a fictional report based on eyewitness accounts of the events of March 15, 1783, in Newburgh, New York.
An important meeting between George Washington, Commander in Chief of the Continental Army, and his officers occurred today. The men have been extremely unhappy-and have been talking of taking up their guns and bayonets!
The officers are no longer angry at the British. Since the stunning American victory at Yorktown, Virginia, in October of 1781, the British Army has caused little trouble. The remaining forces still occupy New York City, but are quiet. They will not leave until a peace treaty is signed. The peace talks, taking place in Paris, France, are dragging on.
The American soldiers have grown angry with their own country, made up of the thirteen colonies that joined together in the Revolution. With the long wait for peace, the states have fallen far behind in paying the soldiers. Recently, cash has fallen short for such basics as food and clothing, despite the efforts of the Continental Congress.
Some officers have talked about General Washington becoming King of our new nation. He would make things work, they say. But more officers talk of using their weapons to take what is owed to them. Some plan to take over the government and run it themselves!
General Washington called a meeting on March 15, 1783, with these rebellious officers. All eyes were on the Commander in Chief as he entered-Would he join with them and become King of the United States?
Washington Stands Firm
With his opening words, it was clear that George Washington had no use for monarchs and would not become one. Instead he told the men how much he admired them for their sacrifices in winning the Revolution. The General then pointed out that this was now their country. If they used their guns to take what they wanted, he warned, they would be hurting their own families and friends. But the men were too angry to listen.
Washington urged the men not to start a war within the new nation. He asked them to set an example of respect for democracy and law for all. But even this plea fell on deaf ears-the men were too desperate and angry.
Washington Reads Letter
General Washington then told the men of a letter he had just received from a Congressman. The letter promised help. According to Washington, the letter proved that the country would treat them fairly.
General Washington opened the letter to read it aloud. And then something seemed to be wrong with him-he just stared at the letter, as if confused or dazed. In seconds, every man was asking, 'What is wrong?' Their anger and desperation seemed unimportant compared with the possibility that Washington, who had led them to victory and inspired them through every defeat, might not be well.
When the room grew quiet, Washington moved again. In a moment of drama and tension, he pulled out a pair of glasses which no one had seen before. As he put them on, he said, 'Gentlemen, you will permit me to put on my spectacles, for I have not only grown gray but almost blind in the service of my country.'
Rebels Give Up Their Plans
Those simple words were charged with meaning. The men had never before seen General Washington so humble, and saw clearly his deep commitment to our nation and to liberty. They realized how wrong they were in thinking only of themselves. Many wept out of shame. To a man, they gave up their plans to become dictators and promised to obey the laws of our new nation. The meeting ended with our country on the path to democracy!
