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During this holiday season, replete with the comfort of "snow and mistletoe and presents under the tree," it's difficult to conceive of a time when things weren't so easy, when life was a struggle for survival and America, as a social and political entity, was just developing.
Holiday movies remind us of Christmases past in a nostalgic haze, but one of the most important of all Noels took place over 200 years ago, bestowing the greatest of presents: the gifts of freedom. It was under such circumstances that George Washington, his battles won and his military work done, began his well-deserved trip home in time for the holidays.
Stanley Weintraub, author of several books on military history, renders a most moving portrait in GENERAL WASHINGTON'S CHRISTMAS FAREWELL. Indeed, it does move, taking the reader from the battlefields of the east to the "greatest man's" home and family in Mount Vernon, Virginia. Having led his troops in victory over the British forces, the future president was the object of high approbation, bordering on worship. There were those among the founding fathers who would have made Washington king of the new nation, but he declined, declaring that the new nation would have no monarchy. (A pale modern-day comparison might be a sports figure legend like Cal Ripken, Jr., bidding goodbye to fans in each stadium during his final season.)
Weintraub follows the slow, emotional journey made by Washington and his entourage, through New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, on their way to Philadelphia, the seat of the colonial Congress at the time. It was there, in settings most formal, that the general relinquished his commission.
The author often compares Washington to the Roman general Cincinnatus, who, like his latter-day counterpart, looked forward to laying down his sword and returning to his lands. Washington's patriotism had come at great personal sacrifice, including financial "inconvenience," although he steadfastly refused any payment other than "expenses."
What sets GENERAL WASHINGTON'S CHRISTMAS FAREWELL apart from similar books about the father of our country is its depth of emotion. The affection and admiration in which Washington was held by his officers, soldiers and the general citizenry were unparalleled. Weintraub writes of tears shed unabashedly as Washington delivered his famous farewell address, and of the great man's similar difficulties in maintaining composure.
The author has done his homework well, as befits an Evan Pugh Professor Emeritus of Arts and Humanities from Penn State University. In addition to items of importance, he includes bits of the seemingly trivial --- such as the costs of room and board --- which help put the times in perspective as well as add a note of levity.
With modern America's penchant for taking many of its gifts for granted, Weintraub has done well to remind readers of the early price of their current overall social and political well-being.
--- Reviewed by Ron Kaplan (RonKaplanNJ@comcast.net)
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