noon
In November of that year I heard from Colonel Hamilton that our beloved general would , on December 4 , take leave of his officers , and that he was kind enough to desire that all of his old staff who wished should be present . I was most pleased to go . In New York , at Fraunce 's Tavern , near Whitehall Ferry , I found the room full of the men who had humbled the pride of England and brought our great war to a close . His Excellency entered at noon , and seeing about him these many companions in arms , was for a little so agitated that he could not speak . Then with a solemn and kindly expression of face , such as I had once before seen him wear , he filled a glass with wine , and , seeming to steady himself , said : `` With a heart full of love and gratitude , I take my leave of you , most devoutly wishing that your latter days may be as prosperous and happy as your former ones have been glorious and honourable . '' So saying , he drank his wine , and one after another went by him shaking his hand . No word was said , and these worn veterans of the winter camps and the summer battle-fields moved out , and saw their former general pass down , between lines of infantry , to the shore .