When George Washington died on December 14, 1799, of "quinsy" (a bacterial infection of the throat), it took a while for word to get out to the rest of the world. According to "A Checklist of Funeral Dirges in Honor of General Washington," by Sterling E. Murray:
The American people responded to the news of Washington’s death with an intense expression of exaggerated sentiment. In the weeks that followed the public announcement, memorial tributes of various kinds appeared in a continuous stream. Hundreds of eulogies, hymns, and odes were circulated through black-bordered broadsides and published in newspapers and special anthologies.
By the time of Washington's death, Joshua John Moore had found employment at last, as a surveyor for at the utopian town of Beula -- also known as Cambria Township -- which was founded by radical Welsh Baptist minister Morgan John Rhys and led by Rev. Rees Lloyd. They and a small group of followers disapproved of how Americans treated Native Americans and Blacks and wanted to try to do something about it, building a town from the ground up in a 17,000+-acre tract of land in the Allegheny Mountains of Pennsylvania.
The land had previously been owned by Declaration of Independence signer Dr. Benjamin Rush and William Rogers, who may have had a hand in Joshua John getting the job. (Rogers presided at Joshua John's wedding to Elizabeth Massey in Philadelphia in 1795. He was a professor of literature at the nascent University of Pennsylvania, had been the Chaplain of the Continental Army during the Revolution, and had bought some of the land from Rush.)
On February 22, 1800 -- George Washington's birthday -- the town of Beula held a service to honor his passing. Joshua John had prepared many pages of his own writings, which he put in the form of a pamphlet, and which is archived at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania. It is quite lengthy, and as mentioned above, is quite exaggerated and somewhat repetitious, and is a combination of oratory, poetry, and songs. (Now I see where his son and grandson -- Presbyterian ministers -- got their penchant for long and windy sermons.) I will post most of what he wrote below. He also illustrated a cover for the pamphlet, entitled "Beula Lamentation for George Washington."
Friends, and fellow Citizens!
Justice and gratitude to virtue and merit, is one of those decorous actions of life which must exalt and adorn poor frail humanity: because, in order to its exertion the sad and base passions which unhappily degrade our mixed nature, must be absent; while the noble, soft, and worthy only, are predominant. The contemplation of real virtue has always excited the best approbatory sensations of the human heart; expanding and lifting up the man for a while above the common level of mere humanity. He therefore, who endeavors to pronounce the just Eulogium of departed merit, cannot but be conscious that he undertakes the difficult task of speaking in unison to the feelings of an audience already warmed by previous consideration of a solemn, sorrowful, and most tender subject.
But standing forth on this hallowed day, dedicated by unanimous consent, and observed through the whole of a great and rising nation, in memory, not of simple solitary, private virtue, but of one of the greatest public characters which has been exhibited on earth in this age; the task is begun surrounded with crowding impressions sufficient to embarrass, and well nigh overwhelm the powers of utterance.
It is but a short time ago that the desponding murmur of the death of General Washington, shot with solemn impression, over the whole of this extensive continent, and thence to the more distant shores of the old world. The breast of every one who heard the tidings, – whether enlightened or ignorant, -- rich or poor, -- old or young, -- appeared to feel that something of the highest importance in the political world, and in the history of human progress in civilization, had happened.
For a moment the effect of general consternation was strikingly illustrated by the largeness and unqualified concern with which the simple words “General Washington is dead!” were repeated, unaccompanied by remarks: as though it should seem that all other ideas were absorbed in that Sentence. Next, rousing from torpidity, every man, as he was moved, poured into the ears of his family, his neighbours, and his casual companions, the affecting detail of what he knew, or had heard, of the merits, talents, and public services, of this truly great Citizen, -- Some dwelt with peculiar delight upon the traits of his private character; some told, with the greatest animation, his heroic exploits; others expatiated, with all the fondness of admiration, upon his disinterested and persevering civism; every one launched out in praise of that part of his character which accorded with his own peculiar bent of mind: and, what is most extraordinary – what has hitherto been almost unknown at the death of eminent men (when the curb is loosened from the mouth of malice) – not one word derogatory, -- not one hint of less than general applause, has been heard! – Surely, indeed, never has man been before praised like this man!
But this was not sufficient. Enough had not yet been heard, seen, felt, or expressed. It was not sufficient that every man had told and retold his tale of admiration and praise; that every public paper, of whatsoever party, throughout the whole continent, had presented for sedate and repeated perusal, the effusions of patriotic genius inspired by sorrow and sensibility: it was not sufficient, while a tear was supposed to remain unshed over the ashes of the great common friend. After all that the disturbance of grief had permitted to say, to hear, or to read, -- instinctively, as with one consent, Sorrow was paraded to the Eye, in every place of note through the whole union. External marks of mourning were adopted in various ways, by different orders of men. Funereal processions, followed with solemn respect by the greatest personages in the Government, -- by the highest of the military characters, -- the most learned and pious of the Clergy of every denomination, the most ancient and respectable Societies, -- the most virtuous citizens, -- took place every where: nothing was omitted that could hint to the beholder the inexpressibility of Grief. Scarce would the widest streets of the largest cities, permit the immense throngs who joined in the solemnities to pass. And the mute attention paid to the orations which were delivered on those occasions would seem to indicate that men were searching after Sorrow with full determination to exhaust her; curiously experimenting whether one more Sigh could not yet be extorted from their bosoms, to send after their departed hero.
Surely, never before has man been mourned as this man has been mourned!
Nor did it end here, Individuals had exhausted their praises; the whole public had universally displayed in congregated bodies, all the forms which they could devise to express their Grief! – What else could the fertile brain of man invent to prolong the outward Show of superlative venerations? – The great Soul which had animated the mortal frame of the illustrious chief, was gone beyond the reach of all the honors which could be bestowed; but the cold clay which remained, was decreed to be taken up, and deposited in the grand capitol destined for the future deliberations of the Representatives of the most free country on earth; a country to whose freedom and safety his efforts from earliest life had been dedicated. – And by the unanimous Resolve of the Legislature, and proclamation of the Executive, this day was appointed for a last solemn Celebration: that whatever had before been done at different times, to praise, to mourn, and to honour, might be exercised in every part of the union, at the same instant, to exhibit the grief, love, and veneration which is universally conceived to be his due. – The Spectacle of a great nation thus unanimously awarded the Laurel to one of its citizens, is one of the grandest which can be conceived! And surely, no man has before been honoured, as this man has been honoured!
In conformity to the national Resolve, We, among the rest, stand forth this day, to celebrate the Obsequies of Washington. Insulated as we are in these back woods; divided by the great Allegany [sic] Mountain from the more populous parts of Society; we are not thereby divested of the power of appreciating transcendent merit, of estimating conspicuous virtue. It has been observed that “the world is generally just in the opinions which it forms of the characters of the different persons who appear upon the stage of life; that few have been held high in the estimation of the public who have not deserved it; and that instances as rarely occur of its censure misapplied, as of it’s applause misplaced.” Miserable frail men, too much, alas! Encumbered with vile passions, do not indiscriminately and universally commend without the fullest reason. In such a matter as this, we cannot pretend to question the general voice; for having been so praised, -- so mourned, -- and so honored; it cannot but follow, that General Washington must have given an example of that character which is most useful to mankind: let us then endeavor to strengthen our own virtues while we are exerting our humble endeavors to point out his.
At the commencement of the Revolution, in which it was ordained he should bear so conspicuous a figure, America stood in the predicament of a plain sensible Youth, whose virtuous and commendable veneration for his parents and kindred gave birth to all the effects of ready and pleasing obedience which parental authority could justly call for.
The callous parent, insensible to the full estimation of filial acquiescence and simplicity, came at length to demand and extort more than reciprocal duty would warrant or justify; -- more than the most besotted father could, without blushing, demand of the most abject and idiotical son. But the Youth, educated far away from the contagious vices, follies, superstitions, and extravagancies which contaminated the splendid palaces in which his parents dwelt and rioted; -- forced and inured to the practice of a Life of industry; -- had now a native simplicity and strength of thought, acquired and nourished amidst the wild freedom of the woods he was doomed to cultivate; --- a native strength of mind which could not be deluded by the insidious arts of a besotted parent; -- which could not fail to see, that from the fruits of his hard labour it was endeavoured to accumulate, not merely a sufficiency to compensate the former fostering care, -- but also to found the Ease, indolence, opulence, of splendour, of a numerous train of vile profligate adherents. America expostulated with meekness. The demand was repeated with threats; -- rejected with decency and firmness. Agents were sent to extort it by force; and force was justly opposed to them. Ingenious expostulations and intreaties were still urged with all the energy of filial affection; tell the obdurate parent tore asunder the ties which bound them together, and War in its most dreadful form, appeared to be inevitable. – And now America, young, untaught, unexperienced, friendless, without Riches, without known Resources of any kind; was to withstand and contend with the power of an Enemy enormously rich, versed in every wily art, -- almost beyond expression strong, -- able to influence multitudes of partisans. She deliberated: she weighed all contingencies as far as she could. She found that she had many, able in Council and in the field, -- though hitherto all had not been fully tried. In daring to combat with such a power, it behooved her to know well the characters to whom she committed her fortune; and subsequent events demonstrated her wisdom in calling her illustrious Son Washington to the chief command. –
It was his fate to be the nucleus, -- the point around which the principal flame of the revolutionary fire revolved; and in a multitude of critical cases the decision of the whole contest seemed to depend upon the conduct which he was to adopt; in all which he acquitted himself to admiration. When he, and his spirited coadjectors [?] had shewn what could be done, and fortune began to hint that she had not renounced the Cause; it was easy for other men to join the standard, and persevere in the contest. In many of the Disasters which happened, some men, thinking the cause too desperate, might, either through disgust, impatience, rashness, or irritability, have lost all at one stroke. The example of a Leader constantly at his Post in the most dangerous times; patient, undismayed, indissolubly linked to the cause; enlightened, vigilant, steady, cautious, and perfectly disinterested, -- no other than the example of a Chief uniting all those various qualities in their highest degree, could have given that appearance of respectability to the American opposition which excited the Citizens to persevere to the End.
At the time of his taking command, the troops consisted of “raw militia, perpetually fluctuating between the camp and their farms, -- poorly armed and still worse disciplined. Perfectly unexperienced and unacquainted with military stratagems, -- not thoroughly broken to habits of subordination, consequently they were often surprised, -- often subject to the reverses which attend young Soldiers; and had to learn by repeated misfortunes the necessity of obedience, and the advantage of watchfulness and discipline. These, had their numbers been equal, could by no means have been a match for veteran troops.”
Such were the men, -- badly clothed, not above one third armed; with scarcely more than a round of ammunition; -- with little provision and still less pay; which Washington had to conciliate, to keep together, to reconcile to a new and embarrassing mode of Life fraught with danger, want and hardship; to form in military mechanism and obedience; -- and all this in the very face of an enemy perfectly trained, well paid, burning with vengeance, equipped even to magnificence, and headed by chosen officers.
Taken up through the day in forming soldiers and watching the enemy; -- employed through the greatest part of the night in devising plans to promote the cause, and to contribute to the Improvement, Ease, Comfort, and Welfare of his men; every eye saw, and every heart acknowledged his paternal care, foresight and vigilance. His troops perceived that he knew how to appreciate them for soldier-like behaviour, and to despise them for the Reverse. He had a tear for the unfortunate brave, and scorn for the coward. When some were fighting honourably, but in a situation which ensured their inevitable Destruction, -- he burst into the most poignant exclamations of grief; -- when others were shamefully running away, he rode into the midst of them, and even endeavoured to dispatch them with his Sword and pistols because they would not rally; till his attendants were forced to drag him from the most imminent danger of the enemy.
At length, proved, respected, venerated, and confided in, with the justest Reason, -- he formed an army which, while his enemy laid warm and in plenty at Philadelphia, cheerfully followed him, who as cheerfully led, in the depth of winter, over the hard frozen ground marred with blood from their naked feet, -- hundreds of them without blankets; to lie down in the woods, and build huts for their accommodations in the latter end of December; with full determination to suffer every evil rather than submit or leave the country exposed by retiring farther at that time.
At the beginning of the contest, when he could scarcely be said to have had an Army, he had the admirable dexterity to persuade his enemy to the contrary. Now that the Ranks were tolerably full, it was his uniform practice to keep them bright by skirmishes, whenever he could annoy; but never to risque [sic] any more, even by way of covering the country, than was consistent with the general safety; for he well knew, that in the end procrastination would to him be victory. – He chose his Posts so judiciously, and knew the value of them so well, that he never could be seduced or surprised into an abandonment of them, by all the feints, provocations, or artifices of the adversary: -- for though he gave repeated proofs that he could eagerly engage when he thought it for his Advantage; he also made it equally manifest that he could not be brought to risque [sic] the fate of his country upon a single battle, without his own consent: His bold plan, as boldly executed in the severest season, and at a time when the spirits of his army, and also of his country, were sunk almost into despondency, of surprising the Royal Army, and capturing a great part of its force, is a proof of the former; -- and his more than once retreating, with his whole Army and baggage, from even within hearing of the enemy, who remained profoundly under arms all the time, expecting an engagement, is a proof of the latter.
By some his System of caution and evacuation was erroneously blamed. But the harshest censures of his less enlightened Countrymen, -- even who added to the pretended contempt of his enemies, could not drive him to an inconsidered or rash step. – A weaker and less determined mind, when the clamours of fellow citizens assailed, calling for particular local aid might have yielded to their importunity; and the forces, so weakened and dispersed, would have been cut to pieces “in detail” without accomplishing any good by their extermination. But even the hot pride of aspiring honour, the irritable Pique of military courage, altho’ he beyond a doubt possessed them in as full force as any man, could never induce him in the utmost chagrin, to commit the great cause in which he had embarked by any act of weak, imprudent compliance. The superior Sense of patriotism calmed his Feelings, and determined him to endure to the end. It was remarked at the time, that “supported by a consciousness of his own integrity, and by a full conviction that the measures he was pursuing were best calculated for securing the independence of America; he for the good of his country voluntarily subjected his fame to be overshadowed by a temporary “cloud.” And the same noble Spirit animated him till in the end he had the high happiness of seeing his country independent; when, with the utmost consistency of civism, he laid down his sword, with Joy returned to unassuming private Life, and unostentatiously mixed with the Mass of his fellow citizens.
Did his history end here, it would exhibit enough of Glory to satisfy the most ample wishes of a Patriot desirous of honest fame. The setting of his Sun would have been gilded by the most fervid gratitude, esteem, and veneration of the people throughout the new continent; the admiration and respect of those in the old; and the annals of the world would have honorably transmitted his fame to Posterity.
But although during the course of the arduous struggle for independence, many most eminent characters had been formed, and shone forth with dignity and Lustre, as well in the civil as in the military department; and abilities of virtues were without difficulty to be found, capable of executing the highest offices: -- yet when the constitution was established, the voice of public affection and confidence, called him, as the man whom the people delighted to honour, to the highest civil station.
Formed for the service of his country, devoted to the will of his fellow citizens, he quitted his peaceful and endeared Retirement; and for two successive constitutional periods discharged with honour the office of president.
For this, as in his former office, it appears that he understood, and paid strict attention to the interests, Liberties, political welfare and dignity of the United States, and the good of his fellow citizens. The same strong integrity of heart which had before constantly prompted him to a strict discharge of duty unmoved by disaster, censure, or applause; that same principle now served to steer him aloof, and unbiased by any party or intrigue, persevering to seek what he deemed the true interest of the country: for throughout his administration it has not appeared that any undue passion or interest could influence him to deviate from that which his Judgment approved as the straight line of conduct. The decided neutrality which he promulgated to Europe, when the flames of War recently lighted up there threatened to involve this country in their vortex, of which he faithfully adhered to, will be recorded as an instance of his patriotic firmness.
But age was swiftly advancing upon him. That strength which had been so well and so successfully exerted for his country, was now beginning to decline, -- to shrink under the rude grip of time. The retirement which he had always ardently desired became seriously necessary: And in the most masterly address ever given by a patriot to his countrymen, wherein the admirable dignity and eloquence of composition for which he was remarkable appears conspicuously splendid, he bid a pathetic farewell to the people; inculcated their true interest; exhorted them to seek it in Peace, Industry, Arts and Sciences; and intreated to be released from further Service; His countrymen could not but perceive what a placid acquiescence in permitting him to dedicate the few remaining hours of Life to peace, ease, and mediation, was decorous; and it became the turn of other patriots to take their own time of public duty.
Here ended his public career; and the world is left to deduce useful Lessons from the leisurely contemplation of his actions and virtues.
The character, taking it in the combined view of Hero, Patriot, and Statesman, is great, and not easily to be parallel’d in either. He professed in their highest tone the predominant features and virtues of each. But History, and the entailed [?] Regards of a grateful nation, will honour him in more faithful colours to Posterity, than is possible for me to do.
After viewing the various busy scenes of his life, we see so little of leisure, that we are almost incautiously led to the supposition that he was a man whose original strong capacity, called into exertion by pressure of the most urgent avocations, in the most critical times, received from events and experience their expansion and cultivation. But General Washington, besides the other traits of his character, was a studious man and moral philosopher. He was habituated to deep thinking, and the clear, energetic, dignified style by which he expressed his Ideas, shews that he had sedulously [?] cultivated elegant and useful Literature, before, and even during the unsettled times of war.
More than one institution for the promotion of Literature, Arts, and Sciences, has felt the effects of his liberality of patronage. Future times, as they will reap the benefit of his values and fortitude, so also may they of his Love to science. He may be said equally to have sought the good of mankind in their Emancipation from the power of tyrants, and the dominion of ignorance and superstition: deeds which, together with the provision he has made by will for the Liberation of such of his fellow man as the custom of the State in which he lived had in great measure obliged him to retain as slaves, are sufficient to add to his venerable name the title of Philanthropist.
But above all, as the superior and finishing stroke of his character, he was a devout Christian; and the practice of the duties inculcated by Religion is said to have been his habitual Pleasure. No doubt the eminent fortitude and patience which he displayed in his last moments, when conscious of the approach of death, and suffering under the severe tortures of his dreadful malady, may justly be ascribed to this force. As has been observed, -- “that among those who have seemed to look with unconcern upon the King of Terrors amidst the shouts and tumults of an engagement, the noise of Drums, the clangor of trumpets, the clash of arms, and all the dreadful thunder of artillery, there have been numbers who afterwards in the stillness of the chamber and loneliness of night, during the progress of a disease, beheld the slow but sure approach of death with a pusillanimity that did not give any exalted notions of their former courage. The fortitude necessary in the field of battle, and that which is required on the bed of death, are distinct qualities.” Both kinds, however, appear to have been his: -- he deliberately closed his eyes with his own hands; and died as he had had lived, an example rare, and not easily to be imitated, by his fellow men.
-Joshua J. Moore
Then there was singing. In that era, many times people wrote lyrics and and sung them to familiar melodies. The following dirge, written by Moore, was sung to the well-known at the time "Roslin Castle Death March."
To Allegany’s wood-capt brace
Solemn ascends the sound of Woes
Our haunts recluse [?] receive [?] the strain
And melancholy takes her reign: --
Pallid Sorrow drops her tear,
And Sensibility her head;
While echo lends a saddened ear,
And whispers – WASHINGTON IS DEAD!
The heart that glows with freedom’s flame,
And roused [?] at a patriot name; --
That sweetly swells with charity,
And melts with soft philanthropy;
Trem’lous receives the mournful tale,
And sorely smitten sinks with woe;
While love and gratitude afraid,
To point the pang that “passeth show.”
Ah! Far beyond our mortal eye,
Where worth and virtue never die,
This mighty spirit now is gone,
To wear the Glory he has won!*
Great Guardian of a people’s good,
(No words our bursting grief can tell!
Great Father, Hero, Patriot, Sage, --
Great philanthropic friend, farewell!
And here is a another song, penned by Moore, and "sung by the Ladies and Gentlemen of the Cambrian Settlement, at the conclusion of the Solemnities:"
Tune -- "Tom Boling"
Columbia sad – the past recalling,
Her tears began to flow;
And down her heaving bosom falling,
Display’d her weight of woe: --
Deep sighs her throbbing heart sore rending,
Beyond the mind’s control,
Her genius from the skies descending,
Calm’d her troubled Soul.
A worth like Washington’s excelling,
Demands his Country’s tear; --
And patriot bosoms, sorrow’s dwelling,
O’erflow with Grief Sincere;
But from the height where, bliss exploring,
His ample Spirit roved,
He sees you downcast and deploring,
A people that he loves:
And thus his solemn words advising,
__________ Suppress the needless sigh;
Successive bands of chiefs arising,
Will nurse your Liberty.
So brave in war, -- in council able,
Inflexibly resolv’d,
Shall guarantee your freedom stable,
Till the great Globe’s dissolv’d!
It is remarkable to me that a deaf man was able to write song lyrics. And I try to visualize the people of Beula, who numbered about 304 souls in total, bracing the cold to attend the memorial to Washington in the middle of winter in a log church in the Alleghany Mountain wilderness, in what had to be incredibly primitive conditions even for that era.
In the 1800 census, Beula is referred to as the "Cambria Township." At first I thought "Cambria" may have been named for Cambridge University or Cambridgeshire, England, which were associated with Moore, but I learned that he term "Cambria" refers to Wales. It is the Latinized form of the Welsh name for Wales, Cymru. I would note that Welsh was spoken within the village.
I also find poignancy in the fact that on February 22, 1800, my third great-grandfather, Joshua Moore, was in utero, to be born in Beula two and a half months later on May 5, 1800. He was the third child born to Joshua John and Elizabeth Massey Moore.
Unfortunately, Beula didn't last much longer. It was hoped that the state of Pennsylvania would recognize Beula as the county seat of Somerset County, but that honor went to a nearby town instead, as there were no roads connecting Beula to the outside world. Morgan Rhys died shortly afterward, and the town of Beula fizzled out, leaving Joshua John Moore out of a job yet AGAIN. (The town of Beula is said to have lasted from 1796-1804, but Joshua John was no longer a part of it by 1801 or so.)
Beula is now known locally as "The Old Welsh Village," a ghost town if there ever was one. Only a cemetery remains today. Wikipedia talks about "The Beula Ghost:"
The abandoned ghost town, in its long period of being left uninhabited sparked the infamous "Beula Ghost" story. Many locals claimed to have ghostly experiences, a number of which ended up in the papers of nearby Ebensburg. The Alleghenian ran a lengthy story about the ghost in February 1861. The writer penned that he was out hunting late into the evening before stopping to rest in one of the last abandoned houses in Beula. After some time, he felt an icy hand on his head, following which he saw "a form clad in a flowing... garment, with long waving hair, of snowy whiteness, and a face as calm and pale as death!" Then it spoke to him, saying "'Mortal, be not afraid, I seek not to harm thee nor trouble thy spirit. I am lonely and weary." After explaining that it was cursed to haunt Beula for loving "gold more than God", the spirit is apparently set free from its torment, or simply vanishes after lamenting its misery to a mortal being. Other incarnations of the haunting exist. An older news article claims that a man fishing on the Blacklick Creek which ran through Beula fell asleep and awoke to find his basket of fish empty and tipped over. He chalked it up to a spirit.
The hijacked plane that was shot down over Pennsylvania during the 911 attacks crashed in Somerset County, not far from the site of Beula. And, somewhat eerily, Beula is only about 16 miles from Tyrone, Pennsylvania, which is where Joshua John's grandson, Presbyterian minister Rev. Samuel Miller Moore, would preside over a church and raise his family, and where my paternal grandfather, Walter Moore Watts Sr., was born in 1894.
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