It’s worth pausing on this Monday to remember what the greatest American, George Washington, did on this day, 241 years ago. It was a remarkable act, unparalleled in history, and one which caused his former sovereign and more recent enemy to call Washington “the greatest man of the age.”
On this day, Washington walked away from power, saying farewell to officers assembled with him at France’s Tavern. It was an emotional moment, when a band of brothers with unparalleled physical, mental and moral courage, saw their leader depart for civilian life.
The last of Britain’s troops had left New York, and Washington felt that his task was ended.
Colonel Benjamin Talmadge recorded the scene.
“We had been assembled but a few moments when his excellency entered the room. After partaking of a slight refreshment in an almost breathless silence the General filled his glass with wine and turning to the officers said, ‘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.'”
“After the officers had taken a glass of wine General Washington said, ‘I cannot come to each of you but shall feel obliged if each of you will come and take me by the hand.’ General Knox, the closest officer to Washington, walked up to the General and the two hugged and kissed with tears running down their faces.”
“In the same affectionate manner every officer in the room marched up and parted with the general in chief. Such a scene of sorrow and weeping I had never before witnessed and fondly hope I may never be called to witness again.”
Washington officially resigned his commission in front of Congress in Philadelphia on December 23, saying “having now finished the work assigned me, I retire from the great theatre of action, and bidding an affectionate farewell to this august body, under whose orders I have so long acted, I here offer my commission, and take my leave of all the employments of public life.”
But he had really ceded his power on this day 241 years ago, and this was a radical act with no precedent. No military leader had ever abandoned such power and prestige before, save for the semi-historical Cincinnatus.
When hearing about Washington’s retirement to public life, George III was astonished, saying, “If he does that, he will be the greatest man in the world.”
I am inclined to agree with George III on the matter. Please honor and remember the great George, Washington, the father of our country and a man for the ages!