John F. Gould: The Paintings
Text Regarding The Paintings
“The Last Great March – 1782”
Gould’s “The Last Great March – 1782” is the first in the series of three paintings depicting the final winter encampment of the Continental Army at New Windsor, New York. In this scene, a regiment of the New York Line marches past the home of John and Catherine Ellison along what was known as the King’s Highway. The home at this time served as the headquarters of General Thomas Gates, who served as the commandant of the encampment. The main army arrived in late October, 1782 after being ferried across the river at Verplanck’s Point to West Point and began constructing their winter quarters shortly after. Of particular note is the depiction of African-American soldiers. An estimated 1,000 soldiers of African descent would serve in Washington’s Army at New Windsor in integrated regiments, which would not occur again until after World War II.
“The Last Cantonment”
John Fleming Gould’s “The Last Cantonment” is the second in a series of three paintings depicting the final winter encampment of the Continental Army at New Windsor, New York. In this scene, General George Washington and his staff survey the hut lines of the 1st and 3rd Massachusetts Brigades, along present day State Route 300 across from New Windsor Cantonment State Historic Site. Washington’s Quartermaster General Timothy Pickering chose this area for its ample supply of lumber for building supplies and fuel, as well as its proximity to nearby supply depots at West Point and Fishkill. Over the course of one month, Washington’s army would construct over 600 log structures that served as winter shelters. Each 18′ x 35′ hut was built to house 32 soldiers, and was further divided into two rooms with its own fireplace for heat and cooking. During the winter, Washington’s men would have performed basic camp duties and drilled for the upcoming campaign season beginning in early spring.
“Peace – 1783”
John Fleming Gould’s “Peace – 1783” is the final painting in a series of three paintings depicting the final winter encampment of the Continental Army at New Windsor, New York. In this scene, George Washington and Martha Washington greet a young child on the grounds of the home of Catherine Hasbrouck, which he was using as his Headquarters during the last encampment. The home was chosen for its proximity to the Hudson River, where news and supplies travelled. From this location, Washington received news of the general ceasefire as a result of peace negotiations between the Continental Congress and Great Britain, which effectively ended the American Revolutionary War. Following the disbandment of the majority of Washington’s army in June, 1783, the home reverted back to the Hasbrouck Family where it remained until July 4, 1850 when it was officially dedicated as “Washington’s Headquarters”, the first publicly operated historic site in the United States and was eventually designated a National Landmark in 1961.
The Paintings
“The Last Great March – 1782”, John Fleming Gould. 1983
“The Last Cantonment”, John Fleming Gould. 1983
“Peace – 1783”, John Fleming Gould. 1983.