George Washington's Vision at Valley Forge: The Prophetic Vision

By Revelation Watchers

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As America stands at a pivotal crossroad, grappling with its past, present, and future, an allegorical story of our founding father, George Washington, resonates with timeless wisdom and inspiration. In the depths of hardship at Valley Forge, Washington experienced a vision that would shape the destiny of a nation. Inspired by this profound moment in history, we invite you to explore the retelling of George Washington's vision as recounted by Charles Wesley Alexander, who published numerous allegorical stories featuring famous American figures, including this one.

Through this narrative, published in 1861, we uncover not only the trials faced by Washington and his troops but also the enduring spirit and foresight that guided them through the darkest of times. We pray that this story, drawing lessons of hope, resilience, and faith, continues to illuminate the path forward for America.

A Narrative Inspired by George Washington's Vision, as Recounted by Charles Wesley Alexander

A Winter of Despair

The year was 1777, and the American Revolutionary War was at its bleakest. General George Washington, commanding the Continental Army, found himself encamped at Valley Forge. The winter was harsh, and his soldiers were suffering. Supplies were scarce, morale was low, and the specter of defeat loomed large. Washington himself was weary, yet his spirit remained unbroken.

One cold evening, as a heavy snow blanketed the camp, Washington retreated to his tent. The flickering candlelight cast long shadows on the canvas walls, echoing the uncertainty and fear that weighed heavily on his mind. He knelt beside his cot, bowing his head in earnest prayer. "Almighty God," he murmured, "grant me the strength to lead these men, and the wisdom to see this struggle through to victory."

The Vision Unfolds

As Washington prayed, a deep silence enveloped the tent. Suddenly, he was enveloped by a warm, comforting light. He opened his eyes to find himself no longer in his tent, but in a vast, radiant hall. Before him stood a majestic figure, her eyes shining with a serene wisdom. She was draped in a flowing white gown, her hair adorned with stars.

"Who are you?" Washington asked, his voice trembling with awe.

"I am the Spirit of the Republic," she replied. "I have come to show you the future of this great nation you fight to birth."

With a wave of her hand, the hall transformed. Washington found himself looking upon a vast landscape, where the battles of the Revolutionary War played out in vivid detail. He saw his own army struggling, yet ultimately triumphing against the British forces. As the vision continued, he saw a united nation rising from the ashes of war, its citizens working together to build a prosperous and free society.

The Three Perils

The Spirit then showed Washington three great perils that would threaten the future of the nation. The first was a conflict that pitted brother against brother – the Civil War. Washington watched in horror as the country was torn apart, only to be reunited through immense sacrifice and the enduring spirit of its people.

The second peril was a conflict with foreign powers, testing the nation's resolve and unity once more. Yet, through determination and resilience, the United States emerged stronger, its principles of liberty and justice guiding its path.

The final peril was the most terrifying of all. Washington saw a shadow spreading across the globe, a threat not just to America but to the very idea of freedom itself. This dark force sought to undermine the values upon which the nation was founded. However, in the face of this immense challenge, he saw the American people standing firm, united by their shared belief in democracy and human dignity.

A Renewed Hope

As the vision faded, Washington found himself back in his tent. The warmth of the vision still lingered, filling him with a renewed sense of purpose. He knew the road ahead would be arduous, but the future he had glimpsed gave him hope. The nation he saw was resilient, capable of overcoming any adversity.

Rising to his feet, Washington stepped out into the cold night. The camp was silent, save for the gentle murmur of the wind through the trees. Looking up at the stars, he felt a profound connection to the future generations who would inherit the republic he was fighting to establish. With a steadfast heart, he vowed to lead his men through the trials ahead, guided by the vision of a nation destined for greatness.

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GEORGE WASHINGTON'S
REMARKABLE VISION

NOTE: The following was originally published by Wesley Bradshaw in the National Tribune, Vol. 4, No. 12, December 1880

Italic subtitle added by the Revelation Watcher edition for reference.

The last time I ever saw Anthony Sherman was on July 4, 1859, in Independence Square. He was then 99 years old, and becoming very feeble. But though so old, his dimming eyes rekindled as he gazed upon Independence Hall, which he came to visit once more.

"Let us go into the hall," he said. "I want to tell you an incident of Washington's life -- one which no one alive knows of except myself; and if you live, you will before long, see it verified."

"From the opening of the Revolution we experienced all phases of fortune, now good and now ill; one time victorious and another conquered. The darkest period we had, I think, was when Washington, after several reverses, retreated to Valley Forge, where he resolved to spend the winter of 1777.

Ah! I have often seen our dear commander's care-worn cheeks, as he would be conversing with a confidential officer about the condition of his poor soldiers. You have doubtless heard the story of Washington's going to the thicket to pray. Well, it was not only true, but he used often to pray in secret for aid and comfort from God, the interposition of whose Divine Providence brought us safely through the darkest days of tribulation.

A Mysterious Encounter: George Washington's Supernatural Experience

"One day, I remember well, the chilly winds whistled through the leafless trees, though the sky was cloudless and the sun shone brightly, he remained in his quarters nearly all the afternoon alone. When he came out, I noticed that his face was a shade paler than usual, and there seemed to be something on his mind of more than ordinary importance. Returning just after dusk, he dispatched an orderly to the quarters of the officer I mention who was presently in attendance. After a preliminary conversation of about half an hour, Washington, gazing upon his companion with that strange look of dignity which he alone could command said to the latter:

"I do not know whether it is owing to anxiety of my mind, or what, but this afternoon, as I was sitting at this table engaged in preparing a dispatch, something seemed to disturb me. Looking up, I beheld standing opposite me a singularly beautiful female. So astonished was I, for I had given strict orders not to be disturbed, that it was some moments before I found language to inquire the cause of her presence. A second, a third, and even a fourth time did I repeat my question, but received no answer from my mysterious visitor except a slight raising of her eyes.

A Vision of Global Perils: The Ominous Clouds of Conflict

"Presently I heard a voice saying, 'Son of the Republic, look and learn,' while at the same time my visitor extended her arm eastwardly. I now beheld a heavy white vapor at some distance rising fold upon fold. This gradually dissipated, and I looked upon a strange scene. Before me lay spread out in one vast plain all the countries of the world --Europe, Asia, Africa, and America. I saw rolling and tossing, between Europe and America, the billows of the Atlantic, and between Asia and America lay the Pacific.

"'Son of the Republic,' said the same mysterious voice as before, 'look and learn.' At that moment I beheld a dark, shadowy being, like an angel, standing, or rather floating, in the hollow air, between Europe and America. Dipping water out of the ocean in the hollow of each hand, he sprinkled some upon America with his right hand while with his left hand he cast some on Europe. Immediately a cloud raised from these countries and joined in mid-ocean. For a while it remained stationary, and then moved slowly westward, until it enveloped America in its murky folds. Sharp flashes of lightning gleamed through it at intervals, and I heard the smothered groans and cries of the American people.

COMMENT: This part of the vision is probably describing the war of Independence.

"A second time the angel dipped water from the ocean, and sprinkled it out as before. The dark cloud was then drawn back to the ocean, in whose heaving billows it sank from view. A third time I heard the mysterious voice saying, 'Son of the Republic, look and learn.' I cast my eyes upon America and beheld villages and towns and cities springing up one after another until the whole land, from the Atlantic to the Pacific, was dotted with them. Again I heard the mysterious voice say, 'Son of the Republic, the end of the century cometh, look and learn.'

"At this the dark shadowy angel turned his face southward, and from Africa I saw an ill-omened spectre approach our land. It flitted slowly over every town and city of the latter. The inhabitants presently set themselves in battle array against each other. As I continued looking, I saw a bright angel, on whose brow rested a crown of light, on which was traced the word 'Union,' bearing the American flag which he placed between the divided nation, and said, 'Remember ye are brethren.' Instantly, the inhabitants casting from them their weapons became friends once more, and united around the National Standard.

COMMENT: This part of the vision is most likely describing the Civil War over which involved the slave trade that was brought to America from Africa.

"And again I heard the mysterious voice saying, 'Son of the Republic, look and learn.' At this, the dark, shadowy angel placed a trumpet to his mouth and blew three distinct blasts; and taking water from the ocean, he sprinkled it upon Europe, Asia, and Africa. Then my eyes beheld a fearful scene. From each of these countries arose thick, black clouds that were soon joined into one. And throughout this mass, there gleamed a dark red light by which I saw hordes of armed men, who, moving with the cloud, marched by land and sailed by sea to America, which country was enveloped in the volume of cloud. And I dimly saw these vast armies devastate the whole country, and burn the villages, towns and cities that I beheld springing up.

"As my ears listened to the thundering of the cannon, clashing of swords, and the shouts and cries of millions in mortal combat., I again heard the mysterious voice saying, 'Son of the Republic, look and learn.' When the voice had ceased, the dark shadowy angel placed his trumpet once more to his mouth, and blew a long and fearful blast.

"Instantly a light as of a thousand suns shone down from above me, and pierced and broke into fragments the dark cloud which enveloped America. At the same moment the angel upon whose head still shone the word 'Union,' and who bore our national flag in one hand and a sword in the other, descended from the heavens attended by legions of white spirits. These immediately joined the inhabitants of America, who I perceived were well-nigh overcome, but who immediately taking courage again closed up their broken ranks and renewed the battle. Again, amid the fearful noise of the conflict, I heard the mysterious voice saying, 'Son of the Republic, look and learn.'

"As the voice ceased, the shadowy angel for the last time dipped water from the ocean and sprinkled it upon America. Instantly the dark cloud rolled back, together with the armies it had brought, leaving the inhabitants of the land victorious.

"Then once more I beheld the villages, towns and cities, springing up where I had seen them before, while the bright angel, plating the azure standard he had brought in the midst of them, cried with a loud voice: 'While the stars remain, and the heavens send down dew upon the earth, so long shall the Union last.' And taking from his brow the crown on which was blazoned the word 'Union,' he placed it upon the Standard, while the people, kneeling down, said 'Amen.'

"The scene instantly began to fade and dissolve, and I at last saw nothing but the rising, curling vapor I at first beheld. This also disappearing, I found myself once more gazing upon the mysterious visitor, who in the same voice I had heard before, said, 'Son of the Republic, what you have seen is thus interpreted. Three great perils will come upon the Republic. The most fearful is the third.'

"(The comment on his word 'third' is: 'The help against the THIRD peril comes in the shape of Divine assistance; passing which, the whole world united shall not prevail against her. Let every child of the Republic learn to live for his God, his land and Union.')

"With these words the vision vanished, and I started from my seat and felt that I had seen a vision wherein had been shown me the birth, progress, and destiny of the UNITED STATES."

"Such, my friends," concluded the venerable narrator, "were the words I heard from Washington's own lips, and America will do well to profit by them."

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A Prophetic Allegory of American Resilience and Hope

The tale of "Washington's Vision" was written by Charles Wesley Alexander (1836-1927), a Philadelphia journalist. Under the pseudonym "Wesley Bradshaw," Alexander created several fictional "vision" or "dream" pieces featuring historic American figures. The story of George Washington's vision was first published by Wesley Bradshaw in 1859 in the National Tribune. It was reprinted in the same newspaper in December 1880, Vol. 4, №12. Since then, it has been re-copied by many people and appears on various websites on the Internet. We believe this is a great story well worth reading, rereading, and sharing.

According to Bradshaw, the account was related by Anthony Sherman, a veteran of the American Revolution who had served under Washington.

Sherman claimed that during the harsh winter at Valley Forge, Washington had a profound vision of America's future. As Washington prayed in his tent, a mysterious visitor appeared, identifying herself as the Spirit of the Republic. She showed Washington a panoramic view of America's future, including the Revolutionary War's ultimate success, the Civil War, and two other great perils that the nation would face.

The first peril, symbolizing the Civil War, depicted the country divided and engulfed in conflict, yet ultimately healing and reuniting. The second peril suggested a foreign threat that would test America's strength and unity. The final and most daunting peril illustrated a global conflict against forces seeking to destroy freedom and democracy.

Throughout these visions, the Spirit emphasized the resilience and enduring spirit of the American people. She reassured Washington that despite the challenges, the nation would emerge stronger and remain a beacon of liberty.

While the authenticity of this vision has been debated, it has inspired countless Americans with its message of hope and perseverance. Whether seen as a literal vision or a symbolic narrative, George Washington's vision serves as a reminder of the enduring values upon which the United States was founded.

There was a real Anthony Sherman during the American Revolution, but in 1777, he was serving at Saratoga under Benedict Arnold. Yet, despite evidence to the contrary, the story of Washington’s Vision made its way into the American mind – and, in this instance, into the hands of a well-known and respected architect and curator, Elfred Hull Bartoo.

Like Parson Reems’ story of George Washington and the chopping down of the cherry tree – this one has remained told through many generations and in several forms. What happened to the copy of the story owned by the Bartoos? No one really knows, but not to be worried – the story continues to this day.

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George Washington: A Brief Biography and His Faith

Biography

George Washington (February 22, 1732 – December 14, 1799) was a pivotal figure in American history, celebrated as the "Father of His Country." He played a crucial role in the founding of the United States and left a lasting legacy that continues to influence the nation.

Washington was born into a family of modest wealth in Westmoreland County, Virginia. His early education was limited, but he showed a keen interest in military arts and western expansion. As a young man, he worked as a surveyor, which gave him a deep understanding of the American frontier.

During the French and Indian War (1754–1763), Washington gained valuable military experience. His leadership during this conflict laid the groundwork for his future role in the American Revolution. In 1775, he was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army by the Second Continental Congress. Washington's strategic acumen and steadfast leadership were instrumental in securing American independence, culminating in the British surrender at Yorktown in 1781.

After the war, Washington retired to his plantation at Mount Vernon but remained active in public life. In 1787, he presided over the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, where his support was vital in the drafting and ratification of the U.S. Constitution. In 1789, he was unanimously elected as the first President of the United States, serving two terms (1789–1797). His presidency established many protocols for the new government and set enduring precedents for future leaders.

Washington's Farewell Address in 1796, wherein he advised the nation to avoid political factions and foreign alliances, remains a seminal document in American political thought. He retired from the presidency in 1797, returning to Mount Vernon, where he died in 1799.

George Washington's Faith and the Birth of America

George Washington's faith was a hard-earned aspect of his character, deeply intertwined with his personal experiences and diligent self-improvement. Raised in a moderately wealthy and faithful Virginia family, Washington's religious convictions were influenced by his devout mother and the responsibilities he assumed early in life. His faith grew through his study of various people and experiences, from British generals to Indian chiefs, and his understanding of human nature and Providence was profound.

Washington's practical, experience-based approach to faith helped him persevere through numerous near-failures during the American Revolution. His reliance on Providence and his genuine humility were pivotal in his leadership. Although not demonstrative about his faith, Washington's actions and private devotions, as recalled by his step-granddaughter Nelly Custis, reflected his deep Christian beliefs.

As a general, Washington emphasized the moral and religious conduct of his troops, insisting on prayer, worship, and respectful behavior. His faith also guided his leadership style, which combined firmness with modesty and deference. He managed to unify a diverse and often contentious army and later a nation, drawing on his religious convictions to inspire and maintain morale.

Washington's presidency also reflected his commitment to religious liberty. He believed that religion played an essential role in maintaining public morality and virtue, which he saw as necessary for the republic's success. His Farewell Address underscores this belief, stating, "Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports."

Washington's contributions to the new nation extended beyond the battlefield. He set precedents in governance, maintained a delicate balance between church and state, and worked towards the abolition of slavery, reflecting his evolving conscience. Washington's legacy, marked by his unwavering faith and dedication to duty, was celebrated as an embodiment of the principles upon which America was founded.

Enlightened Reflection: A Prayer for Exploring George Washington's Vision

Dear Heavenly Father,

As we delve into George Washington's vision, grant us clarity to perceive the profound depths of his insight. May his wisdom illuminate our understanding, guiding us through the annals of history with reverence and discernment. Let his vision inspire us to uphold the noble principles upon which our nation was founded, fostering unity, justice, and liberty for all. In our exploration, may we honor his legacy and glean lessons that resonate with the challenges and aspirations of our time.

In Jesus’ precious and holy name, we pray. Amen.