[net.politics] G. Washington and Son Remember the Struggle for Freedom

jmm@bonnie.UUCP (Joe Mcghee) (07/04/84)

	In an "Address to the People of Ireland and America" on July 20, 1826,
George Washington's adopted son, George Washington Parke Custis stated:

	"When the friendless standard was first unfurled for resistance, who
	were the strangers that first mustered 'round its staff, and when it
	reeled in the fight, who more bravely sustained it than Erin's generous
	sons? Who led the assault on Quebec and shed that early luster on our
	arms, in the dawn of the revolution? He, who will live in everlasting
	memory, and rests in heaven - Montgomery. Who led the right of
	Liberty's forlorn hope at the passage of Delaware? An Irishman. Who
	felt the privations of the camp, the fate of battle, or the horrors of
	the prison ship more keenly than Irishmen? Look at this picture,
	Americans, which though feebly, is faithfully drawn, then talk of
	interference, and I blush for my country. Or will you seek farther their
	merits to disclose? I cap the climax of their worth, when I say
	Washington loved them for they were the companions of his toils, his
	perils, his glories, in the deliverance of his country."

	He concluded that address by quoting Washington's "Invocation to
Ireland":

	"Health and success to the Emerald Isle! My country's utmost need. May
	she soon be relieved from the Lion's grasp, for the Lion is of a kind
	that fondles ere it kills, whose blandishments lure but to destroy,
	while the Eagle suffers the smallest bird to wing its wonted way, and
	to warble his hymns of praise, in the melody of nature, the song of the
	soul. And when Ireland shall strike her harp to the wild notes of Erin
	and Liberty, the ocean breeze will bear to her shores the prayers of
	Americans to cheer her in her glorious struggle, and hail her
	regenerate in the rights of mankind. Ireland, thou friend of my
	country in my country's most friendless days, much injured, much
	enduring land, accept this poor tribute from one who esteems thy worth,
	and mourns thy desolation. May the God of Heaven, in His justice and
	mercy, grant thee more prosperous fortunes, and in his own good time,
	cause the sun of Freedom to shed its benign radience on the Emerald
	Isle."