Funeral of Pres. George Washington

WASHINGTON, WASSER

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 8/4/2012 at 19:08:59

From: The Grinnell (IA) Herald; Feb. 18, 1921

THE FUNERAL OF GEORGE WASHINGTON
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Through the kindness of Mrs. W.C. Wasser, The Herald today is privileged to give its readers the graphic account of the funeral of George Washington. The account is from the Ulster County Gazette, Kingston, Ulster county, New York, under date of January 1, 1800. The paper was published by Samuel Freer and son and has been in the possession of Mrs. Wasser's ancestors for several generations. She values it highly, of course, but is planning to lend it to Stewart Library for a time.

The account which follows, in addition to revealing the editor's journalistic ability, shows that he was a phophet of his age.

George Town, Dec. 20, 1799.

On Wednesday last, the mortal part of Washington the GREAT--the Father of his country and the Friend of Man, was consigned to the tomb with solemn honors and funeral pomp.

A multitude of persons assembled from many miles around, at Mt. Vernon, the choice abode and last residence of the illustrious chief. There were the groves, the spacious avenues, the beautiful and sublime scenes, the noble mansion--but alas, the august inhabitant was now no more. That great soul was gone. His mortal part was there indeed; but, ah! how affecting! how awful the spectacle of such worth and greatness, thus, to mortal eyes, fallen! Yes, fallen!

In the long and lofty portico, where oft the hero walked in all his glory,, now lay the shrouded corpse. The countenance still composed and serene, seemed to depress the dignity of the spirit, which lately dwelt in that lifeless form. There those who paid the last sad honors to the benefactor of his country, took an impressive, a farewell view.

On the ornament, at the head of the coffin, was inscribed "Surge ad Judicum"--about the middle of the coffin "Gloria Deo"--and on the silver plate, General George Washington. Departed this life on the 14th December, 1799. Age 68.

Between three and four o'clock, the sound of artillery from a vessel in the river, firing minute guns, awoke afresh our solemn sorrow--the corpse was moved--a band of music, with mournful melody, melted the soul into the tenderness of woe.

The procession was formed and moved on in the following order: Cavalry, infantry, guard, music, with arms reversed, clergy, the general's horse with saddle, holsters and pistols, pall bearers, mourners, Masonic brethren, citizens.

When the procession had arrived at the bottom of the elevated lawn, on the banks of the Potomac, where the family vault is placed, the cavalry halted, the infantry marched toward the mount and formed their lines--the clergy, the Masonic brothers and the citizens descended to the vault and the funeral service of the church was performed. The firing from the vessel was repeated and the sounds echoed from the woods and hills around.

Three general discharges by the infantry, the cavalry and eleven pieces of artillery which lined the banks of the Potomac back of the vault paid the last tribute to the entombed Commander in Chief of the armies of the United States and to the departed hero.

The sun was now setting. Alas! The son of glory was set forever. No--the name of WASHINGTON--the American president and General--will triumph over Death. The unclouded brightness of his glory will illuminate the future ages.