“My lads, I would speak a few words of the GENERAL and his ARMY, now
encamped on the banks of the Schuylkill, enduring all the hardships of
their homely situation with cheerful patience; and what is it think
you blunts the keen edge of the northern winds, and makes content
smile on the tops of frozen hills? I will tell you, it is the love of
that “LIBERTY” I have sat before you, it is the consciousness of the
justice of our cause. I suppose when you think of our incomparable
GENERAL WASHINGTON, you figure to yourselves a stout, bulky man, of a
terrible countenance, covered with gold lace, living in a magnificent
house and having a great train of attendants around him. You are quite
mistaken; he neither has nor needs any external ornaments. Would you
hang farthing candles around the Sun to increase his lustre? His glory
will admit of no addition. Your GENERAL is a plain man, plain in his
dress and frugal at his board; yet a native dignity will command your
respect, and the affability of his manners win your love. He is brave
without ostentation; magnificent without pomp; and accomplished without
pride. He is an honor to the human race and the Idol of America. And so
God save GENERAL WASHINGTON and his ARMY.”