13 Cheers for America?
A peek into a pub of the past
This post is written with family discussion in mind! Ideal for dinner tables, car rides, and homeschool days.
In the 18th century, toasting was a big deal. No, not warm bread, but the raising of a glass to something or someone you cared about.
As the Fraunces Tavern Museum website explains:
Even the manner in which a toast was given mattered, as it was bound to be scrutinized. A gentleman, for example, was expected to espouse gentility when toasting and drinking.
One’s reputation could be ruined over a bad public toast. No pressure!
On November 25th, 1783 a very special set of 13 toasts were made at the politically important Frances Tavern, and have been recorded for us to discover today.
This date, known as Evacuation Day, the British evacuated New York City.
Evacuation Day and Washington's Triumphal Entry in New York City, Nov. 25th, 1783" is a famous 1879 chromolithograph produced by Edmund P. and Ludwig Restein.
As New York Gov. George Clinton and over 100 guests gathered at the tavern to honor General George Washington, and the evacuation of the British troops, this list of toasts were made:
1. The United States of America
2. His Most Christian Majesty (Louis XVI of France, for his support of the Revolution)
3. The United Netherlands
4. The King of Sweden
5. The American Army
6. The Fleet and Armies of France, which have served in America
7. The memory of those Heroes who have fallen for our freedom
8. May our country be grateful to her Military children
9. May justice support what courage has gained
10. The Vindicators of the rights of mankind in every quarter of the globe
11. May America be an asylum to the persecuted of the earth
12. May a close Union of the States guard the Temple they have erected to liberty
13. May the remembrance of this Day be a lesson to Princes
Just a few days later, on Dec. 4, Washington gathered with around 30 of his officers at Fraunces Tavern to say goodbye. Washington offered a toast to his weary but victorious men. Recording his account of the events, Col. Benjamin Tallmadge wrote:
We had been assembled but a few moments when his excellency entered the room. After partaking of a slight refreshment in an almost breathless silence the General filled his glass with wine and turning to the officers said, “With a heart full of love and gratitude I now take leave of you. I most devoutly wish that your latter days may be as prosperous and happy as your former ones have been glorious and honorable.”
Try toasting at dinner tonight. Be sure to “espouse gentility” lest your reputation suffer!
(If you do this at the dinner table, please leave me your family’s best toast in the comment section!)
My son asked why we say "cheers" as it's not really a word with any meaning. I looked it up as it was a good question. Long story short it means face. So now our family tradition is saying "face!" while we clink glasses.