ARGUMENT.
This Anniversary of Independence overcast with unusual
glooms—symptoms of extreme and universal affliction for the
death of Washington—my unutterable feelings of distress—
his friends who were present, how affected—apostrophe to melancholy
—motives for endeavouring to overcome the oppression
of silent grief, in order to celebrate his glorious achievements
—different classes of people called upon to sympathise in
the general sorrow for his death—sketch of the extraordinary
qualities of body and mind, which distinguished him in youth,
and fitted him for future public employments—his early mission
—first military exploits—subsequent occupation in civil
and agricultural life until middle age—election as a Delegate
to the first Congress—Great-Britain forces us into the revolationary
war—that war different in character and weapons
from the wars of the Indians or ancients—Washington is appointed
Commander in Chief of the American armies—his wise
and successful procrastinating system—battle of Monmouth,
as being the principal action fought between the two main armies,
described in detail—siege of York-Town—difficult and
distressing situations—invincible firmness of the American
hero—a mutiny suppressed—peace—resignation of his commission
as Commander in Chief—troubles that succeeded in the
United States for want of a good government—Washington,
with the Federal Convention, formed a new Constitution—he is
unanimously chosen first President of the United States, at a
very tempestuous period—his just system of policy in general,
and particularly with respect to foreign nations—an insurrection
quelled without bloodshed—his humane conduct on all occasions
toward our enemies, and especially towards the aborigines
of America when conquered—treatment of Africans—
his journey through the United States—their gratitude to
him—unparalleled prosperity of his administration—his reward
—the benefits resulting from his enlightened policy not
limited to his own country, but extended to mankind—his retirement
from public life—he is again named Commander in
Chief a short time before his death—that event lamented with
the tenderest sensibility by all our troops—though he was so
extensively respected and beloved, he did not entirely escape
slander—its impotency—his last advice—his important services
in life, and heroic contempt of death, cited as examples—consolations
for his widow—view of a happy immortality—spirits of the
brave and supernatural beings invoked to protect our orphaned
land—address to the supreme Disposer of all things to preserve
our freedom—vision of Washington concludes the poem.
