Word Wise
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Draw a picture to show the scene that comes to mind as you listen to this music. Be ready to write a story to go along with your picture and share it with the class. |
Art AppreciationAnalyze the painting shown (at left). Check out its details. We'll talk more about this later.
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George Washington Intervenes
Be Washington!Before you receive any instruction in this lesson set, let us work through the 1783 Newburgh Conspiracy scenario in George Washington's Mount Vernon's Be Washington!  | Liberty's Kids |
In 2018, I had the privilege of visiting George Washington's Mount Vernon for a summer residency and teacher institute. The lead scholar for the institute was Dr. Bill Fowler, professor at Northeastern University in Boston, and former director of the Massachusetts Historical Society. Dr. Fowler could speak for hours and easily keep my attention. In one of the sessions of the institute, he lectured about the Newburgh Conspiracy.
Understanding that Fowler has held George Washington's original speech - the speech in Washington's own writing - I have to believe that he is an expert on the subject. Listen (below) to his interpretation in these three portions of a speech Bill Fowler gave on a previous occasion. The entire presentation is also available.
Understanding that Fowler has held George Washington's original speech - the speech in Washington's own writing - I have to believe that he is an expert on the subject. Listen (below) to his interpretation in these three portions of a speech Bill Fowler gave on a previous occasion. The entire presentation is also available.
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George Washington Says Farewell
The Art Appreciation above is a painting of George Washington saying farewell to his troops. Benjamin Tallmadge wrote the best-known account of the emotional scene:
“The time now drew near when General Washington intended to leave this part of the country for his beloved retreat at Mt. Vernon. On Tuesday the 4th of December it was made known to the officers then in New York that General Washington intended to commence his journey on that day.
At 12 o’clock the officers repaired to Fraunces Tavern in Pearl Street where General Washington had appointed to meet them and to take his final leave of them. We had been assembled but a few moments when his excellency entered the room. His emotions were too strong to be concealed which seemed to be reciprocated by every officer present. After partaking of a slight refreshment in 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 being nearest to him turned to the Commander-in-chief who, suffused in tears, was incapable of utterance but grasped his hand when they embraced each other in silence. In the same affectionate manner every officer in the room marched up and parted with his 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.”
George Washington Resigns
Art Appreciation
| Analyze the painting shown (at right). Check out its details.
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George Washington Retires
Washington wanted to retire to Mount Vernon and spend some well-deserved time with Martha. Fully expecting to be able to relax on the farm, he may not have known the next job his country had in store for him. Having served as Commander-in-Chief, George Washington would soon be recruited back into service as the nation's first president.
