Washington did not hesitate. He asked the officers to meet him in the very building in which they had planned to make their plans for revolt. Then he appealed to their patriotism, urging them not to put a stain on their noble service by hasty action. When he had gone, the officers acted in a way that justified the General's confidence. Unanimously they promised all that had been asked of them, and voted to thank Washington for his method of dealing with them. On March 19, 1783, four days after this action, Washington acknowledged to Congress receipt of word that the preliminary articles of peace had been signed on November 30, and on April 18 he ordered the cessation of hostilities, in accordance with the proclamation of Congress. The Hasbrouck house was sold by the family to New York State in 1849. For twenty-four years, by act of Assembly, the historic quarters were cared for by the trustees of the village, and later by the city authorities. In May, 1874, trustees appointed by the legislature took over the property and have held it ever since, for the benefit of the people. THREE: ACROSS THE JERSEYS WITH THE PATRIOTS _See the ancient manse Meet its fate at last! Time, in his advance, Age nor honor knows; Axe and broadaxe fall, Lopping off the Past: Hit with bar and maul, Down the old house goes!_ _Sevenscore years it stood; Yes, they built it well, Though they built of wood, When that house arose. For its cross-beams square Oak and walnut fell; Little worse for wear, Down the old house goes!_ _On these oaken floors High-shoed ladies trod; Through those panelled doors Trailed their furbelows; Long their day has ceased; Now, beneath the sod, With the worms they feast,-- Down the old house goes!_ _Many a bride has stood In yon spacious room; Here her hand was wooed Underneath the rose; O'er that sill the dead Reached the family tomb; All that were have fled,-- Down the old house goes!_ _Once, in yonder hall, Washington, they say, Led the New Year's ball, Stateliest of beaux; O that minuet, Maids and matrons gay! Are there such sights yet? Down the old house goes!_ _Doorway high the box In the grass-plot spreads; It has borne its locks Through a thousand snows; In an evil day, From those garden beds Now 'tis hacked away,-- Down the old house goes!_ EDMUND CLARENCE STEDMAN. THREE: ACROSS THE JERSEYS WITH THE PATRIOTS [Illustration: THE FRANKLIN PALACE, PERTH AMBOY, N. J. _Photo furnished by W. A. Little, D.D., Perth Amboy_ See page 115] XXIV THE FRANKLIN PALACE, PERTH AMBOY, NEW JERSEY THE HOME OF THE SON OF WHOM BENJAMIN FRANKLIN VAINLY TRIED TO MAKE A PATRIOT