America’s Greatest Christmas Story

The true inspirational saga of George Washington’s 1783 Christmas

George Noga
Dec 22, 2024

Reprising a MLLG tradition, I present the greatest American Christmas story. ¹ It is 100% true, known only to a few, deeply moving and uniquely American. It begins November 17, 1783 and ends on Christmas Eve. This could not have happened anywhere but in America; it shaped our republic in ways still being felt today.

November 17-20 – Newburgh, NY – Word of Peace Treaty

The Continental Army was encamped in Newburgh, NY, where earlier that year Washington quelled a revolt of his officers over back pay. He called a meeting, gave a short talk and then reached in his pocket for a letter from Congress to read aloud. He gazed at the letter and fumbled it without speaking. He then took a pair of reading glasses, which no one had seen him wear before, from his pocket. He then said, “Gentlemen, you will permit me to put on my spectacles, for I have not only grown gray but almost blind in the service of my country.” Everyone was moved to tears as they realized the sacrifices Washington had made. The rebellion died instantly.

On November 17, 1783 George Washington received word the peace treaty had been signed. Now he could resign his commission and return to Mount Vernon, from which he had been away for 8 long years – excepting only a few days while enroute to Yorktown. Washington yearned to be home in time for Christmas but he had less than 6 weeks, many duties to perform and many miles to travel.

Immediately upon learning of the peace treaty, Washington issued farewell orders in which he lauded his troops for the extreme hardships they endured and urged them never to forget the extraordinary events to which they bore witness. He closed by announcing his retirement from service stating, “The curtain of separation soon will be drawn . . . and closed forever”. He appeared above all human ambition. Upon hearing his remarks, King George III called Washington “the greatest man of his age”.

November 21 – December 4 – New York City – Farewell to Officers

Washington traveled the 70 miles from Newburgh to New York arriving November 21. He believed it necessary to reoccupy New York to protect the British withdrawal and to prevent any untoward incidents. Washington was greeted as a hero with cheering crowds. Nearly every home had a drawing or lithograph of him in the window. Receptions and dinners were held nightly in his honor.

On December 4, Washington hosted a farewell reception for his officers at Fraunces Tavern. He realized the inadequacy of any formal address and did not trust his emotions to read one. When all the glasses were filled, he offered a toast.

“With a heart filled with love and gratitude, I now take my leave of you. I most devoutly wish your latter days may be as prosperous and happy as your former ones have been glorious and honorable. . . . I cannot come to each of you but shall be obliged if each of you will come and take me by the hand.”

Thereupon, each officer came forward to take his hand; every one was suffused with tears and unable to utter a single intelligible word.

December 5-18 – Philadelphia, PA

Next, Washington travelled 95 miles to Philadelphia. All along his route and at every stop throughout his entire journey, citizens gathered to pay tribute. Always courteous, the general accepted every proffered hand and returned every greeting.

America never before and never again will experience such an emotional outpouring for one man. Every citizen understood that he conducted them through a long and bloody war that achieved independence for their country. Everyone knew viscerally that there never again would be another such moment or another such man.

December 19-23 – Annapolis, MD – Returning His Commission

Washington traveled 129 miles to Annapolis, then the seat of Congress, arriving on December 19. From December 20-22, he was feted endlessly at lavish dinners and balls – always preceded with 13 toasts followed by 13 cannon shots.

On December 23 there was a special session of Congress to honor Washington and to accept his resignation. Attendance overflowed the facilities with people everywhere. Washington delivered his address, closing by saying, “ I retire from the great theater of action and here offer my commission and take leave of all employments of public life.” Thereupon, Washington withdrew from his coat pocket the parchment given him in 1775 that was his appointment as Commander-in-Chief and ceremoniously returned it. This speech is considered the most significant ever delivered in civil society.

December 24 – Mount Vernon, VA

Immediately after his speech on December 23, Washington set out for Mount Vernon. However, it was so late and the days so short, he got only 26 miles and stopped for the night in Bladensburg, MD. The next morning, Christmas Eve, he rode 16 miles to the Potomac River and crossed via ferry to Alexandria, VA.

Washington then rode the final 6 miles to Mount Vernon. It already was dark but about a mile away from Mount Vernon he could see its many green-shuttered windows all ablaze with candles. It was, after all, Christmas Eve.

I AM TAKING A HOLIDAY BREAK. MY NEXT SCHEDULED POST IS JANUARY 19, 2025. WATCH FOR SPECIAL UNPLANNED POSTS.

THANKS FOR READING MORE LIBERTY – LESS GOVERNMENT. BEST WISHES TO MY READERS FOR A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!