| Citation |
MG-A(G.781.016
29 Nov 1781:21 (1820)
On Friday last our illustrious and beloved commander in
chief left this city, attended by innumerable prayers for
his health, safety, and happiness. . . [15 lines]
You would have thought the very windows spoke,
So many greedy looks of young and old
Through casements darted their desiring eyes
Upon his visage; and that all the walls,
With painted imagery: had said at once,
God save thee, Washington.
The general's arrival was announced by the discharge of
cannon. . . [16 lines]
On the next day the general was so obliging as to partake
of a public dinner directed by the legislature, as a mark of
their respect, and to render the participation of his
company as universal as possible. In the evening the city
was beautifully illuminated, and an assembly prepared for
the ladies, to afford them an opportunity of beholding their
friend, and thanking their protector with their smiles. His
Excellency, to gratify the wishes of the fair, crowned the
entertainment with his presence, and with graceful dignity
and familiar ease so fram'd his looks, his gestures, and his
words, that every heart o'erflowed with gratitude and love,
and every tongue grew wanton in his praise. When he retired
from the assembly, this was the universal language:
Unrival'd and unmatch'd shall be his fame,
And his own laurels shade his envied name.
. . . [3/4 column "Vote of Thanks" to Washington.]
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