An unusual, yet fitting tribute to America's first leader, President George Washington,
celebrating the life and character of a great and good man on his 294th birthday.
George Washington
(February 22, 1732-December 14, 1799)
Image courtesy/George Washington's Mount Vernon
Eulogy On Washington
(Closing Excerpt)
By General Henry Lee
Who is there that has forgotten the vales of Brandywine, the fields of
Germantown, or the plains of Monmouth? Everywhere present, wants of
every kind obstructing, numerous and valiant armies encountering, himself
a host, he assuaged our sufferings, limited our privations,
and upheld our tottering Republic.
Shall I display to you the spread of the fire of his soul by rehearsing the
praises of the hero of Saratoga, and his much-loved compeer of the Carolinas?
No; our Washington wears not borrowed glory. To Gates-to Greene, he gave
without the reserve of applause due to their eminent merit; and long may the
chiefs of Saratoga and of Eutaw receive the grateful respect of a grateful people.
Moving in his own orbit, he imparted heat and light to his most distant satellites;
and combining the physical and moral force of all within his sphere, with irresistible
weight he took his course, commiserating folly, disdaining vice, dismaying treason,
and invigorating despondency; until the auspicious hour arrived, when, united with
the intrepid forces of a potent and magnanimous ally, he brought to submission
Cornwallis, since the conqueror of India; thus finishing his long career of
military glory with a luster corresponding to his great name, and in this,
his last act of war, affixing the seal of fate to our nation's birth.
First in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen, he
was second to none in humble and endearing scenes of private life. Pious,
just, humane, temperate, sincere, uniform, dignified, and commanding, his
example was edifying to all around him, as were the effects of that example lasting.
To his equals, he was condescending; to his inferiors, kind; and to the dear object
of his affections, exemplarily tender. Correct throughout, vice shuddered in his
presence, and virtue always felt his fostering hand; the purity of his private
character gave effulgence to his public virtues.
His last scene comported with the whole tenor of his life. Although in extreme
pain, not a sigh, not a groan, escaped him; and with undisturbed serenity he
closed his well-spent life.
Such was the man America has lost!
Such was the man for whom our nation mourns!
General Henry Lee (1756-1818) was a member of the celebrated Lee family
of Virginia, a patriot, and Revolutionary War hero, who earned the nickname
of "Light-horse Larry" and was noted for his bravery, skill, and celerity.
He was a favorite of his commander General George Washington.
Lee later served as a delegate from the state of Virginia in Congress.
At the outbreak of the "Whisky Rebellion" in Pennsylvania in 1794,
President Washington sent General Lee with an army to suppress
the uprising. The insurgents surrendered without resistance.
In 1799, Lee was again a member of Congress. On the death
of his friend George Washington, the body appointed him to
compose the president's eulogy.
The following poem could have been written in memory of George Washington,
who not only understood the true meaning of the words, "public service" but the
admonishment given by Jesus Himself: "For to whomever more is given, of him
will be required, and to whom much is entrusted, more will be required of his hand."
(Luke 12:48)
GOD, give us men!
A time like this demands
Strong minds, great hearts, true faith, and ready hands;
Men whom the lust of office does not kill;
Men whom the spoils of office cannot buy;
Men who possess opinions and a will;
Men who have honor; men who will not lie;
Men who can stand before a demagogue
And damn his treacherous flatteries without winking!
Tall men, sun-crowned, who live above the fog
In public duty, and private thinking;
For while the rabble, with their thumb-worn creeds,
Their large professions and their little deeds,
Mingle in selfish strife, lo! Freedom weeps,
Wrong rules the land and waiting Justice sleeps.
"God Give Us Men"
Subtitled: "Wanted"
(1872)
Josiah Gilbert Holland
(1819-1881)
American novelist, essayist, poet
and spiritual mentor to the nation
in the years following the Civil War
