On Thursday, December 4, 1783, General George Washington received the officers of the victorious Continental Army to say farewell in the Long Room of Fraunces Tavern in New York City. Major Benjamin Tallmadge recounts that day in his memoir, as well as General Washington’s words. “With a heart full of love and gratitude, I now take leave of you. I most devoutly wish that your latter days may be as prosperous and happy as your former ones have been glorious and honorable.” And then, “I cannot come to each of you but shall feel obliged if each of you will come and take me by the hand.” (That means shake his hand, in our world.)
Many of Washington’s officers were very young when the war began, he had served not only as their commander but also as a father figure. Foreshadowing much? But no one knew then that their General would be called to serve as the first President of the United States. They all thought they would never see him again, as he planned to leave them that day to return to his beloved Mount Vernon. When all goodbyes had been said, General George Washington’s officers escorted him to a barge at the nearby waterfront. A crowd, learning of the gathering inside the tavern, had come to pay their respects to His Excellency.
My husband and I recently visited the Fraunces Tavern Museum. Standing in the Long Room, you can play a recording of a gentleman reciting General Washington’s words that I’ve posted above. Mister Rain and I were alone, I could not believe I was there, nor did I want to leave. It was not difficult for me to imagine the sounds of boots on the wood floor, or feel the presence of those men in this room. The emotion still hangs in the ether, I let it wash over me.
In addition to the Long Room, another piece of our history of tremendous interest to me can be found in this building, the handwritten Memoir of Colonel Benjamin Tallmadge. In my post, “I Spy Setauket, Long Island,” you can find out more about Major Tallmadge’s role in the Revolutionary War. He was encouraged by his son to document his experience during our fight for freedom. Although in current publications it is often titled, “Spymaster,” Major Tallmadge never revealed his involvement in the Culper Spy Ring. I have his book on my Kindle app, I took a picture showing his same words in his original manuscript on display.
As we exited Fraunces Tavern, I wondered what the street looked like on December 4, 1783, its current iteration busy with cars and people in a rush. I wished I could have been there amongst the new Americans to convey my appreciation, but better 240 years late than never.
Fraunces Tavern is the site of a historic ending. Yet for anyone who has ever called this country home, it was just the beginning.
#sisterrain #alittlesightalotofheart #legallyblindwriter #ushistory #washingtonsfarewell #frauncestavernmuseum #francestavern
