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Let Us Raise A Standard

"Let us raise a standard to which the wise and honest can repair; the rest is in the hands of God."- George Washington



February 2nd, 1794, Mount Vernon, Virginia

It was late in the evening. George sat in his study, reading by candle light at a desk. He carefully read every line, and took great care to not damage the book. It was one of his most prized possessions, an English language copy of Don Quixote. He remembers very well the day he bought it. He purchased it from a Philadelphia bookseller 7 years earlier. He still had the Spanish copy given to him by ambassador Don Diego de Gardoqui, but he couldn't read Spanish. Because of this that special copy did not receive much attention from the retired general.

A knock came on the door of his study and George called for the person to enter. Through the door came William Lee, Washington's personal servant. Will had served George throughout the revolution and had become very close to him. He walked with a limp due to injuries he had received, with a metal brace on one of his legs.

"Excuse me Master Washington" said William, "but there is a Mr. Hamilton here to see you."

George was surprised to here that name. He hadn't seen Mr. Hamilton is several years. He was curious as to what brought his friend here at such a late hour.

"Thank you William, bring him in."

William nodded and hobbled out of the room. George continued reading Don Quixote at his desk until he heard a pair of non-hobbling footsteps enter the room. Before looking up he says "Good evening Alexander, what brings you here at such a time?"

He looked up from his book and was surprised not only to see Alexander, but to see him in his Continental Army uniform. George marked a place in his book and closed it. He stood up and walked toward his friend. It was just then he noticed that Alexander was holding a long cloth wrapped package.

"It is good to see you, General Washington."

George was taken slightly aback by this. He was very used to people referring to him as "General", but not someone whom he was as close with as Alexander. He suspected this greeting had something to do with the way his friend was dressed.

"Likewise, Alexander." Said George. "What is with all of this" he said gesturing to Alexander's attire and the package he was holding.

"I wish I came here tonight for a lighter reason, but I'm afraid there is much I need to discuss with you."

George's face grew serious, "What are you here for than?"

Alexander cleared his through and began speaking as confidently as he could to the man he considered as his second father.

"I've just come here from Philadelphia, and the Congress is in shambles. There have been constant calls to go to war after what that blasted Genet did in New Orleans back in November. In the north they want us to go to war with France as retaliation for Genet forcing us into this situation. In the south they call for war with Spain, which would put us on the side of France and against the British Empire."

"You've told me nothing that I haven't read in the news papers. Why is it you've chosen to consult me about this" asked George.

"Sir, all the states have begun mobilizing their militias for war. Georgia and South Carolina are prepared to send men to New Orleans to aide Genet. " Alexander paused for a moment. "Many of Genet's men are from Georgia and the Carolina's... Evan Virginia..."

"Do you not think I am aware of the actions of my own state!" Interrupted George. He clenched his fists. "I was asked by Governor Lee to lead and organize my state's militia. And from the sound of him and other lawmakers in Richmond they are just as ready to go to war with Maryland or New York as they are with England or France!"

George turned away from Alexander. He knew what was coming. He feared this might happen and did all he could to avoid it.

"Sir. We need you. The country needs you."

"And what exactly am I supposed to do? Join the congress and get nothing accomplished? I don't have the patience for it." He looked at the book he had been reading on his desk. "If that convention had succeeded we wouldn't be in this situation."

"You are right, General. However we do not have the luxury. We need you to take control of the situation. A decade ago your men were willing to put a crown on your head. They would still do so now."

"There is no army Alexander."

Alexander looked at George with a stern face and said "I have nearly 2000 men who are willing to take up arms on your behalf."

"What would you have me do" George shouted "overthrow the congress? I am not a tyrant. I did not want a crown ten years ago, and I don't want one now. To do so would be to lose everything we fought for, and to stand for all we fought against."

"If you do not do this we will lose what thousands fought and died for... You are the only one who can do this. You are the only one the people trust enough to allow this kind of power."
"...Alexander"

"Ten years ago you prevented a coup. Today we need you to prevent a civil war."

Alexander unwrapped the long item he held and got down onto one knee and presented it to George. "It is yours to take. All you must do it grab it."

George looked at what Alexander held in his hands. A sword. But not just any sword. It was the sword he returned to the congress after the revolution when he resigned his commission. All the memories from the war and the following decade came flowing back to him. He began reach his hand out for the sword. However he was hesitant. He did not approve of what he was being asked to do, but felt that there was little other way. He turned his face away from the sword but his hand still stretched out to grab it.

His fingers hovered above the hilt, shaking.

"We are at your command, General Washington."

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