and, it must be
acknowledged, their appearance was such as entitled them to the
greatest credit, while it reflects honor on their officers and the
town--it was perfectly military: ... The different corps were
reviewed in King street by General Washington, and Col. Little, who
expressed the highest satisfaction at their appearance and
manoeuvring; after which they proceeded to the Episcopal Church,
where a suitable discourse was delivered by the Rev. Dr. Davis. Of
this discourse I may say, with the expressive Collins, it was

"Warm, energetic, chaste, sublime."

A dinner was prepared at Spring Gardens by Mr. John Stavely; which,
considering the number of citizens and military that partook of it
(between 4 and 500) was conducted with the greatest propriety and
decorum.--Ludwell Lee, esq. presided at the head of the table--the
foot was honored by Col. Charles Little.... GEN. WASHINGTON was
escorted into town by a detachment from the troop of Dragoons. He was
dressed in full uniform, and appeared in good health and spirits. The
troops went through a number of military evolutions during the day,
with all of which the General was particularly pleased, and bestowed
many encomiums on their martial appearance.--_Claypoole's American
Daily Advertiser_, July 19.[161]

In the last years of his life, the General again "Went up to Alexa. and
dined with a number of the Citizens there in celebration of the
Anniversary of the declaration of American Independence."[162] And again
the Philadelphia newspaper reported:

_Alexandria_, July 6.--The 23rd anniversary of the American
Independence was celebrated in this town with the greatest harmony
and decorum. The military commands agreeably to orders previously
given, mustered in the court house square, and the line was formed in
Fairfax street. After going through the manual, which was performed
with the strictest exactitude, Col. John Fitzgerald, accompanied by
John Potts, Esq., passed the line in review, and expressed his
satisfaction at their military and elegant appearance. The battalion
then marched, by sections, up King street, and formed the line there
to receive their beloved chief General GEORGE WASHINGTON. On his
passing the line the usual military honors were paid; and it is with
pleasure I remark, that the Cincinnatus of America appeared in
excellent health and