Washington noted this activity of age with wonder, and he wrote to him: “I observe with great pleasure that you have ordered the remaining regiments of militia that can be spared from the immediate defense of the seacoast to march toward New York with all expedition. I can not sufficiently express my thanks.” To which Brother Jonathan replied:
“When your Excellency was pleased to request the militia of our State to be sent forward with all possible expedition to reenforce the army at New York, no time was lost to expedite the march; and I am happy to find the spirit and zeal that appeared in the people of this State, to yield every assistance in their power in the present critical situation of our affairs. The season, indeed, was most unfavorable for so many of our farmers and laborers to leave home. Many had not even secured their harvest; the greater part had secured but a small part even of their hay, and the preparation of the crop of winter’s grain for the ensuing year was totally omitted; but they, the most of them, left all to afford their help in protecting and defending their just rights and liberties against the attempt of a numerous army sent to invade them. The suddenness of the requisition, the haste and expedition required in the raising, equipping, and marching such a number of men after the large drafts before made on this State, engrossed all our time and attention.”
The people forgot themselves for the cause. When Washington and Trumbull made a call upon them for help it was like Moses and Aaron. They did not argue or question; they hurried to the village greens, there to receive their orders as from the Deity.
That autumn the Governor issued a wonderful proclamation for a day of fasting and prayer.
The bell rang; the people assembled. Trumbull always attended church, and the chair in which he used to sit is still shown in Lebanon. The people followed his example. They felt that what was best for them would be best for their children, and that whether they left them rich estates or not, they must bequeath them liberty and the examples of virtue. So they lived mightily in “Brother Jonathan’s day.”