The Saber and Scroll
Colonel Brooks , who later became Governor of Massachusetts , and his secretary Jonathan Trumbull . They decided to prepare a speech and address the junior officers directly .
Several days were then spent writing what is probably the most important speech in US history . All was done in secret because Washington had already announced that he would not attend the Saturday meeting .
On March 15 , about three hundred officers entered the Temple of Virtue . Everyone snapped to attention as General Gates entered the Temple . As he started the meeting and the officers took their seats , the sounds of rattling sabers and thundering hooves came from outside . General Washington ’ s bodyguard entered the temple , and a moment later , to everyone ’ s shock , General Washington stood in the doorway . Of course , the officers again stood at attention . General Washington went to the front of the room and General Gates stepped aside .
Washington pulled a sheaf of papers from his pocket and informed the officers that the meeting was so important that he had committed his thoughts to paper . He then began to address them . In a short speech that was no more than ten minutes in length , General George Washington saved the American Revolution .
Washington ’ s Newburgh Address began : Gentlemen ,
By an anonymous summons and attempt has been made to convene you together . How inconsistent with the rules of propriety how on military and how subversive of all order and discipline . Let the good sense of the army decide ....
Thus much , Gentlemen , I have thought it incumbent on me to observe to you . To show you upon what principles I oppose the irregular and hasty meeting , which was proposed to have been held on Tuesday last . And not because I wanted a disposition to give you every opportunity , consistent with your own honor and the dignity of the army to make known your grievances . If my conduct here to for has not events to you that I have been a faithful friend to the army . My declaration of it at this time will be equally one availing and improper . But as I was among the first to embarked in the cause of our common country , as I have never left you aside . One moment . But when called from you on public duty , as I have done the constant companion and witness of your distresses and not among the last to feel and acknowledge your merits . I have ever considered my own military reputation as inseparably connected with that of the army . As my heart has ever expanded with joy when I have heard its praises and my indignation has arisen when the mouth of detraction has been opened against it . It can scarcely
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