike was encouraged by another Abilene friend, Everett E.
recognize McCarthyism for what it was. Ike made Earl Warren of
("Swede") Hazlett Jr., to take up a service career and, in June
California the Chief Justice and, in 1954, the Supreme Court
1911, after passing qualifying examinations (he was too old for
came out for school integration "with all deliberate speed."
Annapolis). he entered the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.
When Arkansas' Governor Orval Faubus defied a court decree,
There he was brought along by Football Trainer Marty Maher as
Ike sent federal troops to Little Rock. But he still said, "I have
a halfback of All-America potential. Ike once helped bring down
very little faith in the ability of law to change the human heart or
Carlisle's immortal Jim Thorpe: "Well, we timed it just right. We
eliminate prejudice." Ike was criticized for his frequent golf, ad-
gave him the old high-low, the old one-two, just like that. We
mired for his painting and contract-bridge expertise. "The vitality
were sure we'd laid him out for good. But do you know what that
of the man!" exclaimed incoming President Kennedy in the
Indian did? On the very next play, he took the ball and went right
spring of 1961. "Ike-as healthy and ruddy and as vital as ever."
through us for ten yards." But Ike broke his knee in the very next
On March 28, 1969, after a remarkable aggregate of seven
game, against Tufts. His football career was over. He graduated
heart attacks, Dwight David Eisenhower-Ike-died. His legacy
61st in his class of 164, rated by at least one instructor as "a not
was immense: victory in war and consolidation in peace.
Jubilant journey to democracy
pril 16, 1789, began a great
the secretary of Congress of his
timore the 17th, where speeches
ston, who escorted Mr. Wishington
A
journey ina life filled with
unanimous election, Mr. Washington
and addresses took up the entire day.
to Woodbridge, where they were to
great journeys. On that
was accompanied by Col. David
The 18th was relatively uneventful,
spend the night.
day, George Washington
Humphreys, his former aide-de-
as the Washington party made good
On the eighth and final day of the
left Mount Vernon by carriage to go
camp, and Secretary of Congress
time, spending the evening in the vi-
journey, April 23, Mr. Washington
to New York where the First Con-
Charles Thomsof as be left Mount
cinity of Havre de Grace, Md.
was on the road early, proceeding to
gress was in session and where be
Vernon, bound for New York City
The fourth day, April 19, found Mr.
Elizabethtown, where members of
would take the constitutional oath as
and the launching of a new experi-
Washington and his companions in
Congress were waiting for him at the
the first president. Together the new
ment in governing.
Wilmington, Del., but because it was
home of Elias Boudinot. After break-
Congress and the new president
Mr. Washington wrote in his diary,
Sunday, no public festivities were
fast, citizens of the town escorted
would give meaning to the promises
"About 10 o'clock I bade adieu to
planned. Early the next morning,
Mr. Washington to the waterfront,
of the Declaration of 1776 and the
Mount Vernon, to private life and to
after a number of speeches, they
where a specially built barge was
plan of government under the Con-
domestic felicity; and with a mind
proceeded toward Philadelphia, ar-
waiting to transport his party across
stitution.
oppressed with more anxious and
riving in Chester, Pa., about 7 a.m.
New York Harbor.
In April 1989 and throughout the
painful sensations than I have words
Here the travelers were greeted by
At 3 Gov. George Clin-
year, the United States will com-
to express, set out for New York.
many Philadelphians, including
ton, a leader of the forces that had
memorate one of the most fascinat-
Americans were not conscious of
some of Mr. Washington's Revolu-
opposed the Constitution, the citi-
ing episodes of our history a story
Mr. Washington's reservations. For
tionary War comrades.
zens of New York welcomed the man
filled with the drama, emotion and
the next eight days, Mr. Washington
charged with guiding the way for the
symbolism befitting the origin of
and his companions were honored
new republic it created.
with speeches, toasts, banquets and
A
stride his white horse, Mr.
our national government, the begin-
On April 30, 1789, at Federal Hall
parades along the route from Alex-
Washington rode the rest of
on the corner of Wall and Broad
nings of the events that gave mean-
ing to the Constitution. It will reach
andria, Georgetown, Baltimore and
the way to Philadelphia, to
Streets, George Washington was
finally Elizabethtown, N.J., and to
the cheers of thousands, who
into grade schools, high schools, col-
sworn in as the first president. He
New York.
filled the doors, windows and street*
leges, luncheon clubs and the armed
wore a suit of brown material, man-
services.
Mr. Washington intended the jour-
[and were] greater than on any other
ufactured in Hartford, Conn. Mr.
For eight days in April, one part
ney from Mount Vernon to New York
occasion we ever remember," ac-
Washington declined to wear his full-
City to be made quickly and pri-
cording to the Pennsylvania Gazette.
of this dramatic story will once
dress uniform, and chose a suit
again come alive as men portraying
vately, but his hopes were soon
Mr. Washington left Philadelphia
"made in America," to encourage
George Washington and his compan-
thwarted. Less than two hours into
early April 21, crossing the Dela-
American industry, a theme his two
ions will retrace the steps he took
the journey, Mr. Washington's party
ware River into New Jersey at Tren-
terms as president would express of
from Mount Vernon to New York in
stopped for dinner at Wise's Tavern
ton - the scene of one of his great
ten. He wanted a truly independent
a four-horse carriage (relieved by
in Alexandria, where he was praised
military triumphs, again mounted
United States.
the hours of riding his white horse).
in a speech by Mayor Dennis Ram-
on a white horse, to be welcomed by
In his address he said, "the pres-
As commander of our armies, as
sey and 13 toasts were given.
a large number of citizens.
ervation of the sacred fire of liberty,
a chairman presiding over drafting
The night of the first day was
On the 22nd, Mr. Washington and
and the destiny of the republican
the new Constitution, Mr. Washing-
spent at Spurrier's Tavern Inn, about
his party visited Princeton, and then
model of government, are staked
ton was willing to respond when his
a dozen miles south of Baltimore. He
moved on to New Brunswick, where
on the experiment entrusted to the
country called. An even more dif-
was able to travel only as far as Bal-
he was met by Gov. William Living-
hands of the American people."
ficult task, however, lay ahead: to
reconcile the political and economic
views and policies of Alexander
Hamilton with Thomas Jefferson
and of the plantation states with the
mercantile North and a restless
West.
Many of the delegates to the Con-
stitutional Convention in Philadel-
phia had Mr. Washington in mind
when they created the job of pres-
ident, and the successful ratification
process by the states was in part due
to the widely shared belief that Mr.
Washington would be the first pres-
ident. Many people felt that Mr.
Washington was the only person who
could preserve the fragile compro-
mises made between large and small
states, North and South during the
Constitutional Convention.
Having been officially notified by
Warren E. Burger, chief justice of
the United States from 1969 to 1986,
is chairman of the Commission on
the Bicentennial of the U.S. Constitu-
tion.
Detail from "First in Peace;" Washington's arrival in New York, 1789
ROBERT SIEGRIST
A bicentennial milestone
a Fourth of July mood throughout. It
was, in short, a triumphant tour both
unprecedented and unparalleled in
American history. And yet, the big-
again to stray from his good life as
accounts-receivable problems, Mr.
gest, the loudest, the most tumultu-
J
ust two hundred years ago to-
day, George Washington re-
proprietor of Mount Vernon.
Washington had to borrow 600
ous reception awaited him in New
ceived formal notification of
Yet, by the moment of his pre-
pounds from Alexandria friend
York City, where he arrived April 23.
It was a reception so tumultuous
his election as the first pres-
sumed final retirement from ser-
Richard Conway to pay his Virginia
ident of the United States. It was no
debts and finance the trip to New
that even Mr. Washington was moved
vice as president of the Constitu-
York.
to note it in his diary entry that day.
surprise. But it was a long time com-
tional Convention in 1787, he had
ing. He had been the unanimous
long since become a national sym-
His concerns, reservations and
"The display of boats which at-
tended and joined us the decora-
choice of the Electoral College when
bol; a father figure held by his coun-
problems notwithstanding, however,
trymen in such unparalleled affec-
his bags were packed and his affirm-
tions of the ships, the roar of the
it had met Feb. 4. But the vote could
cannon, and the loud acclamations
not be official until the ballots had
tion, confidence and esteem that his
ative response prepared when, on
of the people which rent the skies,"
been counted in the presence of the
election as president of the newly
April 14, Charles Thomson, secre-
members of the First Congress of
constituted United States had been a
tary of the Continental Congress, fi-
he wrote, but added the note that it
the United States.
foregone conclusion.
nally arrived at Mount Vernon with
"filled my mind with sensations as
Its members assembled so slowly
Now his lack of interest in return-
the official word. Vintage Washing-
painful as they are pleasing."
at the temporary capital, New York
ing to public service was com-
ton, his response said it all:
Clearly, all of the rich and uproar-
City, that more than a month was lost
pounded by his realization that his
"Whatever may have been my pri-
ious acclamation of the people had
acceptance of the presidency would
vate feelings and sentiments, I be-
not lightened his mood. Nor had it by
before the necessary quorum was
present.
lead him to his most severe chal-
lieve I cannot give a greater evi-
April 30, when he stepped onto the
dence of my sensibility for the honor
balcony of Federal Hall to take the
lenge as a national figure. He feared
oath of office.
This brought uncertainty to the
that, should this bold new experi-
they (my fellow citizens) have done
country and anxiety to the 57-year-
ment in self-government that was
me, than by accepting the ap-
And that mood continued to show
old Mr. Washington; an anxiety
the American Republic fail, chaos
pointment
itself in the great solemnity of his
which only compounded his mixed
would result; and with it, the loss of
So it was that, on the morning of
inaugural address, in which he ad-
emotions. Throughout his adult life,
the 16th, Mr. Washington again bade
mitted, anew, his "anxieties," his "de-
liberty for the nation, and the loss of
he had seen himself as, primarily, a
the public esteem he now enjoyed.
reluctant farewell to Martha and
spondence," his "deficiencies." Hav-
farmer and a businessman. Yet
So it was that, during the month
Mount Vernon to begin the arduoùs
ing done so, he struck a tone deeply
much of that life had been consumed
and a half that dragged by after the
journey to New York that would etch
religious; a tone reflected, though
by public service. Upon completion
meeting of the Electoral College,
him even more indelibly into history.
with less severity and stilt, in the
of each mission, Mr. Washington
Washington's anxieties grew, and his
inaugural addresses of each of his
Some of that anxiety and pain
vowed, ever more resolutely, never
successors.
mood darkened with each passing
should have been eased by the gala
day. Nor was it eased by the mood of
reception afforded him at his first
"It would," he told his hushed au-
and grade schools, high schools, col-
New Strt.
filled
legas, lenchson clubs and the armed
the
doors,
windows
and
swore M - the first president. He
services.
Mr.
Washington
land problem M any
of brown material, man-
the
MartinA
Com.
Mr
For eight days in April, clas part
any from Mount Verson to New
of this dramatic story will once
8
2
made
to
the
No
again come alive as men portraying
his
hopes
in
thwarted. Less them two hours into
encourage
George Washington and his compan-
early April 21, croasing the Dela
American Industry, & theme his two
fons will retrace the staps in took
the journey, Mr. Washington's party
ware River into New Servey or Truet
from Mount Vermon to New York in
street
x
dinner
What
aceies of are of his great
traly Independent
a fur-horse carriage (relleved by
# where be WM
Nitary trinsphs, again mounted
United
APR
DAY,
the hours of riding his white hords)
à speech by Mayer Decreas
On a white horse, to be welcomed by
In he said, the pres-
As commander of our arraise, M
sey and 13 toasts were given.
Large number of citizens.
the secred fire of liberty
a chairman presking over drafting
The night of the first by was
Oo the 22nd, Mr Washington and
and debting of the republican
the new Constitution, Mr. Washing
speck Spurriel's Inn, about
his party visited Princeion, and then
are
staked
ton was willing to respond when bis
domn miles south of Balangore He
moved - to New Branswick, where
8
the
instructed
8
the
country called. An even more dif-
able to travel only far as Bai-
be was met by Gon William Living
American
people."
ficult task, however, lay ahead: to
reconcile the political and economic
views and policies of Alexander
Hamilton with Thomas Jefferson
and of the plantation states with the
mercantile North and & restless
West.
Many of the delegates to the Con-
stitutional Convention in Philadel-
phia had Mr. Washington in mind
when they created the job of pres-
ident, and the successful ratification
process by the states was in part due
to the widely shared belief that Mr.
Washington would be the first pres-
ident. Many people felt that Mr.
Washington was the only person who
could preserve the fragile compro-
mises made between large and small
states, North and South during the
Constitutional Convention.
Having been officially notified by
Warren E. Burger, chief justice of
the United States from 1969 to 1986,
is chairman of the Commission on
the Bicentennial of the U.S. Constitu-
tion.
Detail from "First in Peace;" Washingtons arrival in New York, 1789
ROBERT SIEGRIST
A bicentennial milestone
a Fourth of July mood throughout. It
was, in short, a triumphant tour both
unprecedented and unparalleled in
American history. And yet, the big-
again to stray from his good life as
gest, the loudest, the most tumultu-
J
ust two hundred years ago to-
accounts-receivable problems, Mr.
day, George Washington re-
proprietor of Mount Vernon.
Washington had to borrow 600
ous reception awaited him in New
ceived formal notification of
Yet, by the moment of his pre-
pounds from Alexandria friend
York City, where he arrived April 23.
his election as the first pres-
sumed final retirement from ser-
Richard Conway to pay his Virginia
It was a reception so tumultuous
ident of the United States. It was no
vice as president of the Constitu-
debts and finance the trip to New
that even Mr. Washington was moved
surprise. But it was a long time com-
tional Convention in 1787, he had
York.
to note it in his diary entry that day.
ing. He had been the unanimous
long since become a national sym-
His concerns, reservations and
"The display of boats which at-
choice of the Electoral College when
bol; a father figure held by his coun-
problems notwithstanding, however,
tended and joined us the decora-
it had met Feb. 4. But the vote could
trymen in such unparalleled affec-
his bags were packed and his affirm-
tions of the ships, the roar of the
not be official until the ballots had
tion, confidence and esteem that his
ative response prepared when, on
cannon, and the loud acclamations
been counted in the presence of the
election as president of the newly
April 14, Charles Thomson, secre-
of the people which rent the skies,"
members of the First Congress of
constituted United States had been a
tary of the Continental Congress, fi-
he wrote, but added the note that it
the United States.
foregone conclusion.
nally arrived at Mount Vernon with
"filled my mind with sensations as
Its members assembled so slowly
Now his lack of interest in return-
the official word. Vintage Washing-
painful as they are pleasing."
at the temporary capital, New York
ing to public service was com-
ton, his response said it all:
Clearly, all of the rich and uproar-
City, that more than a month was lost
pounded by his realization that his
"Whatever may have been my pri-
ious acclamation of the people had
before the necessary quorum was
acceptance of the presidency would
vate feelings and sentiments, I be-
not lightened his mood. Nor had it by
present.
lead him to his most severe chal-
lieve I cannot give a greater evi-
April 30, when he stepped onto the
lenge as a national figure. He feared
dence of my sensibility for the honor
balcony of Federal Hall to take the
This brought uncertainty to the
that, should this bold new experi-
they (my fellow citizens) have done
oath of office.
country and anxiety to the 57-year-
ment in self-government that was
me, than by accepting the ap-
And that mood continued to show
old Mr. Washington; an anxiety
the American Republic fail, chaos
pointment
itself in the great solemnity of his
which only compounded his mixed
would result; and with it, the loss of
So it was that, on the morning of
inaugural address, in which he ad-
emotions. Throughout his adult life,
liberty for the nation, and the loss of
the 16th, Mr. Washington again bade
mitted, anew, his "anxieties," his "de-
he had seen himself as, primarily, a
the public esteem be now enjoyed.
reluctant farewell to Martha and
spondence," his "deficiencies." Hav-
farmer and a businessman. Yet
So it was that, during the month
Mount Vernon to begin the arduous
ing done so, he struck a tone deeply
much of that life had been consumed
and a half that dragged by after the
journey to New York that would etch
religious; a tone reflected, though
by public service. Upon completion
meeting of the Electoral College,
him even more indelibly into history.
with less severity and stilt, in the
of each mission, Mr. Washington
Washington's anxieties grew, and his
inaugural addresses of each of his
vowed, ever more resolutely, never
Some of that anxiety and pain
mood darkened with each passing
successors.
should have been eased by the gala
day. Nor was it eased by the mood of
"It would," he told his hushed au-
reception afforded him at his first
his wife, Martha, whose concerns
dience, "be peculiarly improper to
stop at nearby Alexandria; a civic
Robert R. Siegrist is executive di-
about his accepting the presidency
reception topped by a sumptuous
omit in this first official act my fer-
rector of the Ferry Farm Project, the
and moving to New York City were
feast that set the tone and pattern for
vent supplication to the Almighty
effort by the Stafford County, Va.,
so great that she declined to accom-
Being
what he would witness at every other
Board of Supervisors to acquire, Te:
pany him to the inauguration, pre-
of his many stops along the way.
For the government of the United
construct and open to the public
ferring to join him later.
The entire trip was studded with
States of America, George Washing-
George Washington's boyhood home
There was still another problem:
ton had set the tone and course of
cheering throngs who jostled just to
on the Rappahannock River oppo-
Perpetually "land poor" and suffer-
faith and confidence in Divine
touch him, to wish him well; by
site Fredericksburg.
ing more than his usual share of
Providence by which his own life had
bands and speeches and parades and
long been directed.
W
YORK
Spanning 200 Years to the Inaugural
By HAROLD FABER
Events re-enact
Congress was engaged in a debate that
Two hundred years ago today,
can be regarded only as comic today.
Some members of the Senate wanted to
George Washington arrived in New
Washington's
call the President "His Excellency"
York City for his inauguration as the
first President of the United States.
"His Elective Majesty" or "His High-
His arrival and his inauguration on
final steps to the
ness" or even "His Highness the Presi-
dent of the United States and Protector
April 30 are being celebrated in a week-
long series of events - parades, pag-
Presidency.
of the Rights of the Same."
eants, exhibitions, symposiums and a
John Adams, the Vice President, was
ball - throughout the city. The observ-
the strongest advocate of a grandiose JC
ances start at 2 P.M. today with a re-
the nation's first Postmaster General.
title for the President. Senator William:
Exxon
enactment of his colorful arrival in the
It was a square house, described as
Macclay of Pennsylvania and Repress
don't
city by boat from New Jersey.
"five windows wide and three stories
sentative James Madison of Virginia
The high point of the ceremonies will
led the fight against anything but then!
craw
high."
come next Sunday with a re-enactment
simple phrase "President of the United
the
Debate Over Titles
of that first inaugural, a speech by
States." After days of argument and;
President Bush and the dedication of a
How did Washington feel about his
committee meetings, they won.
enuot
new Museum of American Constitu-
reception? Washington Irving, the
In a letter to a friend, Washington
tional Government, all at the Federal
novelist who also was a biographer of
wrote that he lamented that the subject
Hall National Memorial at Wall and
Washington, quoted this from him:
had been raised. "Happily the matteria
Nassau Streets.
"The display of boats which attended
is now done with, I hope never to be re-
The celebration will continue that af-
and joined us on this occasion, some
vived."
ternoon and evening with a parade up
with vocal and some with instrumental
Broadway, a fireworks display over
music on board; the decorations of the
The only title that did come out of the
the East River and a fund-raising ball
ships, the roar of the cannon, and the
controversy was one of derision. Those
at the Waldorf-Astoria.
loud acclamations of the people which
who disliked Vice President Adams
rent the skies, as 1 passed along the
who was stout and pompous, began TOPI
Historic and Fun Event
wharves, filled my mind with sensa-
call him "His Rotundity.
'The recognition of our heritage and
tions as painful (considering the re-
Washington remained quietly in New
the theme that we have of continuity
verse of the scene, which may be the
York, receiving. visitors and calling
and peaceable change is something we
case after all labors to do good) as they
upon as many members of the news
need. to be reminded of from time to
are pleasing'
Congress as he could see before his form
time," said Joseph Flom, chairman of
Washington arrived in New York as
mal inauguration on April 30.
the New York City Commission on the
The New York Times/Dith Pran
Bicentennial of the Constitution, which
wards
organized the celebration.
Mr. Flom, a partner in the law firm
stricter environmen-
of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher &
Pageants and Exhibitions
lents like the Exxon
Flom, said, "It's not only a celebration
of an historic theme, but it is also a fun
ilar rallies were held
event."
Highlight the Celebration
ral foreign countries.
Mr. Flom estimated the cost of the
bicentennial celebration, including the
These are some of the events
endowment of the new museum, at
scheduled to celebrate the bicen-
"well over $2.5 million." The money
tennial of George Washington's
iver
Water
has been or will be raised by private
inauguration as the first Presi-
and corporate contributions, he said.
dent of the United States.
The celebration will be a reminder of
the brief time in 1789-90 when New
York City was the first capital of the
Today
rmen worry
United States under the new Constitu-
A re-enactment of Washing-
8
tion, which went into effect in 1789. In
ton's arrival in New York City,
the fate of
1790, Washington and the Congress
with a flotilla escorting him from
moved to Philadelphia and in 1800,
Elizabeth, N.J., leaving at 2 P.M.
John Adams, then President, moved to
for the South Street Seaport, Ful-
ed bass.
the new center of government in Wash-
ton and South Streets, and arriv-
ington.
ing between 4 and 5 P.M.
has permission from the
City of Elegance and Crudeness
Monday
h Department to operate
The New York that Washington
Opening of the exhibit "It Is
six months, but is seeking a
came to in 1789 was small, with a popu-
Done: The Inauguration of
would enable the city to use
lation of 28,000 at the tip of Manhattan
George Washington, April 30,
ears, during drought emer-
Island below what is now Broome
1789 NW Faul's Chapel, Broad-
arings on the operating per-
Street.
way and Fulton Streets.
two years ago in Wapping-
It was second to Philadelphia in size,
Opening of the exhibit "Birth of
ist north of Chelsea.
as the census of 1790 showed, but it was
a Nation: The First Federal Con-
shment of Striped Bass
growing rapidly, prospering as a sea-
gress, 1789-1791," the United
port. The most imposing building in the
States Courthouse, Foley Square.
I the town's meeting hall, a
city was the Federal Hall at the corner
Tuesday
ring officer last week
of Wall and Nassau Streets, which was
over three days of cross
Opening of the exhibit "An
to become the home of the first Con-
on by the city of Dr. Richard
Ocean of Difficulties: The New
gress and the site of the first inaugura-
er, a fisheries expert, on the
Nation
1789-1849,"
Trinity
George Washington in a por-
tion. (It was torn down in 1812).
intal impact of the Chelsea
Church, Broadway and Wall
trait by James Peale.
In 1789, New York was a city of both
e was testifying for the fish-
Streets
elegance and crudeness. Men and
group, whose legal team is
women of the upper class dressed in
Wednesday
the foot of Wall Street, 8:45 to 9:15
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
the latest fashion from London or Paris
Symposium on "The Presi-
P.M.
tcher had testified earlier
and attended balls. But the streets
dencyrin the 90's," Fordham Uni-
Isea will add its share to the
were unpaved, narrow and crooked,
versity School of Law, 140 West
Next Sunday
nent of the striped bass
often unlighted at night and frequently
e2d Street, 2 P.M. The seminar
New Jersey Waterfront Mara-
used by power companies 10-
impassable because of wandering pigs.
continues at 4:30 P.M. Thursday.
thon, starting at mid-span of the
he river's edge. He disagreed
Washington knew the city well as
George, Washington Bridge, 9:30
Thursday
city's assertion that Chelsea
commander in chief of the Continental
A.M., and ending at Giants Sta-
corridor removed from the re-
Army in the Revolutionary War. He
Opening the exhibit "G. Wash-
dium in the Meadowlands.
iped-bass spawning.
had last seen it in 1783, when he made a
ington in New York," the New-
Service of Thanksgiving, St.
tcher testified that in 1985,
tearful farewell to his officers in
York Historical Society, Central
Paul's Chapel, Broadway and
ad the highest concentration
Park West and 76th Street.
Fraunces Tavern at the end of the war.
Fulton Street, 10 A.M. (By invita-
I bass in the post-yolk sac and
Friday
tion only)
ges during the third week in
Opening of the exhibit "The
Commemorative
inaugural
Crossing by Barge
Cronin said that "May to
Six years later, he returned in one of
First Capital Salutes the First
ceremony, including a re-enact-
e is the most sensitive stage"
President," with Washington
ment of Washington's inaugura-
young fish. "As they move
the most colorful pageants that Amer-
memorabilia, including one of his
tion, dedication of the Museum of
eam, they are developing;
ica had ever seen. Eight days after he
e 150 million of them."
left Mount Vernon, waving goodbye to
desks, the Governor's Room in
American Constitutional Govern-2
ment, and a speech by President
this wife, Martha, he arrived at Eliza-
City Hall, 10 A.M.
d that "if the city can delay its
beth, N.J., across the river from New
Celebration of the centennial of
Bush, Federal Hall, Wall and Nas-
date, it should" because the in-
York, where he was met by officials
the Washington Bridge over the
sau Streets, noon to 1 P.M.
Ives at Chelsea, which extend
from Congress and New York State.
Harlem River, at mid-span, 1
Bicentennial parade, Wall
from the riverbank and 40 feet
Street to Broadway, up Broadway
e surface, will suck the young
He boarded a barge with an awning
P.M.
past City Hall to Waverly Place,
ough the screens if the pumping
and red curtains, rowed by 13 white-
Saturday
ending at Washington Square, 1 to
S operating in early May.
uniformed pilots, one for each state in
Parade of ships in New York
3:30 P.M.
the union. It moved slowly across the
Harber, passing the Battery at
The President's Ball, Waldorf-
harbor, escorted by scores of other
MOOTH
Astoria Hotel, 7 P.M. (Tickets are
boats. Many ships fired gun salutes and
Fireworks display entitled
$500 to $2,500. For ticket informa-
Cats
from one of the escorts came what was
Hail to the Chief," East River at
tion, call (212) 874-4098.)
described as "ravishing music" from a
1790, Washington and the Congress
with a поша escorting 111111
moved to Philadelphia and in 1800,
Elizabeth, N.J., leaving at 2 P.M.
John Adams, then President, moved to
for the South Street Seaport, Ful-
the new center of government in Wash-
ton and South Streets, and arriv-
ington.
ing between 4 and 5 P.M.
1 the
City of Elegance and Crudeness
Monday
erate
The New York that Washington
Opening of the exhibit "It Is
ing a
came to in 1789 was small, with a popu-
Done: The Inauguration of
0 use
lation of 28,000 at the tip of Manhattan
Genrge Washington, April 30,
mer-
Island below what is now Broome
1789,' SEE Paul's Chapel, Broad-
! per-
Street.
way and Fulton Streets.
ping-
It was second to Philadelphia in size,
Opening of the exhibit "Birth of
as the census of 1790 showed, but it was
a Nation: The First Federal Con-
growing rapidly, prospering as a sea-
gress, 1789-1791," the United
all, a
port. The most imposing building in the
States Courthouse, Foley Square.
week
city was the Federal Hall at the corner
Tuesday
of Wall and Nassau Streets, which was
cross
to become the home of the first Con-
Opening of the exhibit "An
chard
Ocean of Difficulties: The New
in the
gress and the site of the first inaugura-
Nation 1789-1849," Trinity
George Washington in a por-
elsea
tion. (It was torn down in 1812).
fish-
In 1789, New York was a city of both
Church, Broadway and Wall
trait by James Peale.
Streets
im is
elegance and crudeness. Men and
women of the upper class dressed in
Wednesday
the foot of Wall Street, 8:45 to 9:15
the latest fashion from London or Paris
Symposium on "The Presi-
arlier
P.M.
and attended balls. But the streets
to the
dency in the 90's," Fordham Uni-
bass
were unpaved, narrow and crooked,
versity School of Law, 140 West
Next Sunday
les 10F
often unlighted at night and frequently
62d Street, 2 P.M. The seminar
New Jersey Waterfront Mara-
impassable because of wandering pigs.
continues at 4:30 P.M. Thursday.
thon, starting at mid-span of the
greed
elsea
Washington knew the city well as
Thursday
George, Washington Bridge, 9:30
commander in chief of the Continental
A.M., and ending at Glants Sta
he re-
Army in the Revolutionary War. He
Opening the exhibit "G. Wash-
dium in the Meadowlands
had last seen it in 1783, when he made a
ington in New York," the New-
Service of Thanksgiving, St.
1985,
tearful farewell to his officers in
York Historical Society, Central
Paul's Chapel, Broadway and
ration
Fraunces Tavern at the end of the war.
Park West and 76th Street.
Fulton Street, 10 A.M. (By invita-
IC and
Felday
tion only)
eek in
Crossing by Barge
Opening of the exhibit "The
Commemorative inaugural
lay to
stage"
Six years later, he returned in one of
First Capital Salutes the First
ceremony, including a re-enact
move
the most colorful pageants that Amer-
President," with Washington
ment of Washington's inaugura-
ica had ever seen. Eight days after he
memorabilia, including one of his
tion, dedication of the Museum of
oping;
left Mount Vernon, waving goodbye to
desks, the Governor's Room in
American Constitutional Govern-2
lay its
City Hall, 10 A.M.
ment, and a speech by President,
ihis wife, Martha, he arrived at Eliza-
beth, N.J., across the river from New
Celebration of the centennial of
Bush, Federal Hall, Wall and Nas-
the in-
the Washington Bridge over the
sau Streets, noon to 1 P.M.
extend
York, where he was met by officials
from Congress and New York State.
Harlem River, at mid-span, 1
Bicentennial parade, Wall]
40 feet
Street to Broadway, up Broadway
young
He boarded a barge with an awning
P.M.
past City Hall to Waverly Place
mping
and red curtains, rowed by 13 white-
Saturday
ending at Washington Square, 1 to
uniformed pilots, one for each state in
Parade of ships in New York
3:30 P.M.
the union. It moved slowly across the
Harber, passing the Battery at
The President's Ball, Waldorf-
harbor, escorted by scores of other
2000
Astoria Hotel, 7 P.M. (Tickets are
boats. Many ships fired gun salutes and
Blreworks display entitled
$500 to $2,500. For ticket informa-
from one of the escorts came what was
Hail to the Chief,' East River at
tion, call (212) 874-4098.)
described as "ravishing music" from a
group of women who sang:
lies
Hail thou auspicious day,
Far let America
Thy praise resound:
P)
Joy to our native land!
y not
Let every heart expand
STERLING SILVER
For Washington's at hand
I of a
With glory crowned.
d-floor
e city
Washington landed at Murray's
d the
Wharf at the foot of Wall Street, where
SPECTACULAR
d the
the stairs were carpeted for his arrival.
red the
A salute of 13 guns roared greetings. In
today's re-enactment, Washington's
For two weeks only, we, at Nat Schwartz
barge will land at the South Street Sea-
are offering our lowest prices on first quality
me up
rtment
port, and the ceremony will end with
sterling by Gorham, Reed & Barton, Wallace
speeches and music there.
International, Towle, Kirk, Stieff, and Lunt
opened
is wan-
WILLIAMSBURG SHELL
For more information or our 36 page
full color catalog of china, crystal
ed for
Bowing and Waving
sterling & gifts of distinction
In 1789, a parade formed, led by the
e poles
city troop of dragoons, followed by
1-800-526-1440
eneath
grenadiers, infantry and a committee
OLDMASTER
We are authorized representatives of such
ledges
of Congress. Washington and Governor
famous names as Lenox, Wedgwood
aid. He
George Clinton walked together, fol-
Royal Doulton, Minton, Coalport, Spode
in the
lowed by the Mayor, James Duane, al-
Royal Worcester, Noritake, Pickard
feces
dermen, the French and Spanish am-
WALLACE/INTERNATIONAL
Royal Crown Derby, Villeroy & Boch
bassadors and, as one account said,
GRANDE BAROQUE
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ncluded
"an amazing concourse of citizens."
ROYAL DANISH
160.
Lladro and Edward Marshall Boehm
I-haired
Washington walked through streets
ROSE POINT.
decorated with flags, silk banners,
FRENCH REGENCY
an ani-
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flower wreaths and evergreen
JOAN OF ARC
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will be
branches. A normally reserved man
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For your convenience, we will maintain
who seldom smiled, Washington re-
18TH CENTURY
see all
ENGLISH CHIPPENDALE
130.
complete list of your choices for family
sponded by bowing and taking off his
d," Mr.
hat to wave to women in the windows of
WOODWINDS
friends so you receive the gifts you desir
houses he passed. Many of them waved
FRANCIS I
145.
back and threw flowers in his path.
GORHAM
The parade ended at the President's
CHANTILLY
ecial
NEWPORT SCROLL
Mansion at 3 Cherry Street, close to the
130.
STRASBOURG
t
East River, where the Brooklyn Bridge
BUTTERCUP
now towers over the scene.
TOWLE
Built in 1770, the house was owned by
OLD MASTER
Samuel Osgood, who in 1789 became
CHIPPENDALE
120.
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QUEEN ELIZABETH I
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DIAMONDS,
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135.
OLD MARYLAND ENG.
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QUEEN ANNE
Prices apply to place settings.
CENTURY
GRANDE BAROQUE
Prices subject to change without notice.
around. Get offers. Compare.
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CHISTOMER
COMMITMENT
Limited quantities.
ry our very best to top it.
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on the spot.
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GEORGE WASHINGTON: Journey to the Presidency
APRIL 16
Washington departs Mount Vernon and arrives in Alexandria about noon for an early dinner at Wise's Tavern.
After an address by the Mayor and 13 toasts, be is escorted up the Potomac and ferried across to Georgetown. He spends the
night at Spurrier's Tavern, about 12 miles southwest of Baltimore.
APRIL 17
Near Baltimore, Washington meets a large party of "citizens on borseback" and with an artillery salute continues
to Daniel Grant's Fountain Inn. After dinner and addresses from Baltimore citizens and some of his former officers, be retires.
APRIL 18
Washington departs Baltimore about 5:30 a.m., accompanied by a band of citizens and saluted by artillery.
After seven miles, be thanks bis escorts and requests that they return home. He spends the night near Havre de Grace.
APRIL 19
On Sunday, Washington travels to Wilmington and arrives in the evening. A decorated vessel commemorates
bis crossing of the Delaware River.
NAVILLE
APRIL 20
Washington
leaves Wilmington after several
addresses and is met at the
Pennsylvania line by Phila-
delphians who escort bim to
mounts a white borse for bis ride
into Philadelphia. About noon,
the procession crosses the
Schuylkill River on Gray's Ferry
Hudson River
usil
Chester where be breakfasts. He
Bridge, which has been
decorated with laurel,
evergreens, state flags, banners,
and, at each end, a classical
arch. A child lowers a crown of
laurel as Washington passes
beneath. Thousands line the
Rye
road to Philadelphia, where be
later dines with a party of 250
Newark
New York
at City Tavern and enjoys a
fireworks display.
Harrisburg
River Delivary
Elizabethtown
23
APRIL 21
Washington departs in the
Apr. 22
Voodbridge
rain for Trenton. Crossing the Delaware at
Colvin's Ferry, be again mounts a white borse.
New Brunswick
An arch of greenery 12 feet long and 20 feet
high, supported by 13 columns, spans the en-
Princeton
Susquchann
trance of the bridge over Assunpink Creek.
Trenton
While crossing, Washington is welcomed by
Apr. 21
women and girls who sing an ode and strew
Philadelphia
flowers in bis path. After a dinner and recep-
Apr. 20
tion at Samuel Henry's City Tavern, be (pro-
Hagerstown
NEW JE
APRIL 22
Washington breakfasts at Princeton with the
Havre de Grace
president and faculty of Princeton College and the citizens
Potomac River
Apr.
18
of the town. At New Brunswick be is met with an artillery
salute, the ringing of church bells and a welcoming band
Apr. 17
procession. Troops line the main street for Washington's
Baltimore
review. After dinner be lodges for the night at Woodbridge.
VA
MD
Apr. 16
APRIL 23
Washington proceeds to Elizabeth Town where a
Georgetown
Annapolis
joint committee from Congress waits to escort him to New York.
Around noon at Elizabeth Town Point, they board a specially
Alexandria
prepared ceremonial barge with a keel of 47 feet, festooned with
Mount Vernon
red curtains and manned by 13 pilots dressed in white smocks and
black-fringed caps. Six barges carry other dignitaries. As the flotilla
enters New York Harbor it is joined by other vessels. Amid gun
salutes and the cheers of thousands of New Yorkers along the shore,
Washington arrives at Murray's Wharf at the foot of Wall Street
at about 3:00 p.m. After a welcome by Governor Clinton, a military
escort cuts a passage through the dense throng for Washington, who
walks to the Franklin House where be will reside.
and
APRIL 24-29
Washington receives numerous visits from well-
wishers at Franklin House, while Congress makes arrangements for bis
inauguration.
APRIL 30
Day breaks to the sound of artillery and church bells. In bonor of American industry,
Washington dresses in a suit of brown broadcloth spun at Hartford with buttons displaying a wing-spread
eagle. At 12:30 p.m., a military escort joined by a procession of dignitaries and citizens accompany
Washington's coach to Federal Hall. Upon arrival, Washington proceeds to the Senate Chamber where the
two Houses of Congress wait to greet him, then onto the outer balcony in front of the Senate Chamber.
Chancellor Robert Livingston administers the oath to Washington, who holds bis right hand on the Bible
and responds "I swear, so help me God." Livingston then turns to the cheering crowd and proclaims "Long
live George Washington, President of the United States."
For information on commemorative ceremonies along Washington's Route to New York City, contact:
Commission on the Bicentennial of the
Virginia Commission on the
Maryland Office for the Bicentennial
Independence National Historical Park
New York State Commission on the
United States Constitution
Bicentennial of the U.S. Constitution
of the U.S. Constitution
Third and Chestnut Sts.
Bicentennial of the U.S. Constitution
808 Seventeenth Street, NW
2015 Ivy Road
c/o Maryland State Archives
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Cultural Education Center, Room 9D30
Washington, DC 20006
Charlottesville, VA 22903-1780
Hall of Records, Box 828
(215) 597-8974
Empire State Plaza
(202) 653-9808
(804) 924-0948
Annapolis, MD 21404
Albany, NY 12230
(301) 974-3914
(518) 473-6191
Mount Vernon Ladies Association
District of Columbia
Delaware Heritage Commission
Constitution Bicentennial Commission
New York City Commission on the
Mount Vernon, VA 22121
Bicentennial Commission
Carvel State Office Bldg., 4th Floor
of New Jersey
Bicentennial of the U.S. Constitution
515 D Street, NW
820 N. French Street
Ramapo College, Room G-431
51 Chambers Street, Room 525
Room 307
Wilmington, DE 19801
505 Ramapo Valley Road
New York, NY 10007
Washington, DC 20001
(302) 652-6662
Mahwah, NJ 07430-1680
(212) 566-1989
(202) 727-2052
(201) 529-7401
We
The Journey
For eight days Washington's journey
became a triumphal procession honoring the
hero of a new Nation, the "father" of his
When the Senate finally achieved a
country. Along the way, dignitaries and citizens
WASHINGTON
quorum on April 6, the count revealed that
of all walks of life honored Washington in a
George Washington was unanimously elected
variety of events and celebrations. He visited
President. John Adams of Massachusetts
with many friends from his days as
to the Presidency
became the first Vice President. Senator John
Commander-in-Chief of the Army as well as
Langdon, President Pro Tempore of the Senate,
those who took part in the Constitutional
dispatched Secretary of Congress Charles
Convention. His journey reflects the profound
Thomson to inform Washington of his
universal respect and admiration of his
election.
countrymen, and its completion marked the
transition from a loose collection of states to
an independent nation governed by the People.
The inside map traces the journey to
the Presidency as We the People
commemorate the 200th anniversary
of the inaugural of our first
President, April 30, 1789.
PHOTO CREDITS
Front: Unknown artist's impression of the first Inaugural,
courtesy of the New York Historical Society.
George Washington, oil on canvas by John
Trumbull (1791), from the collection of City Hall,
STATES
Charleston, South Carolina.
Back
On April 16, Washington left Mount
the
Vernon by coach, accompanied by his former
People
Washington's arrival at the Battery, New York,
aide-de-camp, Colonel David Humphreys, and
April 23, 1789. Reproduced from an early engraving
6.
Charles Thomson, bound for New York City.
by James Tyroler (1857) after an original by John C.
&
They traveled through Virginia, Maryland,
McRae. Courtesy of the Mount Vernon Ladies Association
Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey, and
Contrission the Bicensenvial of
arrived in New York City on April 23.
Map, courtesy of the Mount Vernon Ladies Association.
Mumber
House durney
be
Journey to the Presidency
The journey of George Washington in April
1789 from bis Mount Vernon plantation to
New York City-and to the Presidency-
highlighted the beginning of our national
government under the Constitution.
Washington's triumphal progress to bis
April 30 inaugural was witnessed by bun-
dreds of thousands of bis fellow citizens. It
symbolized their hopes for the new govern-
ment which bad begun with the first conven-
ing of Congress on March 4, 1789. This year's
reenactment of that journey commemorates
the 200th anniversary of our government, as
it reminds us of the blessings we continue to
enjoy under the Constitution.
Background
In 1776, as the 13 colonies struggled for
independence, the tall Virginia gentleman ac-
cepted appointment as Commander-in-Chief
of the Continental Army. Under his leadership,
Convention, Washington responded. Origi-
Over the next ten months Washington
nally called by the Confederation Congress.
carefully followed the ratification process
this patchwork force of fighting men of varied
"for the sole and express purpose of revising
while avoiding any direct involvement in the
background accomplished what most of
the Articles of Confederation," this meeting
actual debate. The Constitution went into ef-
Europe thought impossible: the defeat of the
most powerful empire of that time-and in-
of state representatives produced a new Con-
fect on June 21, 1788, when New Hampshire
stitution.
became the ninth state to ratify it. On
dependence for the new United States.
September 13, in one of its last acts, the Con-
federation Congress authorized the states to
Washington's arrival in May inspired a
Once the war was over, Washington
proceed with the selection of Presidential elec-
hero's welcome with thousands of admirers
returned to his Mount Vernon plantation on
tors (as provided in Article II, Section 1), for
filling the streets. Selected to serve as President
the banks of the Potomac River in anticipation
the purpose of electing the first President of
of the Convention, Washington chose not to
of a quiet, private life. He had no desire to
the United States under the Constitution.
take a direct part in the discussions and debate,
become a leader in the government of the
but indirectly influenced the other delegates
Virginia Commonwealth nor did he seek a
position in the Confederation Congress of the
(or deputies). His was the honor of being the
By February 4, 1789, ten states had chosen
first to sign the completed document on
electors. They met in their states and after
new United States, meeting in New York City.
September 17, 1787. After forwarding the new
voting sent their sealed ballots to New York
Constitution to the Confederation Congress,
City, the site of the first U.S. Congress. The
Nevertheless, Washington saw clearly his
Washington returned to the serenity of his
ballots were to be counted officially when that
duty to the country he helped create. When
beloved Mount Vernon. But his seclusion was
body convened for the first time-which it was
requested in 1787 to attend the Philadelphia
to be short lived.
scheduled to do March 4, 1789.
THE NEW YORK TIMES, MONDAY, APRIL 24, 1989
The New York Steyers
George Washington Arrives Again
Actors playing George Washington and 13 oarsmen being towed yes-
non, Va., to New York as part of the 200th anniversary celebration of
terday from Port Elizabeth, NJ to the South Street Seaport Museum.
the first President's inauguration April 30, 1789. Their escort included
The boat ride was the culmination of a two-week trip from Mount Ver-
the Rose, a re-creation of a 1757 British frigate.
Bush Homeless and the Past to Meet at St. Paul's
By DAVID W. DUNLAP
Since 1982, St. Paul's has sheltered
second was not finished.
Witness to the infancy of the Amer
10 to 14 people every night, and con-
A contemporary newspaper 20
ican republic and the prayers that ac-
tinues to do so in concert with the
count described the events after
companied its creation, St. Paul's
Partnership for the Homeless. It also
Washington was sworn into office:
serves about 125 sandwiches each
"His Excellency, accompanied by the
Chapel on lower Broadway Is about to
day to the needy.
Vice President, the Speaker of the
depart from its tranquil ways and re-
"In every generation, Trinity Par-
House of Representatives, and both
gain momentarily a place at the na-
tion's center.
ish has met whatever need has come
Houses of Congress then went to
At SC Paul's, an Episcopal service
along," said the Rev. Canon Lloyd S.
Paul's Chapel, where divine service
Casson, Vicar of Trinity Church and
was performed by the Right Revd
America houses
of thanksgiving was held on April 30,
1789, after the first inauguration.
St. Paul's Chapel.
Dr. Provost, Bishop of the Episcopal
President Washington attended. And
"St. Paul's is a sign that the God of
Church in this State, and Chaplain to
so did the two houses of Congress.
love, justice, peace and hope is in the
Congress."
usall, keeps us
At St. Paul's, an interfaith service
midst of us,' he said. "It can house
"We don't know what they did ex
the President of the United States and
cept sing the "Te Deum,' Canon Cas
of praise and thanksgiving is to be
a homeless man. It is like a mini-
son said. "But that's typical of Angli-
cathedral, more than just a church
cans. They always sing the Te Deum'
safet free
for a particular group of people. It be-
at times of excitement."
comes a rallying place, a gathering
There was concern over whether
The church has
place, a reminder.
that hymn should be sung in a mod
em service deliberately structured to
served the needy
'We Don't Have Space'
include leaders from the Jewish, Is
Patricia Burton-Eadie, supervisor
lamic, Buddhist and American Indian
since the 1700's
of shelter development for the Part-
communities.
nership, has served on occasion as
A week before the bicentennial CI
the overnight volunteer at the chapel,
citement, St. Paul's looks particularly
sleeping next to Washington's pew.
"It can house the President of the
peaceful as the setting sum breaks be
Preserve freeshom
When other churches and temples
tween the towers of the World Trade
held Sunday, the bicentenary of the
United States and a homeless
Inauguration. President Bush is to at-
say, "We don't have space for the
Center and washes over the church
homeless, +1 use St. Paul's as an ex-
man," said the Rev. Canon Lloyd
tend. And so are two of the homeless
toasting its roughly cut stones ano
men who live the chapel
ample" she said.
S: Casson, Vicar of Trinity
warming the sharp edges of the
In tenter defiance of! ephemeral
There are other surviving Manhat
Church and St Paul's Chapel,
brownstone pediments and cortices.
New York, the Georgian church be
tan landmarks that existed on Inau-
about his parish.
With many of the surrounding sky
tween Fulton and Vesey Streets has
guration Day 1789 most promi-
scrapers cast in shadow, the pewter
endured not only svatphysicalifact
pently the Morris Jumel Mansion, at
gray wooden steeple appears to be
but as a religious house, a northern
Edgecombe Avenue and 160th Street,
Ms. Barr pored over account books
much higher than it does at micklay
outpost of Trinity Parish, as when it
and the Dyckman House, at Broad-
from the time and found no mention
Within the church, the men an
was built in a wheat field 223 years
way and 204th Street. But they are
of McBean Gautier, however, turned
gathering as they do every evening to
now museums, while St. Paul's is still
agor
performing much the same mission it
up repeatedly, with payments Item-
fix dinner. One of them, whom Trimity
Beds and Chandellers
ized "for the use of St Pauls Church"
identifies only as Pete, was asked re
did in the 18th century.
- presumably in the sense of putting
cently what he would say to Presiden
A modern social crisis is also being
That is not to say it is static. Its role
is "evolving," Canon Casson said.
something into operation.
Bush if he had the chance. He an
accommodated there. In a gallery up-
swered:
stairs from where Washington wor-
Even the account of its origin is
First Church Had Burned
'Mr. President, welcome to my
shipped when New York was the capi-
changing. The church has long been
Both archivist and vicar are frus-
home. Without it, I would have beer
tal, under Waterford chandeliers,
credited to the architect Thomas
trated by the scarcity of details re-
out on the street.' And I would take
clustered around a 185-year-old, ma-
McBean. But Phyllis Barr, director of
garding the 1789 service. At that time,
him up and I would show him the
hogany organ case, there are six beds
archives at Trinity, believes a
St. Paul's was the parish church be-
room and everything and say, Thank
and footlockers. Four more beds are
Frenchman named Andrew Gautier
cause the first Trinity Church had
God for Trinity Church has opened a
in a room nearby.
may have been responsible.
burned in 1776 and construction of the
its doors.
turns are down.
New York State, which had
them until Aug. 15 to file without
"The last I checked, early this
about 4.5 million returns in by
penalty. He said 600,000 New
week, we were 350,000 returns be-
late last week, typically pro-
Yorkers did just that last year.
CEZ
hind last year," said Karl Felsen,
cesses 7 million returns in the
Those who do not file may owe
HIS MEANES
department spokesman.
tax season and another 1 million
penalties and interest if taxes
THE ULTIMATI
Preparers in Manhattan ex-
at other times, Felsen said.
are due. But he said one-third of
pected last-minute filers to
To aid last-minute filers, the
Choose from 4,000
T.
returns produce a refund.
HIS BIGGESTRBOLDES
COLLECTION OF
BLENDS OF-LINEN
BY THE HANDS.OF.OL
Associated Press
PORTOFINO IMPORTED
100% COTTON IN SOLID
WHITE BROADCLOTH,
LIGHTW
M
A
N
580 BROADW
ALL MAJOR CRI
MON-TH 12-7:45
NEW FOR SPI
NAM
DE
I CANNOT GET A RIDE: Washington (William Sommerfield) dumps his broken carriage.
Washington schlepped here
By CHARLES CARILLO
George's trip
researched Washington's life,
We cannot tell a lie: the man
and he'll answer questions dur-
pictured here is not George
Washington.
to Apple gets
ing the trip in accordance with
his knowledge.
On the other hand, William
Just don't ask him about
Sommerfield is a fairly star-
a rough start
cherry trees, wooden teeth, or
tling replica of the Father of
the silver dollar Washington's
our Country - which is why
said to have thrown across the
he's portraying the big guy all
switching to a back-up car-
Potomac.
this week.
riage that was hauled to a park
"That's exactly why this trip
Sommerfield left Mt. Vernon,
along the route.
is being made - so those
Va. by horse-drawn - carriage
Like Washington, Sommer-
myths can be swept away,"
yesterday to commemorate
said Sommerfield, 58.
the 200th anniversary of the
field stands 6-2, weighs 210, has
presidency.
blue-gray eyes and long silver
Washington wore false teeth,
Washington made the jour-
hair that was once sandy red.
allright, but they were made of
bone and ivory.
ney to New York when he
And like Washington, Sommer-
field's serpentine journey will
The tale of him chopping
learned he was president.
down his father's cherry tree is
But yesterday - less than 100
take him about 250 miles
through Maryland, Delaware,
not documented anywhere,
feet into the 250-mile trek to
Sommerfield added.
Mo
New York - Sommerfield's
Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
And the one about him hurl-
carriage broke down. One
He's a "professional inter-
ing the silver dollar is the big-
The Name in
wheel hit a fence post, break-
preter" who's played this role
gest whopper of all.
ing the shaft between the har-
many times - which is why
"First of all, the Potomac in
162 Fifth A
nesses and the carriage.
the government hired him for
front of Mount Vernon is a mile
So Sommerfield left the Mt.
this eight-day, 57-event gig.
wide," Sommerfield noted.
MONDAY F
Vernon estate in a. Ford van,
(And you thought your tax
"And they didn't have silver
travelling 20th-century style dollars were being wasted.)
dollars. They had paper dol-
We,welcome American:Exp
for the first five miles before Sommerfield has thoroughly lars." s'inatE)
least
GEORGE BUSH
710 NORTH POST OAK ROAD
SUITE 208
HOUSTON, TEXAS 77024
(713) 467-1980
September 4, 1979
Mr. Ralph L. Benson
21 Tallmadge Avenue
Chatham, NJ 07928
Dear Mr. Benson,
Thank you for your recent letter.
I certainly understand your concern about inflation
and rising costs. We are never going to hold down
the cost of living until we hold down the cost of
government. Excessive government spending is the
chief cause of inflation.
As President, I would exert every effort to reduce
government spending in conjunction with a tax cut
and a cut-back in government regulation. In my view,
these actions would greatly reduce the inflationary
pressure.
I'm most grateful for your support.
Sincerely,
George Bush
This letter from President George Bush is one of 41 presidential letters to
be featured in "By George: Presidential Autographs from George
Washington to George Bush" commemorating the 200th anniversary
celebration of George Washington's inauguration. In the 1979 letter,
George Bush indicates that when he becomes president there will be no
new taxes and a freeze on spending, a policy later included in his 1988
campaign platform. The exhibit will be open April 22 until May 6, 1989 at
Place des Antiquaires, 125 East 57th Street in New York. Hours are
11 a.m until 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
For:
Place des Antiquaires
From: Delibes Communications Ltd.
200 West 57th Street
New York, N.Y. 10019
(212) 247-7295
Claude Delibes
Beth Tuseck
This letter from former President George Washington is one of 41
presidential letters to be featured in "By George: Presidential Autographs
from George Washington to George Bush" commemorating the 200th
anniversary celebration of George Washington's inauguration. An
extraordinary letter to the Director General of Hospitals and Physician-
in-Chief to the Continental Army, Dr. John Morgan, written on March 22,
1776, two days following a British retreat from Boston. George Washington
declines the gift of a horse captured from the Tory, Doctor Lloyd, explaining
that he has not as yet established a moral policy for such situations. The
exhibit will be open April 22 until May 6, 1989 at Place des
Antiquaires, 125 East 57th Street in New York. Hours are 11 a.m until
6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
For:
Place des Antiquaires
From:
Delibes Communications Ltd.
200 West 57th Street
New York. N.Y. 10019
(212) 247-7295
Claude Delibes
Beth Tuseck
MIXING THE PRESENT WITH THE PAST
PRESIDENTIAL AUTOGRAPHS ON VIEW
The exhibition at Place des Antiquaires, 125 East 57th Street, New York
to commemorate the 200th Anniversary of George Washington's
Inauguration held on April 30th. 1789 is called "By George: Presidential
Autographs from George Washington to George Bush." It is open from April
22nd until May 6th, 1989.
Located in a special exhibition area at Place des Antiquaires, the "By
George" show is being organized by Dr. George Szabo, the director of the
center, and Kenneth W. Rendell, owner of a gallery at Place des
Antiquaires which bears his name. Mr. Rendell, who for 30 years has
been a dealer in historical letters and documents, has this to say about the
show: "The world of historical letters is a way of mixing the past with the
present. In this show at Place des Antiquaires, for instance, we are
showing letters from all the presidents. One dating back to 1979 from
George Bush indicates that when he becomes president there will be no
new taxes, and a freeze on spending. As you know. that was his 1988
campaign platform."
The "By George" exhibition, free and open to the public, will contain letters
and documents which reveal the human aspect of the 41 presidents. Ken
Rendell will give a talk on this subject, and will give his brand-new
booklet: "A Guide to Collecting Presidents" free to all guests who attend
both the exhibition and his talk.
According to Mr. Rendell, the typical historical letter and document
collector is usually self-assured, intelligent, an entrepreneur and a
decision-maker, not professional scholar but generally has a deep interest
in a subject such as a period of history, music, art or literature.
Hours at Place des Antiquaires (212-758-2900) are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Monday through Saturday.
For:
Place des Antiquaires
From:
Delibes Communications Ltd.
200 West 57th Street
New York, N.Y. 10019
(212) 247-7295
Claude Delibes
Special Fact Sheet on Kenneth Rendell.
Historical Letter and Document Specialist
at Place des Antiquaires
1. New York gallery at Place des Antiquaires, 125 East 57th Street.
Offices in Cambridge, with an enormous collection in Newton, Mass-
achusetts. Sells autographs to many Japanese collectors through his
Tokyo gallery.
2. He's a co-editor of Autographs and Manuscripts: A Guide to Collecting
sponsored by The American Library Association as an outstanding
reference book. He is a consultant to CBS News, the FBI, the Treasury
Department, Newsweek (he wrote the Hitler Diary cover story) and
numerous universities, libraries and museums.
3. Clients of Kenneth Rendell who are collectors of historical letters and
documents, past and present, include Malcolm Forbes, Armand
Hammer (who has purchased gifts for the Russian leaders as well as
Leonardi deVinci's notebooks), Ross Perot, Barbara Streisand, Joan
Sutherland. Robert F. Kennedy, Senator Ted Kennedy, The Getty
Museum, and Emperor Hirohito's brother.
4. He is working on a book on collecting autographs with information on
rarity, authenticity and value.
For:
Place des Antiquaires
From: Delibes Communications Ltd.
200 West 57th Street
New York. N.Y. 10019
(212) 247-7295
Claude Delibes
Supreme Court of the United States
Washington, B. 4. 20543
CHAMBERS OF
CHIEF JUSTICE BURGER
RETIRED
December 15, 1988
Dear Mr. Vice President:
You may recall that sometime ago the New York City
Commission, chaired by Joseph Flom, wrote you a letter
about the same time that I wrote you concerning a
significant Bicentennial program for April 30, 1989 in
New York to commemorate George Washington's first
inaugural.
The program would actually commence with George
Washington and two friends stepping out of Mt. Vernon at
10:00 in the morning on April 16, and proceeding for
seven and one-half days to New York. They would then
cross the bay in order for a reenactment of the First
Inaugural on Wall Street on April 30 The reenactment,
of course, would take place on the same site where
Washington took the oath.
Our Commission is prepared to take the
responsibility for the trip of George Washington's
double from Mt. Vernon to New York with stops being
made along the route, coordinated with schools and
patriotic organizations. The New York City Commission
would control the reenactment and they have not defined
the April 30 program in detail.
The New York City Commission has been pressing us
to secure a commitment from you to be present on April
30 but without indicating what you would be invited to
do. I assume this is because the broadcast producers are
in turn pressing them for such a commitment from you.
The New York City Commission represents to us that they
cannot proceed with their plans until and unless they
have such a commitment from you. We have responded to
this by pointing out that you have many important
burdens between now and January 20 and as a result such
a commitment may not be feasible.
I write you now chiefly at the urging of the New
York Commission. We assume that the planning for
national radio and television coverage will be greatly
enhanced if the commitment is obtained from you.
If you wish to have your staff discuss this with
us, I will make myself available at any time.
Warrens Cordially, J Bragen
Chairman
Commission on the Bicentennial
of the United States Constitution
Vice President George Bush
The White House
Washington, D.C. 20500
Benjamn Havison 1989 1989
line finance
The Two Hundredth
Anniversary of
George Washington's
Inauguration
April 30, 1989
Edward I. Koch
Mayor
City of New York
Mario M. Cuomo
Richard Nixon
Gerald R. Ford
Jimmy Carter
Honorary Chairmen
March 3, 1989
Joseph H. Flom
Chairman
Richard S. Heffner
Anna Murdoch
Vice Chairmen
Peter S. Kohlmann
John G. Keller, Jr.
Executive Director
Director of Presidential Advance
The White House
Washington, DC 20500
Dear Mr. Keller:
We are in the latter stages of planning for the
commemoration of the 200th Anniversary of George
Washington's Inauguration, to take place New York City on
April 30, 1989. This is following in the tradition of
previous celebrations of this historic occasion.
For the 50th, 100th and 150th Anniversary of
Washington's Inauguration, Presidents and former Presidents
have led grand festivities in New York City to honor this
event. Accordingly, President Bush has been invited to lead
this celebration on April 30.
Enclosed for your review is a draft protocol for the
President's participation on April 30th. We have been
working with the President's scheduling office, as well as
Chief of Staff Sununu, and have also submitted this protocol
to them.
While we have not received an official determination
from the scheduling office, we are anxious to meet with you
and your staff to begin preliminary conversations in
anticipation of the President's participation.
We have hired Radio City Music Hall Productions to
produce the main ceremony at Federal Hall National Memorial.
They have extensive background in producing Presidential
events, including the parade for the Bicentennial of the
Constitution in Philadelphia in 1987.
New York City Commission on the
John G. Keller
March 3, 1989
page 2
I will be in contact with you to discuss arranging a
meeting with you or your staff as soon as possible. If you
or Jay Parmer are going to be in New York City for the
President's visit on March 9, we would welcome the
opportunity to meet with you then.
Thank you in advance for your consideration,
Sincerely,
active
Peter Kohlmann
Executive Director
CC: Jay Parmer
The Two Hundredth
Anniversary of
George Washington's
Inauguration
April 30, 1989
Revised Protocol for
The President and First Lady
of the United States
On the Occasion of the Commemoration of
The 200th Anniversary of George Washington's Inauguration
April 30, 1989, New York City
There are two alternative arrival plans:
1) 1000
Wheels Down New York Metropolitan Area. The
President and Mrs. Bush travel by Helicopter to
the Wall Street Heliport.
or
2) 0930
Wheels Down New York Metropolitan Area. The
President and Mrs. Bush travel by Helicopter to a
landing site on Governor's Island, board Coast
Guard ship "Eagle," and sail across NY Bay to the
South Street Seaport.
1020
President and Mrs. Bush motorcade to St. Paul's
Chapel on Broadway between Fulton and Vesey
Streets.
1030
President and Mrs. Bush attend the commemorative
Service of Thanksgiving at St. Paul's Chapel,
Parish of Trinity Church, at the invitation of The
Right Reverend Paul Moore, the Bishop of New York
St. Paul's Chapel is the same church in which
George Washington attended services following his
inauguration in 1789. Washington's pew (the
"President's Pew") still occupies its original
location in the Chapel.
The Service will be lead by the Rev. Daniel Paul
Matthews, Rector, Parish of Trinity Church, and
the Participants will include the leaders of New
York's religious community, such as John Cardinal
o' Connor, Archbishop Iakovos, and Archbishop
Manoogian, as well as the Chaplains of the United
States Senate and House of Representatives.
Attendees will likely include former Presidents,
Congressional leaders, New York City and State
Officials, foreign dignitaries and judges.
New York City Commission on the
Revised Protocol for
April 30, 1989
Page 2
1115
Service concludes. The President and Mrs. Bush
depart St. Paul's Church and proceed down Broadway
by motorcade to Pine Street. The President and
Mrs. Bush enter Federal Hall National Memorial
through the Pine Street entrance. (rear door)
Federal Hall was the meeting place of the First
Congress and the site of George Washington's
inauguration in 1789. The present Federal Hall
National Memorial was built in 1840.
1125
The President and Mrs. Bush tour the new Museum of
American Consitutional Government located inside
Federal Hall. The Museum is a project of the
National Park Foundation and the legacy of this
event. A select group of school children will
demonstrate the unique concepts of the museum.
1145-1200 Holding time (if needed)
1200
Commemorative Inaugural Ceremony begins. Program
includes:
The National Anthem.
Performances by:
The United States Army Band
Continental Color Guard
The Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps
Brief Remarks by distinguished guests:
Former Presidents
Congressional leaders
Chief Justice Burger
Governor Cuomo
Mayor Koch
The United States Army Herald Trumpeters sound
"Ruffles and Flourishes" followed by "Hail to the
Chief."
The President of the United States walks out onto
the steps of Federal Hall and stands at the very
site where George Washington was sworn in 200
years ago. From a special podium which recreates
the balcony upon which Washington stood, the
President delivers an Address to the Nation, after
having completed his 100th day in office.
In his Address, the President officially dedicates
the National Park Service's new Museum of American
Constitutional Government at Federal Hall.
Revised Protocol for
April 30, 1989
Page 3
1300
The program concludes with the raising of the
American Flag over Federal Hall, as was done in
1789, and the firing of a 50 gun Salute to the
Nation from the Battery by the United States Army.
The President reviews the Bicentennial Procession
up Wall Street, which features military units from
all five branches of the Armed Forces and civic
organizations from throughout the region, many
representing those groups which participated in
celebrations in 1789 and 1889.
1315
At a designated point in the procession, the
President and Mrs. Bush depart Federal Hall using
the Pine Street door they travel by motorcade
around the block and enter the parade route.
1400
When they have reached the end of the
approximately two mile route, the President and
First Lady continue to the Waldorf=Astoria and
maintain a private schedule for the afternoon.
The Presidential Suite has been reserved for the
President and First Lady.
1830
The President and the First Lady depart the
Waldorf=Astoria and travel by motoracde to the
Intrepid Sea Air and Space Museum.
1845
Arrive at the Intrepid. Attend Crew Party for
2-3,000 sailors, in conjunction with Fleet Week
1989, at the invitation of Zachary Fisher.
1915
Depart Intrepid for the Waldorf=Astoria for the
President's Ball.
1930
Arrive at Waldorf=Astoria as guests of honor at
the President's Ball--a gala dinner-dance--chaired
by Mrs. Milton Petrie and Mr. Steven J. Ross;
Honorary Chair Mrs. Vincent Astor.
2200
The President and Mrs. Bush depart.
Revised Protocol for
April 30, 1989
Page 4
There are two departure plans:
1) 2200
Motorcade travels to the Wall Street Heliport.
Wheels Up for Airport.
or
2) 2200
President and Mrs. Bush retire to the Presidential
Suite at the Waldorf=Astoria, which has been
reserved for them should they wish to remain
overnight.
Monday, May 1
0730
Motorcade departs for Wall Street Heliport prior
to rush hour. Wheels up for airport.
(3/1/89)
GU 200 OR 1991 CENSUS ItL NO.1-212-566-1919
Mar 27,89 11:42 NO.UIU P.U2
Schedule for Stephen M. Studdert and John G. Keller, Jr.
Site Visit to New York City
Wednesday, March 29, 1989
20
9:45 am Arrive Newark International Airport, Butler
Aviation. Phone: (201) 642-1660. Met by Peter
Kohlmann, Director, NYC Commission on the
Bicentennial.
624-1660
9:55 am Wheels up for Manhattan.
10:00 am Arrive Downtown Manhattan Heliport (Pier 6).
Phone: (212) 466-4353
10:15 am Arrive South Street Seaport.
Walk through proposed arrival plan at Pier 16.
Phone: (212) 669-9430 (Kathleen Madden's Office)
10:30 am Depart South Street Seaport for St. Paul's Chapel.
10:40 am Arrive St. Paul's Chapel, Broadway between Fulton
and Vesey Streets. Meet Father Percival Brown,
Parish of Trinity Church, and Michael Fiur, Deputy
Director of the Bicentennial Commission.
Briefing on Chapel Service.
Phone: (212) 602-0809 (Father Brown's Office)
11:30 am Depart St. Paul's Chapel for Federal Hall. (walk)
11:40 am Arrive at Federal Hall National Memorial, Wall and
Nassau Streets, (enter Pine Street door). Meet
Barnett Lipton, Senior Producer, Radio City Music
Hall Productions, and John Lucas, Director of
Production, Radio City Music Hall Productions.
Briefing on museum dedication, commemorative
ceremony and parade.
Phone: (212) 264-4456 (Robert Mahoney's Office)
1:00 pm Depart Federal Hall
Optional review of additional sites:
Parade route; Intrepid Sea Air and Space Museum
(Fleet Week Crew Party Site); Waldorf-Astoria
(Dinner Location)
Lunch
2:30 pm Return to appropriate heliport
2:45 pm Wheels up Newark International Airport,
Butler Aviation. Phone: (201) 642-1660
3:30 pm Wheels up Washington D.C.
BICENT. COMM
TEL No. 2026535219
Mar 28.89 10:13 P.02
Commission on the Bicentennial of
The United States Constitution
808 17th Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20006
202/USA-1787
Warren E. Burger
March 28, 1989
Chairman
Frederick K. Biebel
MEMORANDUM FOR PEGGY HAZELRIGG
Lindy Boggs
WHITE HOUSE ADVANCE
Herbert Brownell
Lynne V. Cheney
FROM:
Ted McConnell
Director
Sal
Philip M. Crane
Marketing and Public Relations
Dennis DeConcini
William 1. Green
SUBJECT:
Potential Visit of the President to
New York/Washington Inaugural
Edward Victor Hill
Re-enactment
Cornelia G. Kennedy
Edward M. Kennedy
Peggy, the attached memo clearly outlines the views of the Chief
Justice and the Commission, relating to the potential April 30th visit
Harry McKinley Lightsey, Jr.
of the President to New York in conjunction with the re-enactment
William Lucas
of President Washington's first inaugural. Paul Clark (the
Betty Southard Murphy
Commission's Director of Governmental Affairs) is the individual
Thomas H. O'Connor
appointed by the Chief Justice as liaison to the New York activities.
Phyllis Schlafly
Not holding this re-enactment of Washington's oath taking
Barnard H. Siegan
would be similar to an inaugural day for President Bush without the
oath, it would be incomplete. In this Commission's opinion the oath
Ted Stevens
re-enactment is the centerpiece of the April 30th activities and the
Obert C. Tanner
event most newsworthy (as opposed to the church service at St.
Strom Thurmond
Pauls, the parade and the gala that we understand President Bush
Ronald H. Walket
has been invited to).
Charles E. Wiggins
This information is intended as background for your advance
Charles Alan Wright
staff only. We merely wish you to know the Chief Justice and
Commission's strong feelings about an oath re-enactment.
Mark W. Cannon
Staff Director
Thank you for your assistance. Please let me know if I can
provide any further Information.
JGIC- for you V steve
to see only.
peg
3-28
BICENT. COMM
TEL No. 2026535219
Mar 28.89 10:13 P.03
Commission on the Bicentennial of
The United States Constitution
/
1
808 17th Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20006
202/USA-1787
Warren E. Burger
March 28, 1989
Chairman
Frederick K. Biebel
MEMORANDUM
Lindy Boggs
TO
: Ted McConnell
Herbert Brownell
Lynne V. Cheney
FROM
: Paul Clark
Philip M. Crane
SUBJECT: President Bush to NYC April 30
Dennis DeConcini
William J. Green
Edward Victor Hill
If the President decides to attend the Bicentennial
events in New York City on April 30--as I believe he
Cornelia G. Kennedy
should--it would be helpful to our Commission if his
Edward M. Kennedy
staff would encourage the New York organizers to include
Harry McKinley Lightsey, Jr.
a reenactment segment to their program.
William Lucas
I believe the President should attend the proposed
Betty Southard Murphy
noontime ceremony at Federal Hall (where he is being
Thomas H. O'Connor
asked to make remarks). It would provide him a large
national media audience, as well as a New York metro
Phyllis Schlafly
area audience. It is an opportunity to speak to a live
Bornard H. Siegan
crowd that is present largely because they are
Ted Stevens
patriotic. Also, it is a once-in-a-lifetime historical
anniversary that relates directly to the Presidency. As
Obert C. Tanner
you know, the Inaugural Committee took as its theme--
Strom Thurmond
from George (Washington) to George (Bush). What better
Ronald H. Walker
way for the President to extend his identification with
Charles E. Wiggins
George Washington.
Charles Alan Wright
The ceremony will provide the President an
Mark W. Cannon
opportunity to be photographed with an actor who looks
Staff Director
very much like Washington. I believe this photo would
appear on the front page of a large number of Monday
morning newspapers (Sunday being a notoriously slow news
day). In my opinion there is no downside to his
attending the NYC event. They have made it clear the
President may speak on any subject he chooses, for as
long or short as he wants. It is a patriotic event, in
an excellent media market.
If the President decides to go to New York, his
advance staff could be very helpful to us by encouraging
the people in New York (the NYC Commission and Radio
City Music Hall) to have a short portion of the program
BICENT. COMM
TEL No 2026535219
Mar .28.89 10:14 P.04
dedicated to a reenactment of the swearing-in of
President Washington. This would, in essence, provide
the patriotic overtones to the ceremony. Chief Justice
Burger would take about five minutes at the podium and
lead into the actual reenactment. He would provide the
historical background to the entire occasion. Then one
of Chancellor Livingston's descendents (Robert
Livingston swore in Washington as President) would hold
the original 1789 bible while Chief Judge Sol Wachtler
of New York swears-in Washington--all in 18th Century
costume. The entire reenactment should only take 5-10
minutes.
The New York City Commission for several months has
told us that they cannot commit to a reenactment
ceremony until the President says okay. They "will do
what the President wants done." Our Chairman, Chief
Justice Burger, very much wants such a reenactment. Very
much. If the President's staff could encourage New York
to include a reenactment I know it would help us and
please the Chairman. It also, I believe, would enhance
the whole event and the President would benefit from the
clear historical association with our first President--
George Washington.
-end-
THE NEW YORK TIMES, MONDAY, APRIL 24,1989
York
George Washington Arrives Again
Actors playing George Washington and 13 oarsmen being towed yes-
non, Va., to New York as part of the 200th anniversary celebration a
terday from Port Elizabeth, N.J., to the South Street Seaport Museum.
the first President's inauguration April 30, 1789. Their escort included
The boat ride was the culmination of a two-week trip from Mount Ver-
the Rose, a re-creation of a 1757 British frigate.
Bush, Homeless and the Past to Meet at St. Paul's
By DAVID W. DUNLAP
Since 1982, St. Paul's has sheltered
second was not finished.
Witness to the infancy of the Amer-
10 to people every night, and con-
A contemporary newspaper a
Ican republic and the prayers that ac-
tinues to do so in concert with the
count described the events afte
companied its creation, Paul's
Partnership for the Homeless. It also
Washington was sworn into office
serves about 125 sandwiches each
"His Excellency, accompanied by tt
Chapel on lower Broadway is about to
day to the needy..
Vice President, the Speaker of tt
depart from its tranquil ways and re-
"In every generation, Trinity Par-
House of Representatives, and bot
gain momentarily a place at the na-
tion's center.
fsh has met whatever need has come
Houses of Congress then went I
At St: Paul's, an Episcopal service
along," said the Rev. Canon Lloyd S.
Paul's Chapel, where divine servic
of thanksgiving was held on April 30,
Casson, Vicar of Trinity Church and
was performed by the Right Rev
1789, after the first inauguration.
St. Paul's Chapel.
Dr. Provost, Bishop of the Episcopi
President Washington attended. And
"St. Paul's is a sign that the God of
Church in this State, and Chaplain 1
love, justice, peace and hope is in the
Congress
so did the two houses of Congress.
At St. Paul's, an interfaith service
midst of us," he said. "It can house
"We don't know what they did e
the President of the United States and
cept sing the 'Te Deum,' Canon Ca
of praise and thanksgiving is to be
a homeless man. It is like a mini-
son said. "But that's typical of Ang
cathedral, more than just a church
cans. They always sing the Te Deun
for a particular group of people. It be-
at times of excitement.'
The church has
comes a rallying place, a gathering
There was concern over wheth
place, a reminder.
that hymn should be sung in a mo
em service deliberately structured
served the needy
We Don't Have Space'
include leaders from the Jewish, I
Patricia-Burton-Eadie, supervisor
lamic, Buddhist and American India
since the 1700's.
of shelter development for the Part-
communities.
nership, has served on occasion as
A week before the bicentermial e
the overnight volunteer at the chapel,
citement, St. Paul's looks particular
sleeping next to Washington's pew.
"It can house the President of the
peaceful as the setting sun breaks b
held Sunday, the bicentenary of the
"When other churches and temples
United States and a homeless
tween the towers of the World Tra
inauguration. President Bush is to at-
say, 'We don't have space for the
Center and washes over the churc
tend. And SQ are two of the homeless
homeless, 1 use St. Paul's as an ex-
man, said the Rev. Canon Lloyd
toasting its roughly cut stones as
ample, she said.
S. Casson, Vicar of Trinity
men who live in the chapel
warming the sharp edges of d
In tentle deflance of: ephemeral
There are other surviving Manhat
Church and St. Paul's Chapel,
brownstone pediments and connices
New York, the Georgian church be
tan landmarks that existed on Inau-
about his parish
With many of the surrounding sk
tween Fulton and Vesey Streets has
guration Day 1789 - most promi-
scrapers cast in shadow, the peste
endured not only: as physicalifact
nently the Morris Jumel Mansion, at
gray wooden steeple appears to I
but:as religious house, a northern
Edgecombe Avenue and 160th Street,
Ms. Barr pored over account books
much higher. than it does at midda
outpost of Trinity Parish; as when it
and the Dyckman House, at Broad-
from the time and found no mention
Within the church, the men a
was built in a wheat field 223 years
way and 204th Street. But they are
of McBean. Gautier, however, turned
gathering as they do every evening
now museums, while St. Paul's is still
ago.
up repeatedly, with payments item-
fix dinner. One of them, whom Trini
performing much the same mission it
Identifies only as Pete, was asked I
Beds and Chandeliers
ized "for the use of St Pauls Church"
did in the 18th century.
A modern social crisis is also being
That is not to say it is static. Its role
- presumably in the sense of putting
cently what he would say to Preside
Bush if he had the chance. He a
accommodated there, In a gallery up-
is "evolving," Canon Casson said.
something into operation.
swered:
stairs from where Washington wor-
Even the account of its origin is
First Church Had Burned
'Mr. President, welcome to n
shipped when New York was the capi-
changing. The church has long been
Both archivist and vicar are frus-
home. Without it, I would have be
tal, under Waterford chandeliers,
credited to the architect Thomas
trated by the scarcity of details re-
out on the street.' And I would tal
clustered around a 185-year-old, ma-
McBean. But Phyllis Barr, director of
garding the 1789 service. At that time,
him up and would show him ti
hogany organ case, there are six beds
archives at Trinity, believes a
St. Paul's was the parish church be-
room and everything and say, Than
and footlockers. Four more beds are
Frenchman named Andrew Gautier
cause the first Trinity Church had
God for Trinity Church has opened
in a room nearby.
may have been responsible.
burned in 1776 and construction of the
its doors.
WARREN BURGER
Jubilant journey to democracy
pril 16, 1789, began a great
the secretary of Congress of his
timore the 17th, where speeches.
ston, who escorted Mr. Washington
A
journey in a life filled with
unanimous election, Mr. Washington
and addresses took up the entire day.
to Woodbridge, where they were to
great journeys. On that
was accompanied by Col. David
The 18th was relatively uneventful,
spend the night.
day, George Washington
Humphreys, his former aide-de-
as the Washington party made good
On the eighth and final day of the
left Mount Vernon by carriage to go
camp, and Secretary of Congress
time, spending the evening in the vi-
journey, April 23, Mr. Washington
to New York where the First Con-
Charles Thomson as he left Mount
cinity of Havre de Grace, Md.
was on the road early, proceeding to
gress was in session and where he
Vernon, bound for New York City
The fourth day, April 19, found Mr.
Elizabethtown, where members of
would take the constitutional oath as
and the launching of a new experi-
Washington and his companions in
Congress were waiting for him at the
the first president. Together the new
ment in governing.
Wilmington, Del., but because it was
home of Elias Boudinot. After break-
Congress and the new president
Mr. Washington wrote in his diary,
Sunday, no public festivities were
fast, citizens of the town escorted
would give meaning to the promises
"About 10 o'clock/I bade adieu to
planned. Early the next morning,
Mr. Washington to the waterfront,
of the Declaration of 1776 and the
Mount Vernon, to private life and to
after a number of speeches, they.
where a specially built barge was
plan of government under the Con-
domestic felicity; and with a mind
proceeded toward Philadelphia, ar-
waiting to transport his party across
stitution,
oppressed with more anxious and
riving in Chester, Pa., about 7. a.m.
New York Harbor
In April 1989 and throughout the
painful sensations than I have words
Here the travelers were greeted by
At 3 p.m., by Gov. George Clin-
year, the United States will com-
to express, set out for New York.
many Philadelphians, including
ton, a leader of the forces that had
memorate one of the most fascinat-
Americans were not conscious of
some of Mr. Washington's Revolu-
opposed the Constitution, the citi-
ing episodes of our history a story.
Mr. Washington's reservations. For
tionary War comrades.
zens of New York welcomed the man
filled with the drama, emotion and
the next eight days; Mr. Washington
charged with guiding the way for the
symbolism befitting the origin of
and his companions were honored
new republic it created
our national government, the begin-
with speeches, toasts, banquets and
A
stride his white horse, Mr.
On April 30, 1789, at Federal Hall
parades along the route from Alex-
Washington rode the rest of
on the corner of Wall and Broad
nings of the events that gave mean-
ing to the Constitution. It will reach
andria, Georgetown, Baltimore and
the way to Philadelphia, to
Streets, George Washington was
finally Elizabethtown, NJ, and to
the cheers of thousands, who
into grade schools, high schools, col-
sworn in as the first president. He
New York:
filled the doors, windows and street*
leges, luncheon clubs and the armed
wore a suit of brown material, man-
services.
Mr. Washington intended the jour-
[and were] greater than on any other
ufactured in Hartford, Conn. Mr.
For eight days in April, one part
ney from Mount Vernon to New York
occasion we ever remember," ac-
Washington declined to wear his full-
City to be made quickly and pri-
cording to the Pennsy Gazette.
of this dramatic story will once
dress uniform, and chose a suit
again come alive as men portraying
vately, but his. hopes were soon
Mr. Washington left Philadelphia
"made in America," to encourage
George Washington and his compan-
thwarted. Less than two hours into
early April 21, crossing the Dela-
American industry, a theme his two
ions will retrace the steps he took
the journey, Mr. Washington's party
ware River into New Jersey at Tren-
terms as president would express of-
from Mount Vernon to New York in
stopped for dinner at Wise's Tavern
ton - the scene of one of his great
ten. He wanted a truly independent
a four-horse carriage (relieved by
in Alexandria, where he was praised
military triumphs, again mounted
United States.
the hours of riding his white horse).
in a speech by Mayor Dennis Ram-
on a white horse, to be welcomed by
In his address he said, "the pres-
As commander of our armies, as
sey and 13 toasts were given.
a large number of citizens.
ervation of the sacred fire of liberty,
a chairman presiding over drafting
The night of the first day was
On the 22nd, Mr. Washington and
and the destiny of the republican
the new Constitution, Mr. Washing-
spent at Spurrier's Tavern Inn, about
his party visited Princeton, and then
model of government, are
staked
ton was willing to respond when his
dozen miles south of Baltimore. He
moved on to New Brunswick, where
on the experiment entrusted to the
country called. An even more dif-
was able to travel only as far as Bal-
he was met by Gov. William Living-
hands of the American people."
ficult task, however, lay ahead: to
reconcile the political and economic
views and policies of Alexander
Hamilton with Thomas Jefferson
and of the plantation states with the
mercantile North and a restless
West.
Many of the delegates to the Con-
stitutional Convention in Philadel-
phia had Mr. Washington in mind
when they created the job of pres-
ident, and the successful ratification
process by the states was in part due
to the widely shared belief that Mr.
Washington would be the first pres-
ident. Many people felt that Mr.
Washington was the only person who
could preserve the fragile compro-
mises made between large and small
states, North and South during the
Constitutional Convention.
Having been officially notified by
Warren E. Burger, chief justice of
the United States from 1969 to 1986,
is chairman of the Commission on
the Bicentennial of the U.S. Constitu-
tion.
Detail from "First In Peace;" Washington's arrival In New York, 1789
ROBERT SIEGRIST
A bicentennial milestone
a Fourth of July mood throughout. It
was, in short, a triumphant tour both
unprecedented and unparalleled in
American history. And yet, the big-
gest, the loudest, the most tumultu-
J
ust two hundred years ago to-
again to stray from his good life as
accounts-receivable problems, Mr.
Washington had to borrow 600
ous reception awaited him in New
day, George Washington re-
proprietor of Mount Vernon.
ceived formal notification of
pounds from Alexandria friend
York City, where he arrived April 23.
Yet, by the moment of his pre-
his election as the first pres-
sumed final retirement from ser-
Richard Conway to pay his Virginia
It was a reception so tumultuous
ident of the United States. It was no
debts and finance the trip to New
that even Mr. Washington was moved
vice as president of the Constitu-
surprise. But it was a long time com-
tional Convention in 1787, he had
York.
to note it in his diary entry that day.
ing. He had been the unanimous
long since become a national sym-
His concerns, reservations and
"The display of boats which at-
choice of the Electoral College when
bol; a father figure held by his coun-
problems notwithstanding, however,
tended and joined us
the decora-
it had met Feb. 4. But the vote could
his bags were packed and his affirm-
tions of the ships, the roar of the
trymen in such unparalleled affec-
not be official until the ballots had
cannon, and the loud acclamations
tion, confidence and esteem that his
ative response prepared when, on
been counted in the presence of the
election as president of the newly
April 14, Charles Thomson, secre-
of the people which rent the skies,"
he wrote, but added the note that it
members of the First Congress of
constituted United States had been a
tary of the Continental Congress, fi-
the United States.
nally arrived at Mount Vernon with
"filled my mind with sensations as
foregone conclusion.
Its members assembled so slowly
Now his lack of interest in return-
the official word. Vintage Washing-
painful as they are pleasing.
at the temporary capital, New York
ing to public service was com-
ton, his response said it all:
Clearly, all of the rich and uproar-
City, that more than a month was lost
pounded by his realization that his
"Whatever may have been my pri-
ious acclamation of the people had
before the necessary quorum was
acceptance of the presidency would
vate feelings and sentiments, I be-
not lightened his mood. Nor had it by
present.
lead him to his most severe chal-
lieve I cannot give a greater evi-
April 30, when he stepped onto the
dence of my sensibility for the honor
balcony of Federal Hall to take the
lenge as a national figure. He feared
This brought uncertainty to the
oath of office.
that, should this bold new experi-
they (my fellow citizens) have done
country and anxiety to the 57-year-
ment in self-government that was
me, than by accepting the ap-
And that mood continued to show
old Mr. Washington; an anxiety
the American Republic fail, chaos
pointment
?
itself in the great solemnity of his
which only compounded his mixed
would result; and with it, the loss of
So it was that, on the morning of
inaugural address, in which he ad-
emotions. Throughout his adult life,
liberty for the nation, and the loss of
the 16th, Mr. Washington again bade
mitted, anew, his "anxieties," his "de-
he had seen himself as, primarily, a
the public esteem he now enjoyed.
reluctant farewell to Martha and
spondence," his "deficiencies." Hav-
farmer and a businessman. Yet
So it was that, during the month
Mount Vernon to begin the arduous
ing done so, he struck a tone deeply
much of that life had been consumed
and a half that dragged by after the
journey to New York that would etch
religious; a tone reflected, though
by public service. Upon completion
meeting of the Electoral College,
him even more indelibly into history.
with less severity and stilt, in the
of each mission, Mr. Washington
Washington's anxieties grew, and his
inaugural addresses of each of his
Some of that anxiety and pain
vowed, ever more resolutely, never.
successors.
mood darkened with each passing
should have been eased by the gala
"It would." he told his hushed au-
ing to the Constitution. It will reach
andria, Georgetown, Baltimore and
me way to Philadelphia, to
into grade schools, high schools, col-
the cheers of thousands, who
Streets, George Washington was
finally Elizabethtown, N.J. and to
leges, luncheon clubs and the armed
New York
filled the doors, windows and street.
sworn in as the first president. He
services.
[and were] greater than on any other
wore a suit of brown material, man-
Mr. Washington intended the jour
For eight days n.April, one part
ney from Mount Vernon to New York
occasion we ever remember," ac
ufactured in Hartford, Conn. Mr.
of this dramatic story will once
City, to be made quickly and pri-
cording to the Pennsy vania Gazette.
Washington declined to wear his full-
dress uniform, and chose a suit
again come alive as men portraying
vately, but his hopes were soon
Mr. Washington left Philadelphia
"made in America," to encourage
George Washington and his compan-
thwarted. Less than two hours into
early April 21, crossing the Dela-
American industry, a theme his two
ions will retrace the steps he took
the journey, Mr. Washington's party
ware River into New Jersey at Tren-
termsas president would express of-
from Mount Vernon to New York in
stopped for dinner at Wise's Tavern
ton the scene of one of his great
ten. He wanted a truly independent
a four-horse carriage (relieved by
in lexandria, where he was praised
military triumphs, again mounted
United States.
APR
DAY,
the hours of riding his white horse)
in a speech by Mayor Dennis Ram
on a white horse, to be welcomed by
In his address he said, the pres-
As commander of our armies, as
sey and 13 toasts were given
a large number of citizens.
ervation of the sacred fire of liberty,
a chairman presiding over drafting
The night of the first day! was
On the 22nd, Mr. Washington and
and the destiny of the republican
the new Constitution, Mr. Washing-
spent at Spurrier's Tavern Inn, about
his party visited Princeton, and then
model of government, are
staked
ton was willing to respond when his
a dozen miles south of Baltimore. He
moved on to New Brunswick, where
on the experiment entrusted to the
country called. An even more dif-
was able to travel only as far as Bal
he was met by Gov. William Living-
hands of the American people"
ficult task, however, lay ahead: to
reconcile the political and economic
views and policies of Alexander
Hamilton with Thomas Jefferson
and of the plantation states with the
mercantile North and restless
West.
Many of the delegates to the Con-
stitutional Convention in Philadel-
phia had Mr. Washington in mind
when they created the job of pres-
ident, and the successful ratification
process by the states was in part due
to the widely shared belief that Mr.
Washington would be the first pres-
ident. Many people felt that Mr.
Washington was the only person who
could preserve the fragile compro-
mises made between large and small
states, North and South during the
Constitutional Convention.
Having been officially notified by
Warren E. Burger, chief justice of
the United States from 1969 to 1986,
is chairman of the Commission on
the Bicentennial of the U.S. Constitu-
tion:
Detail from "First In Peace;" Washington's arrival in New York, 1789
ROBERT SIEGRIST
A bicentennial milestone
a Fourth of July mood throughout It
was, in short, a triumphant tour both
unprecedented and unparalleled in
American history. And yet, the big-
again to stray from his good life as
gest, the loudest, the most tumultu-
J
ust two hundred years ago to-
accounts-receivable problems, Mr.
day, George Washington re-
proprietor of Mount Vernon.
Washington had to borrow 600
ous reception awaited him in New
ceived formal notification of
Yet, by the moment of his pre-
pounds from Alexandria friend
York City, where he arrived April 23.
his election as the first pres-
sumed final retirement from ser-
Richard Conway to pay his Virginia
It was a reception so tumultuous
ident of the United States. It was no
vice as president of the Constitu-
debts and finance the trip to New
that even Mr. Washington was moved
surprise. But it was a long time com-
tional Convention in 1787, he had
York.
to note it in his diary entry that day.
ing. He had been the unanimous
long since become a national sym-
His concerns, reservations and
"The display of boats which at-
choice of the Electoral College when
bol; a father figure held by his coun-
problems notwithstanding, however,
tended and joined us
the
decora-
it had met Feb. 4. But the vote could
trymen in such unparalleled affec-
his bags were packed and his affirm-
tions of the ships, the roar of the
not be official until the ballots had
tion, confidence and esteem that his
ative response prepared when, on
cannon, and the loud acclamations
been counted in the presence of the
election as president of the newly
April 14, Charles Thomson, secre-
of the people which rent the skies,"
members of the First Congress of
constituted United States had been a
tary of the Continental Congress, fi-
he wrote, but added the note that it
the United States.
foregone conclusion.
nally arrived at Mount Vernon with
"filled my mind with sensations as
Its members assembled so slowly
Now his lack of interest in return-
the official word. Vintage Washing-
painful as they are pleasing."
at the temporary capital, New York
ing to public service was com-
ton, his response said it all:
Clearly, all of the rich and uproar-
City, that more than a month was lost
pounded by realization that his
"Whatever may have been my pri-
ious acclamation of the people had
before the necessary quorum was
acceptance of the presidency would
vate feelings and sentiments, I be-
not lightened his mood. Nor had it by
present.
lead him to his most severe chal-
lieve I cannot give a greater evi-
April 30, when he stepped onto the
lenge as a national figure. He feared
dence of my sensibility for the honor
balcony of Federal Hall to take the
This brought uncertainty to the
that, should this bold new experi-
they (my fellow citizens) have done
oath of office.
country and anxiety to the 57-year-
ment in self-government that was
me, than by accepting the ap-
And that mood continued to show
old Mr. Washington; an anxiety
the American Republic fail, chaos
pointment
itself in the great solemnity of his
which only compounded his mixed
would result; and with it, the loss of
So it was that, on the morning of
inaugural address, in which he ad-
emotions. Throughout his adult life,
liberty for the nation, and the loss of
the 16th, Mr. Washington again bade
mitted, anew, his "anxieties," his "de-
he had seen himself as, primarily, a
the public esteem he now enjoyed.
reluctant farewell to Martha and
spondence," his "deficiencies." Hav-
farmer and a businessman. Yet
So it was that, during the month
Mount Vernon to begin the arduoùs
ing done so, he struck a tone deeply
much of that life had been consumed
and a half that dragged by after the
journey to New York that would etch
religious; a tone reflected, though
by public service. Upon completion
meeting of the Electoral College,
him even more indelibly into history.
with less severity and stilt, in the
of each mission, Mr. Washington
Washington's anxieties grew, and his
inaugural addresses of each of his
vowed, ever more resolutely, never
Some of that anxiety and pain
mood darkened with each passing
successors.
should have been eased by the gala
day. Nor was it eased by the mood of
"It would," he told his hushed au-
reception afforded him at his first
his wife, Martha, whose concerns
stop at nearby Alexandria; a civic
dience, "be peculiarly improper to
Robert R. Siegrist is executive di-
about his accepting the presidency
reception topped by a sumptuous
omit in this first official act my fer-
rector of the Ferry Farm Project, the
and moving to New York City were
feast that set the tone and pattern for
vent supplication to the Almighty
effort by the Stafford County, Va.,
SO great that she declined to accom-
Being
what he would witness at every other
Board of Supervisors to acquire, Te:
pany him to the inauguration, pre-
For the government of the United
of his many stops along the way.
construct and open to the public
ferring to join him later.
The entire trip was studded with
States of America, George Washing-
George Washington's boyhood home
There was still another problem:
ton had set the tone and course of
cheering throngs who jostled just to
on the Rappahannock River oppo-
Perpetually "land poor" and suffer-
faith and confidence in Divine
touch him, to wish him well; by
site Fredericksburg.
ing more than his usual share of
Providence by which his own life had
bands and speeches and parades and
long been directed.
turns are down.
New York State, which had
them until Aug. 15 to file without
"The last I checked, early this
about 4.5 million returns in by
penalty. He said 600,000 New
week, we were 350,000 returns be-
late last week, typically pro-
Yorkers did just that last year.
CEZ
hind last year," said Karl Felsen,
cesses 7 million returns in the
department spokesman.
Those who do not file may owe
HIS MEANES
tax season and another 1 million
penalties and interest if taxes
Preparers in Manhattan ex-
at other times, Felsen said.
THE ULTIMAT
are due. But he said one-third of
pected last-minute filers to
To aid last-minute filers, the
Choose from 4,000
T
returns produce a refund.
HIS BIGGEST BOLDES
COLLECTION OF EXO
BLENDS OF LINEN
BY HANDS OF OL
Associated Press
PORTOFINO IMPORTED
100% COTTON IN SOLID
WHITE BROADCLOTH,
LIGHTW
M
A
N
580 BROADW.
ALL MAJOR CRI
MON-TH 12-7:45
NEW FOR SPi
NAME
DE
I CANNOT GET A RIDE: Washington (William Sommerfield) dumps his broken carriage.
Washington schlepped here
By CHARLES CARILLO
George's trip
researched Washington's life,
We cannot tell a lie: the man
and he'll answer questions dur-
pictured here is not George
Washington
On the other hand, William
to Apple gets
ing the trip in accordance with
his knowledge.
Just don't ask him about
Sommerfield is a fairly star-
a rough start
cherry trees, wooden teeth, or
tling replica of the Father of
the silver dollar Washington's
our Country - which is why
said to have thrown across the
he's portraying the big guy all
switching to a back-up car-
Potomac.
this week.
riage that was hauled to a park
"That's exactly why this trip
Sommerfield left Mt. Vernon,
along the route.
is being made - so those
Va. by horse-drawn carriage
Like Washington, Sommer-
myths can be swept away,"
yesterday to commemorate
field stands 6-2, weighs 210, has
said Sommerfield, 58.
the 200th anniversary of the
presidency.
blue-gray eyes and long silver
Washington wore false teeth,
Washington made the jour-
hair that was once sandy red.
all right, but they were made of
And like Washington, Sommer-
bone and ivory.
ney to New York when he
field's serpentine journey will
The tale of him chopping
learned he was president.
But yesterday less than 100
take him about 250 miles
down his father's cherry tree is
through Maryland, Delaware,
not documented anywhere,
feet into the 250-mile trek to
Sommerfield added.
Mo
New York - Sommerfield's
Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
And the one about him hurl-
carriage broke down. One
He's a "professional inter-
ing the silver dollar is the big-
The Name in
wheel hit a fence post, break-
preter" who's played this role
gest whopper of all.
ing the shaft between the har-
many times - which is why
"First of all, the Potomac in
162 Fifth A
nesses and the carriage.
the government hired him for
front of Mount Vernon is a mile
So Sommerfield left the Mt.
this eight-day, 57-event gig.
wide," Sommerfield noted.
MONDAY F
Vernon estate in a Ford van,
(And you thought your tax
"And they didn't have silver
travelling 20th-century style dollars were being wasted.)
dollars. They had paper dol-
for the first five miles before Sommerfield has thoroughly lars." usd Seem
We,welcome American Exp
GTON
[APRIL
1789]
A WHITE-ROBED CHOIR
291
TATE OF
elegant taste with which it was adorned for the present occa-
sion, and the innocent appearance of the white-robed Choir
who met him with the gratulatory song,47 have made such im-
g, April 21, 1789.
pressions on his remembrance, as, he assures them, will never
ments to the Presi-
be effaced.48
:y to communicate
Gentlemen of the
THE FIRST INAUGURAL ADDRESS
form his escort to
made his arrange-
[April 30, 1789.]
15 New York, at a
Fellow Citizens of the Senate and the House of Representatives.
necessity of leaving
Among the vicissitudes incident to life, no event could have
er is likely to prove
filled me with greater anxieties than that of which the notifica-
he military Gentle-
Washington has entered on pp. 17-18 of this volume of the "Letter Book" the
1 the manner they
words of the song which was sung by the white robed Choir," and also a copy of his
with their good in-
acknowledgment to the ladies, which is the only entry in the volume in his writing.
From the original in the Trenton Public Library. For a photostat of this, and
by taking any un-
Jane Ewing's description, I am indebted to Dr. Carlos E. Godfrey, director of New
Jersey Public Record Office.
the proofs of their
"The Triumphal Arch supported by thirteen Pillars adorned with wreaths of flow-
ers the form was thus [a rough diagram of arch and pillars, entwined with
flowers. The inscription on the arch reads: 'The Protector of the Mothers will also
protect their Daughters.' Below the center of the arch was hung a small square on
which was the date December 26, 1776] the writing large letters painted yellow on
0 ASSEMBLED
white; the pillars on one side 6 the other 7 observe all the Scollops is wreaths of
laurel and pillars flowers. the Ladies was rang'd in a line from the arch along the
CH⁴⁸
Bridge and thirteen Girls dress't in white with Baskets of flowers they sung the inclos'd
song and when they come these words Build and strew thy way with flowers they
skaterd them round that is the flowers out of their Baskets round his horses feet.
1, April 21, 1789.
he sat on his horse while they sung and then made them a low Bow say'd the Ladies
e without express-
had done them a very great honour requested them to except his most greateful
thanks, the most respectable Carecters met him at the ferry, the Infantry and Dragoons
nd Young Ladies
they made a grand apearance he stayd all night at Vandigrifts Mr. Ewing and a few
others spent the Evening with him and next morning at Sunrise accompanied him 8
[ a manner at the
miles out of town."-Jane Ewing to James Hunter, jr., at Philadelphia, Apr. 23, 1789.
The original is in the Public Record Office at Trenton, N.J.
te sensation he ex-
Marshall's account gives the inscription as: "The Defender of the Mothers will be
tonishing contrast
the Protector of the Daughters," and says the dates of the two memorable events
were on a dome or cupola of flowers and evergreens above the arch. Sparks, quoting
the same spot, the
from Marshall, V. 12, p. 149-50, gives the verses sung by the young ladies. Joseph
Vandegrift's tavern was on North Warren Street. Jane Ewing was the wife of Mas-
kell Ewing, and daughter of James Hunter, of Philadelphia.
Washington reached Princeton April 21, where he received and answered an ad-
dress from the president and faculty of the College of New Jersey and the inhabitants.
Bridge, which extends
"Assanpink" before the
He reached New Brunswick April 22, and lodged at Woodbridge; and arrived at
Bridgetown April 23. A specially built barge, rowed by I3 pilots, with Capt. Thomas
Randall acting as coxswain, conveyed him across New York bay to the city, which he
292
WRITINGS OF WASHINGTON
[APRIL
1789]
THE HAND OF PROVIDENCE
293
tion was transmitted by your order, and received on the four-
be peculiarly improper to omit in this first official Act, my fer-
teenth day of the present month. On the one hand, I was
vent supplications to that Almighty Being who rules over the
summoned by my Country, whose voice I can never hear but
Universe, who presides in the Councils of Nations, and whose
with veneration and love, from a retreat which I had chosen with
providential aids can supply every human defect, that his bene-
the fondest predilection, and, in my flattering hopes, with an
diction may consecrate to the liberties and happiness of the
immutable decision, as the asylum of my declining years: a re-
People of the United States, a Government instituted by them-
treat which was rendered every day more necessary as well as
selves for these essential purposes: and may enable every instru-
more dear to me, by the addition of habit to inclination, and of
ment employed in its administration to execute with success,
frequent interruptions in my health to the gradual waste com-
the functions allotted to his charge. In tendering this homage
mitted on it by time. On the other hand, the magnitude and
to the Great Author of every public and private good, I assure
difficulty of the trust to which the voice of my Country called
myself that it expresses your sentiments nòt less than my own;
me, being sufficient to awake in the wisest and most experi-
nor those of my fellow-citizens at large, less than either. No
enced of her citizens, a distrustful scrutiny into his qualifica-
People can be bound to acknowledge and adore the invisible
tions, could not but overwhelm with dispondence, one, who,
hand, which conducts the Affairs of men more than the People
inheriting inferior endowments from nature and unpractised
of the United States. Every step, by which they have advanced
in the duties of civil administration, ought to be peculiarly con-
to the character of an independent nation, seems to have been
scious of his own deficencies. In this conflict of emotions, all I
distinguished by some token of providential agency. And in
dare aver, is, that it has been my faithful study to collect my
duty from a just appreciation of every circumstance, by which
the important revolution just accomplished in the system of
their United Government, the tranquil deliberations and vol-
it might be affected. All I dare hope, is, that, if in executing
this task I have been too much swayed by a grateful remem-
untary consent of so many distinct communities, from which
brance of former instances, or by an affectionate sensibility to
the event has resulted, cannot be compared with the means by
this transcendent proof, of the confidence of my fellow-citizens;
which most Governments have been established, without some
and have thence too little consulted my incapacity as well as
return of pious gratitude along with an humble anticipation of
disinclination for the weighty and untried cares before me; my
the future blessings which the past seem to presage. These re-
error will be palliated by the motives which misled me, and its
flections, arising out of the present crisis, have forced them-
consequences be judged by my Country, with some share of the
selves too strongly on my mind to be suppressed. You will join
partiality in which they originated.
with me I trust in thinking, that there are none under the influ-
Such being the impressions under which I have, in obedience
ence of which, the proceedings of a new and free Government
to the public summons, repaired to the present station; it would
can more auspiciously commence.
By the article establishing the Executive Department, it is
reached about 2 o'clock p. m. This barge was afterwards presented to the President.
(The letter from a number of gentlemen of New York City to Captain Randall, Apr.
made the duty of the President to recommend to your con-
20, 1789, is in the Washington Papers.)
sideration, such measures as he shall judge necessary and
294
WRITINGS OF WASHINGTON
[APRIL
1789]
PRESIDENTIAL PAY
295
expedient." The circumstances under which I now meet you,
considered as deeply, perhaps as finally staked, on the experi-
will acquit me from entering into that subject, farther than to
ment entrusted to the hands of the American people.
refer to the Great Constitutional Charter under which you are
Besides the ordinary objects submitted to your care, it will
assembled; and which, in defining your powers, designates the
remain with your judgment to decide, how far an exercise of
objects to which your attention is to be given. It will be more
the occasional power delegated by the Fifth article of the Con-
consistent with those circumstances, and far more congenial
stitution is rendered expedient at the present juncture by the
with the feelings which actuate me, to substitute, in place of a
nature of objections which have been urged against the System,
recommendation of particular measures, the tribute that is due
or by the degree of inquietude which has given birth to them.
to the talents, the rectitude, and the patriotism which adorn
Instead of undertaking particular recommendations on this
the characters selected to devise and adopt them. In these hon-
subject, in which I could be guided by no lights derived from
orable qualifications, I behold the surest pledges, that as on one
official opportunities, I shall again give way to my entire con-
side, no local prejudices, or attachments; no seperate views, nor
fidence in your discernment and pursuit of the public good:
party animosities, will misdirect the comprehensive and equal
For I assure myself that whilst you carefully avoid every altera-
eye which ought to watch over this great assemblage of com-
tion which might endanger the benefits of an United and effec-
munities and interests: so, on another, that the foundations of
tive Government, or which ought to await the future lessons
our National policy will be laid in the pure and immutable
of experience; a reverence for the characteristic rights of free-
principles of private morality; and the pre-eminence of a free
men, and a regard for the public harmony, will sufficiently in-
Government, be exemplified by all the attributes which can
fluence your deliberations on the question how far the former
win the affections of its Citizens, and command the respect of
can be more impregnably fortified, or the latter be safely and
the world.
advantageously promoted.
I dwell on this prospect with every satisfaction which an ar-
To the preceeding observations I have one to add, which will
dent love for my Country can inspire: since there is no truth
be most properly addressed to the House of Representatives.
more thoroughly established, than that there exists in the œcon-
It concerns myself, and will therefore be as brief as possible.
omy and course of nature, an indissoluble union between virtue
When I was first honoured with a call into the Service of my
and happiness, between duty and advantage, between the gen-
Country, then on the eve of an arduous struggle for its liberties,
uine maxims of an honest and magnanimous policy, and the
the light in which I contemplated my duty required that I
solid rewards of public prosperity and felicity: Since we ought
should renounce every pecuniary compensation. From this res-
to be no less persuaded that the propitious smiles of Heaven,
olution I have in no instance departed. And being still under
can never be expected on a nation that disregards the eternal
the impressions which produced it, I must decline as inappli-
rules of order and right, which Heaven itself has ordained:
cable to myself, any share in the personal emoluments, which
And since the preservation of the sacred fire of liberty, and the
may be indispensably included in a permanent provision for
destiny of the Republican model of Government, are justly
the Executive Department; and must accordingly pray that
296
WRITINGS OF WASHINGTON
[APRIL
1789]
THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR
297
the pecuniary estimates for the Station in which I am placed,
lature of Virginia in opposition to my express desire signified
may, during my continuance in it, be limited to such actual
in the clearest terms to the Governor of that State, appointed
expenditures as the public good may be thought to require.
me a Delegate to the federal Convention. Never was my em-
Having thus imparted to you my sentiments, as they have
barrassment or hesitation more extreme or dis.
been awakened by the occasion which brings us together, I
[5]
At the beginning of the late War with Great Brit-
shall take my present leave; but not without resorting once
ain, when we thought ourselves justifiable in resisting to blood,
more to the benign parent of the human race, in humble sup-
is was known to those best acquainted with the different con-
plication that since he has been pleased to favour the American
dition of the combatants and the probable cost of the prize in
people, with opportunities for deliberating in perfect tranquil-
dispute, that the expence in comparison with our circumstances
ity, and dispositions for deciding with unparellelled unanimity
as Colonists must be enormous, the struggle protracted, dubious
on a form of Government, for the security of their Union, and
and severe. It was known that the resources of Britain were, in
the advancement of their happiness; so his divine blessing may
a manner, inexhaustible, that her fleets covered the Ocean, and
be equally conspicuous in the enlarged views, the temperate
that her troops had harvested laurels in every quarter of the
consultations, and the wise measures on which the success of
globe. Not then organised as a nation, or known as a people
this Government must depend.50
upon the earth, we had no preparation. Money, the nerve of
War, was wanting. The Sword was to be forged on the Anvil
* [PROPOSED ADDRESS TO CONGRESS] 51
of necessity: the treasury to be created from nothing. If we had
a secret resource of a nature unknown to our enemy, it was in
[April ?, 1789.]
the unconquerable resolution of our Citizens, the conscious
myself with the idea it was all that would ever be ex-
rectitude of our cause, and a confident trust that we should not
pected at my hand. But in this I was disappointed. The Legis-
be forsaken by Heaven. The people willingly [6] offered them-
"This request was, after consideration, seen to establish an awkward precedent, and
selves to the battle; but the means of Arming, clothing and
Congress fixed the compensation of the President at $25,000 a year. Washington
drew only $196,121 from the Treasury during his two terms, but the $3,879, which
subsisting them; as well as of procuring the implements of hos-
is the difference between $200,000 and his warrants, is almost exactly the salary for
tility were only to be found in anticipation of our future wealth.
the 56 or 57 days which his first administration lacked of being 4 full years. The
curious may be further satisfied by the following figures taken from the Govern-
Paper bills of credit were emitted: Monies borrowed for the
ment's statement of warrants drawn for the use of the President: From Sept. 26, 1789,
to Dec. 27, 1791, $72,150; from Jan. 3, 1792, to Dec. 19, 1792, $22,500; Jan. 4 to
his friends. The complete manuscript was more than 62 pages in length, Washington
Dec. 27, 1793, $27,500; Mar. 17 to Dec. II, 1794, $24,000; Jan. I to Dec. 22, 1795,
having numbered each page himself. It was most carefully written and evidently was
$19,500; Jan. 5 to Dec. 21, 1796, $23,596; Jan. I3 to Mar. 7, 1797, $6,875. In all,
considered of importance at the time it was inscribed. Some of the widely separated
$196,121.
pages bear Sparks's initialed statement that this is Washington's handwriting, and on
From the original in the files of the United States Senate, in the National Archives,
the margin of page 33 Sparks has written "Washington's handwriting, but not his
Washington, D. C. (See Washington's letter to James Madison, May 5, 1789, post.)
composition. J.S." Comment is needless. It is extremely doubtful that the complete
This document now exists in fragmentary form only. The first pages are missing.
document can ever be recovered. Those pages that are numbered have been placed in
Apparently intended as Washington's inaugural address, or as his first annual message
sequence and the unnumbered fragments have been tentatively placed. Washing-
to Congress, it was discarded and not used. Jared Sparks, finding that the document
ton's numbering is inserted at the beginning of the page texts in brackets, for the sake
had no official existence, did as he had done in other instances (specifically the Wash-
of record. Photostats of all the known fragments (with the exception noted, pp.57-58)
ington "Diaries"), split up the document and presented pages and cuttings of pages to
are in the "Washington Photostats" in the Library of Congress.
GW_200 _OR CENSUS 1990 TEL No 212-732-3152
Apr 26,89 12:04 No 018 P.01
MAYOR'S OFFICE -- CITY OF NEW YORK
212-566-5291
FAX NO.: 212-732-3152
DATE:
26 APR. 1989
RETT WALLACE
TO:
[RECIPIENT'S FAX NO.: 202 456 6218 ]
FROM:
RICHARD B. BERNSTEIN
NUMBER OF PAGES TO FOLLOW:
5
ACTION TO BE TAKEN
DELIVER IMMEDIATELY
[ x
]
SEND BY MESSENGER
[
]
AS REQUESTED
[ X
]
FOR YOUR INFORMATION
[ Y#
)
PLEASE APPROVE AND CALL ME [
3
OTHER ACTION TO BE TAKEN:
THANK YOU.
GW_200 _OR CENSUS 1990 TEL No. .212-732-3152
Apr 26,89 12:04 No. .018 P.02
MEMORANDUM
TO:
Rett Wallace
FROM: Richard B. Bernstein
DATE: 26 April 1989
RE:
Federal Hall -- historical information on
Washington's Presidency
As we discussed today, I attach my essay, "I Walk on
Untrodden Ground': George Washington as President,
1789-1797." This essay will appear in Stephen L. Schechter
and Richard B. Bernstein, eds., WELL BEGUN: CHRONICLES OF
THE EARLY NATIONAL PERIOD (Albany: New York State
Commission on the Bicentennial of the U.S. Constitution,
1989).
I hope that it is of some assistance to you; of course, I
will be glad to answer any questions that you or your
colleagues may have on history, historiography, and so forth
-- even questions about wooden teeth and cherry trees.
GW_200 _OR CENSUS 1990 TEL No. 212-732-3152
Apr 26,89 12:04 No.018 P.03
"I WALK ON UNTRODDEN GROUND":
GEORGE WASHINGTON AS PRESIDENT, 1789-1797
Richard B. Bernstein
President George Washington found it difficult to share
the feelings of joy and pride that prevailed at his
inauguration in 1789. He knew the magnitude of the task
before him. He wrote, "Few who are not philosophical
spectators can realize the difficult and delicate part which
a man in my situation had to act
I walk on untrodden
ground. There is scarcely any part of my conduct which may
not hereafter be drawn into precedent. " /
As Washington knew, the Presidency of the United States
was unique in the history of government. Its creation
caused the framers of the Constitution as much trouble as
anything else in the document. As the design for the
Presidency took shape at the Federal Convention in the
summer and fall of 1787, the few dozen men who struggled to
define the office found themselves under the shadow of two
Georges: George III and George Washington. /
The framers of the Constitution were wrestling with the
concept of executive power, which most Americans had learned
to distrust in the Revolutionary era. In the years
leading up to the American Revolution, advocates of the
colonists' cause repeatedly appealed to George III as an
impartial "patriot king" who would mediate among his
subjects to achieve the common good. The Americans bitterly
resented King George's failure even to acknowledge their
arguments; they also resented his representatives in
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America, the royal governors of the colonies. Thus, most
state constitutions framed during the 1770s had cut back
sharply on the authority and independence of their chief
executives, or governors, and Pennsylvania and Vermont had
done away with an independent executive altogether.
At the same time, American political thinkers such as
John Adams of Massachusetts, John Jay of New York, and
Thomas Jefferson of Virginia counseled against abandoning
executive power altogether. The New York constitution of
1777 (largely the work of Jay) and the Massachusetts
constitution of 1780 (drafted by Adams) created the first
popularly elected chief executives in the western world;
these state constitutions found a wide and appreciative
audience, and shaped the thinking of those who framed the
U.S. Constitution a decade later.
Just as important an influence on the creation of the
Presidency was Washington's presence at the Convention as a
Virginia delegate. As he presided over the Convention's
debates, he may well have been aware of his fellow
delegates' appraising glances. If the proposed Constitution
was adopted, its framers thought, Washington most likely
would be the first man chosen to be President; for this
reason, the aged Benjamin Franklin urged, they need not give
in to their fears as they shaped the office. Washington's
shadow, too, hung over the Convention, as the delegates
sought to strike a balance between their hopes, symbolized
by Washington, and their fears, symbolized by George III.
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Washington already had had a great deal of practice as
the repository of his fellow citizens' confidence. 4/ Ever
since 1775, when he was named Commander-in-Chief of the
Continental Army, Washington had been a living symbol of the
Revolution, Independence, and American nationalism.
Throughout the war, he had to watch his conduct lest any
slip or indiscretion on his part damage his country's cause.
Even in peace, the General kept a sharp eye on the propriety
of his public and private life. He worried lest his service
as a delegate to the Federal Convention in 1787 be seen as
betraying his 1783 pledge that he was done with public
affairs. He remained silent during the ratification
controversy, content to let his signature on the
Constitution speak for itself. And, when it became all but
certain that he would be chosen as the first President of
the United States, his friends and supporters James Madison
and Alexander Hamilton had constantly to reassure him that
it was appropriate for him to accept the office.
Thus, the first President was already sensitive to one
of the most difficult tasks confronting any President: the
ceremonial role of Head of State. Although he often found
his symbolic role painful and embarrassing, Washington
gamely bore the burden. In his conduct as President,
Washington sought to maintain his personal dignity and
reserve in the hope that it would come to be associated with
the office he held, so that the personal respect he enjoyed
would also attach itself to the Presidency. In particular,
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he followed the advice of his longtime adviser Alexander
Hamilton, who maintained that pomp and ceremony were
necessary to preserve the respect of the people for their
chief executive. Other Americans, worried lest the people
forget that they had once overthrown a monarch, repeatedly
criticized Washington for assuming kingly airs and for
condoning the ornate ceremony of formal receptions, or
levees.
This symbolic role dominated the pPresident's first
year in office. He had little else to do except to sign
bills enacted by Congress and to fill offices created by
Congress. He found this last responsibility especially
burdensome. As he explained to one friend:
That part of the President's duty which
obliges him to nominate persons for offices is the
most delicate and in many instances will be, to
me, the most unpleasing, for it may frequently
happen that there will be several applicants for
the same office, whose merits and pretensions are
so nearly equal that it will almost require the
aid of supernatural intuition to fix upon the
right. 5/
Washington governed his appointments policy by reference to
three criteria. First, he sought the ablest men available.
Second, he preferred to appoint those whom he knew to be
warm friends of the Constitution and sincerely committed to
its success. Third, aware of the touchy sensibilities of
the several states and sections of the United States, he
strove for geographic balance in his appointments to
national office.
As discussed elsewhere in this book, Washington devoted
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great care to selecting his principal advisers, the heads of
the executive departments created by Congress. He regarded
as a mandate of his office the part of Article II, Section 2
of the Constitution authorizing the President to require the
written opinions of the heads of the executive departments
on major questions, and convened them regularly to discuss
pending issues. This practice gave rise to the first major
extra-constitutional institution, the President's Cabinet (a
term borrowed from British usage), then composed of the
secretaries of state, the treasury, and war and the attorney
general. The president also consulted Representative James
Madison of Virginia (on whom he had come to rely during the
framing and adoption of the Constitution) and Chief Justice
John Jay.
Washington's habit of seeking advice from all available
sources became a sore point with his critics, who charged
that he was indecisive. A more accurate assessment came
from his first secretary of state, Thomas Jefferson, who
declared long after Washington's death that the president's
mind was "slow in operation, being little aided by invention
or imagination, but sure in conclusion." /
Washington's practice of seeking advice from as many
sources as possible occasionally had constitutional
consequences. At one point in his first term, Washington
and Jefferson inadvertently set a major precedent in the
area of separation of powers. They sought to submit a
question of treaty interpretation to the Supreme Court,
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seeking what we would call an "advisory opinion." The
Justices politely but firmly refused, declaring that their
powers extended only to actual "cases or controversies," as
required by Article III of the Constitution. Similarly,
when Washington and Secretary of War Henry Knox sought the
advice and consent of the Senate to a proposed strategy for
negotiating a treaty with Indian tribes, the embarrassed
Senators suggested that the president return when he had a
completed treaty to lay before them. This incident
established the understanding that negotiating a treaty
falls within the province of the executive branch, with the
Senate's role limited to ratifying or rejecting all or part
of what the executive has been able to negotiate.
The president tended to defer to Congress in the
shaping of federal policy, exercising his veto power only
when he believed a proposed statute to be unconstitutional.
As to economic issues, he permitted Treasury Secretary
Hamilton great discretion, largely due to his confidence in
Hamilton's knowledge and ability. On the other hand, he
acted as his own Secretary of State and Secretary of War,
believing that he had adequate experience and knowledge to
assume these responsibilities. This tendency caused few
problems for Secreetary Knox, who resumed the familiar habit
of executing Washington's instructions as he had done during
the Revolution. However, Thomas Jefferson, one of the
nation's most experienced diplomats, chafed at the degree to
which, as Secretary of State, he was forced to follow the
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dictates of the President rather than have a free hand in
shaping policy. 7/
The most important instance of Washington's practice of
directing foreign relations came in 1793. with Europe
convulsed by a war between the revolutionary French Republic
and the conservative monarchies, pressure mounted on the
United States to take sides. Supporters of the French,
including Secretary of State Jefferson and Representative
Madison, maintained that the 1778 friendship treaty between
France and the United States required the United States to
come to the aid of its old ally. Those who distrusted and
feared the revolutionary French government, such as Treasury
Secretary Hamilton, Secretary of War Knox, Vice President
Adams, and Chief Justice Jay, maintained that the United
States should remain neutral, and that the 1778 treaty had
been abrogated by the overthrow of the former French
monarchy. Washington ultimately accepted the arguments for
neutrality, issuing a Neutrality Proclamation and by
implication asserting inherent Presidential authority over
foreign relations.
Few men could have managed to hold together a Cabinet
containing members as brilliant and antithetical as Hamilton
and Jefferson. More than once, the President had to resort
to cajolery and even to formal reprimands to control the
antagonism that threatened to split his government. He
tended to sympathize with Hamilton's points of view, for he
shared with Hamilton first-hand knowledge of the weaknesses
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that had nearly destroyed the United Statess under the
Articles of Confederation, as well as a pessimism about
human nature lurking just underneath the calm face he showed
to the world. When Jefferson left the Cabinet in 1793, soon
after he had joined forces with Hamilton to persuade the
President to accept a second term, Washington was hurt by
what he saw as Jefferson's betrayal and in consequence
placed even more reliance on Hamilton and the Federalists.
Nonetheless, Washington was alarmed by the rivalry and
dissension between Hamilton and Jefferson, for it hinted at
an even more ominous development in the nation at large --
the rebirth of party strife. Washington viewed the
growing rupture between the Administration's supporters, or
Federalists, and opponents, or Republicans, as the first
signs of factional strife that might tear the republic to
pieces. This had been the teaching of political
philosophers and historians of republican government for
thousands of years, and virtually every leading member of
the Revolutionary generation shared these views. Despite
their fears, however, the American political system adapted
to the development of political parties, and the republic
did not fall.
Yet another Presidential role inaugurated by the first
President was that of Commander-in-Chief of the armed
forces, a role specified in the Constitution. In 1794, it
became apparent that the farmers of western Pennsylvania
were refusing to pay federal taxes on whisky, an important
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element of Hamilton's fiscal program. Hamilton was outraged
by this defiance of federal authority, and the President
agreed. Washington placed the militias of Pennsylvania, New
Jersey, Maryland, and Virginia under federal authority, and
became the first of only two Presidents actually to take the
field as Commander-in-Chief. He, Hamilton, and General
Henry Lee led an army of 12,500 men throughout western
Pennsylvania seeking the rebels. Although the "Whiskey
Rebellion" turned out to be more rumor than reality,
Washington's actions vindicated the authority of the federal
government. They also alarmed Republicans, who feared that
the army might be used to suppress them even though the
First Amendment protected their political rights. 10/
Seeking to ease the tension between Britain and the
United States, the President sent Chief Justice John Jay to
London to negotiate a treaty. Jay's instructions, which
again provoked heated dissension within the Cabinet, were
wide-ranging, granting the veteran diplomat great discretion
and authorizing him to take account of border disputes, the
question of unpaid debts to British creditors, and trade
issues. When Jay returned from London with a treaty in
hand, its terms seemed so one-sided in favor of Britain that
even Jay's friend Hamilton was startled. The dispute over
the Jay Treaty exacerbated the already tense situation in
American politics. Republican gatherings hanged Jay in
effigy; one outraged opponent of the treaty wrote, "Damn
John Jay! Damn everyone who won't damn John Jay! Damn
GW_200 _OR CENSUS 1990 TEL No .212-732-3152
Apr 26,89 12:04 No.018 P.12
everyone who won't sit up all night with a candle in his
window damning John Jay!" Despite all odds, the Senate
ratified the treaty. The Republican-dominated House sought
to impede putting the treaty into effect, invoking its
authority over appropriations as justification, but
Washington resisted the House's actions as violating the
separation of powers, and ultimately prevailed. 11/
In 1796, Washington determined to retire at the end of
his second term. He had lost all his closest advisers to
retirement, and he had given up any hope of securing a
Cabinet representing diverse points of view. His new
Cabinet was composed of second-rate men who were firm
Federalists, and the President often gave in to outburts of
temper against Republican opposition to his Administration.
He bitterly regretted having been persuaded to accept a
second four-year term, and yearned for the peace and
tranquility of Mount Vernon. He turned once more to
Hamilton, asking him to prepare a farewell address.
Washington then carefully reworked Hamilton's draft line by
line, to put it in his own words and emphasize the points he
wanted stressed. Further drafts went back and forth between
New York and Philadelphia until the President was satisfied.
On September 19, 1796, the "Farewell Address" was
published in David C. Claypoole's American Daily Advertiser.
This statement, the capstone of Washington's political
writings, is remembered today for its eloquent advice
against "entangling alliances" with foreign nations. An
GW_200 _OR CENSUS 1990 TEL No. 212-732-3152
Apr 26,89 12:04 No .018 P.13
equally important theme of the Farewell Address was
Washington's denunciation of the spirit of party and
factionalism which, he warned, could still destroy the
fragile American experiment in government. These passages
of the Address provoked Republican hostility, for members of
the opposition rightly felt that the President was singling
them out for blame for the rise of party controversy. Read
out of context, the Farewell Address may well appear as a
disinterested valedictory, but when the reader recalls that
it appeared in the middle of the 1796 presidential campaign,
the Farewell Address looks more and more like a Federalist
campaign document. By this point, the retiring President
had so gone over to the Federalist camp that he could not
perceive his party bias.
On March 4, 1797, as Washington congratulated his
successor, John Adams, the new President had a curious
fancy, which he confided in a letter to his wife Abigail.
"Ay!" the ex-President seemed to say, "I am fairly out and
you are fairly in. See which of us will be happiest." 12/
It was clear that the former President was overjoyed to have
relinquished the burden of office. For the first time in
over two decades, he could think of himself as a purely
private citizen. If he pondered the preceding eight years,
with all their frustrations, he could take pride at least
that he had done all he could to ensure that the new
government was successfully launched. Fifteen years after
Washington's death in 1799, his old adviser and adversary
GW_200 _OR CENSUS 1990 TEL No .212-732-3152
Apr 26,89 12:04 No.018 P.14
Jefferson penned what may well be the most fitting summation
of Washington's career:
His was the singular destiny and merit of
leading the armies of his country successfully
through an arduous war for the establishment of
its independence, of conducting its councils
through the birth of a government, new in its
forms and principles, until it settled down into a
quiet and orderly train; and of scrupulously
obeying the laws through the whole of his career,
civil and military, of which the history of the
world furnishes no other example. 13/
GW_200 _OR CENSUS 1990 TEL No. 212-732-3152
Apr 26,89 12:04 No.018 P.15
NOTES
1/ Quoted in Robert F. Jones, George Washington, rev.
ed. (New York: Rose Hill Books/Fordham University Press,
1986), 88.
2/ This metaphor comes from Richard B. Bernstein and
Jerome Agel, Into the Third Century: The Presidency (New
York: Walker, 1989), ch. 1.
3/ Willi Paul Adams, The First American Constitutions
(Chapel Hill, N.C.: University of North Carolina Press,
1980). See also Ralph Ketcham, Presidents Above Party: The
First American Presidency, 1789-1829 (Chapel Hill, N.C.:
University of North Carolina Press, 1984).
4/ See generally Barry Schwartz, George Washington:
The Making of an American Symbol (New York: Free Press,
1987); Paul K. Longmore, The Invention of George Washington
(Berkeley: University of California Press, 1988); Garry
Wills, Cincinnatus: George Washington and the Enlightenment
(New York: Doubleday, 1984).
5/ George Washington to Joseph Jones, 14 May 1789,
quoted in Richard B. Bernstein with Kym S. Rice, Are We to
Be a Nation? The Making of the Constitution (Cambridge,
Mass.: Harvard University Press, 1987), 245.
6/ Thomas Jefferson to Walter Jones, 2 January 1814,
quoted in Jones, George Washington, 159.
7/ Forrest McDonald, The Presidency of George
Washington (1974; New York: W.W. Norton, 1975), 40-41.
McDonald, Presidency of Washington, 125-127; John C.
Miller, The Federalist Era, 1789-1801 (New York: Harper &
ROW, 1960), 128-139.
The literature on the origins of parties is
enormous. See generally Richard Hofstadter, The Idea of a
Party System (Berkeley: University of California Press,
1969); Joseph Charles, Origins of the American Party System
(1955; New York: Harper & Row, 1963); Miller, Federalist
Era, passim; Kenneth R. Bowling, "Politics in the First
Congress, 1789-1791" (unpublished Ph.D. dissertation,
University of Wisconsin, Madison, 1968); and the sources
cited in Bernstein with Rice, Are We to Be a Nation?, 318
n.26.
10/ See generally Steven Boyd, ed., The Whiskey
Rebellion (Westport, Conn.: Greenwood Press, 1985); Thomas
Slaughter, The Whiskey Rebellion (New York: Oxford
University Press, 1986).
GW_200 _OR CENSUS 1990 TEL No. 212-732-3152
Apr 26,89 12:04 No.018 P.16
11/ On the diplomatic background and context of Jay's
mission, the classic study is Samuel Flagg Bemis, Jay's
Treaty, rev. ed. (New Haven: Yale University Press, 1960).
On the political controversy, see Jerald A. Combs, The Jay
Treaty (Berkeley: University of California Press, 1970);
Charles, Origins, ch. 3.
12/ John Adams to Abigail Adams, 5 March 1797, quoted
in Jones, George Washington, 139.
13/ Thomas Jefferson to Walter Jones, 2 January 1814,
quoted in Jones, George Washington, 161.
GW_200 _OR CENSUS 1990 TEL No. 212-732-3152
Apr 26,89 12:04 No. 018 P.17
SUGGESTED FURTHER READING:
James Thomas Flexner, George Washington. 4 vols.
Boston: Little, Brown, 1963-1973. [One-volume abridgment:
James Thomas Flexner, Washington: The Indispensable Man.
Boston: Little, Brown, 1975.]
James Hart, The American Presidency in Action: 1789.
New York: Macmillan, 1948.
Ralph Ketcham, Presidents Above Party: The First
American Presidency, 1789-1829. Chapel Hill, N.C.:
University of North Carolina Press, 1984.
Robert F. Jones, George Washington. Originally
published, New York: Twayne, 1979; rev. ed., New York:
Rose Hill Books/Fordham University Press, 1986.
Forrest McDonald, The Presidency of George Washington.
Originally published, Lawrence, KS: University Press of
Kansas, 1974; New York: W.W. Norton, 1975.
John C. Miller, The Federalist Era, 1789-1801. New
York: Harper & Row, 1960.
Leonard D. White, The Federalists: A Study in
Administrative History, 1789-1801. New York: Macmillan,
1948.
(Lange/Wallace)
April 25, 1989
8:15 p.m.
[BICENT.DOC]
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS:
BICENTENNIAL OF WASHINGTON'S INAUGURAL
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK
SUNDAY, APRIL 30, 1989
Two centuries ago, standing here, a man took an oath before
a new nation, in the eyes of God. An oath that I, like 40 before
me, have since had the privilege to take.
No one here today could fail to feel the pulse of history --
the power of that great moment -- in the genesis of a nation.
Here, the first Congress was in session -- crafting fragile
compromises that have endured for 200 years. Here, our first
President issued a solemn address. He admitted his "anxieties"
and "deficiencies," as honest men will. But then he turned to
God for strength. For he knew that the advancement of America,
while it might rely on its presidents, would surely depend on
Providence.
George Washington defined and shaped this office. It was
Washington's vision -- a balance of power and restraint, as he
watched over the Constitutional Convention in 1787 -- that gave
the delegates the confidence to vest powers in a chief executive
unparalleled in any freely-elected government, before or since.
2
For all of the turmoil and transformation of the last two
centuries, there is a great constancy to this office, and this
Republic. We say that leaders are not elected to quarrel, but to
govern. In his first inaugural address, Washington pledged that
"no party animosities will misdirect the comprehensive and equal
eye which ought to watch over this great assemblage of
communities and interests."
We speak of values. On that day, Washington said that "the
foundations of our National Policy will be laid in the pure and
immutable principles of private morality." We reaffirm ethics,
strength, and honor in government. Washington spoke of a
government "exemplified by all the attributes which can win the
affections of its Citizens, and command the respect of the
world. "
We seek a new engagement in the lives of others -- believing
that success cannot be measured by the sum of our possessions.
Washington said there exists "in the economy and course of
nature, an indissoluble union between virtue and happiness,
between duty and advantage."
Over the last two hundred years, we have moved from the
revolution of democracy, to the evolution of peace and
prosperity. But so much remains constant. So much endures.
3
The Presidency, then as now -- in both oath, and in office
-- exists to serve. And the principles that drive this
democracy, then as now, derive from the strength and will of the
people.
Today we stand -- free Americans -- citizens in an
experiment of freedom that has yielded sustained and
unprecedented progress.
Here we dedicate a museum of American Constitutional
Government. But we must also re-dedicate ourselves to the
principles to which Washington so gracefully gave voice, two
hundred years ago today.
We must re-dedicate ourselves to the renewal of united,
representative government, in these United States of America.
Thank you. God bless you. And may God forever bless this
great nation.
(Lange/Wallace)
April 25, 1989
8:15 p.m.
[BICENT.DOC]
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS:
BICENTENNIAL OF WASHINGTON'S INAUGURAL
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK
SUNDAY, APRIL 30, 1989
x
x
x
Two centuries ago, standing here, a man took an oath before
oath
x
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Const.
a new nation, in the eyes of God. An oath that I, like 40 before
article 2
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x
me, have since had the privilege to take.
Last
No one here today could fail to feel the pulse of history --
the power of that great moment -- in the genesis of a nation.
Here, the first Congress was in session -- crafting fragile
compromises that have endured for 200 years. Here, our first
President issued a solemn address. He admitted his "anxieties" +
P.I
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and "deficiencies," as honest men will. But then he turned + to
X
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+
God for strength. For he knew that the advancement of America,
while it might rely on its presidents, would surely depend on
Providence.
George Washington defined and shaped this office. It was
Washington's vision -- a balance of power and restraint, as he
X
X
+
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watched over the Constitutional Convention in 1787 -- that gave
articleon
the delegates the confidence to vest powers in a chief executive
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unparalleled in any freely-elected government, before or since.
2
For all of the turmoil and transformation of the last two
centuries, there is a great constancy to this office, and this
Republic. We say that leaders are not elected to quarrel, but to
X
govern. In his first inaugural address, Washington pledged that
*
of
"no party animosities will misdirect the comprehensive and equal
P.2
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eye which ought to watch over this great assemblage + of
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communities and interests." X
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+
We speak of values. On that day, Washington said that "the
foundations of our National Policy will be + laid in + the T pure + and +
+
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+
Washington's
immutable principles of privàte morality." We reaffirm ethics,
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government "exemplified by all the attributes which can + win the
+
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affections of its Citizens, and + command + the + respect + of + the
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world."
We seek a new engagement in the lives of others -- believing
that success cannot be measured by the sum of our possessions.
Washington said there exists "in the economy and + course I of
+
nature, an indissoluble union between virtue and + happiness,
+
between duty and advantage."
Over the last two hundred years, we have moved from the
revolution of democracy, to the evolution of peace and
prosperity. But so much remains constant. So much endures.
3
The Presidency, then as now -- in both oath, and in office
-- exists to serve. And the principles that drive this
democracy, then as now, derive from the strength and will of the
people.
Today we stand -- free Americans -- citizens in an
experiment of freedom that has yielded sustained and
unprecedented progress.
Here we dedicate a museum of American Constitutional
Government. But we must also re-dedicate ourselves to the
principles to which Washington so gracefully gave voice, two
hundred years ago today.
We must re-dedicate, ourselves to the renewal of united,
representative government, in these United States of America.
Thank you. God bless you. And may God forever bless this
great nation.
We
The Journey
For eight days Washington's journey
GEORGE
became a triumphal procession honoring the
hero of a new Nation, the "father" of his
When the Senate finally achieved a
country. Along the way, dignitaries and citizens
WASHINGTON
quorum on April 6, the count revealed that
of all walks of life honored Washington in a
George Washington was unanimously elected
variety of events and celebrations. He visited
President. John Adams of Massachusetts
with many friends from his days as
to the Presidency
became the first Vice President. Senator John
Commander-in-Chief of the Army as well as
Langdon, President Pro Tempore of the Senate,
those who took part in the Constitutional
dispatched Secretary of Congress Charles
Convention. His journey reflects the profound
Thomson to inform Washington of his
universal respect and admiration of his
election.
countrymen, and its completion marked the
transition from a loose collection of states to
an independent nation governed by the People.
The inside map traces the journey to
the Presidency as We the People
commemorate the 200th anniversary
of the inaugural of our first
President, April 30, 1789.
PHOTO CREDITS
Front: Unknown artist's impression of the first Inaugural,
courtesy of the New York Historical Society.
George Washington, oil on canvas by John
Trumbull (1791), from the collection of City Hall,
STATES
Charleston, South Carolina.
On April 16, Washington left Mount
Vernon by coach, accompanied by his former
Washington's arrival at the Battery, New York,
People
aide-de-camp, Colonel David Humphreys, and
April 23, 1789. Reproduced from an early engraving
Charles Thomson, bound for New York City.
by James Tyroler (1857) after an original by John C.
McRae. Courtesy of the Mount Vernon Ladies Association
They traveled through Virginia, Maryland,
Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey, and
Commission on the Bicentennial of the United States Constitution.
arrived in New York City on April 23.
Map, courtesy of the Mount Vernon Ladies Association.
808 Seventeenth Street NW, Washington, DC 20006
GEORGE WASHINGTON: Journey to the Presidency
APRIL 16
Washington departs Mount Vernon and arrives in Alexandria about noon for an early dinner at Wise's Tavern.
After an address by the Mayor and 13 toasts, be is escorted up the Potomac and ferried across to Georgetown. He spends the
night at Spurrier's Tavern, about 12 miles southwest of Baltimore.
APRIL 17
Near Baltimore, Washington meets a large party of "citizens on borseback" and with an artillery salute continues
to Daniel Grant's Fountain Inn. After dinner and addresses from Baltimore citizens and some of bis former officers, be retires.
APRIL 18
Washington departs Baltimore about 5:30 a.m., accompanied by a band of citizens and saluted by artillery.
After seven miles, be thanks bis escorts and requests that they return home. He spends the night near Havre de Grace.
APRIL 19
On Sunday, Washington travels to Wilmington and arrives in the evening. A decorated vessel commemorates
bis crossing of the Delaware River.
APRIL 20
Washington
leaves Wilmington after several
addresses and is met at the
Pennsylvania line by Phila-
delphians who escort him to
Chester where be breakfasts. He
mounts a white borse for bis ride
into Philadelphia. About noon,
the procession crosses the
Schuylkill River on Gray's Ferry
Hudson River
we
Hill
Bridge, which has been
decorated with laurel,
evergreens, state flags, banners,
and, at each end, a classical
arch. A child lowers a crown of
laurel as Washington passes
beneath. Thousands line the
Rye
road to Philadelphia, where be
later dines with a party of 250
Newark
New York
at City Tavern and enjoys a
Delaware River
Elizabethtown
fireworks display.
Apr 23
APRIL 21
Washington departs in the
Apr. 22
Woodbridge
rain for Trenton. Crossing the Delaware at
Colvin's Ferry, be again mounts a white borse.
Harrisburg
New Brunswick
An arch of greenery 12 feet long and 20 feet
high, supported by 13 columns, spans the en-
Princeton
trance of the bridge over Assunpink Creek.
Susquehanna,
Trenton
While crossing, Washington is welcomed by
Apr. 21
women and girls who sing an ode and strew
Philadelphia
flowers in bis path. After a dinner and recep-
York
Chester
Apr. 20
EY
tion at Samuel Henry's City Tavern, be (pro-
bably) spends the night in Trenton.
Hagerstown
mmington
Havre de Grace
president and faculty of Princeton College and the citizens
Potomac
NEW JEI
APRIL 22
Washington breakfasts at Princeton with the
Apr. 18
of the town. At New Brunswick be is met with an artillery
salute, the ringing of church bells and a welcoming band
Apr. 17
procession. Troops line the main street for Washington's
Baltimore
review. After dinner be lodges for the night at Woodbridge.
VA
MD
Apr. 16
APRIL 23
Washington proceeds to Elizabeth Town where a
Georgetown
Annapolis
joint committee from Congress waits to escort bim to New York.
Around noon at Elizabeth Town Point, they board a specially
Alexandria
prepared ceremonial barge with a keel of 47 feet, festooned with
Mount Vernon
red curtains and manned by 13 pilots dressed in white smocks and
black-fringed caps. Six barges carry other dignitaries. As the flotilla
enters New York Harbor it is joined by other vessels. Amid gun
salutes and the cheers of thousands of New Yorkers along the shore,
Washington arrives at Murray's Wharf at the foot of Wall Street
at about 3:00 p.m. After a welcome by Governor Clinton, a military
escort cuts a passage through the dense throng for Washington, who
walks to the Franklin House where be will reside.
APA
APRIL 24-29
Washington receives numerous visits from well-
wishers at Franklin House, while Congress makes arrangements for bis
inauguration.
APRIL 30
Day breaks to the sound of artillery and church bells. In bonor of American industry,
Washington dresses in a suit of brown broadcloth spun at Hartford with buttons displaying a wing-spread
eagle. At 12:30 p.m., a military escort joined by a procession of dignitaries and citizens accompany
Washington's coach to Federal Hall. Upon arrival, Washington proceeds to the Senate Chamber where the
two Houses of Congress wait to greet him, then onto the outer balcony in front of the Senate Chamber.
Chancellor Robert Livingston administers the oath to Washington, who bolds bis right band on the Bible
and responds "I swear, so help me God." Livingston then turns to the cheering crowd and proclaims "Long
live George Washington, President of the United States."
For information on commemorative ceremonies along Washington's Route to New York City, contact:
Commission on the Bicentennial of the
Virginia Commission on the
Maryland Office for the Bicentennial
Independence National Historical Park
New York State Commission on the
United States Constitution
Bicentennial of the U.S. Constitution
of the U.S. Constitution
Third and Chestnut Sts.
Bicentennial of the U.S. Constitution
808 Seventeenth Street, NW
2015 Ivy Road
c/o Maryland State Archives
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Cultural Education Center, Room 9D30
Washington, DC 20006
Charlottesville, VA 22903-1780
Hall of Records, Box 828
(215) 597-8974
Empire State Plaza
(202) 653-9808
(804) 924-0948
Annapolis, MD 21404
Albany, NY 12230
(301) 974-3914
(518) 473-6191
Mount Vernon Ladies Association
District of Columbia
Delaware Heritage Commission
Constitution Bicentennial Commission
New York City Commission on the
Mount Vernon, VA 22121
Bicentennial Commission
Carvel State Office Bldg., 4th Floor
of New Jersey
Bicentennial of the U.S. Constitution
515 D Street, NW
820 N. French Street
Ramapo College, Room G-431
51 Chambers Street, Room 525
Room 307
Wilmington, DE 19801
505 Ramapo Valley Road
New York, NY 10007
Washington, DC 20001
(302) 652-6662
Mahwah, NJ 07430-1680
(212) 566-1989
(202) 727-2052
(201) 529-7401
Journey to the Presidency
The journey of George Washington in April
1789 from bis Mount Vernon plantation to
New York City-and to the Presidency-
highlighted the beginning of our national
government under the Constitution.
Washington's triumphal progress to bis
April 30 inaugural was witnessed by bun-
dreds of thousands of bis fellow citizens. It
symbolized their hopes for the new govern-
ment which bad begun with the first conven-
ing of Congress on March 4, 1789. This year's
reenactment of that journey commemorates
the 200th anniversary of our government, as
it reminds us of the blessings we continue to
enjoy under the Constitution.
Background
In 1776, as the 13 colonies struggled for
independence, the tall Virginia gentleman ac-
cepted appointment as Commander-in-Chief
of the Continental Army. Under his leadership,
Convention, Washington responded. Origi-
Over the next ten months Washington
this patchwork force of fighting men of varied
nally called by the Confederation Congress
carefully followed the ratification process
background accomplished what most of
"for the sole and express purpose of revising
while avoiding any direct involvement in the
Europe thought impossible: the defeat of the
the Articles of Confederation," this meeting
actual debate. The Constitution went into ef-
most powerful empire of that time-and in-
of state representatives produced a new Con-
fect on June 21, 1788, when New Hampshire
dependence for the new United States.
stitution.
became the ninth state to ratify it. On
September 13, in one of its last acts, the Con-
federation Congress authorized the states to
Once the war was over, Washington
Washington's arrival in May inspired a
proceed with the selection of Presidential elec-
hero's welcome with thousands of admirers
returned to his Mount Vernon plantation on
tors (as provided in Article II, Section 1), for
the banks of the Potomac River in anticipation
filling the streets. Selected to serve as President
the purpose of electing the first President of
of a quiet, private life. He had no desire to
of the Convention, Washington chose not to
the United States under the Constitution.
become a leader in the government of the
take a direct part in the discussions and debate,
Virginia Commonwealth nor did he seek a
but indirectly influenced the other delegates
position in the Confederation Congress of the
(or deputies). His was the honor of being the
By February 4, 1789, ten states had chosen
new United States, meeting in New York City.
first to sign the completed document on
electors. They met in their states and after
September 17, 1787. After forwarding the new
voting sent their sealed ballots to New York
Constitution to the Confederation Congress,
City, the site of the first U.S. Congress. The
Nevertheless, Washington saw clearly his
Washington returned to the serenity of his
ballots were to be counted officially when that
duty to the country he helped create. When
beloved Mount Vernon. But his seclusion was
body convened for the first time-which it was
requested in 1787 to attend the Philadelphia
to be short lived.
scheduled to do March 4, 1789.