After the Thirteen Colonies had defeated the British at Yorktown in 1781, and British General Cornwallis had surrendered many Americans celebrated. The war of independence was over! They were now free to enjoy the life, liberty and pursuit of happiness that their Creator had endowed them with! But while the masses celebrated, the Confederation Congress, the early American government, was staring straight into the eyes of some very big problems. Yes, we had gained independence, but we were far from putting together a sufficient, powerful government. That, in fact, wouldn’t even come until 1789. While the United States and the British Empire were drafting a Treaty over in France, the American Congress was attempting to keep some of the promises they had made. One of these was a promise to pay the army their salaries. Congress faced a problem however, they didn’t have any money. As Congress debated on what to do, the army’s patience grew thin. In March 1783, John Armstrong, an aide to General Horatio Gates, wrote and distributed several letters amongst the American military camp at Newburgh, New York. The letters hinted at using the army’s power to hold a coup and seize payment by force. Men around the camp called for a meeting but when George Washington heard of it he rescheduled the meeting.
The day of the meeting came. As military commanders debated what to do about the growing unrest amongst the ranks, Washington, whom many expected to be absent, appeared in the midst of the assembly. He addressed the angered soldiers with what is called the “Newburgh Address”. After giving the short speech he produced a paper from his pocket to read corporately. However, unable to clearly see the writing he took out a pair of glasses which no one knew he needed and said, “Gentlemen, you will permit me to put on my spectacles, for I have not only grown gray but almost blind in the service of my country.” This moved the assembly greatly and they disbanded any thought of coup or insurrection.
The story of the Newburgh Conspiracy, more than anything else, lets us glimpse into the kinds of sacrifices made by our forefathers. They not only gave their sight, their youth and their livelihood but many gave their lives.