Teresa Steer, Assistant to the Director, made a chance discovery recently in the diary kept by the Rev. Elijah Dunbar (1773-1850). The diary records the day-to-day life of his parish in Peterborough from his ordination in 1799 through 1827. While examining the diary, Teresa found his entry for February 22, 1800 recounting the funeral commemoration for President George Washington held in Peterborough.

February 22d 1800. The Day Recommended by the President of the United States for the general Commemoration of the Sublime Virtues & Talents of the late illustrious Washington who died Dec. 14th 1799. At 68.- "First in War, first in Peace, first in the Hearts of his Countrymen." -

A Procession was formed from the House of James Wilson, Esq. In the following Order.

1. The Military under Command of Capt. Steele. Arms reversed, Officer’s Sword Hilts covered with black. Drums muffled with Black.
2. The School Masters followed by the Youth under their Care from 10 to 16 years of Age.
3. The Committee of Arrangements.-
4. The Orator of the Day.
5. The Singers. -
6. The People, two & two
7. Sleighs, etc. (the whole procession reaching above a quarter of a mile.)

When arrived at the Meeting House the Military & Youth opened to the right and left to admit the Committee, Orator, Singers, etc.—After the Audience had taken their Seats, Funeral Service was performed from the Liturgy of the Church of England– The Singers performed the tune & the hymn of Funeral Thought.—A Discourse was delivered from Eccl. VIII. 1. The whole concluded by the singing of the an Ode adapted to & composed for the Occasion & set to music by Mr. Holden.—The Procession returned in Order to the House from whence they first set out& after the Military had performed a Number of Firings & Evolutions & displayed a spirit and zeal which did them honour & honoured the memory of the illustrious dead, they were dismissed with deserved applause & retired in a peaceable and orderly manner.

President John Adams proclaimed a national day of commemoration following the death of Washington. Rev. Dunbar quotes Revolutionary War hero and Congressman Henry Lee who wrote "First in War, first in Peace, first in the hearts of his Countrymen," upon learning of the death of his close friend George Washington.

The procession began at James Wilson’s house, the Wilson Tavern, located at the corner of Old Street Road and Rte 101. The meetinghouse was located on Old Street Road about half way between Rte 101 and Sand Hill Road.