Page 37
History of Orange County
Town of Newburgh
Page 37
     But like all other large bodies, where there is a variety of different interests to reconcile their determinations are slow.  Why then should we distrust them? and in consequence of that distrust, adopt measures which may cast a shade over that glory which has been so justly acquired, and tarnish the reputation of an army which is celebrated throughout all Europe for its fortitude and patriotism? and for what is this done? to bring the object we seek nearer? no; most certainly in my opinion, it will cast it at a greater distance.  For myself, (and I take no merit in giving the assurance, being induced to it from principles of gratitude, veracity and justice, and grateful sense of the confidence you have placed in me,) a recollection of the cheerful assistance and prompt obedience I have experienced from you under every vicissitude of fortune, and the sincere affection I feel for an army I have so long had the honor to command will oblige me to declare in this public and solemn manner, that in the attainment of complete justice for all your toils and dangers, and in the gratification of every wish, so far as may be done consistently with the great duty I owe my country, and those powers we are bound to respect, you may freely command my services to the utmost extent of my abilities.
     “While I give you these assurances, and pledge myself in the most unequivocal manner, to exert whatever abilities I am possessed of in your favor, let me entreat you, gentlemen, on your part, not to take any measures, which viewed in the calm light of reason, will lessen the dignity, and sully the glory you have hitherto maintained:—let me request you to rely on the plighted faith of your country, and place a full confidence in the purity of the intentions of Congress; that, previous to your dissolution as an army, they will cause all your accounts to be fairly liquidated as directed in the resolutions which were published to you two days ago; and that they will adopt the most effectual measures in their power to render ample justice to, you for your faithful and meritorious services.  And let me conjure you in the name of our common country, as you value your own sacred honor; as you respect the rights of humanity; and as you regard the military and national character of America; to express the utmost horror and detestation of the man, who wishes, under any specious pretences, to overturn the liberties of our country; and who wickedly attempts to open the flood gates of civil, scorn, and deluge our rising empire in blood.
     By thus determining, and thus acting, you will pursue the plain and direct road to the attainment of your wishes; you will defeat the insidious designs of our enemies, who are compelled to resort from open force to secret artifice.  You will give one more distinguished proof of unexampled patriotism and patient virtue, rising superior to the pressure of the most complicated sufferings; and you will, by the dignity of your conduct, afford occasion for posterity to say, when speaking of the glorious example you have exhibited to mankind—had this day been wanting the world had never seen the last stage of perfection to which human nature is capable of attaining.”

     But there are other associations which cling to, and linger abound this old, long and narrow building, of which it cannot be divested without violence, nor shuffled off in this summary manner.  For more than a hundred years the dear children of the patent, rich and poor together, visited this house, and crowded its low and narrow benches.  It was a free school for all the children on the patent.  Here they drank in the first elements of virtue and knowledge to fit and prepare them to discharge the active duties of life.  What has become of this large army of human beings gathered from four generations?  After acting their individual parts of varied character of the great drama of human life, they have passed on to that bourne, from which no traveller returns, the country and humanity, the while, benefited by their existence.  The bell, which long hung in and adorned its modest cupola, the tones of which were so pleasant and grateful to the ear, and called his infant army, from year to year, to the business of the day, where is it?  From delicacy, or fear a offence, no response is made, and we can only say the knowledge of its loss is deeply buried beneath the rubbish time, or now, its name and history forgotten, doles out it aged and tremulous tones in another service.  But this bell performed a more holy office.  Our fathers were a religious people (we trust their descendants are,) and buildings to worship God followed quick in the train of every settlement, and the minister and schoolmaster in close affinity, walked arm in arm together.  They were first provided for, and the settlement could no more get along and advance in prosperity without them, in the judgment of our ancestors, than it could without God himself.  The sun, strong in his morning glory, as high in the heavens—hark! the bell of the settlement tolls in measured time, the hour of worship.  The day is the Sabbath.  The settlement is still and hushed throughout, the deep feelings inspired by the solemnity of the day, have shut out the voice of mirth and hum of business, and no voice is heard, save the soft sigh of the breeze and the song of the robin.
“The Sabbath, like Time’s angel, smiles, And hushed its early care;
And labor now may cease his toil,
 And tread the court of prayer;
No sound in festive hall is heard,
No song in lady’s bower;
Peace, and her sister Silence guard—
Sure! this the hallowed hour.”