Page:American History Told by Contemporaries, v2.djvu/655

No. 219] that the latter, on observing the badge, might inquire what it was, and what its intention? upon its being answered, that it was the insignia of a Society, of which his ancestor, who served in the American army, during the revolution, was a member — the other might reply, my ancestor too served during that war, but I never heard any thing of such a badge in our family ; to which it might probably be answered, it is likely your ancestor was guilty of some misconduct, which deprived him of it. Upon this, our General broke out — "I see it, I see it, and spurn the idea" which led him to sign the general Institution : and he subscribed to the State fund, 166 dollars, being one month s pay, as was stipulated in the Institution. He however never met with the Society, although no one has cherished a warmer affection for every member of the army. After the revolution in France, finding that the insignias of distinctions were doing away, it led him anew to review the distinction which the badge of the Society to which he belonged, if not in fact, yet in appearance seemed to exhibit, and brought to mind all his former objections, which induced him to write to the Secretary-General to erase his name from the Institution ; but that his subscription to the fund should remain, so long as it was applied to the purpose for which it was given — the relief of the unfortunate.



219. The Closing Scene (1783) BY DOCTOR WILLIAM GORDON

ENERAL Washington, after delivering in his accounts, hastened to Annapolis, where he arrived on the evening of the 19th of December. The next day he informed congress of his arrival in that city, with the intention of asking leave to resign the commission he had the honor of holding in their service, and desired to know their pleasure in what manner it would be most proper to offer his resignation — whether in writing or at an audience. They resolved that it should be