August, 2003; Page 2
HISTORY NOTES
By David Barrow
THE SPECTACLES
It often happens when visiting cadets at West Point that there is some time to kill. For those with even a passing interest in the local history, Washington’s headquarters in Newburgh, Knox’s headquarters, and the New Windsor Cantonment bring the Revolutionary War to life. At the Cantonment there is a replica of the “Temple of Virtue,” which served as a chapel, courthouse and meetinghouse for the Continental Army. It was here that Washington might well have saved our young republic with a simple gesture, setting a sterling example of leadership to be emulated by our cadets today.
The British surrender at Yorktown had merely resulted in a ceasefire. It was not until the Treaty of Paris, two years later that the war finally ended through recognition of American independence. Meanwhile a restless army sat on its backside at the Cantonment, receiving little or no pay from a nearly bankrupt Congress. “Idle hands are the devil’s workshop,” and soon mutiny was in the air; this time aided and abetted by high-ranking officers. An anonymous letter circulated threatening to disband the army; or, if ordered to disband by Congress, to re-form without civilian authority, and called for a meeting to take place on March 10, 1783. Washington got wind of the conspiracy, but did not overreact. He issued general orders canceling this “unmilitary” and “subversive” meeting, substituting therefore a meeting at noon on Saturday, March 15 “...to hear the report of the Committee of the Army to Congress.” He let it be thought that he would not be attending, and so the stage was set.
A few minutes after Gen. Horatio Gates opened the meeting, a side door flew open, and in the burst of light Washington himself appeared. He approached the podium, and with polite dignity asked for the floor. He tried to convince them that such disruption only played into the hands of the enemy, and that only patience and good order would see them through. They had support in Congress, and to prove it Washington offered to read a letter from Congressman Joseph Jones. His eyes went from one hostile, suspicious face to the next as he drew out and unfolded the letter. He tried to read it in the poorly lit hall, but the letters swam before his eyes. There was a pause, then he begged the forbearance of his audience: “ Gentlemen, you will permit me to put on my spectacles, for I have not only gone gray but almost blind in the service of my country.” The sobs of crying officers were audible as veterans of Valley Forge, Trenton and Yorktown were shamed into remembering what the long years of privation;
struggle and blood had been about - a FREE nation, with power derived only from the consent of the governed. No one is even sure if Washington was able to finish the letter. Overcome with emotion himself, he left the hall as abruptly as he had entered. The mutiny that spring melted away with the leftover snow.
In this cynical age it is the fashion to deconstruct our heroes, dwelling on their flaws and human frailties. But to what end? We are far better served in the example of Washington to remember the Newburgh Mutiny, and the many other instances that made Washington “first in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen.”
MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS
Membership forms have been distributed at Club functions and in the Newsletter as well as on our website. Renewals are due each June. Anyone who has not renewed his or her membership this will be the last newsletter you will receive. Please continue the valuable benefits of club membership by renewing right away.
Additionally we would appreciate if everyone would take a few minutes to check your information as it is listed on the roster, drop a quick email with any corrections. If you are not listed please contact our treasurers Pat & Diane Reedy 352-567-7351 or cdreedy@msn.com to bring your membership up to date. Anyone that is not renewing or joining is asked to please let us know why. Please remember this is your club, suggestions and ideas are always encouraged. The web site is at www.west-point.org/parent/ wppc-gulf-coast/
RING WEEKEND
Ring Weekend, held at the very beginning of the Firstie Academic Year, is a major milestone in every Cadet's life. In 1835 West Point was the first college to have class rings, there is much tradition associated with this weekend. The ring is selected during Cow Year, and is received in a simple, but very moving ceremony which is basically just for Cadets. Traditionally, the ceremony takes place on Trophy Point at the beginning of the weekend. This area is restricted to Cadets, the TAC officers and NCO’s of the companies involved. The Firsties wear their India Whites for this event. Afterwards, they try to go back to the barracks, striving to avoid the plebes who are waiting to waylay them. The plebes, with very dirty hands, make a point of admiring the rings. Part of the tradition includes the plebes reciting the “ring poop”; "What a crass mass of brass and glass! What a bold mold of rolled gold! See how it sparkles and shines! It must have cost you a fortune! May I touch it please, Sir/Ma'am?"
