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TRACK EIGHT: General Washington

As they sat down, Washington’s face had a pained expression that John took to be a consequence of the false teeth that had tortured the older man for so long. But John’s expression looked not much different after he heard Washington’s flat refusal to be moved by any of the arguments about fairness, compassion for the small farmers, and so on.

Here is a galvanizing moment in John’s choice of career. He knew he was not temperamentally cut out to be a soldier like his father. He was not particularly adept at making political arguments when he had access to powerful figures in government. But he had a great yearning to be of distinguished service to the Nation. What could he do, a fellow who was familiar with river craft and familiar with orchards? Familiar too with the western tug of the frontier, and committed to “the general welfare” and “the blessings of liberty” for his friends on the frontier?

Washington’s show of force seemed to dampen the enthusiasm of the rebels. The point was made that the central government would insist on democratic protest and would not accept armed insurrection, on the principle that the people as a whole had voted for that central government. It also turned out to be a useful and clever tactic to lower the rate of the tax, and also to be increasingly haphazard in actually collecting the tax, at least out on the frontier.

John continued to work in the orchards and gather seeds and plant trees in western Pennsylvania for several more years, until his father and step-mother and siblings arrived on the frontier too, in 1805. He helped them settle in, along the Ohio River, but by then, he knew what he wanted to do to make his mark on the frontier, and he was ready to move on.

[SUNG:]
Wanderiing, with a bag of seeds, beneath a thickening sky

Sunshine follows the rain
So I believe, even when I’m wet
What you give is what you gain
I’m a little bit ragged but I don’t forget
That sunshine follows the rain.

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from Crossing Paths with Johnny Appleseed, released April 20, 2021

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Jim Novak Ann Arbor, Michigan

Now work-shopping these Appleseed songs and stories into a one-man show. Singer-songwriter from Ann Arbor. Host of “Songwriters Open Mic” for over 25 years. Producer and videographer of half-hour TV programs, “Songwriters Open Mic Ann Arbor,” broadcast weekly from1996 to present (recent episodes on youtube). Former college teacher, program advisor, instructional designer for adult learners. ... more

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