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General Washington's Christmas Farewell: A Mount Vernon Homecoming, 1783

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Don't be put-off by the cheesy title of this book. Yes...it's obviously a marketing ploy meant to tie in to the holiday season. In any case, Mr. Weintraub has crafted an interesting book. We follow Washington from West Point to Mount Vernon, as he tries to get home for Christmas. Most notably, he stops in New York City, Philadelphia, and Annapolis. In NYC he says farewell to his officers. He also puzzles his subordinates by going to visit a bookseller who is a known Tory sympathizer. (Unknown to Washington's underlings, the man was part of the commander-in-chief's network of spies who kept Washington informed of the goings-on in British occupied NYC.) In Philadelphia, amongst other things, Washington orders some new spectacles from the noted scientist David Rittenhouse. In Annapolis, Washington returns his commission to Congress, thus making formal his resignation from public service and return to private life. The book is only about 175 pages and can easily be read in a day or two. However, Mr. Weintraub manages to provide a lot of information. Some of it is interesting on a "serious" level - for example, we see Washington at the start of the journey insisting that his departure from public life will be permanent. He made several speeches on the way home, and he constantly stressed that Congress needed strong legislative powers so that it could hold the bickering colonies together. By the time he reached Annapolis, Washington had come to the conclusion that it was going to be an extremely difficult process to turn a loose confederation, which no longer had the "glue" of battling a common enemy , into a true nation. Washington was not being an egomaniac, just realistic, when he came to understand that he was the only person who could be a unifying force. Therefore, when he gave the speech in Annapolis in which he resigned his commission as commander-in-chief he changed the language so as to leave the door open for a later return to public service, if such a thing proved to be necessary...which it did. Washington was remarkably unambitious for someone who was held in such awe. He was, indeed, the man who could have been king. (In his own day, everyone wanted to touch him, as though he were holy. Many years later, people had relics - as though he were a saint. Lincoln had a splinter of Washington's coffin contained in a gold ring he wore. McKinley had several strands of Washington's hair.) We owe Washington an eternal debt that he turned his back on dictatorship. On the lighter side, we see Washington the man, warts and all. We see him losing his temper, we see his pride in his dancing ability, his love of fine wine, etc. We also get to hear about his expense account, where it seems as though he put down every possible item, down to the last pound, shilling, and pence. (He even included tips he had given out to people who had waited on him.) I especially enjoyed the little personal touches that Mr. Weintraub included - such as letting us know that the 6'4" Washington slept in a 6'6" bed. The author also tells us about the time that Washington fired a Mount Vernon gardener for getting drunk. Then, when the man expressed remorse and wanted his job back, Washington agreed....but he made the man sign a contract specifying that he could only get looped at certain times of the year. For example, he was allowed 4 days of drunkenness around Christmas! The book, on rare occasions, becomes tedious when Mr. Weintraub gives us excerpts from speeches delivered during the various "farewell" dinners. But, for the most part, this book will hold your interest with its nice balance between the public and the private Washington.

Eight years of warfare finally over, in 1783, George Washington wanted to go home for Christmas. It seems the most unsurprising of desires. Washington's army had defeated that of the British Empire, and the thirteen American colonies which had declared themselves independent in 1776 had fought to make the independence real rather than merely declared. Washington saw his job as complete, and he wanted nothing more than to resign his commission and become again a Virginia gentleman farmer. The very idea was inconceivable to many. To give up all power, to become a mere citizen when he could quite easily have become king, was simply not the way the game of power was played. We are accustomed to veneration of the Father of Our Country, so Washington's service and humility might not seem so remarkable to us. But in _General Washington's Christmas Farewell: A Mount Vernon Homecoming, 1783_ (Free Press), Stanley Weintraub has, if not made us surprised at Washington's desire for retirement, then made us feel the wonder that Washington's contemporaries felt about it, and has invited us to admire a particularly likable aspect of Washington the man.

Weintraub's small, concentrated book follows Washington as he proceeds south into New York City, to Annapolis, Maryland, where Congress was in session and could accept his resignation, and finally to his home. Everywhere he went, citizens who already knew him as Father of His Country were eager to see him. He would leave one village to go to the next, only to find that riders had preceded him to alert the next village to prepare for celebration. There were fireworks and dancing; Washington was an enthusiastic dancer and the ladies eagerly sought their turn with him. Many citizens wrote their compliments to him, and he had an aide to write replies. There was longwinded oratory. There were bad commemorative verses. Manliness at the time did not include an aversion to tears, and many manly tears were shed; an observer of the final farewell wrote, "And many testified their affectionate attachment to our illustrious Hero and their gratitude for his Services to his country by a most copious shedding of tears." Barrels of ale and wine were drunk, as in each gathering thirteen toasts (for the thirteen colonies) were dutifully and gleefully swallowed down.

The world was astonished at Washington's self-removal from the national stage. When King George III was told in 1783 that Washington declined further power and wanted only to return to his farm, he declared, "If Washington does that, he will be the greatest man in the world." Washington would have been astonished that we have developed a governmental system where people are politicians as a lifetime occupation and profit handsomely thereby. He clearly believed in his life outside of public service, and in his privacy. His modesty is evident in that we know almost nothing of his 1783 Christmas itself. He did successfully return on Christmas Eve, but his "family Christmas remained private and almost entirely unrecorded." It was his business, and his family's, and he had gloriously, successfully, and merely temporarily, become a private man again.

This is a wonderful retelling of George Washington's return to Mount Vernon at the end of the Revolution. It humanizes Washington like few books ever have. Mr. Wintraub even manages to build up suspense as you wonder whether ex-General Washington makes it home in time for Christmas.

This is the second Christmas-themed history by Mr. Weintraub, the other being SILENT NIGHT, about the informal truce in 1914. Each time, Mr. Weintraub brings out the significance of seemingly minor events. It is truly masterful.

George Washington's public career was long and one of the most important in history. However, his decision to resign his commission and return to private live in 1783 (although it proved to be a temporary return) is one of the most important events in both the founder's life and in that of America. Comparisons with the Roman Cincinnatus in this matter are appropriate. But must a reader be reminded endlessly of the similarities?

Weintraub documents in this work Washington's last journey home as the leader of the American army and what he hoped would be the last in his public life. It was a hard and grinding trip for as most of us know, roads and weather were not easy to get through in December in the northeast. In voluntarily giving up his commission, Washington guaranteed his premiere place in our history. But by making such a public display of his resignation, he also proved how conscious he was of that place and how later generations would view his career and character.

Weintraub gives the reader none of those contradictions. He takes one of the greatest events and turns it into one of the dullest stories ever told. And in the end, he gives us none of what went on once Washington reached home. What was that Christmas like? What happened at Mount Vernon in the days following his return? In this telling, there is only a timeline of events, quotes from speeches, and a very dull listing of dates, facts, and names. (In keeping with the major complaints of how American history is taught in schools.)

One can only wish that this book was interesting and search for other accounts that document feelings, struggles, and sacrifices that make this story human and important.

When the American Revolutionary war ended in November 1783, George Washington made up his mind that he was going to make it home to Mount Vernon by Christmas. But first he had to accept the transfer of power from the British, say his farewells to his troops, and resign his commission to Congress; only then could he begin his homeward journal. Washington barely made it home by Christmas, arriving on Christmas Eve.
This is a good story and well-written, but I can't imagine why it is given so many 5-star ratings. Some books are good because of action and some because of a build-up to an action-kind of like the calm before the storm. This story, on the other hand, is like the calm after the storm. There is no build up to anything really; everything exciting has already happened. Yes, it is good history, and somewhat of a touching story, but it isn't a 5-star book by any means.
It is a good book, and I am glad I read it; but after reading such glowing recommendations, I was somewhat disappointed. To those who already know a good deal about George Washington, there will probably not be anything presented in this book that they do not already know. To those that know little of George Washington, this book will offer some information they probably didn't' know.
But this is not a ground-shaking book. It is a well-written story about George Washington's desire to get home before Christmas. It is a story of a time of sorrowful farewells. And it is a story of a great man who could have been a king but walked away from it.
But don't go out and buy "General Washington's Christmas Farewell" thinking it is a book you will stay up at night reading because you can't put it down. It just isn't one of those books.
I would say that this book is better written than average, but the subject is less interesting than average, and it seems as if the author included some material just to increase the length of the book, so overall it equals out to a middle-of-the-road rating of 2-stars. I would have given it a 2-1/2 if I could, but I can't justify a three. Really, this isn't a book I recommend to someone to get them interested in history or George Washington. I would borrow this book from a library, not buy it.
I must learn to beware of those who write book reviews because they are paid by the publishing company to do so. It tends to distort the opinion, you know!

If Mr. Weintraub wants to write some serious history, maybe he ahould avoid Christmas. This book is little better than the one he wrote about Christmas and WWI.

This book traces Washington's journey from West Point, through New York City, Philadelphia, Wilmington and Annapolis to Mont Vernon. It is filled with tedious toasts and responses, and accounts of his going-away parties. Many of these are in the difficult to read spelling and syntax of the times. There are also countless repititive cites of comparisons made of Washington to Cincinnatus.

I found the writing disjointed. Often I had to go back to see who was being quoted and in what context. Mr. Weintraub would leave the narrative of the farewell trip to make historical references without setting or foundation. In perhaps the most telling historical reference, he carried on about how Christmas was not really a big deal in 1783 - despite the title and his oft-repeated assertion (without foundation I might add) that Washington wanted to be home for Christmas.

Equally disappointing was the short shrift given to Washington's actual farewell and resignation before Congress. It was given a scant few pages whereas the account of Washington's fetes in NYC went on and on interminably.

There really is not much to this book beyond the fairly obvious points that Washington was extremely popular and his return to civilian status was impressive and noteworthy. Perhaps the best allusion in the book was the quote by the imprisoned Napoleon that "they wanted me to be a Washington".

I wish I had skipped this book. The only knowledge it imparted was Washington was wined and dined from West point to Annapolis as he bid farewell to public life. It could have been a good 12 page magazine article.

This book is a masterwork. There may be other books on the subject, but I can't imagine any other book capturing the bittersweet moments of George Washington's return to Mount Vernon after the Revolution more poignantly than Stanley Weintraub does here. The book begins in November 1783 and details Washington's long trip home, and brilliantly captures the trials of long distance travel, as well as the joys of receiving the outpourings of gratitude from his countrymen as he passed through towns and villages.

The book gives great insight into the character of Washington and his amazing leadership qualities. I think any reader will better appreciate the suffering and personal sacrifice of this original American patriot after reading this book. The book details the drama of the signing of the final peace treaty with England (assisted by Benjamin Franklin in France), the withdrawal of English troops from New York (a fascinating and oft overlooked drama in and of itself), and the personal interactions of George Washington and other key leaders necessary to keep the coalition of States together in the fight against the British. Particular detail is reserved for efforts to meet the US Army payroll, which, then as now, had substantial Congressional problems as well as issues relating to unwillingness of some States to be taxed.

The most interesting facet of the book, though, is the examination of the personal motivations driving Washington. In contrast to most powerful leaders (and Washington at the time was revered enough that he turned down the opportunity to be King of the United States), Washington desired to do his duty, and once having completed his mission by winning the Revolutionary War, to retire from public service. Great detail is spent on the preparations necessary for Washington to resign his commission, and the account of the ceremony and celebrations involved are detailed, scrupulously researched, and thrilling to read.

This is a wonderful book. I highly recommend it to anyone, particularly to people who would like to know more about the emotions, motivations, and character of George Washington, the original American patriot.

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

Let's start on a personal note: I was in Cuba in January 1959, when the brutal dictator Fulgencio Batista fled in the middle of the night and Fidel Castro began making his way across the country to Havana.

The Cuban celebrations of the collapse of tyranny and terror were much like the events described in this book, a continuing rum-fueled celebration that lasted days and days in a nation at last free after years of terror. Castro made a triumphal procession across the country as a godlike liberator, just as Washington was hailed as the greatest man of his times. It is nice to celebrate the end of a war -- think of George Bush strutting across the flight deck of an aircraft carrier, wearing a borrowed flight suit with the banner 'Mission Accomplished' in the background. But, freedom is much more; it generates an ecstasy that stirs every emotion the heart, not merely the limited glory of victory, but also an unbounded hope for a better and brighter future without fear, fright or futility.

Washington, with a knowledge and wisdom rare among revolutionary leaders, went back to his farm. The ultimate tribute came from King George III, who personally knew something about the temptations and dangers of power, when he said that if Washington actually did return to his farm "he will be the greatest man in the world."

Think of Cuba today had Castro retired to a little rancho and learned how to cut cane instead of crushing gusanos. In Haiti, Jean Bertrand Aristide should have gone back to the priesthood after he tossed out the Duvalier regime. The list of "liberators" who seize power and try to impose their own rules is almost universal; Washington patterned his retirement after the Roman hero Lucius Quinctius Cincinnatus "who, victorious, left the tented field, covered with honor, and withdrew from public life, to enjoy civium cum dignitate."

Unlike Cincinnatus, who was twice recalled from his farm to become dictator, Washington was recalled from his farm only to establish an enduring legacy of democracy. It is a rare quality. Weintraub describes those perilous times with painful detail.

Painful? It was a time of chaos in America, much to the satisfaction of the English who thought the independent colonies would collapse of internal confusion. Congress was even flakier then than now. A third of Americans were loyalists who had supported King George; Washington understood the power of reconciliation rather than the retribution of describing anyone who had not supported him as an enemy.

In 1783, Washington kept urging greater power for the central government. He could have become dictator and imposed his own regal solution; instead, he stepped back and let the people and Congress, however slow in their many imperfections, gradually work out the system that now exists. Everyone was slow to listen, waiting until 1787 to even begin writing a new Constitution. But, after trying all other solutions, they finally listened to Washington. The old boy may have had wooden (or ivory) teeth, but there was no wood between his ears.

Weintraub has written a masterful book outlining the chaos, confusion and cupidity of the time; explaining how from the primordial soup of American independence a resolute democracy emerged. This book helps explain the resolute independence of the American spirit, nicely summed up by a departing British officer, "These Americans are a curious, original people; they know how to govern themselves, but nobody else can govern them."

It was a wonderful tribute to an exceptional people, and this book nicely explains the mood of the times.

The book is short, light, and a pleasure to read. I especially recommend it to anyone with little background in the issues faced by the new nation at the end of British occupation.

The format is narrative and the organization chronological. It tells the story of George Washington and his reception by both his former foes and his (literally) adoring public from his last headquarters in Newburgh, New York, through the reoccupation of New York City, his farewell to his officers, his progress through Philadelphia to Annapolis, Maryland - where he resigned his commission and relinquished military power - and his return home to Mt. Vernon barely in time for Christmas.

Along the way the reader is treated to fascinating vignettes of individuals who had played and would again play crucial roles in the formation of the United States. There are glimpses of life and customs during the colonial and early federal era. Also, as we follow Washington's progress we are introduced to the political and economic issues that would bedevil the early republic -- unstable currencies, war debt, restitution of or compensation for confiscated royalist property, national reconciliation, western lands, and trade and commerce.

Most importantly, the author describes, through Washington's views and pronouncements, the critical tension between the sovereignty of thirteen new states and the need for a national government capable of providing common defense, a uniform commercial environment, and consistent foreign policy. This was to be among the most important themes in Washington's future.

Finally, and most movingly, the author highlights the "Cincinnatus theme" -- Washington's determination to relinquish his command and his commission and to return to private life. When, between the conclusion of the peace treaty and the British evacuation, George III observed that the rule of America was at Washington's disposition, a companion informed him of the General's plan to resign and return to private life. More than two hundred years later, we may be pardoned if we agree with His Majesty's response that, if Washington were to take such an action that he would be "by damn, the greatest man of the age."

The scholar or the afficionado will not find here profound analysis or groundbreaking research. This is a pleasure trip.