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The following articles are reprinted from several different sources. These stories are printed in order to shed more light on this great man of God, our First President of the United States of America!
Washington Rejects Masonry
What Washington Was About!
"George Washington was born in the State of Virginia, in the year 1732. He died at Mount Vernon, Virginia, on December 14, 1799, on the eve of the octave of the Immaculate Conception. His mother's name was Mary.
"George Washington was noticeably unhappy in the heretical beliefs in which he was brought up. The Masons who were in his day starting to control Europe, tried hard to involve Washington. They invited him to enlist in their ranks. He consented and became a Mason. When he fully discovered their purposes, he avoided them. On September 25, 1798, speaking of the Masonic lodges, he wrote: 'The fact is, I presided over none, nor have I been in one more than once or twice within the last thirty years.'
"George Washington had a devotion and repeatedly uttered reverence for the Holy Name of Jesus. He went out of his way, in the year 1776, to issue to the Colonial troops a warning and a threat of what would happen to them-both from God and from him-if they dared to violate in their conversation the Holy Name of Jesus. He said: 'The General is sorry to be informed that the foolish, and wicked practice, of profane cursing and swearing (a Vice heretofore little known in an American Army) is growing into fashion; he hopes the officers will, by example, as well as influence, endeavour to check it, and that both they, and the men will reflect, that we can have little hopes of the blessing of Heaven on our Arms, if we insult it by our impiety, and folly; added to this, it is a vice so mean and low, without any temptation, that every man of sense, and character, detests and despises it.'
"George Washington always said grace before meals, blessing himself, when he did so, with the Sign of the Cross.
"George Washington, first President of the United States, in the later years of his life kept on the wall of his banquet room a beautiful picture of Mary, the Mother of God. Many people of different faiths who dined with Washington noticed this picture, and remarked about it with quiet and troubled voices when they left. Washington would never take it down. It is still somewhere in his home in Mount Vernon, where he spent the last few years of his life.
"And then came the time for Washington to die. It was a sudden death. Not long before he breathed his last, he sent for a Catholic priest, indeed, a Jesuit, who stood at his bedside and fulfilled the purpose for which he was called. The simple Jesuit priests who used to live in Lower Maryland in days gone by well knew this fact."
(Paraphrased from a book entitled: "The Mother Of God" by Fr. Leonard Feeney)
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Washington Against Illuminati!
The real foundations of the plot of the takeover of the United States were laid during the period of our Civil War. Not that Weishaupt and the earlier masterminds had ever overlooked the new world, as I have previously indicated Weishaupt had his agents planted over here as far back as the Revolutionary War, but George Washington was more than a match for them.
(From "The Illuminati and the Counsel On Foreign Relations" By Myron Fagan)
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Washington Against Masonry!
"...George Washington said he had only been to the masonic lodge once or twice in 30 years, called masonry "child's play", and later did not want to be associated with the masons..."
(http://www.biblequery.org/mason.htm)
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Portrait of George Washington: In Search of the Truth
By Mary Louise
The more a person learns, the more one realizes there is always more to a story than meets the eye and begins to see what was not seen before. It is a process driven by a hunger and desire to know the truth for oneself, that enables the student to read between the lines and get past preconceived notions, misinformation, or propaganda to whatever remnants of truth that may be found. This is our quest, to ask questions and seek truthful answers, not based on or sifted through the perceptions and biases of another. Each and every individual has a responsiblity to weigh available information that goes above and beyond the shallow and superficial, to determine for themselves and their own conscience what is true or a lie, right or wrong, and good or bad. Going on the premise that many facts of history have been altered and obscured, an inquisitive mind naturally asks who, what, why, where, and when in order to obtain the truth of a matter. It is in the spirit of truth and search for it, that inspired the effort to find answers in this portrayal of the Father of our Country.
This essay is not intended to be a history lesson, but rather a verbal illustration reflecting, highlighting, and expressing particular aspects of special interest. Since there is so much information to digest on any given subject, in varying degrees of complexity, it is necessary to cut to the chase and get to the point. Many of the founding fathers believed the real American Revolution was not as much about refusing to pay unjust taxes, as it was the revolution of ideas which preceded and caused the war. Together, the thirteen colonies set out to create something new under the sun and an unparalleled event, a government which derived its just authority from the consent of the governed, yet it cannot be denied there was a strong Masonic influence undermining for control.
Many stories circulate about the Masonic activities of George Washington and so it is on that basis this adventure started. It began with a question that led to other questions. For example, what were the Masonic ties to George Washington, who attended him when he was on his deathbed, and why was he excessively bled in his weakened condition. The vile practice of bleeding was a subject of much criticism even in those days and Mrs. Washington was not at all sure it was the right thing to do for his ailment. Historians agree that Washington was bled first on four occasions by Albin Rawlins. Then enters Dr. James Craik, an old friend and personal physician of General Washington diagnosing quinsy (tonsil related), who did more bleedings at midmorning, early afternoon, and a final bleeding at about 3:30 p.m., at which time five pints of life giving fluid were taken in last application of the lancet (pointed, two-edged surgical instrument). There were two other physicians present as well, Dr. Gustavus Brown and Dr. Elisha Dick, a younger doctor who diagnosed violent inflammation of the membranes of the throat and seriously doubted the wisdom of such treatment, proposing instead a tracheotomy that was overruled by Craik and Brown, who were both educated at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland. Scottish rites anyone? Craik also happened to reside in Alexandria, Virginia. Hmmm....
Some in the medical profession say he probably died of asphyxia, a condition resulting from inflammation of the epiglottis, shock from loss of blood, and dehydration. There can be little doubt that excessive bleeding reduced him to a low state and very much aggravated his disease. George Washington bore his suffering with fortitude and resignation to Divine Will. With surprising self-possession he prepared to die, composing his form without a sigh, groan, or pangs of struggle, he appeared tranquil and said to Craik, "I am dying, sir, but am not afraid to die", as his noble spirit took flight on December 14, 1799. Shortly after his death, in January of 1800, Dr. Craik wrote to Dr. Brown saying he had met with Dr. Elisha Dick again concerning the situation of their illustrious friend General Washington. Craik acknowledges Elisha's clear reasoning and evident knowledge of the cause of certain symptons after examining the General, assuring them (James Craik and Gustavus Brown) it was not really quinsy as they (Craik and Brown) had supposed but a violent inflammation of the membranes of the throat and he was averse to bleeding. Dr. Craik goes on to admit he thought if he (Craik) and Brown had acted accordingly to Elisha's suggestion, their good friend might still be alive. But, in spite of that he excuses and downplays their serious mistake by adding the disclaimer they were governed by the best light they had and because they thought they were right, they were justified. Excuse me, but we have found out otherwise! Not only were they advised, they were warned, and they still decided against a better and more suitable option, that could have saved the life of their "dear friend"! Of course this Dr. Craik was awarded honorary status to this day. Something is starting to smell very rotten and beginning to look and sound mighty suspicious if you ask me. Do the words betrayal and assassination ring a bell?
That brings us to the next logical question, why would someone want the General out of the way and what did he do to displease them to the extent of taking such drastic measures? Especially since he was buried at Mt. Vernon with Masonic rites conducted by Alexandria Lodge #22. The George Washington Masonic National Memorial is just a mile from the Potomac in Alexandria, overlooking the nation's capitol and standing 333 ft. on historic Shooters Hill. Washington was Charter Master of the Alexandria Lodge while he served as President of the United States. The Washington Family Crest is displayed over the stage of the auditorium. Hattie Elizabeth Burdette was commissioned to paint General Washington in the Masonic Regalia he wore as acting Grand Master, for the laying of the cornerstone of the U.S. Capital in 1793. He owned at least two Masonic aprons, three Masonic constitutions, a Masonic jewel, wrote letters to various Masonic Lodges, and attended Masonic ceremonies and celebrations. Nevertheless, George Washington was an individual of high integrity with profound respect for religious principles. Were there problems of differing viewpoints and conflicting belief systems? You bet!
Freemasonry is the world's oldest and largest fraternity that sought to transform the social landscape of the early Republic. Masonry first appeared in the colonies in the 1730's and by the eve of the American Revolution, there were dozens up and down the continent that exploded in numbers in the following decades, expanding even to small communities on the frontier while Massachusetts became the home of 21 Lodges by 1779. Freemasons like to take all the credit for what George Washington stood for, when his own words clarified his position as he solemnly warned of impending dangers, probable snares of greed and corruption, and lust for power in his Inaugural Speech (1789) and Farewell Address (1796). Freemasons secretly and underhandedly strived to create a new hierarchical order, affording members an extended support network, promoting itself as "enlightened" while characterizing Christian belief as sectarian bigotry, and was a surrogate religion for an Enlightenment suspicious of traditional Christianity. While American Freemasons evolved to survive and thrive, its roots in exclusionary ruling class unionism with special privileges, made it a home for those working against the real principles of the American Revolution. Dishonest revolutionary mythology was a smokescreen used to hide the memberships self-serving objectives and to pander to the brotherhood's delusions of greatness. Freemasonry plays fast and loose with the truth.
The Proceedings of the U.S. Anti-Masonic Convention, held in Philadelphia, Sept. 11, 1830, very eloquently lays out an irrefutable case in no uncertain terms. Let it be noted that George Washington called Freemasonry "Child's Play" in 1780 and subsequently announced to a committee of right worshipfuls of King David's Lodge that, "It was not agreeable to him to be addressed as a Mason." When Washington retired to private life, Freemasons Andrew Jackson and Edward Livingston were two of three men to vote against Congressional resolutions giving thanks to Washington, who is also quoted in 1798 as saying, "It was not my intention to doubt that the doctrine of the Illuminati and principles of Jacobism had spread to the U.S., no one is more satisfied of this fact than I am." In a letter to the President of the Continental Congress in 1787, George Washington warned against delegating extensive trust to one body of men, hence the necessity for the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches of government. He was also in favor of the abolition of slavery and freed his own.
To get a clearer image of what kind of man George Washington was, I have closely paraphrased sections of his two most important speeches. Herein, I believe, lies part of the answer to why he may have been eliminated. In his first Inaugural Address he had the moral conviction and personal courage to state for the record, some very interesting and important words of wisdom. He said, "Nor can the members of Congress exempt themselves from the consequences of any unjust and tyrannical acts which they may impose on others. No government before introduced among mankind ever contained so many checks and restraints to prevent it from degenerating into any species of oppression. The blessed Religion revealed in the Word of God will remain an eternal and awful monument to prove the best Institutions may be abused by human depravity and in some instances be made subservient to the vilest purposes. Should hereafter those who are entrusted with management of this government, incited by the lust of power overleap the known barriers of this Constitution and violate the inalienable rights of humanity, it will only serve to show that no amount of words however provident and sacred, can be formed to stand against the sweeping torrent of boundless ambition on one side aided by the sapping current of corrupted morals on the other. The People of this Country should guard against ambition as their greatest enemy and should not imitate other nations that have been celebrated for a false kind of patriotism, wishing to aggrandize our own Republic at the expense of freedom and happiness of the rest of mankind. I rejoice in the belief that mankind will reverse the absurd position that the 'many' were made for the 'few'. I most ernestly supplicate that Almighty God, to whose keeping I commend my dearest Country, will never suffer so fair an inheritance to become prey to all the protection and emoluments of the general government. While others in their political conduct shall demean themselves, let us be honest and firm, let us advance directly forward in our duty. Should the path at first prove intricate and thorny, it will grow smooth and plain as we go. In public and private life, let the eternal line that separates right from wrong be the fence."
Finally, it seems appropriate to finish by quoting part of Washington's 1796 Farewell Address. He warns us of, "Associations that are likely to become potent engines by which cunning, ambitious, and unprincipled men will be enabled to subvert the Power of the People and to usurp for themselves the reins of government, destroying afterwards the very engines which lifted them to unjust dominion. For the preservation and permanency of our government it is requisite to discountenance irregular opposition to it's acknowledged authority and resist with care the spirit of innovation upon it's principles, however specious the pretexts. One method of assault may be to effect in the form of the Constitution, alterations which will impair the energy of the system and thus to undermine what cannot be directly overthrown. In all the changes remember that experience is the surest standard by which to test the real tendency of the existing Constitution of a Country and beware of changes based on an endless variety of mere hypothesis and opinions. Especially remember for the efficient management of your common interests of this Country, that government consistent with the perfect security of Liberty is indespensable. Liberty with power properly distributed and adjusted, is itself its surest Guardian. The spirit is inseparable from our nature, having its root in the strongest passions of the human mind. The alternate domination of one faction over another, sharpened by the spirit of revenge natural to party dissention is itself a frightful despotism and leads to a more formal and permanent despotism. The disorders and miseries which result gradually incline the minds of men to seek security and repose in the absolute power of an Individual, who uses the disposition to the purposes of his own elevation, on the ruins of Public Liberty. The common and continual mischief of the spirit of Party are sufficient to make it the interest and duty of a wise People, to discourage and restrain it. The spirit of Party always serves to distract the Public Councils and enfeeble the Public administration, agitating the Community with ill-founded jealousies and false alarms, kindling animosity of one part against the other, fomenting riot and insurrection. It opens the door to foreign influence and corruption which finds facilitated access to the government itself through channels of Party passions. The spirit of encroachment tends to consolidate the powers of all the departments into one, thus creating a real despotism. Love of power, proneness to abuse it, which predominates in the human heart is sufficient to satisfy us of the truth. Whatever may be conceded to the influence of refined education on minds of peculiar structure, reason and experience both forbid us to expect that National morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle. Real Patriots who may resist the intrigues of the favorite, are liable to become suspected and odious while its tools and dupes usurp the applause and confidence of the People, to surrender their interests."
Oh yes, George Washington was a great man who understood tyranny and tried his very best to convey to future generations the absolute seriousness of guarding our precious Liberty from those who would try and take it away, from within or without. He was of all people most wise to the goals of the "elitists".
(http://www.prisonplanet.com/analysis_louise_123002_washington.html)
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Slaves Held Washington Died Baptized Catholic "New York - It was a long tradition among both the Maryland Province Jesuit Fathers and the Negro slaves of the Washington plantation and those of the surrounding area that the First President died a Catholic. These and other facts about George Washington are reported in the Paulist Information magazine by Doran Hurley.
"The story is that Father Leonard Neale, S.J., was called to Mount Vernon from St Mary's Mission across the Piscatawney River four hours before Washington's death. Tradition also holds that shortly after Washington's death Father Neale sent a heavily sealed packet to Rome. If this be true, it may yet turn up in the Vatican archives, or it may have been lost during the Jesuits' hidden years.
"Washington's body servant Juba is authority for the fact that the General made the Sign of the Cross at meals. He may have learned this from his Catholic lieutenants, Stephen Moylan or John Fitzgerald. At Valley Forge, Washington forbade the burning in effigy of the Pontiff on "Pope's Day." Several times as President he is reported to have slipped into a Catholic church to hear Sunday Mass."
(From the newspaper from Denver entitled: "The Register, Feb 24, 1957")
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George Washington Kept Picture Of Blessed
Virgin, Records Show"Washington - (Special) - A picture of the Blessed Virgin Mary and one of St. John were among the effects found in an inventory of the articles at Mount Vernon at the death of George Washington, first president of the U.S.A. The Rev. W.C. Repetti, S.J., archivist at Georgetown University, reports he has discovered this information in an appendix to a biography of Washington.
"The book is a LIFE OF GEORGE WASHINGTON by Edward Everett, published by Sheldon & Co. in New York in 1860. Appendix No. 2 pages 286-7, lists an official 'inventory of articles at Mt. Vernon with appraised values annexed. Taken by sworn appraisers after the decease of General Washington,' the list includes:
1 Likeness of St. John 15.00
1 Likeness of Virgin Mary 15.00
"The fact that he had a picture of the Blessed Virgin is rather unexpected, and, to the best of my knowledge, has not been brought out,' says Father Repetti.
"The long report among slaves of Mount Vernon as to Washington's deathbed conversion would be odd unless based on truth. These were not Catholic Negroes! Supposedly, Father Neale was rowed across the Piscatawney by Negro oarsmen; and men often talked freely when slaves were nearby, confidently ignoring their presence."
(From the newspaper from Denver entitled: "The Register, Feb 24, 1957")
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| 1743 | At the age of eleven, George Washington inherits 10 slaves. |
| 1754 | George Washington inherits eight slaves (four adults, four children) from his brother’s estate. Washington moves to Mount Vernon. |
| 1754 | Washington purchases at least eight slaves. |
| 1759 | George Washington marries Martha Custis who initially brings to Mount Vernon 11 slaves, increasing the population to 50. |
| 1759-1772 | Washington purchases at least 42 slaves. |
| 1775-1787 | During the Revolutionary War, George Washington resolves never to buy or sell another slave. His slave population continues to grow naturally, as he also refused to separate families. |
| 1786 | Earliest completed census of Mount Vernon slaves is conducted and lists 216 men, women, and children with 105 belonging to George Washington and 111 belonging to the estate of Martha’s first husband, Daniel Parke Custis. |
| 1799 | In July, Washington drafts a second inventory in preparation of freeing his slaves in his will (Virginia law prevented George Washington from emancipating the slaves belonging to the Custis estate). Listed were 316 slaves with 123 belonging to George Washington. |
| 1799 | In December, George Washington dies. 316 slaves were living at Mount Vernon of whom approximately 42% were too young or too old to work, but were provided for by the estate. |
| 1801 | In January, George Washington’s 123 slaves are freed. Detailed instructions were left in his will for the care and support of the newly freed people and records indicate that some lived on at Mount Vernon as pensioners until the 1830’s. |
| 1) | Mount Vernon slaves lived and worked in six locations: the five farms which made up Washington’s 8,000-acre plantation and the grist mill, located three miles from the Mansion. |
| 2) | Many slaves were field hands with much of this labor done by women. Others were skilled in trades such as carpentry, masonry, and blacksmithing. House slaves included cooks, butlers, and personal valets and maids. |
| 1) | George Washington was born into a society that accepted slavery. |
| 2) | After fighting for freedom in the Revolutionary War, Washington’s opinion of slavery changed and he personally resolved never to buy or sell another slave. |
| 3) | George Washington wrote to Lawrence Lewis in 1797; "I wish my soul that the legislature of this State could see a policy of gradual abolition of slavery." |
| 4) | In his will, George Washington freed his slaves and left detailed instructions for their care and support. |
| 1) | Located 50 yards southwest of George Washington’s tomb. |
| 2) | Known to have been a cemetery for slaves and free blacks who worked for the Washington family. |
| 3) | Graves are unmarked; identities and numbers of those buried are largely unknown. William Lee, George Washington’s personal servant during the Revolutionary War is known to be buried there. He was freed in 1801 and died in 1828. West Ford (1784-1863), a prominent free black who worked at Mount Vernon after Washington’s death as a manager and later assisted the Ladies’ Association with historical facts is thought to be buried there. |
| 1929 | Flat tablet of Georgian marble was placed by the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association. Inscription reads: "In memory of the many faithful colored Servants of the Washington family buried at Mount Vernon from 1760 to 1860/their unidentified graves surround this spot/1929." |
| 1983 | Granite columns, atop of three concentric circles, with the words Faith, Hope, and Love on the circles, inscribed: "In memory of the Afro-Americans who served as slaves at Mount Vernon/ This monument marking their burial ground/Dedication September 21, 1983/Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association." Designed by Howard University architecture students. |
"I knew George Washington intimately and thoroughly; and were I called on to delineate his character, it would be in terms like these:
"His mind was great and powerful, his penetration strong, and as far as he saw, no judgment was ever sounder. It was slow in operation, being little aided by invention or imagination, but sure in conclusion. Hence the common remark of his officers, of the advantage he derived from councils of war, where hearing all suggestions, he selected whatever was best; and certainly no general ever planned his battles more judiciously.
"He was incapable of fear, meeting personal dangers with the calmest unconcern. Perhaps the strongest feature in his character was prudence, never acting until every circumstance, every consideration, was maturely weighed; refraining if he saw a doubt, but when once decided, going through with his purpose, whatever obstacles opposed.
"His integrity was most pure, his justice the most inflexible I have ever known, no motives of interest or conscience, of friendship or hatred, being able to bias his decision. He was, indeed, in every sense of the words, a wise, a good, and great man.
"His temper was naturally high toned; but reflection and resolution had obtained a firm and habitual ascendency over it. If ever, however, it broke its bonds, he was most tremendous in wrath.
"In his expenses he was honorable, but exact; liberal in contributions to whatever promised utility; but frowning and unyielding on all visionary projects and all unworthy projects and all unworthy calls on his charity. His heart was not warm in it's affections; but he exactly calculated every man's value, and gave him a solid esteem proportioned to it.
"His person, you know, was fine, his stature exactly what one would wish, his deportment easy, erect and noble; the best horseman of his age, and the most graceful figure that could be seen on horseback.
"He wrote readily, rather diffusely, in an easy and correct style. This he had acquired by conversation with the world, for his education was merely reading, writing, and common arithmetic, to which he added surveying at a later day. His time was employed in action chiefly.
"On the whole, his character was, in it's mass, perfect, in nothing bad, in few points indifferent; and it may truly be said, that never did nature and fortune combine more perfectly to make a man great, and to place him in the same constellation with whatever worthies have merited from man an everlasting remembrance.
"For his was the singular destiny and merit of leading the armies of his country successfully through an arduous war, for the establishment of it's independence; of conducting it's councils through the birth of a government, new in it's forms and principles, until it had settled down into a quiet and orderly train; and of scrupulously obeying the laws through the whole of his career, civil and military, of which the history of the world furnishes no other example..."
(A letter written by Thomas Jefferson to Dr Walter Jones concerning George Washington)
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Night Of Decision
Monticello Jan 2, 1814
Narrator: "Around the lives of all great men, history weaves romantic and colorful stories. Many are based on fact and some are pure imagination. There are many wonderful stories told about the man who for one terrible and momentous winter occupied this house. (House where George Washington was residing during Valley Forge) But none is so little known or awe inspiring as the event that took place here one evening. Our very existence as well as our future is largely dependent on that remarkable 'Night of Decision.'"
Story starts out with soldiers in camp grumbling about whether replenishment supplies will be coming soon to help them out. A gypsy fortune teller in camp tells the other soldiers that supplies will not be coming. A Colonial Officer arrests the gypsy and has him flogged.
Narrator: "Valley Forge, December 1777, the winter of despair was just beginning."
A messenger arrives for Washington with news. Message tells Washington that supplies will not be coming. Washington shows message to one of his Colonel's.
Colonel: "Do they expect us to go on fighting without food and supplies?"
Washington: "That is precisely the point Colonel, I believe those supply wagons were deliberately cancelled. Supplies are ample but a large element in the Continental Congress would like us to give up. This is a form of persuasion."
Colonel: "Persuasion?"
Washington: "The British are tired of this war too. Congress has been contacted by agents of the British with an offer that grants every one of our demands, everything except independence."
Colonel: "Is Congress ready to settle for that?"
Washington: "A good many of the gentlemen in the Congress are."
Colonel: "In the face of it, sir, why do you go on?"
Washington: "Are you ready to give up Colonel?"
Washington hears noises of gypsy being flogged. He asks Officer of the guard what the flogging is all about.
Officer of the Guard: "Another one of those gypsies sir, a fortune teller. This one told our men that the supply wagons will never arrive."
Washington: "By who's orders is he being flogged?"
Officer of the Guard: "Major Warren."
Washington: "The order is revoked."
Washington continues conversation with Colonel.
Washington: "You don't put any credence in that sort of thing, Colonel Danforth?"
Colonel: "Well, no sir, but..."
Washington: "He could of learned about those wagons in a hundred different ways."
Colonel: "General, this group that wants to quit. Just how important are they in Congress?"
Washington: "Very important! They are still considerably a minority but they are making themselves felt. They even asked me for support."
Colonel: "You, you refused of course?"
Washington: "Oh yes, I refused! But I don't know that I had the right!"
Colonel: "Sir?"
Washington: "There are 12,000 men here in rags, Colonel, and starving. Shouldn't they be consulted about any settlement? Five-Hundred of them die every month of disease and privation. There is little glory or satisfaction in that kind of death. And then of course, there are the dead. I wonder how they would feel about settling for anything less than they died for."
Colonel: "I don't know which side of the question you favor sir?"
Washington: "To be honest Colonel, at this moment I don't know myself. I do not know myself."
Washington takes a walk outside of the building to get some air and to think things over on this cold night.
Washington praying to God: "When will spring ever come? Oh God, do I have the right to decide the fate of so many and so much? Help me!"
A spirit of a dead Indian chief, whom Washington fought in the battle of Monongahela in 1755, appears to Washington.
Chief: "Your God has come to your aid before, He will again. I am Chief Otumqus, Chief of Shawnee."
Washington: "Otumqus?"
Chief: "Twenty-two summers have come and gone since we met at the battle of Monongahela."
Washington: "Yes, of course, July 1755, I was leading a detachment of Virginians under the command of General Braddock."
Chief: "Redcoats stood tall in sunlight like field of dry corn waiting for harvest night."
Washington: "Yes, it was a slaughter. We lost half of the entire British Colonial Army that day."
Chief: "All British Officers in field fell, dead or wounded, all but you Washington."
Washington: "Yes, I remember well."
Chief: "I fired at you again and again. Fifteen bullets at the heart and not one found its mark. It has caused me much wonder."
Washington: "I was very fortunate that day."
Chief: "Not fortunate, the Great Spirit protected Washington that day for good and great purpose."
Washington: "I wish I could believe that!"
Chief: "Believe it!"
Noise in camp makes George Washington turn around to look and when he turns back around to talk to the chief, the chief had disappeared. Washington, then, goes back to his quarters. Washington gets a visit from Lafayette. Washington tells Lafayette about his talk with Indian Chief.
Washington and Lafayette
Lafayette: "I have never considered myself a mystic, mon General, but I can find no ready explanation for what impressed that Indian so profoundly. What he said about the battle was only true, was it not?"
Washington: "Oh, my dear Lafayette, he must have been just a creation of my own troubled mind. He must have been. There were no footprints in the snow. Otumqus was supposed to have died in his own village two years ago."
Lafayette: "What if he did!"
Washington: "What if he did? A man dead two years, your talking nonsense. A hallucination caused by remembering an impressive day in my youth."
Lafayette: "How many battles have you been in, mon General?"
Washington: "Scores, perhaps hundreds."
Lafayette: "Tres biens, how many times have you been wounded?"
Washington: "Never. Oh this has been a day of madness. First me, then you, a gypsy's predictions, a visit from a dead indian. Yet, and yet, I can remember very well the words I wrote in a letter to my brother after the battle. I said: 'By the all powerful dispensations of Providence I have been protected beyond all human possibility and explanation.'"
Lafayette: "Beyond all human possibility! I agree!"
Washington: "My dear Lafayette, you are a incurable romantic!"
Lafayette: "Mon General, I am a Frenchman."
Washington: "Why should Providence choose me for favors?"
Lafayette: "That, you would have to ask Providence! But, as for what Otumqus referred, perhaps it was for this particular time and this particular place that you were saved."
Washington: "Do I have the stubbornness to continue against the most impossible obstacles? Do I find the courage to give up while there is still something left? Still something to be gained? When I face the facts with a cold eye, I know, and you do too, that if the British persevere we eventually shall be crushed by shear weight of numbers. Unless your nation enters the war, and that is a fact, and can you promise me France will come to our aid?"
Lafayette: "I cannot promise that. But I have every hope..."
Washington: "Every hope?"
Washington walks out room to talk to his Officer of the Guard.
Washington: "Every officer on my staff is to be here for an urgent meeting at 9:00 pm sharp!"
Washington returns to room with Lafayette. Washington tells Lafayette he plans to give up the struggle and he will tell this to his officers at the meeting.
Lafayette: "I think you are very tired. Tired of fighting Congress, the inequities, the intrigues. In addition to all that the responsibility of fighting a war on so many fronts is more than any one man can bare. You are not able to see things clearly. General Washington, I only got this more I can say, that I realize that once you have made a decision it is hopeless to try to dissuade you."
Washington: "I trust my decision will not affect our friendship?"
Lafayette: "Nothing could do that, mon General!"
Lafayette walks out of room almost weeping.
Washington sits in chair and has a vision. It gives him hope to change his mind and go on with the fight.
At 9:00 pm his officers along with Lafayette are assembled in his room for the meeting. Washington walks in room with expression of determination, hope and optimism which surprises all in the room.
Washington: "Good evening, gentlemen. I would like each of you to consider ways and means of building the morale of the men under your command. Projects to keep them busy to achieve the highest level of preparation for our spring campaign."
Major: "Spring campaign? But I thought..."
Washington: "You thought what?"
Colonel: "Pardon me sir? We are despairing of the future. If you know something, if you are free to tell us the basis for this sudden optimism? Some news of the French perhaps? News of a victory in the North?"
Washington: "There is no news Colonel, good or bad. We must make our own good news. But I can say that I am now confident that this war will end in our favor and with complete victory!"
Colonel: "Victory? Surely, General?"
Washington: "Meeting is adjourned."
Officers all leave room except for Lafayette.
Washington: "I tell you, I, my friend, you know I am a hard headed and practical a man as you have ever known. But I was sitting in this chair like this. I put back my head and closed my eyes but it wasn't just a dream because when I opened my eyes, it was still there. I saw our nation victorious. I saw it grow in size and power to become the major force for good on this earth. I saw it. A dream, a vision, I know it will come to pass. In my heart, I know it."
Lafayette looks at Washington with great amazement and hope.
Narrator: "A dream, a vision, whatever it was George Washington experienced it has today become all fact. You won't find anything about it in an ordinary history book but it has appeared in print in a number of versions in a number of times in the past 150 years. All versions agree that Washington's dream of the Revolution would be successful and that the infant nation would grow until the boundaries would stretch from Canada to Mexico and from the Atlantic to the Pacific. There would be a bitter civil war between the Northern and Southern states. The Northern States would be called the Union and the Southern States would be called the Confederacy and the Union would emerge victorious. He dreamed all this supposedly and more but what is absolutely no dream are the facts of the battle of Monongahela. On this, all versions and all historians agree. There were three bullet holes in his hat, two horses were shot from under him. There were four bullet holes in the chest area of his uniform. Hundreds of French and Indian rifles firing at almost point blank range throughout that long and dreadful afternoon. And nothing touched him, nothing. Well, those are the facts. The incredible facts about the mystery of George Washington. Like Chief Otumqus, it will cause us much wonder."
("Night of Decision" taken from the series entitled: "One Step Beyond" narrated by John Newland. Note: Hollywood often exaggerates real life stories. "Night of Decision" is no exception. First, they had a real far fetched scene which I did not transcribe and then they said a dead Indian chief appeared to Washington and told him his story. In real life, the Indian Chief did tell Washington this story but he was not dead and he did not tell him the story at Valley Forge. The following article is more accurate about the Indian Chief.)
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From Article "Spiritual Heritage"
By Pastor Mark Batterson
Chief Justice John Marshall said Washington was a firm believer in the Christian religion. Elias Boudinot, who served as President of Congress during the Revolution, said, The General was a Christian. Reverend Devereaux Jarratt, a Virginia Minister, said that Washington was a professor of Christianity.
Our first President was motivated by his faith. When Washington was a twenty-something he wrote a little book titled Daily Sacrifice. It consisted of prayers written out longhand. The first entry said, Let my heart, therefore, gracious God, be so affected with the glory and majesty of Thine Honor that I may not do mine own works, but wait on Thee, and discharge those weighty duties which Thou requirest of me.
Washington ’s prayer was prophetic -- decades later his weighty duties would include leading a fledging republic known as the United States of America.
Washington wrote out another prayer acknowledging his desire to become more like Christ. Wash away my sin in the Immaculate Blood of the Lamb, and purge my heart by the Holy Spirit, daily frame me more and more into the likeness of Thy Son Jesus Christ.
Many years later, when George Washington resigned as Commander-in-Chief, he prayed the following prayer for the governors of the states.
"I now make it my earnest prayer that God would have you and the State over which you preside in His holy protection -- that He would incline the hearts of the citizens to cultivate a spirit of subordination and obedience to government -- to entertain a brotherly affection and a love for one another -- and finally, that He would most graciously be pleased to dispose us all to do justice, to love mercy, and to demean ourselves with that charity, humility, and [peaceful] temper of the mind which were the characteristics of the Divine Author of our blessed religion, without an humble imitation of whose example in these things, we can never hope to be a happy nation.
George Washington was essentially saying that national happiness would be proportionate to Christlikeness.
When Washington was twenty-three years old he served as a Colonel under General Edward Braddock. He fought in the battle of Monongahela in July of 1755 and the fighting was fierce. It is documented both by his personal journals and first-hand testimony that George Washington actually had two horses shot out from under him and four musket balls passed through his coat. In a letter to his brother, Washington wrote, Death was leveling my companions on every side of me, but by the all-powerful dispensations of Providence, I have been protected.
Fifteen years after this battle, Washington was exploring wilderness territory in the Western Reserve and a band of Indians came up to them with an interpreter. The leader was an old Indian chief who had fought against Washington in the Battle of Monongahala. This exchange was witnessed by those who traveled with Washington and recorded in George Bancroft's History of the United States published in 1838. Through an interpreter the Indian Chief said, I am the chief and ruler over my tribes. My influence extends to the waters of the great lakes and to the far blue mountains. I have traveled a long and weary path, that I might see the young warrior of the great battle.
How did he remember Washington? Washington was 6'2" which was pretty remarkable two hundred years ago. The average soldier fighting in the Revolutionary War was 5'1" tall. So Washington was head and shoulders taller than most. That made his very noticeable and a pretty good target for the enemy.
The Indian Chief said, It was on the day when the white man's blood mixed with the streams of our forest, that I first beheld this chief [Washington]. I called to my young men and said, 'Mark yon tall and daring warrior? He is not of the red-coat tribe -- he hath an Indian's wisdom, and his warriors fight as we do -- himself alone is exposed. Quick let your aim be certain, and he dies.' Our rifles were leveled, rifles which, but for him, knew not how to miss. Twas all in vain; a power mightier far than we shielded him from harm. He cannot die in battle. I am old, and soon shall be gathered to the great council fire of my fathers in the land of shades, but ere I go, there is something that bids me speak in the voice of prophecy: Listen! The Great Spirit protects that man, and guides his destinies -- he will become the chief of nations, and a people yet unborn will hail him as the founder of a mighty empire.
This Indian chief prophesied those words over George Washington before the Declaration of Independence was written or the Revolutionary War was fought.
On April 30, 1789, George Washington was inaugurated in New York. He requested that a Bible be brought. He placed his right hand on the open book and took the oath of office. Then he delivered his first inaugural address. What George Washington says in that address is more than just nice sentiments. He's speaking out of his personal experience when he said, It would be peculiarly improper to omit, in this first official act, my fervent supplication to that Almighty Being, who rules over the universe, who presides in the councils of nations, and whose providential aids can supply every human defect. No people can be bound to acknowledge and adore the invisible hand which conducts the affairs of men more than the people of the United States. Every step by which they have advanced to the character of an independent nation seems to have distinguished by some token of providential agency.
There are so many references to providence in that inaugural address that you lose count. George Washington had a sense of destiny. And I believe that sense of destiny was the by-product of his prayer life. When he left home to join the military his mother said, Remember that God only is our sure trust. To Him I commend you. My son, neglect not the duty of secret prayer.
Is it any accident that we have so many paintings of Washington in the posture of prayer? Is it possible that the instances of providence in the life of George Washington are the result of prayer?
(http://www.theaterchurch.com/pages/evotionals/richtext/evotional_07152004.htm)
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The paintings of George Washington kneeling in prayer in the snow-covered woods of Valley Forge are based on fact. He believed that God would lead him to victory, and anyone who has read his handwritten letters and documents cannot help but be impressed by his reliance on the Almighty and his deep belief in Divine Guidance.
Strengthened by a sense of duty and honor, driven by a love of freedom and hunger for justice, sustained by faith and confidence in divine providence-George Washington would not fail. He would fulfill his destiny. This uncommon man would lead the colonial forces to victory, become the father of our country, be unanimously acclaimed our first President, and set the course for what was to become history's greatest nation.
Little wonder then that he was shown great favor by the God of our universe. As the prophets of old were shown the destiny of mankind, so was Washington shown the destiny of our nation. General Washington had an unusual and profound spiritual experience in Valley Forge. He was given a vision of so momentous importance that it prompts the writing of this paper and the dissemination of this information to all concerned Americans.
Washington told of the event shortly after it took place. It was repeated to his close confidants and fellow patriots during the 22 years he lived after it's occurrence. And it has been carried in print from time to time over the past 200 years. However, since spiritual experiences tend to be ignored by secular historians, it has remained at times an obscurity. Thomas Jefferson best expressed the relationship between man's highest aspiration and the great Creator when he wrote, “God who gave us life, gave us liberty.” Throughout history, as is well documented in Holy Scripture and readily attested to by millions of observant people, God has raised up individuals, usually temporal leaders, to fulfill the destiny of men and nations.
It is the personal opinion of this writer that God moulded, inspired and directed George Washington. He was, indeed, chosen to be a special man, at a special time, for a special purpose.
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The Vision
Various accounts of George Washington's vision and prophecy all agree in content. There have been only minor variations in some details as the story was repeated over the years by those to whom it was related by General Washington.
The place was Valley Forge, in the cold and bitter winter of 1777. Washington's army had suffered several reverses and the situation was desperate. Food was scarce. The Continental Congress was not sending supplies or money. Some of the troops did not even have shoes to wear in the snow. Many soldiers were sick and dying from disease and exposure. Morale was at an all-time low and there was great agitation in the Colonies against continued effort to secure our freedom from England. Nevertheless, General Washington was determined to see the struggle through.
These are the words of a first-hand observer, Anthony Sherman, who was there and describes the situation: "You doubtless heard the story of Washington's going to the thicket to pray. Well, it is not only true, but he used often to pray in secret for aid and comfort from God, the interposition of whose Divine Providence brought us safely through the darkest days of tribulation.
"One day, I remember it well, when the chilly winds whistled through the leafless trees, though the sky was cloudless and the sun shown brightly, he remained in his quarters nearly all the afternoon alone. When he came out, I noticed that his face was a shade paler than usual. There seemed to be something on his mind of more than ordinary importance. Returning just after dusk, he dispatched an orderly to the quarters of the officer I mention, who was presently in attendance. After a preliminary conversation of about a half hour, Washington, gazing upon his companion with that strange look of dignity which he alone commanded, related the event that occurred that day."
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Washington's Own Words
"This afternoon, as I was sitting at this table engaged in preparing a dispatch, something seemed to disturb me. Looking up, I beheld standing opposite me a singularly beautiful female. So astonished was I, for I had given strict orders not to be disturbed, that it was some moments before I found language to inquire the cause of her presence. A second, a third and even a fourth time did I repeat my question, but received no answer from my mysterious visitor except a slight raising of her eyes.
"By this time I felt strange sensations spreading through me. I would have risen but the riveted gaze of the being before me rendered volition impossible. I assayed once more to address her, but my tongue had become useless, as though it had become paralyzed.
"A new influence, mysterious, potent, irresistible, took possession of me. All I could do was to gaze steadily, vacantly at my unknown visitor. Gradually the surrounding atmosphere seemed as if it had become filled with sensations, and luminous. Everything about me seemed to rarify, the mysterious visitor herself becoming more airy and yet more distinct to my sight than before. I now began to feel as one dying, or rather to experience the sensations which I have sometimes imagined accompany dissolution. I did not think, I did not reason, I did not move; all were alike impossible. I was only conscious of gazing fixedly, vacantly at my companion.
"Presently I heard a voice saying, 'Son of the Republic, look and learn,' while at the same time my visitor extended her arm eastwardly. I now beheld a heavy white vapor at some distance rising fold upon fold. This gradually dissipated, and I looked upon a strange scene. Before me lay spread out in one vast plain all the countries of the world - Europe, Asia, Africa and America. I saw rolling and tossing between Europe and America the billows of the Atlantic, and between Asia and America lay the Pacific.
"'Son of the Republic,' said the same mysterious voice as before, 'look and learn.' At that moment I beheld a dark, shadowy being, like an angel, standing, or rather floating in mid-air, between Europe and America. Dipping water out of the ocean in the hollow of each hand, while with his left hand he cast some on Europe. Immediately a cloud raised from these countries, and joined in mid-ocean. For a while it remained stationary, and then moved slowly westward, until it enveloped America in its murky folds. Sharp flashes of lightning gleamed through it at intervals, and I heard the smothered groans and cries of the American people.
"A second time the angel dipped water from the ocean, and sprinkled it out as before. The dark cloud was then drawn back to the ocean, in whose heaving billows it sank from view. A third time I heard the mysterious voice saying, 'Son of the Republic, look and learn,' I cast my eyes upon America and beheld villages and towns and cities springing up one after another until the whole land from the Atlantic to the Pacific was dotted with them.
"Again, I heard the mysterious voice say, 'Son of the Republic, the end of the century cometh, look and learn.' At this the dark shadowy angel turned his face southward, and from Africa I saw an ill-omened spectre approach our land. It flitted slowly over every town and city of the latter. The inhabitants presently set themselves in battle array against each other. As I continued looking I saw a bright angel, on whose brow rested a crown of light, on which was traced the word 'Union,' bearing the American flag which he placed between the divided nation, and said, 'Remember ye are brethren.' Instantly, the inhabitants, casting from them their weapons became friends once more, and united around the National Standard.
"And again I heard the mysterious voice saying, 'Son of the Republic, look and learn.' At this the dark, shadowy angel placed a trumpet to his mouth, and blew three distinct blasts; and taking water from the ocean, he sprinkled it upon Europe, Asia and Africa. Then my eyes beheld a fearful scene: from each of these countries arose thick, black clouds that were soon joined into one. Throughout this mass there gleamed a dark red light by which I saw hordes of armed men, who, moving with the cloud, marched by land and sailed by sea to America. Our country was enveloped in this volume of cloud, and I saw these vast armies devastate the whole country and burn the villages, towns and cities that I beheld springing up. As my ears listened to the thundering of the cannon, clashing of swords, and the shouts and cries of millions in mortal combat, I heard again the mysterious voice saying, 'Son of the Republic, look and learn.' When the voice had ceased, the dark shadowy angel placed his trumpet once more to his mouth, and blew a long and fearful blast.
"Instantly a light as of a thousand suns shone down from above me, and pierced and broke into fragments the dark cloud which enveloped America. At the same moment the angel upon whose head still shone the word Union, and who bore our national flag in one hand and a sword in the other, descended from the heavens attended by legions of white spirits. These immediately joined the inhabitants of America, who I perceived were well nigh overcome, but who immediately taking courage again, closed up their broken ranks and renewed the battle.
"Again, amid the fearful noise of the conflict, I heard the mysterious voice saying, 'Son of the Republic, look and learn.' As the voice ceased, the shadowy angel for the last time dipped water from the ocean and sprinkled it upon America. Instantly the dark cloud rolled back, together with the armies it had brought, leaving the inhabitants of the land victorious!
"Then once more I beheld the villages, towns and cities springing up where I had seen them before, while the bright angel, planting the azure standard he had brought in the midst of them, cried with a loud voice: 'While the stars remain, and the heavens send down dew upon the earth, so long shall the Union last.' And taking from his brow the crown on which blazoned the word 'Union,' he placed it upon the Standard while the people, kneeling down, said, 'Amen.'
"The scene instantly began to fade and dissolve, and I at last saw nothing but the rising, curling vapor I at first beheld. This also disappearing, I found myself once more gazing upon the mysterious visitor, who, in the same voice I had heard before, said, 'Son of the Republic, what you have seen is thus interpreted: Three great perils will come upon the Republic. The most fearful is the third, but in this greatest conflict the whole world united shall not prevail against her. Let every child of the Republic learn to live for his God, his land and the Union.' With these words the vision vanished, and I started from my seat and felt that I had seen a vision wherein had been shown to me the birth, progress, and destiny of the United States."
Thus ended General George Washington's vision and prophecy for the United States of America as told in his own words.
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Commentary
George Washington's vision has been published from time to time and is recorded in the Library of Congress. What I have related regarding this prophecy, as well as the explanations and remarks setting the historical background of this profound event, are not original thoughts or even initially reported facts. It has simply been my duty to set them down in order to increase your understanding and motivation for the struggle ahead.
We are now moving rapidly into the third and greatest peril of Washington's revelation. The signs of its fulfillment are readily evident are readily evident to all who are not blinded by apathy, overindulgence, or self-delusion.
Nations on every continent, under the political forces of Communism, are now hostile to the United States. America has few friends left in the world and even fewer still who will have the strength or will to stand beside her in any future struggles.
Lenin foretold the series of events: "First we will take Russia, next we will capture the nations of eastern Europe, then we will take the masses of Asia. Finally, we will surround the United States and that last bastion of freedom will fall into our hands like over-ripe fruit.'"
In Washington's vision, he saw America attacked and invaded by vast military forces from Europe, Asia and Africa. He saw that with those forces there "gleamed a dark, red light" -- the color and symbol of Communism. He saw our cities aflame (as a result of nuclear attack, burned by the invading enemy forces, or perhaps set afire by mobs fomenting anarchy and revolution); the whole nation devastated, and millions dying in mortal combat.
Then, at the point of fiercest and final battle, the great angel, the guardian of this nation, descended from the heavens with legions of white spirits who joined forces with the Americans and destroyed the invading armies.
(From the book entitled: "George Washington's Vision & Prophecy For America" by John Grady, MD)
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God's Protection Of Washington
During Revolutionary War
The Colonist Christian beliefs and their firm reliance on God's protection proved invaluable throughout the Revolutionary War and the establishing of the nation of the United States of America. This protection of God was certainly upon the Father of our Nation, George Washington.
One incident that dramatically revealed this occurred during the French and Indian War while Washington was serving as a Commander under British General Braddock.
During an attack by the enemy, Washington had two horses shot from under him, four bullets passed through his coat and he was fired upon numerous times from near point blank range and remained unharmed.
An Indian who took part in the battle later stated: 'Washington was not born to be killed by a bullet! For I had seventeen shots fired at him and after all, could not bring him to the ground.'
An indian chief and several of his warriors had singled out Washington to kill him. When they could not, they concluded he was under the protection of the Great Spirit, had a charmed life and could not be slain in battle.
Washington, in a letter to his brother reported: 'But by the all powerful dispensations of Providence, I have been protected beyond all human probability or expectation.'
God was preserving and preparing Washington through this and many other events for a special end. When the war for independence began, Washington was selected as General of the Army of the United States. The day after he took charge he issued orders requiring: 'All officers and soldiers not engaged in actual duty to attend Divine Services to implore blessings of heaven upon the means used for their safety and defense.'
Shortly after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the blessing of heaven and Providential protection of God were manifested upon the Colonial Army.
During fighting on Long Island, British General Howe and his 32,000 well trained troops had inflicted heavy losses on Washington's army but had not succeeded in capturing or destroying it. General Howe then prepared to attack the 8,000 American troops on Brooklyn Heights. The British Army had Washington's army surrounded in a great semi-circle with their backs to the mile wide East River.
Here we see the first amazing event, for General Howe remained in this position for two days and did not attack. Had he attacked, victory would have been certain for the superior British force. It is not known even to this day why he delayed.
Washington, greatly outnumbered, realized to fight would mean defeat and the likely end of the war. Surrender was unthinkable! To retreat was the only thing to do. But how?
The British completely blocked any route on land which left only the wide East River. The American Army could have easily been surrounded by the British but Providential adverse weather conditions kept British ships from sailing up the East River.
As a result the American Army was able to make an attempt to escape. To make sure the British did not discover their retreat, Washington set out to evacuate his army in great secrecy. He set orders for every rowboat, sailboat and seagoing vessel to be collected in the area. At 8:00 pm on the night of August 29, 1776 the evacuation of the troops commenced. Heavy rain was falling as the evacuation began and the adverse winds which hindered the British ships continued. In this weather, the sailboats were of little use and only few rowboats were employed in the retreat. At this rate, evacuation seemed impossible. But at 11:00 pm the Northeast wind which had raged for three days amazingly stopped and the water became so calm that the boats could be loaded with extra weight. A gentle breeze arose from the South and Southwest which favored their travel across the river to New York.
The retreat continued throughout the darkness of the pre-dawn. But as the sun began to rise, many troops were yet to be evacuated. Their death seemed apparent. But again, an astonishing thing occurred. Major Benjamin Talmage was still on the island and he recorded what happened in his memoirs: 'After dawn of the next day approached, those of us who remained in the trenches became very anxious for our own safety and when the dawn appeared there were several regiments here on duty. At this time, a very dense fog began to rise out of the ground and off the river. It seemed to settle in a peculiar manner over both encampments. I recollect this peculiar Providential occurrence perfectly well. And so very dense was the atmosphere that I could scarcely discern a man six yards distance. We tarried until the sun had risen but the fog remained as dense as ever.' The fog remained until the last boats left Long Island.
Another miraculous event occurring during this retreat was recorded by Washington Irving in his 'Life of Washington'. Near the ferry, where the troops were being evacuated, a family lived who favored the British cause. Upon seeing the army's embarkation, the lady of the house sent a servant to warn the British of what was happening. The servant managed to slip past the American guards but upon reaching the British lines he ran into an outpost of German speaking soldiers (Hessians) and was unable to communicate with them. The servant was put under guard at the outpost as a suspicious person until early in the morning when a British officer examined him.
Upon hearing the story, some soldiers were sent to validate it. They cautiously approached the American Camp only to find it completely empty. Had the servant ran into anybody else, the British would have been able to surprise the American Forces in the midst of their retreat.
British troops were hurriedly dispatched to the river. When they arrived, the fog had lifted enough for them to see four boats upon the East river. The only boat close enough to be captured contained three vagabonds who stayed behind to plunder. Otherwise, thousands of men, with nearly all of their supplies had miraculously retreated to New York.
Here we see the American General Greene say: 'The best effective retreat I ever read or heard of!' This event was so astonishing that surely the explanation given by many of the Colonists was true: 'That God was defending the cause of liberty.'
The Colonists continued to pray and rely upon God throughout the war. During the harsh winter of 1777 to 1778 when the American troops were suffering at Valley Forge, Washington could often be found upon his knees within the woods laying the cause of his bleeding country at the throne of grace.
In the prayer room of the Capitol, we can see in the stained glass window the kneeling figure of George Washington. Behind him, a prayer from the first verse of Psalm sixteen is etched: 'Preserve me Oh Lord, for in Thee do I put my trust.' Washington was observed by his troops, his officers, and various civilians to regularly pray in his tent as well as in secluded groves.
On May 6, 1982, President Reagan remarked on this event in his National Day of Prayer Proclamation: 'I said before that the most sublime picture in American history is of George Washington on his knees in the snow at Valley Forge. That image personifies a people who knew that its not enough to depend on our own courage and goodness. We must also seek help from God, our Father and preserver.'
In this difficult of times, General Washington constantly relied upon God and trusted in Him for success. God was faithful to answer his prayers and through Washington He eventually established our independence and secured the beginning of the most free and prosperous nation the world has ever seen.
How did God answer George Washington's prayers at Valley Forge? The following is one historian's account of the miracles that occurred that winter which helped remedy the impending starvation of the Colonial Army: 'One foggy morning the soldiers noticed the Schuylkill River seemed to be boiling. The disturbance was caused by thousands and thousands of shad which were making their way upstream in an unusual early migration. With pitchforks and shovels the men plunged into the water throwing the fish onto the banks. Dragoons rode their horses into the stream to keep the shad from swimming on out of reach. Suddenly and wonderfully there was plenty of food for the army.'
Another Providential event that occurred that winter was France becoming an ally to America. Much needed French money and troops began to poor into the new nation. The Continental Congress acknowledged this as the hand of God as they declared a National Day of Thanksgiving on May 7.
Valley Forge Today
In Washington's orders issued at Valley Forge, May 5, 1778, he proclaimed: 'It having pleased the Almighty, Ruler of the Universe propitiously to defend the cause of the United American States, and finally by raising us up a powerful friend among the Princes of the earth to establish our Liberty and Independence upon a lasting foundation; it becomes us to set apart a day for gratefully acknowledging the Divine Goodness and celebrating the events which we owe to His benign interposition.'
The troops survival, Washington's amazing leadership and all the miraculous occurrences during the winter at Valley Forge can only be attributed to Almighty God!
There are four other paintings in the Capitol Rotunda, all of which have a Christian significance. As we look at the story behind the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown, we will see how God again used the weather to assist the Colonials in their fight for freedom.
In October of 1781, British General Cornwallis had his troops stationed at Yorktown, Virginia. While Cornwallis waited for reinforcements, Washington marched his troops from New York to Yorktown. Unknown to Washington or Cornwallis, a French fleet under Admiral De Grasse arrived just in time to defeat the British fleet sent to relieve General Cornwallis at Yorktown.
Without reinforcements, Cornwallis was barely holding out against the siege of the American and French forces. As a last resort, he decided to attempt to retreat across the York River. At 10:00 pm on the night of October 17, sixteen large boats were loaded with troops and embarked for Gloucester. After the first few boats had landed, a great turn of events occurred. In the official dispatch to his superior, Cornwallis wrote: 'But at this critical moment the weather from being moderate and calm changed to a violent storm of wind and rain and drove all the boats, some of them with troops on board, down the river.'
Due to this miraculous weather change, Cornwallis was unable to complete his intended retreat and found his force divided when Washington's batteries opened at day break. When the boats finally returned he ordered them to bring back the troops that had passed during the night. Later that day, he surrendered his forces to General Washington. This essentially marked the end of the war.
General Washington and our Congress recognized the Providence of God in the Battle of Yorktown. The journals of Congress record this entry: 'Resolved a Congress will, at 2:00 pm this day, make a procession to the Dutch Lutheran Church and return thanks to Almighty God for crowning the Allied arms of the United States and France with success by the surrender of the Earl of Cornwallis.'
And in his congratulatory order to the Allied army on the day of the surrender, General Washington concluded: 'The General congratulates the army upon the glorious events of yesterday. Divine service is to be performed tomorrow in the several brigades and divisions. The Commander-in-Chief recommends that the troops not on duty should universally attend, with that seriousness of deportment and gratitude of heart which the recognition of such reiterated and astonishing interpositions of Providence demand of us.'
(From a Documentary entitled: "The Story Of America's Liberty")
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Washington, DC, Named After George Washington,
During War Of 1812
On August 24, 1814, in the War of 1812, fires were set by the British burning the public buildings of Washington. Hours after, a hurricane visited the Washington City that afternoon. The oldest residents said they could not recall a storm so intense. The storm extinguished those fires that were still burning. It was said a tornado formed from the hurricane right in the center of the British troops causing more damage to the British than the American defense of the city. This prompted the immediate withdrawal of the British from the city. Some say the storm and tornado were the wrath of God! Could it be that God was angry at the British for what they did to the city named after His faithful servant George Washington!
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The Vision of General George McClellan
Closely related to George Washington's Vision, but not as well known is a vision given to General George B. McClellan, one of the generals who took part in the second peril against America.
The only source I know concerning this Vision is the Evening Courier of Portland, Maine. It carries a lengthy account of a vision purporting to be the General's own words. The General was alive at the time and could have reputed the account and demanded an immediate retraction if it were false!
General McClellan is not as well known as other military leaders, in America, but he did serve his country well, despite his faults and his disagreements with President Lincoln which eventually led to his removal from his Command. At the time of this vision, McClellan had gone to Washington, D.C. to take over the command of the United States Army. This being the third day since his arrival, he was working, at two o'clock at night, over the reports of scouts and checking his maps. Being weary from work he leaned his head on his arms on the table and fell asleep.
In about ten minutes the locked door suddenly opened, and in strode someone right up to him and in a voice of authority said: "General McClellan, do you sleep at your post? Rouse you, or ere it can be prevented, the foe will be in Washington."
The General then gives some details of his strange feelings. Seemingly suspended in infinite space from a hollow distance above him, he heard a voice. He started up - not really knowing whether he was awake or not. The walls of the room, with its furniture and other objects were no longer visible, but the maps covering the table were still before him. Then, he was gazing upon a living map of America from the Mississippi River to the Atlantic Ocean.
The General was unable to identity the being standing before him, only a vapor having the general outline of a man.
Then he looked at the mysterious map before him and was amazed to see the movements of the various troops and had a complete picture of the enemy's lines and distribution of forces. Being greatly elated, he felt he now knew what strategy to use to end the way speedily and victoriously.
But then the elation gave way to great apprehension, because on this moving map, he saw the enemy's soldiers moving to the very position he had intended to occupy in a few days. He then knew that the enemy was aware of his plan of attack.
Then the voice spoke again, "General McClellan, you have been betrayed. And had not God willed otherwise, ere the sun had set the Confederate flag would have waved above the Capitol and your own grave. But note what you see. Your time is short."
Noting the movement of troops of on the living map- he took his pencil and transferred their position to the paper map on his desk. Then McClellen was aware of the figure near becoming luminous with light and glory, bright as the noonday sun. Then raising his view he looked into the face of George Washington.
Sublime and dignified our first President looked upon the bewildered General and spoke the following: "General McClellan, while yet in the flesh, I beheld the birth of the American Republic. It was indeed a hard and bloody one, but God's blessing was upon the nation and therefore, though this, her first great struggle for existence, He sustained her and with His mighty had brought her out triumphantly. A century has not passed since then, and yet the child Republic has taken her position of peer with nations whose pages of history extend for ages into the past. She has, since those dark days, by the favor of God, greatly prospered. And how, by very reason of this prosperity, has been brought to her second great struggle. This if by far the most perilous ordeal she has; passing as she is from childhood to opening maturity, she is called on to accomplish that vast result, self-control, self rule, that in the future will place her in the van of power and civilization..."
"But her mission will not then be finished for ere another century shall have gone by, the oppressors of the whole earth, hating and envying her exaltation, shall join themselves together and raise up their hands against her. But if she shall be found worthy of her high calling they shall surely be discomforted, and then will be ended her third and last great struggle for existence. Thenceforth shall the Republic go on, increasing in power and goodness, until he borders shall end only in the remotest corners of the earth, and the whole earth shall beneath her shadowing wing become a Universal Republic. Let her in her prosperity, however remember the Lord her God, her trust be always in him, and she shall never be confounded."
After this, Washington raised his hand over the General's Head in blessing and immediately a peal of thunder rumbled through space. McClellan awoke with a start and found himself in his room and spread out before him on the table were his maps.
In viewing the maps, he noticed a difference, for they were covered with marks, signs, and figures which he had made during the vision.
The General had to walk around the room to realize he was actually awake. Then, taking another look at the maps he found the markings still there. Realizing this experience was Divinely given, he ordered his horse saddled and went from camp to camp ordering changes to be made, which were necessary to frustrate the enemy's planned offensive. The strategy was successful and prevented the City of Washington from being captured. The Confederate Army, at that time was so close that Abraham Lincoln sitting in the White House could hear the roar of Confederate artillery.
Thus the Union was saved and General McClellan concludes his account of his Vision with these words:
"Our beloved, glorious Washington shall again rest quietly, sweetly in his tomb, until perhaps the end of the Prophetic Century approaches that is to bring the Republic to a third and final struggle, when he may once more laying aside the crements of Mount Vernon, become a Messanger of Succor and Peace from the Great Ruler, who has all all Nations of this Earth in His keeping."
"But the future is too vast for our comprehension; we are children of the present. When peace shall have folded her bright wings and settled our land the strange, unearthly map marked while the Spirit eyes of Washingtion looked down, shall be preserved among American Archives as a precious reminder to the American nation what in their second great struggle for existence, they owe to God and the Glorified Spirit of Washington. Verily the works of God are above the understanding of man!"
(http://www.geocities.com/CapitolHill/1834/McClellen.html)
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Two Stories of the Ghost at Gettysburg
The Ghost of Gettysburg
The Ghost of Gettysburg - Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, USA was once the site of one of the bloodiest battles of the American Civil War. It is also the home of a mysterious ghost that has haunted the battlefield of Gettysburg for generations. While the soldiers were in Gettysburg, many reported that they had seen a ghost roaming the fields. Most of these reports were from the men of the 20th Maine (a Union regiment). Colonel John Pittenger of the Union (North) Army was sent on a mission to discover who the ghost of was in the summer of 1863. Soon, in July of 1863, Colonel Pittenger and General Hunt had a discussion about the ghost. General Hunt explained that during the battle, a man, dressed in Revolutionary clothes, came galloping onto the field on a white horse. General Hunt said that he clearly saw the face of the man. It was, according to him, George Washington! But...he had been dead for years! Could it really have been General Washington, the first President of the United States, that had helped them win the battle of Little Roundtop? Though Pittenger did not believe this and was nervous about turning in a report about a George Washington ghost, Hunt swore that he and all the other men at the battle would go to there grave believing that General, President, George Washington had helped them win the war at Gettysburg.
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Roundtop Gettysburg
The Phantom Horseman of Little Round Top
By Barry Leilich
The Battle of Gettysburg is considered by historians as the turning point of the Civil War. It was during these three days of battle that the Confederate troop fiercely fought the Federal troops in an effort to bring an end to the war. On the first day, July 1, the Union line held as Confederate troops assaulted its right flank. On the second day Longstreet’s Confederate troops assaulted the Union’s left flank, forcing them back towards the high ground. Late in the afternoon, the Federal generals realized that there were no troops defending the heights of the Little Round Top. In a desperate race to beat the Rebels, Union troops arrived on the slopes of Little Round Top just minutes ahead of the first wave of Rebel forces. The following is an account of the struggle to hold Little Round Top that did not make it to the history books:
The Twentieth Maine was posted to the extreme left of the Union line; Colonel Chamberlain’s regiment became the anchor on which the entire Federal line rested. If the Confederates could have turned that position, the whole Union line would have collapsed like a house of cards.
Chamberlain had little time to contemplate the importance of his position. Even as the regiment took up a defensive line on the hill, they came under constant and heavy artillery fire. No sooner was the Twentieth Maine in line than a vigorous infantry assault on their right replaced the artillery barrage. The attack rapidly extended along the whole of the Twentieth’s front. The action, Chamberlain reported, was quite sharp and at close quarters.
Even as the regiment was heavily engaged, an officer from the center of the line informed Chamberlain that the enemy was maneuvering in the valley below, trying to work around behind the regiment’s far left flank. Mounting a boulder to get a better look, Colonel Chamberlain could indeed see a larger body of Rebels moving behind the front, passing from the foot of Big Round Top over to his left.
Chamberlain immediately stretched his defensive line to the left, at the same time “refusing” his extreme left wing, so that it was bent at a sharp angle to the right. No sooner had the Twentieth Maine carried out this difficult maneuver, still under heavy fire, the Confederates burst upon the newly extended left flank. They were repulsed only to charge again with even greater ferocity.
All along the line, for a full hour, Confederate troops made desperate efforts to break the Union line and overrun the defenses at Little Round Top. Breakthroughs were made in many places, only to be repulsed after bitter, deadly, hand-to-hand fighting.
The edge of the fight flowed backward and forward on the steep slope of the hill, like ocean waves crashing on the granite shores of Maine. Between attacks, the Twentieth Maine gathered munitions from the cartridge boxes of the fallen, for by now their ammo was beginning to run short.
At this point, half of Chamberlain’s left wing was already casualties, and a third of his whole command were either dead or wounded. What munitions were left had been robbed from the dead. It was at this critical juncture that a fresh enemy force appeared on the field. As the Confederates closed on the Union’s position, it was clear they were in large numbers and were coming on as if they meant to sweep everything before them. Chamberlain admitted that it did not seem possible to withstand another shock like this now coming on.
The battle was at a crisis point. A roar of musketry to the rear of the Twentieth Maine also warned of a possible Rebel breakthrough behind them. The New Englanders’ thin blue line was exhausted, out of ammo, and outnumbered. Defeat was imminent, and with it, the collapse of the whole Union line — perhaps of the very Union itself.
According to the official version, it was at this point that Colonel Chamberlain ordered his men to fix bayonets and charge. Amidst the deafening din of musketry—front and rear—and the blood-curdling Rebel yell, the Colonel reported “the word was enough.” Supposedly the entire length of Chamberlain’s over extended battle-line heard his order to fix bayonets and moved forward as one.
With a massive Rebel force but yards away, this thin blue line swept all before it. The fresh, well-armed Confederate force simply threw down their arms and surrendered! A second wave of Confederates also broke and ran without a shot being fired. Some four hundred prisoners, including two field officers and a large number of line officers, were captured from four different Rebel regiments—all by one bedraggled bunch of Yankees!
Soon after the battle, reports filtered out that during the crisis point of the battle, an apparition appeared, an apparition, which had turned the tide of battle in favor of the Federal forces. The troops, it was said, beheld a pale rider in their midst. It had come from nowhere and was dressed in antique costume. It rode along the thin blue line of Federals, and everywhere it passed, men picked up hope and took courage in the fight. The men in blue were suddenly brimming with confidence, as if some great and charismatic leader had suddenly appeared in their midst to lead them to certain victory. Inspired by the apparition, the Twentieth Maine moved for-ward behind him, and despite their lack of numbers, their counter-attack proved irresistible.
The Rebels seemed to have seen the apparition as well. A number of them were seen to fire on it, thinking it a Union commander as it was also clad in blue. But despite their concentrated fire at the figure on horseback, bullets had no effect on it. Soon, the phantom rider, with its tricorner hat and turned-back coattails, had spread dismay and panic among the Rebel ranks.
In discussing the incident afterwards, soldiers reported that the phantom rider closely resembled portraits they had seen of George Washington. Well aware of the crucial role they had played in the battle, some ventured the theory that Washington had appeared to them in their hour of trial in order to save the very Union he had once fought so hard to establish.
On the face of it, the appearance of General Washington on the field of Gettysburg may seem outlandish. Yet, the War Department did not regard it so at the time. As rumors filtered back to Washington, D.C., Secretary of War Stanton dispatched a staff officer, Colonel Pittenger, to investigate. He interviewed a number of participants, including General Oliver O. Howard of Maine. He apparently gathered extensive eyewitness testimony of the incident; of course, his findings were never published. The official dispatches remained the accepted account of the battle, the one which historians have repeated without question ever since.
(http://216.239.41.104/search?q=cache:vl8Q4nOxgDsJ:
www.campolden.org/pdf/novdec03.pdf+Ghost+of+roundtop+Gettysburg+george
+washington&hl=en&ie=UTF-8)
| 1) | Act at all times as in the presence of God, and make it the great object in all things to please Him. In order to do this, |
| 2) | Seek first of all to gain clear views of His will and with regard to all things to be perfectly conformed to it. In doing this, |
| 3) | Cherish no thoughts, indulge no feeling, speak no words, and do no actions, but what you really think, after all the light you can gain, will most honor God, most benefit yourself and others needs, and give you the greatest joy when they come to be exhibited before the assembled universe at the judgement day. |
| 4) | Begin and end each day by a season of communio |