"The strongest passions, and most dangerous weaknesses of the human breast; ambition, avarice, vanity, the honorable or venial love of fame, are all in conspiracy against the desire and duty of peace" - Alexander Hamilton
Project 365: #122
I had to return my hired car early on Saturday morning, and as Mike was busy trying to install our washing machine and tumble drier...yes, converting the power, faucet fittings, etc., I told him not to rush as it was such a gorgeous day, I would drop the car and then wander around Morristown to explore the area. It is a very pretty little town, about 10 miles from us. It reminds me a lot of Grahamstown. The town is centred around a public green, that is steeped in history. It has served as many things in the past, including a military base, a training ground for militia, and an area where public executions were held...quite creepy! Now it is a beautiful public park. There are churches and historical buildings surrounding the green, it would be a great place for a picnic.
The history of the Green dates back to early 1715, but it is probably remembered most for the critical role during the American Revolutionary War. It became the first encampment of George Washington in 1777. This statue commemorates the meeting of George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, and the Marquis de Lafayette discussing the help of French troops and ships from King Louis XVI of France in support of a new nation (info courtesy of Wikipedia). The statue is so lifelike that you can almost imagine being there! Hamilton had very good advice, still applicable today - to maintain peace we must put aside the passions of ambition, greed, vanity, and the love of fame! A great nation was built on the like-mindedness of this philosophy.
No comments:
Post a Comment