 |
| George Washington |
Shortly after his inauguration as President
of the United States in 1789, Washington decided to take a journey north to see
and be seen by the people who supported and elected him.
John Adams: Being left alone at the
helm so soon after our ship has sailed gives me a feeling of apprehension as
well as exhilaration.
George Washington: To continue your
nautical allusion, I would assure you that the Ship of State is strong and
steady on its course. The winds are favorable and my first officer is seasoned
and capable.
Adams: Before I drown in my own mixed
metaphors, I’ll continue on dry land. So you are off to the north. I am certain
that you will find many happy faces to greet you —their Commander-in-Chief and
President of the United States. On this fine October morning, a tour of New
England will bring back fond memories of old friends and comrades-in-arms.
Washington: There are many places still
unknown to me but Massachusetts Bay is familiar and evokes a pleasing memory.
Adams: The city of Boston will
certainly hail you. It was not so long ago that you had your first victory in
chasing the British from their shores.
 |
| John Adams |
Washington: Mr. Adams, in remembering
Boston, you cannot fail to remember our tragic defeat afterwards on Long Island
and the grim defeats we were handed thereafter. The brave men who had lost
their lives still haunt me and I remember vividly the arrogance of General Howe
in offering to grant us pardon.
Washington’s arrival in Boston was as John
Adams had predicted. A triumphal arch and colonnade had been erected in front
of the State House. Washington’s return was a glorious one. The only thing that
spoiled this moment was that Governor John Hancock had failed to greet the new
president; whether it was to make a point that he, the Governor of
Massachusetts, had always been a states' rights advocate and opposed a strong
central government or that he failed to understand that Washington was now the
leader of the nation and not just a political opponent. Washington recognized the
slight, although Hancock had pleaded illness and wanted Washington to come to
his home, and Washington immediately cancelled the dinner that had been planned
in his honor. This brought the healthy governor to his senses and immediately
went to add his personal welcome to Washington.
Washington: I am indeed delighted that
your recovery has been so swift and pleased that no pallor has been left in its
wake.
Hancock: And Sir, I am delighted to
break bread with General and President Washington with whom I have spent many
spirited but delightful moments.
After their elegant dinner at Faneuil Hall, Washington consented to sit for a portrait, destined for Harvard College, painted by Edward Savage. Hancock had shown him a painting this artist had made of John Hancock and his wife, the former Dorothy Quincy and it seemed to satisfy the President of the artist's ability. To further show his respect for George Washington, Hancock named his first child George Washington Hancock. Unfortunately the child died very young.
After their elegant dinner at Faneuil Hall, Washington consented to sit for a portrait, destined for Harvard College, painted by Edward Savage. Hancock had shown him a painting this artist had made of John Hancock and his wife, the former Dorothy Quincy and it seemed to satisfy the President of the artist's ability. To further show his respect for George Washington, Hancock named his first child George Washington Hancock. Unfortunately the child died very young.
No comments:
Post a Comment