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PUBLIC LIBRARY.
ASTOR, LENOX ATJD
TILDLN FOUNDATIONS.
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M E ]M O 1 R S
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MOTHEE AND ¥IFE
07
¥ASHOGT0I.
BT
MARGARET C. CONKLING,
A.CTBOI OP harpers' translation of " florian's history of thb
WOOES OF SPAIN ;" "ISABEL, OR TRIALS OF THE HEART j"
ETC., ETC.
** Of differing themes the veering song was mix'd."
"To teach us how divine a thing
A woman may be made."
KEW EDITION, REVISED AND ENLARGED.
AUBURN:
DERBY MILLER, AXD COMPAITT
1851 "'^y
. 1 J J >
> ■> i i
. ^ J J B
[THEKI-WYOPK
PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOR, LENOX AND
TILDEN FOUNDATIONS.
1899.
Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1850, by
DERBY, MILLER, AND COMPANY,
In the Clerk's Office for the Northern District of New York.
• TO
]\IES. WILLIAM H. SEWARD,
A BLIGHT TRIBUTE TO HER MAXY VIRTUES,
AND
IN TOKEN OF HIGH REGARD,
THIS VOLUME
IS VEET RESPECTFULLY IXSCEIBED.
-•-•-•-
Thanks for the picture of thy daily life —
Thy bright example, Daughter, Mother, Wife!
The watchful care that cheers thy sire's decline,
As a lone shaft's long shielded by a vine,
A gentle, holy lesson, graven deep,
Thy daughter, cherished in her heart, will keep ;
Thy couch of suffering she '11 bend above,
And soothe thee, ever, with devoted love.
Constant to thee, thy sons will crown thy days
With reverence, heart-felt blessings, fondest praise ;
And HE, still proving the truest of friends,
The homage of whose faith on thee attends,
Wherever tossed 'mid life's tumultuous jar,
E'er turn to thee, his fixed, his guiding star,
And in thy smile benign, confiding seek
The peace, the happiness, thy prayers bespeak J—
When thou in Heaven dost fold thy spirit-wing,
Around thy name will sweetest memories cling.
Soft as the balmy breath of fragrance cast
On earthly bowers, where Peri's wing has pass'd,
Vi DEDICATION.
Or radiance lingVing round the glowing West,
When day serene has gently sunk to rest I
Long may Columbia's Daughters thus portray
The lofty virtue of her earlier day!— p
And may the blessings of thy heart and hearth
Change but for those of bright, empyreal birth'.
M. aa
Melrose, January 1st, 1850.
Ilfl IB M © H IS
OF
AHY ¥ASHINGTaE
■■•♦♦■
Life Is not lost, from which I3 brought
Endless renown. SrziroKR.
• • • Virtue, on no aid extraneous bent,
Is to herself, her own bright ornament,
Tijao,
CONTENTS
OF THE
LIFE OF MARY WASHINGTON.
■» » ♦ « ^
PAGB
Introduction 13
CHAPTER I.
Mrs. "Washington's Birth — Descent — Family Name — Education — Mar-
riage— Position, Character, and Occupation of her Husband — Mr.
Washington's previous Marriage — Date of Mrs. Washington's Mar-
riage— Her place of Residence — Birth of her son, George — Mr.
Washington removes from his former Home — Xames of Mrs.
Washington's six Children— Death of Augustine Washington — State
of his pecuniary aflFairs at his Death — Mr. Sparks' statements on this
subject — Mrs. Washington's Practical Abilities called into requisition
—The sole Guide of her Children after the Death of her Husband—
Her system of Domestic Education and Discipline — Her good sense
illustrated in the early Training of her son George — Mrs. Washing-
ton a Christian J\Iatron 15
CHAPTER IT.
,The History of Mrs. Washington associated ^ith that of her son George
\ — His early. efforts at Self-Maintenance — His initiatory Military Ad-
ventures a source of Anxiety to his Mother— The Deaths of ilrs.
Washington's two eldest sons — Letter addressed by Col. Washing-
ton to his Mother, after the Battle of the Monongahela — His Illness
— Appointment to the Chief Command of the Virginia Troops—
Letter to Mrs. Washington upon this subject — Her clear-sighted
discernment of the practical Objections to this Post — No Minute
Details respecting this portion of Mrs. Washington's Life . . .27
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER III.
I'AQt
The Commencement of the Revohition— Washington's Appointment
as Commander-in-Chief of the American Arrny— Mrs. Washington's
pions Resignation— Her Removal from her country-seat to Fred-
ericksburg, in Virginia — Bids adieu to her son — Her Remedy for
Mental Anxiety — fler practical Knowledge now peculiarly available
to Herself and others — Mrs. Washington's active Habits — Daily
Practice of driving out to her Farm— Her prompt Discipline in re-
Bpecl to her Subordinates— Anecdote— Constantly receives the Visits
and Attentions of her Children and Grand-children— Mrs. Washing-
ton's Interest in Public Affairs— Her confidence in the ultimate
Triumph of Right— Her Reception of the news of the successful
Passage of the Delaware — Expression of her fervent gratitude to
Heaven, when Informed of the Surrender of the British Army at
Yorktown — ^The Commander-in-Chief hastens to the Presence of
his Mother — Mrs. Washington's Bearing and Conversation on this
Occasion 4j
CHAPTER IV.
Washington's Public Welcome at Fredericksburg^- Preparations for a
Ball — Mrs. Washington specially Invited— Accepts the Invitation,
attended by her Son— Her Reception by the Company- Her Dress,
Manners, and Appearance on this public occasion — Astonishment of
the Foreign OiHcers present — Characteristic Remarks of Mrs. Wash-
ington, upon Retiring — The Commander-in-Chief dances his last
Minuet Sb
CHAPTER V.
Mrs. Washington's Children desire her to reside with them — She pre-
fers a separate Establishment — The affectionate Devotion of her
Children and Friends — Continues her habits of diligent Exertion
and Industry — Declines the Assistance of her Son-in-Law tu the
Management of her Affairs — Receives a visit from the Ma-qclsde
La Fayette- Mrs. Washington's celebrated Remark respertlng her
son George — The dignified nature of her Sentiments in re ation to
him — The Influence she always maintained over his Mind —Wash-
ington's unalterable Reverence for his Mother — His implicit Obe-
dience to her— Mrs. Washington's Devotional Habits— Her single
mental Infirmity— Personal Appearance of Mrs. Washington . . 55
CONTENTS. 3d
CHAPTER VI.
PAQS
President Washington takes a final Leave of his Mother, before assnm-
ing his new duties — Mrs. Washington's impaired Health— Her last
Illness and Death — Letter from Washington to his Sister in relation
to the Death of his Mother — Extract from Sparks' Life o? Wash-
IKQTON • 63
CHAPTER Vn.
General Summary of the Character of Mrs. Washington . . .63
CHAPTER Vm.
Place of Mrs. Washington's Interment— Monument to her Memory^
Laying of the Comer-Stone by the President of the United States-
Extracts from his Eulogy — Lines written for this occasion, by Mrs.
Sigoumey— Description of the Monument 73
Appendix to Mary Washington
THE MOTHER OF ¥ASHINGTON.
^^ » — ^ ■ ^
INTRODUCTION.
Here "Woman reigns ; the mother, daughter, wife, —
Strews with fresh flowers the narrow way of life ;
In the clear heaven of her delightful eye,
Au angel guard of loves and graces lie ;
Around her knees domestic duties meet,
And fireside pleasures gambol at her feet.
Montgomery.
The artist who would embody the sublime ideal
which has long engrossed his spiritual contemplation
— the idol of his ceaseless adoration, the imaginary
impersonation of his most exalted conceptions of the
Beautiful — again and again shrinks dismayed, despair-
ing, from the impossible achievement he would faia
essay. Thus does the biographer, whose best quali-
fication for the task too partial friendship has assigned
her, is profound reverence for the theme, — approach
the awe-inspiring subject of the folio wino; Memoir.
The life of woman, almost in proportion as it is tnie
to the loftiest impulses and purest principles by which
she can be actuated, presents comparatively few inci-
dents claiming circumstantial record or remembrance.
XIV INTRODUCTION.
Though the wife, or the mother of one who fills a
large space in the world's eye, it is still, usually, hers
to dwell only within the quiet precincts of domestic
retirement.
The Hero, like a majestic river, that bears the wealth
of cities on its ample waters, and diffuses benefits to
thousands, speeds onward in his high career, his steps
resounding in the ears of listening nations ; while the
mother, from whom, perchance, he derived the intellec-
tual power that impels and sustains this lofty course,
still, like a life-giving fountain whose sweet, bright wa-
ters diffuse beauty, and health, and happiness, lingers
ever in the shade, revered in the protecting sanctity
of Home.
The world may never know, may never seek, the
gushing waters of the secluded fountain. But beside
its peace-breathing murmurs, the w^orn and weary
wanderer, — fame-pilgrim though he be, seeks repose ;
returning once more, and yet once more, to imbibe its
benign and soothing influences. In the quiet haunt it
loves, dwell gentle spirits who minister to the wayfarer,
and watch, with ceaseless care, over the sequestered
purity and loveliness, which it is their precious charge
forever to preserve, in inexhaustible and unsullied per-
fection.
As flow the crystal waters of a hallowed well-spring,
glided on the life of Mary Washington ; thus serene,
and pure, and secluded, thus genial and beneficent,
and blessed !
CHAPTER I.
The name of Mary — how the heart
Thrills at the sound of that sweet name 1
The holiest thoughts it may impai't,
Or wake the soul to deeds of fame ! J. W M.
Well-ordered home, man's best delight to make,
And with submissive wisdom, modest skill,
To raise the virtues Thompson.
Mrs. Mary Washington was born in the Col-
ony of, Virginia, towards the conclusion of the
year 1700. Little is known of her ancestors,
except that she inherited an unimpeachable
name. We are informed that she was descended
from a highly respectable family of English colo-
nists, named Ball, who originally established
themselves on the banks of the Potomac.
It is to be lamented that no records of the
youth, or early womanhood of this illustrious
lady have been preserved.
We are, therefore, in ignorance of the educa-
tion and domestic influences by which her re-
markable character was aeveloped and matured.
16 MEMOIR OP
But judging from the rare combination of
mental and moral qualities which we find exhib-
ited in the brief history of her later life, we may
suppose her home education to have been partic-
ularly practical and judicious ; such, indeed, was
almost the only instruction received by women
in this country, even at a much later period than
that to which we refer.
To the abiding effect of early maternal train-
ing, Mrs. Washington must have been, at least
in some degree, indebted for her habits of unu-
sual industry, economy, and regularity, as well
as for the excellent constitution, that gave vigor
and practical usefulness to the operations of a
naturally powerful intellect. To the ineffaceable
impressions of infant years, we may also ascribe
the moral elevation and the exalted piety associ-
ated with her noble mind.
Augustine Washington, the husband of the cele-
brated subject of our Memoir, was a gentleman of
considerable wealth, and of distinguished lineage
and position. Several of his ancestors early em-
igrated to the Colony of Virginia, and honorable
mention is made of more than one of them in the
annals of the primitive days of the Old Dominion.*
* Everything relating, even remotely, to the history of Wash-
MARY WASHINGTON. 17
" His occupation ^yas that of a planter, Avhich,
from the first settlement of the country, had been
the pursuit of nearly all the principal gentle-
men of Virginia. '*'
Little can now be definitely ascertained re-
specting the individual character of the father of
the great American Hero. His premature death,
and the entire want of any minute family record
respecting him, render research in relation to
his personal history almost wholly futile. AVe
can only infer his worth from the distinct re-
membrance in which his paternal tenderness
was always held by his most eminent descendant,
and from the fact that the valuable estate he pos-
sessed at his death, was " chiefly acquired by his
own industry and enterprise, which would seem to
indicate that in the concerns of business, he was
methodical, skilful, honorable, and energetic.'"'*
Mr. Washington was twice married. Two
sons survived his first union. He \vas united to
Mary Ball on the 6th of March, 1730.
ington, is so generally interesting, tliat we append, for the con-
venience of the curious in such matters, Mr. Sparks' brief but
clear exposition of the genealogy of his father's faniilv. See
Appendix — Note A.
* Sparks' Life of Washington.
18 MEMOIR OF
After her marriage, Mrs. Washington's firat
residence was in Westmoreland County, Vir-
ginia, not far from the beautiful river with which
so many of the most agreeable reminiscences of
her childhood and youth were associated.
In this, the first home of her wedded life, tv/o
years subsequent to the union that promised such
exalted and continued felicity, George, her eMest
son, was born.
Soon after this event, Mr. Washington removed
with his family, " to an estate owned by him in
Stafford County, Virginia, on the east side of the
Rappahannoc River, opposite Fredericksburg."
As years sped on, Mrs. Washington became
the mother of two daughters, and three sons.
She had thus, six children : — these were succes-
sively, George, Betty, Samuel, John Augustine,
Charles, and Mildred. The latter died in in-
fancy.
We discover no positive proof that the elder
sons of her husband were under the immediate
care of Mrs. Washington, but as many incidental
indications present themselves of the cordial
affection, unity and interest that existed, in later
years, among the members of the family, collec-
tively, we may believe, especially in connection
MARY WASHINGTON. 19
with the strong sense of duty v»'hich, apparently,
characterized every action of this faithful wife
and mother, that her native benevolence and jus-
tice w^ere not at fault in this instance.
The domestic happiness of this interesting little
circle was soon most painfully and unexpectedly
interrupted. A short and sudden illness termi-
nated the life of Mr. Washington, on the 12th of
April, 1743, at the age of forty-nine years".
In the brief biographical notices of Mrs. Wash-
ington which have, hitherto, appeared, she is rep-
resented as being left by the death of her husband
with very limited pecuniar}^ resources. The
testimony of Mr. Sparks, — than which nothing
can well be more accurate and incontrovertible, —
militates, most emphatically, against the impres-
sion thus generally expressed. The following
passages contain Mr. Sparks' statement upon this
subject : — '•' It appears by his will that he [Mr.
W.] possessed a large and valuable property in
lands." ^ # # # # * *
" Each of his sons inherited from him a separate
plantation. To the eldest, Lawrence, he be-
queathed an estate near Hunting Creek, after-
w^ards Mount Vernon, which then consisted of
twentv-five hundred acres ; and also other lands,
20 MEMOIR OF
and sliares in iron-works situated in Virginia and
Maryland, which were productive. The second
son had for his part an estate in Westmoreland.
To George were left the lands and mansion where
his father lived at the time of his decease ; and to
each of the other sons an estate of six or seven
hundred acres. The youngest daughter died
when an infant, and for the only remaining one
a suitable provision was made in the will. It is
thus seen that Augustine Washington, although
suddenly cut off in the vigor of manhood, left all his
children in a state of comparative independence.
Confiding in the prudence of the mother, he
directed that the proceeds of all the property of
her children should be at her disposal, till they
should respectively come of age."
It was now that the extraordinary character-
istics of this exemplary matron began most strik-
ingly to exhibit themselves.
Gifted with great firmness and constancy of
purpose, as well as with a clear, discriminating
judgment, and remarkable mental independence,
her self reliance was rapidly strengthened, and
soon rendered habitual, by circumstances so
peculiarly demanding its exercise, as those ir
which duty imperatively summoned her to act.
MARY WASHINGTON. 21
Her thorough knowledge of practical life en-
abled her not only to superintend, in person, the
complicated and important pecuniary affairs of
her children, and the general interests of her
household, but, also, by her indefatigable industry
and ingenuity to supply, in a good degree, what-
ever was necessary to the w^elfare and comfort
of her family.
Mrs. Washington had, henceforth, the exclu-
sive direction of the primary education of her
children. At once their companion, mentor,
counsellor, and friend, she encouraged them to
mental exertion, to moral culture, to athletic ex-
ercise. She taught them self-respect, respect
for the rights and feelings of others, self-control,
and patienc-3 under fatigue and suffering; she
stimulated in them a fondness for labor and for
knowledge ; she inspired them with affection for
each other, and for their country, and wdth the
fear and love of God. In short, it was her sys-
tematic and unceasing endeavor, to illustrate and
enforce willing compliance with the all- wise and
immutable laws by which the physical, intellectual,
and moral nature of man should be, harmoniously
and unitedly, governed. Thus order, regulari-
tv, and occupation, sympathy, cheerfulness, and
22 MEMOIR OP
unity, reigned supreme among the youthful deni-
zens of her little world of home. She exacted
implicit obedience from her children, and she
tempered maternal tenderness by strict domestic
discipline ; but we are told by one* who, as the
companion of her son, occasionally shared her
care and hospitality, that she was " indeed truly
kind."
In that genuine and judicious kindness lies the
secret of the power always maintained by this
venerated mother over the minds of her offspring.
If she assumed the right to direct the actions of
others, her daily life exhibited such powers of
self-control and self-denial as convinced her chil-
dren, by more irresistible evidence than mere
words could convey, of the justice and disin-
terestedness by which she was habitually ac-
tuated.
That she rendered their home, simple, nay even
* Laurence Washington, Esq., of Ohotank, who thus described
his distinguished relative : " I was often there with George, his
playmate, schoolmate, and yoimg man's companion. Of the
mother I was more afraid than of my own parents ; she awed
me in the midst of her kindness, for she was indeed truly kind,
and even now, when time has whitened my locks, and I am the
grandfather of a second generation, I could not behold that
majestic woman without feelings it is impossible to describe."
MAEY WASHINGTON. 23
humble, though it might be, endearing to her
children, is proved in some degree, by the fre-
quency and pleasure with which, as we gather
from much incidental testimony, the happy band
that once rejoiced in the comfort and security of
her well-ordered abode, in after years revisited
the maternal roof. Indeed, we are expressly
informed, upon the best authority, that an inter-
diction of the innocent amusements and relaxa-
tions, a taste for which is so natural to the young,
formed no part of the system of juvenile training
practised with such preeminent success by Mrs.
Washington.
She never rendered necessary restraint and
discipline needlessly distasteful or repulsive by
ascetic sternness or harsh compulsion. The
power that sometimes gently coerced the subjects
of her guidance was a moral suasion far more
effective and beneficial than influences such as
those can ever exert.
Of all the mental qualities of this celebrated
woman, perhaps none was more constantly illus-
trated in her life than her native good sense, the
practical effects of which were infinitely more
useful and precious to her children than she could
24 MEMOIR OF
possibly have rendered volumes of theoretica,
precept, however philosophical and profound.
To* her possession of this unpretending, bu
invaluable characteristic, emphatically, her illus-
trious son was indebted for the education that
formed the basis of his greatness.
This it was that taught the great Washington
those habits of application, industry, and regu-
larity, that were of such essential service to him,
alike in the camp and in the cabinet, and which
so materially contributed to render his^character
a perfect model, bequeathed to successive ages.
This it was, that, by inculcating and enfor-
cing habitual temperance, exercise, and activity,
strengthened and developed the wonderful physi-
cal powers that were rivalled only by the in-
domitable will and stupendous wisdom of her son.
To his mother Washington owed the high value
he attached to " the only possession of which all
men are prodigal, and of which all men should he
covetous:'' and from her early instructions he
imbibed that love of truth for which he was re-
markable, and which is so pleasingly and forcibly
illustrated in some of the favorite anecdotes of
our childliood.*
* Our juvenile readers can scarcely fail to be familiar "with
MAEY WASHINGTON. 2D
Trained to unvarying respect for the truths of
revealed religion, in which she was herself a firm
believer, and rigidly regardful of the dictates of
an enlightened conscience, her gifted son was
indebted to Mrs. Washington for his quick moral
sense, and the unflinching adhesion to principle
that so strongly marked every act of his public
and private life.
The noble friend and pupil of Washington, and
others among her numerous panegyrists, have
likened the mother of the " Hero" to a Spartan
matron. With due deference to the high source
whence the comparison emanated, it seems
scarcely just to her who was its subject. Her
life reminds us rather, of those celebrated women
w^hose names are recorded with grateful affection
and respect by St. Paul, in his Epistles, — those
heroic, self-sacrificing friends and champions of
early Christianity, and its devoted advocates, who
were "succorers of many," w4io scorned not to
" bestow much labor" upon the temporal neces-
sities of the Apostle and his fellow-martyrs, and
the stories of "The Little Hatchet," and of "The Sorrel Colt,"
almost the only authentic anecdotes of the childhood of the
great American hero, and i^hich also incidentally illustrate more
than one of his youthful habits.
2G MEMOIR OF
who even "laid down their own necks" for them!
Mrs. Washington was a Christian Matron, who
derived her ide-as of parental authority and gov-
ernment from the same Book, wherein she sought
her own rules of life ; and she was as much
superior to a Spartan mother, as are the inspired
principles of our blessed religion to the heathen
teachings which exalted mere physical courage
above the highest virtues of humanity !
MARY WASHIXGTON. 27
CHAPTER II.
'T is the Divinity tliat stirs witliin us ! Addigok.
Must such minds be nourish'd in the wild,
Deep in the upturned forests, midst the roar
Of cataracts, where nursing Nature smiled
On infant Washington? Has earth no more
Such seed within her breast and Europe no such shore ?
Byron.
We are unable to present our readers with any
particulars of the life of Mrs. Washington, for
several years previous to the American Revolu-
tion, except such as are gleaned from the pub-
lished accounts of those troubled times, as asso-
ciated with the history of her son.
The incipient workings of the mighty spirit
destined to achievements that should move the
world, influenced the youthful V/ashington, when
only fourteen years of age, to form plans for inde-
pendent efforts in a more enlarged sphere of
exertion than was afforded him by the employ-
ment and duties of hoine life. He had actually
taken the necessary steps preliminary to entering
28 MEMOIR OF
the English Navy, when the disapproval of his
mother prevented the accomplishment of his
desimi.
Our readers will be interested in the details
respecting this incident furnished by Mr. Sparks :
Washington's " eldest brother,* Lawrence, had
been an officer in the late war, and served at the
siege of Carthagena and in the West Indies.
Being a well-informed and accomplished gentle-
man, he had acquired the esteem and confidence
of General Wentworth and Admiral Vernon, the
commanders of the expedition, with whom he
afterwards kept up a friendly correspondence.
Having observed the military turn of his young
brother, and looking upon the British Navy as the
most direct road to distinction in that line, he
obtained for George a midshipman's warrant, in
the year 1746, when he was fourteen years old.
This step w^as taken w^ith his acquiescence, if not
at his request, and he prepared with a buoyant
spirit for his departure; but, as the time ap-
proached, the solicitude of his mother interpos-
ed with an authority, to which nature gave a
claim.''
" At this critical juncture, Mr. Jackson, a friend
* The eldest son of Augustine Wasliington.
MARY WASHINGTON. 29
of the family, wrote to Lawrence Washington as
follows • ' I am afraid Mrs. Washington will not
keep up her first resolution. She seems to dis-
like George's going to sea, and says, several per-
sons have told her it vvas a bad scheme. She
offers several trifling objections, such as fond un-
thinking mothers habitually suggest ; and I find
that one word against his going has more weight
than ten for it.' She persisted in opposing the
plan, and it was given up. ?\or ought that de-
cision to be ascribed to obstinacy, or maternal
w^eakness. It w^as her eldest son, whose char-
acter and manners must already have exhibited
a promise, full of solace and hope to a widowed
mother, on whom alone devolved the charge of
four younger children. To see him separated
from her at so tender an age, exposed to the perils
of accident and the world's rough usage, with-
out a parent's voice to counsel or a parent's hand
to guide, and to enter on a theatre of action, which
would forever remove him from her presence,
was a trial of her fortitude and sense of duty,
which she could not be expected to hazard with-
out reluctance and concern."*
Chief Justice Marshall's version of the matter
* Sparks' Life of "Washtn-gtoX; voL i. p. 10.
30 MEMOIR OF
ascribes rather a more active personal agency to
Washington himself, than that of Mr. Sparks.
He says : —
" Those powerful attractions which the pro-
fession of arms presents to young and ardent
minds, possessed their full influence over Mr
Washinston. Stimulated by the enthusiasm of
military genius, to take part in the war in which
Great Britain was then engaged, he had pressed
so earnestly to enter the navy, that, at the age of
fifteen, a midshipman's warrant w^as obtained for
him."*
But the numerous biographers of Washington,
however they may differ in other respects, agree
in ascribing his abandonment of this cherished
scheme to the all-powerful influence of his mother.
One of them affirms that the luggage of the young
enthusiast w^as actually conveyed on board the
little vessel destined to bear him away to his
new post, and that, when he attempted to bid
adieu to his only parent, his previous resolution
to depart was for the first time subdued, in con-
sequence of her ill- concealed dejection and her
irrepressible tears.
Who shall say that the decisive interposition
* Marshall's Life of Washington, vol. i. p. 2.
MARY WASHINGTON. 31
of his mother did not save from a Ufe of Umited
usefahiess and comparative obscurity, the embryo
soldier and statesman !
Mrs. Washington proved the injustice of the
imputation of weak, maternal fondness, which as
we have seen was so erroneously supposed, by at
least one of her friends, to be the source of her
opposition to the wishes of her son, by the cheer-
fulness with which, almost immediately after the
abandonment of his orio-inal desisrn, she relin-
quished the pleasure and benefit she would have
derived from his continued residence under the
pa^einal roof
Juvenile as he was for assuming an occupation
involving responsibilities so serious, the incipient
hero was soon actively engaged in the profession
of engineering, for which his favorite intellectual
pursuits and his taste for athletic exercise had
already prepared him. In consequence of the
near vicinity of the residence of his half-brother,
Lawrence, to the principal scene of his operations,
George became an inmate of his family, and con-
tinued, thenceforth, to be an absentee from his early
home, with only the brief exceptions made by his
being occasionally and temporarily there to aid in
the care and arrangement of his mother's affairs;
32 MEMOIR OF
A few years after his first withdrawal from her
immediate personal guidance, this self-sacrificing
parent was, for several successive months, de-
prived of even the incidental presence and society
of almost the only one of her children who was
sufficiently mature to be a congenial and intel-
ligent companion and assistant in her complicated
and multitudinous avocations and duties. Mr.
Lawrence Washington was compelled by indis-
position to seek the more genial climate of Bar-
badoes, upon the approach of the winter that
followed the completion of the nineteenth year
of his brother George, whom he selected as the
friend and nurse who should accompany him
in his voyage, and remain with him after his
arrival at his destination. Despite the care and
kindness of his amiable attendant, the invalid
returned to Virginia in the following spring, to
yield himself a victim to the disease that had im-
pelled him to leave home. Subsequent to this
sad event, the youthful George, as one of the
executors of his will, was long detained from his
earlier home by his needful care of the estate and
family of his deceased brother.
Mrs. Washington, ever too disinterestedly
anxious for the true welfare and happiness of her
MARY WASHINGTOX. 3C-
son, willingly to interpose the slightest obstacle in
the high and honorable path which circumstances
and his ovni aspirations and exertions combined
to mark out for him, most uncomplainingly and
unselfishly resia-ned the gratification and assist-
ance she would have derived from his residence
with her, to promote his present and ulterior ad-
vantage.
The lapse of years gradually diminished the
imperative exertions and high duties to which
MiS. Washington, during the prime of her wo-
manhood, had so ceaselessly consecrated all the
powers of her being. Her eldest daughter as-
sumed the cares and responsibilities of weddea
life, and was established in the new home, which
wise maternal trainino; had well fitted her to
adorn ; George, when not engaged in his profes-
sional avocations, resided upon the patrimonial
estate of Mount Vernon, to Vv'hich he . became
heir after the death o»f the only child of Mr.
Lawrence Washington ; and the remaining chil-
dren were rapidly advancing beyond the neces-
sity of that unsleeping vigilance by which the
safety, health, and happiness of their earlier days
had been so effectuallv secured.
Some years later, when the young Virginian
34 MEMOIR OF
who was destined, eventually, to fill so large a
space in the world's eye, commenced his initia-
tory military career, in the service of his native
state, we sympathize in the maternal anxiety
awakened at once for his personal safety and foi
his success in arms.
The only letters addressed to his mother, in-
cluded in the published collection of Washington's
Correspondence, were written during the French
War, in the earliest stages of which, as our read-
ers will remember, he acted as Adjutant of the
northern division of Virginia militia, and as Aid-
de-Camp to General Braddock. The first of
these was penned just after the memorable and
disastrous battle of the Monongahela, at which
nothing but the unconquerable determination,
that not even severe illness could subdue, enabled
the author to be present ; and where, if he won
some of his proudest laurels, he was, perhaps, ex-
posed to greater personal danger than during any
subsequent part of his military career.
Distressing as are the details it contains, we
include this letter in our Memoir, entire ; not only
as one of the two communications, to which we
have alluded, but to assist the reader in forming
a more correct idea than words of ours could con-
MARY WASHINGTON. 35
vey, of the dignified and confidential intercourse
that was uninterruptedly maintained between
these distinguished correspondents.
"To Mrs. Mart Washixgtox, xear Fredericksburg.
" Fort Cumberland, 18 July, 1755.
" Honored Madam :
"As I doubt not but you have heard of our
defeat, and, perhaps, had it represented in a worse
light, if possible, than it deserves, I have taken
this earhest opportunity to give you some ac-
count of the engagement as it happened, within
ten miles of the French Fort, on Wednesday, the
9th instant.
" We marched to that place, without any con-
siderable loss, having only now and then a strag-
gler picked up by the French and scouting
Indians. When we came there, we were attacked
by a party of French and Indians, whose number,
I am persuaded, did not exceed three hundred
men ; while burs consisted of about one thousand
three hundred well-armed troops, chiefly regular
soldiers, who were struck with such a panic, that
they behrived with more cowardice than it is
possible to conceive. The officers behaved gal-
lantly, in order to encourage their men, for which
36 MEMOIR OF
they suffered greatly, there being nearly sixty
killed and wounded — a large portion of the num-
ber we had.
" The Virginia troops showed a good deal of
bravery, and were nearly all killed ; for I believe,
out of three companies that were there, scarcely
thirty men were left alive. Captain Peyrouny,
and all his officers, down to a corporal, were killed.
Captain Poison had nearly as hard a flite, for
only one of his was left. In short, the dastfirdly
behavior of those they call regulars, exposed all
others that were inclined to do their duty, lO
almost certain death ; and at last, in despite of
all the efforts of the officers to the contrary, they
ran as sheep pursued by dogs, and it was impos-
sible to rally them.
" The General was wounded, of which he died
three days after. Sir Peter Halkes was killed in
the field, where died many other brave officers.
I luckily escaped without a v/ound, though I had
four bullets through my coat and two horses shot
under me. Captains Orme and Morris, two of
the aids-de-camp, were vv^ounded early in the en-
gagement, which rendered the duty harder upon
me, as I was the only one then left to distribute
the General's orders, which I was scarcely able
MARY WASHINGTON. 37
to do, as I was not half recovered from a violent
illness, that had confined me to my bed, and a
waggon for ten days. I am still in a v/eak and
feeble condition, which induces me to halt here
two or three days, in the hope of recovering a
little strength, to enable me to proceed home-
wards ;* from whence I fear I shall not be able to
stir till towards September; so that I shall not
have the pleasm-e of seeing you, till then, unless
it be in Fairfax. Please to give my love to Mr.
Lewis and my sister; and compliments to Mr.
Jackson, and ah other friends that inquire after me.
" I am, m.ost honored Madam,
" Your most dutiful son."t
We learn from other sources of information,
that the indisposition of which the writer so
briefly speaks, in this epistle, was sufficiently
serious to endanger his life. Nov can we believe
his own intimation to have conveyed the first
knowledge of this distressing: intelliorence to his
mother. She had, however, the consolation to
be, at the same time, informed of all that she
* The reader -^ill remember that Col. "W. had already re-
sided some time upon his patrimonial estate of Mount Vernon.
f Sparks' Lite of "Washington.
38 MEMOIR OF
could hope or even desire, in relation to his per-
sonal prowess and military skill*
The remaining letter was written in anticipa-
tion of an event which occmTed soon after the
Battle of the Monongahela — the appointment of
Colonel Washington to the chief command of the
Virginia forces. His commission bears the same
date as that of the letter, though the author, as
will be seen, was, as yet, uninformed of his pro-
motion.
" To Mrs. Mary Washington.
"Mount Vernon, 14 August, l^i65.
" Honored Madam :
" If it is in my power to avoid going to the
Ohio again I shall, but if the command is pressed
upon me, by the general voice of the country, and
offered upon such terms as cannot be objected
against, it would reflect dishonor upon me to re-
fuse it. And that, I am sure, ought to give you
greater uneasiness than my going in an honor-
* It need scarcely be said that this was the celebrated en-
gagement in which Col. Washington gained so much honor, and
the disastrous result of which was nearly averted by his daring
coui'age, as it also might have been by his ready discernment
and sagacious tactics, had Gen. Braddock been guided by hia
advice in the iacipient stages of the conflict
MARY WASIIINGTOX. 39
able command. Upon no other terms ^vill I
accept of it. At present, I have no proposals
made to me, nor have I any advice of such an
intention, except from private hands.
" I am, &c.'"'*
Om' readers will not fail to remark the alrnost
deprecatory tone that characterizes this epistle ;
nor the deference it indicates to the wishes and
opinions of the parent to Avhom it was addressed.
It was, apparently, written in reply to a previous
communication from his mother in relation to the
same subject.
We gather from incidental events that many
practical objections to the acceptance of the post
of Commander-in-Chief of the Virginian Frontiei
Army, existed at this juncture ; and we may infer
that the sagacious and far-seeing maternal eye dis-
cerned these difficulties, and that Mrs. Washing-
ton counselled her son to avoid responsibilities,
that existing and uncontrollable circumstances
might easily render not only devoid of honor
or advantage, but personally unfortunate and
injurious.
Thus did this gifted woman, by claims the most
irresistible, mature and perpetuate an influence
* Sparks' Lite of "Washington.
40 MEMOIR OF
and authority, that remained undiminished and
undisputed, when her son had attained the pin-
nacle of earthly fame.
Before dismissing this portion of our narrative,
we cannot refrain from expressing our deep re-
gret at an almost entire want of material for those
minute details, Avhich, when they relate to inci-
dents of personal history, serve so much better
than mere description, to illustrate character and
exhibit the peculiar and individualizing traits
which alone can deepen and fill up, so to speak,
the faint outhne presented in the delineations of
the general historian.
MARY WASDINGTGN. 41
CHAPTER III.
He shall not dread Misfortune's an^y mien,
Nor feebly sink beneath her tempest rude,
Whose soul hath leaiu'd, through many a trying scene,
To smile at fate, and sufler unsubdued. Metastasio.
To solemnize this day, the glorions sun
Stays in his course, and plays the alchemist ;
Turning, with splendor of his precious eye,
The meagre, cloddy e.irtli to glittering gold :
The yearly course, that brings this day about,
Shall never see it but a holy day ! Shakspeare.
The events of the disordered times immedi-
ately preceding the Revolution, were now rapidly
developing. Following each other in startling
and fateful succession, and finally resulting in the
ever-memorable Declaration of Independence,
Mrs. Washington suddenly beheld her son eleva-
ted to a position surrounded by dangers the most
imminent, and comprehending responsibilities the
most solemn and portentous that can devolve
upon human agency.
Resting her fears, her aspirations, and her faith,
upon that Support which could alone sustain the
42 MEMOIR OF
spirit of so affectionate and so discerning a parent,
amid trials thus peculiar and severe, we see this
heroic woman resigning herself with the same
tranquil submission, and the same unaffected
cheerfulness, by which her life had hitherto been
distinguished, to the decrees of an overruling and
inscrutable Destiny.
Before his departure from his native State, to
assume the command of the patriots assembled
at Cambridge, the American Commander-in Chief,
ever mindful of his Mother's comfort and happi-
ness, even when most burdened by public cares
and obligations, assisted in effecting her removal
from her country residence in its vicinity, to
Fredericksburg.
Mrs. Washington was remunerated for thus re-
nouncing a home hallowed by many tender and
time-honored associations, the peaceful asylum
of her youthful family in the days of her early
bereavement, the scene of their innocent sports,
their juvenile education, and of her own strenu-
ous exertions and self-sacrificing devotion during
so many years of her life, by being placed in
much nearer proximity to her friends and relatives,
and in a position more secure from danger than
any precaution could have rendered an isolated,
MARY WASHING TON. 43
rural abode. And as she preferred to maintain
an individual establishment, even after her home
ceased to be the permanent residence of any of
her children, this arrangement was peculiarly
suitable and desirable.
Bestowing on him the more than eegis-shield
of her blessing and her prayers, the patriotic
mother bade adieu to her Son, for a period, the
duration and events of which no mortal vision
could even faintly discern.
Long familiar with the most effectual means
of escape from the dominion of too-anxious
thought, she hastened, after this painful parting,
to busy herself with the arrangement and care
of her new home, and sought in active usefulness
and industry, not only the solace of her own
" private griefs" and apprehensions, but the high
pleasure that springs from the consciousness of
doing good.
Ever possessed of far too much genuine self-
respect and enlightenment to regard the necessity
of homely toil as degrading or unfortunate, her
practical ingenuity and personal efforts now sup-
plied, in a good degree, the many deficiencies and
deprivations arising from the pressing exigencies
of the times, and materially assisted, not only in
44 MEMOIR OF
providing for the wants of her own househox i,
but in furnishing the means of that hberal charity
which she had always exercised, however hmited
her resources, and which was not remitted when
increasing occasion had arisen for its continu-
ance.
" Whoso in pomp of proud estate, quoth she,
Does swim, and bathes himself in courtly bliss,
Does waste his daies in dark obscuritie,
And in oblivion buried is.
Where ease abounds 'yts eath to doe amis,
But who his limbs with labor, and his mynd
Behaves with cares, cannot so easy mis."
Though long past the meridian of Hfe, her
equanimity, her healthful habits, and the sys-
tematic uniformity of her daily existence, still
gave this exemplary matron the physical power
essential for carrying into effect her plans of self-
dependence and benevolent usefulness.
It w^as, at this time, her almost daily custom,
seated in an old-fashioned, open chaise, to visit
her little farm in the vicinity of the town, and
Vv^hile there, to drive about the fields giving direc-
tions and personally superintending their execu-
tion.
Mrs. Washington is said to have required from
MARY WASHINGTON. 45
those about her a prompt and Uteral obedience,
somewhat resembhng that demanded by proper
mihtary subordination ; a habit doubtless arising,
in some degree, from a consciousness of the men-
tal power that enabled her rightly to judge, and
wisely to direct.
On one occasion, as we are told, she reproved
an agent, who, relying upon his own judgment,
had disobeyed her orders, saying, '• I command
you, — there is nothing left for you but to obey !"
Thus, while occupied in her favorite pursuits,
and preserved from all sense of loneliness, by the
frequent and interesting visits of her children and
grand-children, who vv^ere invariably most assidu-
ous and affectionate in their endeavors to con-
tribute to her happiness, several years rolled away.
Nor, as may well be supposed, did Mrs. Wash-
ington, in the meanv/hile, look wdth an unobser-
vant or unsympathizing eye, upon the changing
and momentous aspect of public affairs. Her
lesidence in Fredericksburg enabled her early to
obtain the most important mtelligence of the day,
and we may believe the respectful attention of
her Son, speedily and constantly supplied her with
information denied to those possessing less claim
upon his confidence and regard.
46 MEMOIR OF
If not always as sanguine of the ultimate tri-
umph of the American arms, as more youthful
and ardent spectators of the Revolutionary con-
test, she watched the progress of national affairs,
with patient and tranquil expectation. Frequently
raising her thoughtful gaze from the painful con-
templation of her country's struggles, towards the
Omnipotent Friend who aids the sacred cause of
Liberty and Right, she gained a firm and hopeful
constancy that shielded her noble spirit, alike
from unfounded enthusiasm, and desponding dis-
trust ; and that rendered her an example, worthy
of all honor, to those mothers, who, like herself,
had resigned their sons to their country, in the
hour of her greatest need.
When the glorious and heart-warming intelli-
gence of the successful passage of the Delaware,*
by Washington and his brave companions in
arms, was communicated to his Mother, by the
numerous friends who hastened to rejoice with,
and to felicitate her upon so auspicious and im-
portant an occurrence, she received the tidings
with placid self-possession, and expressed her
pleasure at the brightening prospects of her native
land.
* Dec. 1116.
MAEY WASHINGTON. 47
But in relation to such portions of the de-
spatches of her visitors as contained eulogistic
allusions to her Son, she simply remarked, that
" George appeared to have deserved well of his
country for such signal services," and added : —
" But, my good Sirs, here is too much flattery !
— still, George will not forget the lessons I have
taught him — he will not forget himself, though he
is the subject of so much praise."
And when, after the lapse of long, dark years
of national gloom and suffering, Mrs. Washing-
ton was, at last, informed* of the crowning event
of the great conflict — the surrender of Lord
Cornwallis, she raised her hands with profound
reverence and gratitude towards Heaven, and
fervently exclaimed, " Thank God ! — war will
now be ended, and peace, independence and hap-
piness bless our country !"
An interval of nearly seven perilous and ad-
venturous years had passed, when this illustrious
American matron enjoyed the happiness again
to behold her victor-crowned and illustrious Son.
Upon the return of the combined armies from
Yorktown, the Commandeh-ix-Chief repaired im-
* To whose thousrlitful care Mrs. "W. owed the Express de-
spatched to her with this grateful news, may easily be surmised.
48 MEMOIR OF
mediately to Fredericksburg, attended by a nu
merous and splendid suite, composed of the most
distinguished European and American officers
who had shared his protracted toils and his
final triumph.
No sooner had Washington dismounted than
he sent a messenger to apprize his Mother of his
arrival, with a request to be informed when it
would be her pleasure to receive him.
Then, dismissing for a time the attributes and
attendants of greatness, he repaired, unaccompa-
nied and on foot, to the modest mansion where
his venerable parent awaited his coming.
Mrs. Washington was alone and occupied in
some ordinary domestic avocation, when the
gladdening intelligence of her Son's approaching
visit was communicated to her.
She met him on the threshold with a cordial
embrace, her face beaming with unmingled pleas-
ure, and welcomed him by the endearing and
w^ell-remembered appellation associated with the
pleasing memories of early years.
The quick eye of maternal tenderness readily
discerned the furrowed traces of the ceaseless
and wearing responsibilities that had for years
been the burden of his thoughts, and in the unfor-
MARY WASHINGTON. 49
gotten tones and with the simple affectionateness
of other day^ Mrs. Washington immediately and
earnestly adverted to the subject of her son's
health.
At length, turning the conversation to scenes
and themes hallowed to each by the most cher-
ished remembrances, these deeply-attached and
happily reunited relatives talked long of mutual
friends and former times. But to the peerless
fame of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armies
of America, there was not the most remote allu-
sion I
Yet, as the immortal Savior of his Country
gazed upon the beloved and expressive counte-
nance turned approvingly and affectionately upon
him, his happiness was unalloyed and exalted as
earth can bestow.
60 MEMOIS OF
CHAPTER IV.
There fell a moment's thrilling silence round, —
A breathless pause ! — the hush of hearts that bea>
And limbs that quiver : HzuAsa.
And blessed was her presence there —
Each heart, expanding, grew more gay ;
Yet something loftier still than fear,
Kept men's familiar looks away t Schiller.
Why then should witless man so much misweene
That nothing is but that which he hath seen. Spenser,
The unexpected arrival of Washington and
his Suite, created the most enthusiastic delight
among the citizens of Fredericksburg.
Not only the inhabitants of the town, but num-
bers of gentlemen from its vicinity, hastened to
welcome the deliverers of their country with
every demonstration of respect and hospitality :
happiness irradiated every face, and all were soon
engrossed by the eager preparations for festive
pleasure.
* It was determined to celebrate the joyful coca
fiion by a splendid Ball.
MAEY WASHINGTON. 61
Mrs. Washington received a special invita-
lion. She answered, that " although her dancing
days were pretty well over, she should feel happy
in contributing to the general festivity."
The company assembled at a much earlier
hour than modern fashion would sanction. Gay
belles and dignified matrons graced the occasion
arrayed in rich laces and bright brocades, — the
well-preserved relics of scenes when neither na-
tional misfortune nor private calamity forbade
their use.
Numerous foreign officers were present, in the
briUiant uniforms of their respective corps, glit-
tering with the dazzling insignia of royal favor
and successful courag-e.
Thither came veteran heroes, the blessed and
honored of after times, whose war-scathed vis-
ages bespoke the unflinching bravery and perse-
verincr devotion with which thev had served their
country, through long years of hardship and
dancrer.
There, too, now swayed only by the light breath
of pleasure, waved in billowy folds, the dear-w^on
banners of the " tented field." Music poured its
spirit-stirring strains upon the soldier's ear, not
to summon him to deeds of arms, but, by its gen-
52 MEMOIR OF
tier influences, to inspire the chivalrous gallantry
that well became the hour, — the gleesome jest, tK^
merry laugh,
" Nods, and becks, and wreathed smiles I"
But despite the soul-soothing charm of music
the fascinations of female loveliness, and the flat
tering devotion of the gallant brave, all was eager
suspense and expectation, until there entered, un-
announced and unattended, the Mother op
Washington, leaning on the arm of her Son.
Hushed was each noisy tone, subdued each
whispered word, as with quiet dignity and unaf-
fected grace they slowly advanced.
Nature had stamped upon the brow of both, the
unmistakable signet of nobility, and
" The vision and the faculty divine"
spoke in the imposing countenance of each, and
directed every movement of the majestic pair.
All hastened to approach this august presence ;
the European officers to be presented to the
parent of their beloved Commander, and old
friends, neighbors, and acquaintances, to tender
the compliments and congratulations appropriate
to the occasion.
MARY WASHINGTON. 63
Mrs. Washington received these peculiar dem-
onstrations of respect and friendship, with perfect
self-possession and unassuming courtesy. She
wore the simple, but becoming and appropriate
costume of the Virginia ladies of the olden time,
and even
" The cynosure of beauty's sheen"
was for a time forgotten, vrhile all eyes and all
hearts w^ere irresistibly attracted by the winning
address and unpretending appearance of the ven-
erable ladv.
The European strangers gazed long in wonder-
ing amazement, upon this sublime and touching
spectacle. Accustomed to the meretricious dis-
play of European courts, they regarded with
astonishment her unadorned attire, and the min-
gled simplicity and majesty for Vv^hich the language
and manners of the jMother of Washington
were so remarkable.
They spoke of women renowned in classic
lore : — the names of the celebrated Y oluminia, and
of the noble mother of the Gracchi, broke invol-
untarily from their hps ; and they spontaneously
rendered the tribute of admiration and reverence
at the shrine of native Di2;nity and real Worth.
64 MEMOIR OF
Having, for some time, regarded with serene
benignity, the brilhant and festive scene, which
she had so amiably consented to honor by her
presence, Mrs. Washington expressed the cordial
hope that the happiness of all might continue un-
diminished until the hour of general separation
should arrive, and quietly adding, that " it was
time for old people to be at home," retired as she
had entered, leaning on the arm of the Com-
mander-in-Chief.
Perhaps it will interest some of our lady-readers
to know that the immortal Washington danced
on this occasion for the last time ; — in the stately
minuet, so well adapted to the advantageous dis-
play of his graceful air, and elegant and imposing
form. He is also described as having been in-
spired with great cheerfulness and animation,
while momentarily courting the aerial graces.
The French gentlemen who participated in the
pleasures of the evening, protested that Paris
itself could boast nothing more perfect than the
dancing of the fair and the gallant Americans as
sembled at this celebrated Ball.
MAEY WASHINGTON. 55
CHAPTER V.
Her house
Was ordered well ; her children taught the way
Of life — who, rising up in honor, called
Her blest.
******
In virtue fair.
Adorned with modesty, and matron grace
Unspeakable, and love — her face was like
The light, most welcome to the eye of man- PoLbOK.
Who sal 'mongst men like a descended god,
*****
Who liv'd in court, which it is rare to do,
Most praised, most loved :
A sample to the youngest ; to the most mature
A glass that feated them. Shakspeari.
Re-established at Mount Vernon, it was the
earnest desire of Washington that his Mother
should thenceforth reside under his roof.
He had frequently before, urged the same re-
quest, and his sister, Mrs. Lewis,^ who was
always most assiduous in fulfilling the duties im-
* Mrs. Fletcher Le^vis, of Fredericksburg, the only sister of
"Washington, -whom she so closely resembled, tliat when she wa3
arrayed in his usual head-dress, her features were undistinguish-
able ^'om his.
56 MEMOIR O?
posed by nature and affection, had repeatedlj?
endeavored to persuade her aged parent to live
apart from her no longer.
But the venerable matron, notwithstanding the
affectionate entreaties of her children, continued
to conduct a separate establishment, with the
same indefatigable industry and judicious man-
agement which she had earlier exhibited. She
still obeyed —
" The breezy call of incense-breathing morn"
with as much alacrity as of yore, and still gave
her attention to the most minute details of do-
mestic affairs.
In this tranquil retreat, where
" None knew her but to love,
None named her but to praise,"
she long continued to receive the frequent and
fondly-respected visits of her many old and at-
tached friends as well as of her children* and her
* We find many proofs in the published Correspondence of
Washington, of the affectionate devotion with -which he paid this
tribute of respect to his mother. Thus, he assigns his absence on
a visit to her, as a reason for not previously replying to a letter
from the Secretary of Congress ; and afterwards again, in a letter
to Major-General Knox, he offers the same explanation of a
MARY WASHINGTON. S"*
children's children, blessed in her happy and
honored age, by the soothing consciousness of a
virtuous and well-spent life.
To the urgent and oft-repeated requests of her
children, that she would make with them the
home of her age, Mrs. Washington replied: —
''• I thank you for your dutiful and affection-
ate offers, but my wants are few in this life, and
I feel perfectly competent to take care of myself."
And when her son-in-law. Colonel Lewis, pro-
posed to assume the general superintendence of
her affairs, she resolutely answered —
" Do you. Fielding, keep my books in order,
for your eyesight is better than mine, but leave
the executive management to me."
Previous to his departure for France, after the
termination of the Revolutionary War, the Mar-
quis de La Fayette visited Fredericksburg, ex-
pressly for the purpose of making his personal
adieus to the mother of his beloved hero-friend,
and that he might solemnly invoke her blessing.
similar delay. When his mother wa3 ill, we perceive that he
pleads this honorable errand, Tvithout reserve, as presenting
claims superior to any public obligation. In an epistle Tvritten
towards the close of the year 1788, we find allusions to a pro-
longed sojourn under the maternal roof, <fcc., (fee
58 MEMOIR OP
This amiable visitor, who had frequently be-
fore enjoyed the happiness of conversing with
her, repaired to the unobtrusive abode of Mrs.
Washington, accompanied by one of her grand-
sons.
As they approached the house, they observed
an aged lady working in the adjoining garden.
The materials composing her dress were of home-
manufacture, and she wore over her time-silvered
hair, a plain straw bonnet.
" There, Sir," said the younger gentleman, " is
my grandmother."
Mrs. Washington received her distinguished
guest, with great cordiality, and with her usual
frank simplicity of address.
"Ah, Marquis !" she exclaimed, "you see an
old woman ; — but come, I can make you welcome
to my poor dwelling, without the parade of chang-
ing my dress."
The conversation of this interesting group soon
turned, as was most natural, upon the brightening
prospects of the young Repubhc.
The Marquis spoke of the deep interest he
cherished in all that related to the prosperity
of the land of his adoption, and poured forth the
fond and glowing encomiums of a full heart at
MARY WASHINGTON. 59
each allusion to his former Chief, — his friend, his
Mentor, his " hero."
To the praises thus enthusiastically lavished
upon her son, by the noble Frenchman, his hos-
tess only replied, " / am not surprised at what
George has done, for he was always a good
hoy."
Thus did the true gi'eatness of this extraordi-
nary woman often manifest itself It was her
pleasure frequently to revert to the early days of
her august Son, and to express her approbation
of his dutiful and upright conduct ; but she never
appeared in the slightest degree elated by the
honors that were showered "thick and fast" upon
his glorious name.
With unaffected piety, she referred each and
every occurrence of life to the Great First Cause,
and when the notes of jubilant praise swelled
high, even above the din of battle and the wait-
ings of a nation's despair, it was her earnest ma-
ternal aspiration that the " good boy" of her early
care, might never ''forget himself !['
" For by the dread decree of Heaven,
Short is the date to earthly grandeur given,
And vain are all attempts to roam beyond
Where fate has fixed the everlasting bound."
60 MEMOIR OF
Mrs. Washington was always remarkable for
that unequivocal proof of superiority, the power-
ful influence she exerted over the minds of
others.
Her ideas of the respect due to her as a parent,
remained unchanged either by the lapse of time,
or by the development of mighty events, with
which her wonderful Son was so closely identi-
fied. Ever his trusted counsellor and friend, to
her he was always the same in relative position.*
To her he owed his existence ; to her the earlv
discipline of his extraordinary intellect, and of his
high moral nature ; and to her he was indebted
for the sage advice and prudent guidance of ma-
turer years.
Nor did her son manifest the slimitest dissent
o
* This peculiarity forcibly reminds us of an expressive inci-
dent in the life of the mother of the Buonapartes — Madame Mere.
On one occasion, when the Emperor l^apoleon ga,ve audience to
the several members of his family, fi/IiJle Tvallang in one of the
galleries of the Tuilleries, among his otLcr relatives, his mother
advanced towards him. The Emperoi extended his hand to
her to kiss, as he had done when his biothors and sisters ap-
proached him, "No !" said she, " you are tho. King, the Emperor
of all the rest, but you are my son f ' "Wo leave our readers to
draw the contrast irresistibly suggested by tliii3 anecdote, be*
tween the Republican Statesman and the Emperoi' of all th»
French.
MARY WASHINGTON. - 61
from this sentiment. We are informed bv one*
well entitled to be regarded as unquestionable
authority, that " to the last moments of his ven-
erable parent he yielded to her will the most im-
plicit obedience, and felt for her person and char-
acter the highest respect and the most enthusiastic
attachment."
Perhaps the life of this celebrated lady afforded
no more convincing proof of the genuine noble-
ness of her character, than was evinced by the
constancy with which she maintained the pecu-
liar sentiments and principles of her youth. We
may believe that a mind less perfectly balanced,
would have rendered, at least, an unconscious
homage to the power of circumstances so novel
and so imposing as those in vrhich she was placed.
It was Mrs. Washington's habit, during the lat-
ter years of her life, to repair daily to a secluded
spot near her dwelling, formed by overhanging
rocks and trees. There, isolated from worldly
thoughts and objects, she sought in devout prayer
and meditation, most appropriate preparation for
* G. W. P. Custis, Esq., the grandson of Mrs. Martha Wash-
ington, to whose interesting "Recollections" vre are indebted for
most of the particulars relative to the life of Mrs. "W., novr in the
possession of the literary public.
C2 MEMOIR OF
the great change which she was admonished by
her advanced age, might nearly await her.
But one of the many weaknesses that usually
characterize humanity, was manifested by this
heroic woman. Upon the approach of a thun-
der-storm she invariably retired to her own apart-
ment, and remained there until calmness was
restored to the elements. This almost constitu-
tional timidity, was occasioned by a singularly
distressing incident of her youth — the instant
death, from the effects of lightning, of a young
friend, who was, at the moment when the acci-
dent occurred, sitting close beside her.
The appearance of Mrs. Washington is said to
have been pleasing. Her countenance was agree-
able and highly expressive, and her person well-
proportioned and of average height.
MABY WASHINGTON. 69
CHAPTER YI.
She goes unto the Rock sublime
Where halts above the Eternal Sea, the shuddering
Child of time ! Schiller.
Before Washington's departure for the seat
ol government, to assume the duties of President
of the United States, he went to Fredericksburg
to pay his parting respects to his aged mother.
Mrs. Washington's heahh had now become so
infirm as to impress her with the conviction that
she beheld for the last time the crowning blessing
of her declinins^ ase.
Forsrettino; all else in the same mournful belief,
the calm self-possession that no calamity had for
years been able to shake, yielded to the claims of
nature, and, overpowered by painful emotion, the
mighty chieftain wept long, with bowed head, over
the wasted form of his revered and much-loved
parent.
Sustained, even in this trying hour, by her na-
tive strength of mind, the heroic Mother fervently
64 MEMOIR OF
invoked the blessing of Heaven upon her sorrow-
ing Son, and solemnly bestowing her own, bade
him pursue the path in which public duty sum-
moned him to depart.
Mrs. Washington retained unimpaired posses
sion of her mental faculties to her latest moments,
but during the last three years of her life, hei
physical powers were much diminished by the
effects of the distressing malady with which she
was long afflicted.
This painful disease* terminated her earthly
existence in her eighty-third year. Her death
occurred on the 25th of August, 1789. She had
been forty-six years a wddow.
The last hours of this incomparable woman
were accompanied by a tranquillity and resigna-
tion most unlike the usual death-bed attendants
of the world's scathed devotees.
An extract from a letter written by Washing-
ton to his sister, soon after the decease of their
Mother, will best illustrate the methodical calm-
ness with which she made a final adjustment of
her temporal affairs. Our readers w^ill also, thus
]:ecome possessed of the minutest information in
relation to the concluding scenes of Mrs. Wash-
* Cancer in the breast.
MARY WASHIXGTON. 65
I
ington's life, that persevering research has ena
bled us to discover.
" To Mrs. Betty Lewis.
"Xew York, 13th September, 1789.
* My Dear Sister : —
******
" Awful and affecting as the death of a parent
IS, there is consolation in knowing that Heaven
has spared ours to an age beyond which few at-
tain, and favored her with the full enjoyment of
her faculties and as much bodily strength as usu-
ally falls to the lot of fourscore. Under these
considerations, and a hope that she is translated
to a happier place, it is the duty of her relatives
to yield due submission to the decrees of the Cre-
ator. When I w^as last at Fredericksburg, I took
a final leave of ray mother, never expecting to
see her more.
" It vrill be impossible for me at this distance,
and circumstanced as I am, to give the smallest
attention to the execution of her will ; nor, in-
deed is much required, if, as she directs, no secu-
rity should be given, nor appraisement made of
her estate ; but that the same should be allotted
to the devisees with as little trouble and delay as
may be. How far this is legal I know not. Mr.
6
66 MEMOIR OF
Merced can, and I have no doubt would, advise
you if asked, which I wish you to do. If the cer-
emony of inventorying, appraising, &c., can be
dispensed with, all the rest, as the will declares
that few or no debts are owing, can be done with
verylittle trouble. Every person may, in that case,
immediately receive what is specially devised.
" Were it not that the specific legacies, which
are given to me by the will, are meant and ought
to be considered and received as mementoes of
paternal affection in the last solemn act of- life, I
should not be desirous of receiving or removing
them ; but in this point of view, I set a value on
them much beyond their intrinsic worth."
We are, of course, indebted to Mr. Sparks'
Life of Washington for the communication
from which this extract is derived. We also give
Mrs. Washington's age, at the time of her death,
as stated by Mr. S., though it is sometimes repre-
sented to have been still more advanced.
We cannot better, or more suitably, close this
chapter than by presenting our readers with the
just, discriminating, and graceful eulos^y expressed
in the following eloquent passage from the pen
of the same accurate and accomplished author : —
MARY WASHINGTON. 67
" The weighty charge of five young children,
the eldest of whom was eleven years old, the su-
perintendence of their education, and the man-
agement of complicated affairs, demanded no com-
mon share of resolution, resource of mind, and
strength of character. In these important duties,
Mrs. Washington acquitted herself with great
fidelity to her trust, and with entire success. Her
good sense, assiduity, tenderness, and vigilance
overcame every obstacle ; and as the richest
reward of a mother's solicitude and toil, she had
the happiness to see all her children come forward
with a fair promise into life, filling the sphere
allotted to them in a manner equally honorable to
themselves, and to the parent who had been the
only guide of their principles, conduct, and habits.
She lived to witness the noble career of her eldest
SOD, till by his own rare merits, he was raised to the
head of a nation, and applauded and revered by
the whole world. It has been said, that there
never was a great man, the elements of whose
greatness might not be traced to the original
characteristics or earlv influence of his mother.
If this be true, how much do mankind owe to the
mother of Washington."
68 MEMOIR OP
CPIAPTEE VII.
Thou high-born spirit, on whose countenance,
Pure and beloved, is seen reflected all
That Heaven and Nature can on earth achieve ! —
Michel Anqelo.
" There sounds not to the trump of Fame,
The echo of a noble name !"
As well might we assimilate the airy graces of
a modern belle, arrayed in the ample costume of
the present day, with the undraped proportions
and severe beauty of an antique statue, as to com-
pare the life and character of the Mother op
Washington with those of the women of our
own times, or adjudge her attire, character, and
manners by the arbitrary rules of fashionable
conventionalism !
Hers was a character that might stand forth in
its natural majesty, unrelieved by the " aids and
appliances" of adventitious circurnstance ; and
the grateful reverence which we instinctively ac-
cord her, can only be inspired by transcendent
worth.
MARY WASHINGTON. 69
Those who best knew her inestimable qualities,
irnestly strive to impress us with the conviction
that she was gifted with attributes adapting her in
a most extraordinary degree to the immortal part
assigned her in the drama of human existence.
Yet the stern virtues that served to mould a
future Hero, were attempered hj womanly ten-
derness and sympathy; and we associate them in
our remembrance with the practical kindness
and unostentatious habits that equally marked her
daily life.
The philosophy so forcibly illustrated in the
history of Mary Washington is not that of Plato,
of Socrates, or of Zeno, but that of Christ !
Her equanimity was not the result of consti-
tutional insensibility, nor yet of a debasing stoi-
cism, but of the dominant influence of immutable
Religious Principle, forever supreme, alike over
the weaknesses of nature and the promptings of
worldly ambition.
The life and character of this illustrious matron,
in some points of general resemblance, reminded
us of those of the self-devoted Scottish Covenan-
ters of old : like them, she regarded with indiffer-
ence, if not with contempt, the inconvenient
requisitions of ceremony and the unscrupulous
70 MEMOIR OF
exactions of corrupting fashion ; like them she
sought to obtain from the Bible alone her invari-
able rule of life ; and like them, she worshipped
God surrounded by the majestic companionship
of nature,
" Kot 'neath the domes, where crumbling arch and column
Attest the feebleness of mortal hand ;
But in that fane, most catholic and solemn,
Which God has plann'd 1"
Her Name and her Fame are the priceless in-
heritance, not of her native country alone, but of
every land that boasts a knowledge of the glorious
achievements of the immortal Champion of
Liberty !
Her name will be revered, and her memory
cherished, when those of mighty empires and
world-renowned sovereigns shall have sunk for-
ever into the whirlpool of Oblivion : unsullied,
unobscured by the supremacy of power and the
lapse of ages, they will beam forth resplendent in
the sanctified lustre of Moral Grandeur.
At the feet of the proud daughter of the Ptole
mies, the conquerors of the world laid down their
crowns, yet Clio, faithful to the truth, withholds
the meed of honor from the coward soul that
MART VVASHIXGTON. 71
could not brave adversity. The history of
Christina, the royal Swedish wanderer, scarce
serves, at best, to " point a moral," and awakens
no more exalted sentiment than one of pitying
regret. Maria Theresa, despite her many and
exalted excellencies, sacrificed some of woman's
first, best duties on the altar of ambition. And
who will demand either love or veneration for
the memory of England's greatest Queen, re-
nowned as much for her most unfeminine faults,
as for her boasted masculine virtues.
Imagination may pall in the contemplation of
mere charms of person, — even though unrival-
led,— when associated with the moral cowardice
of the famous Egyptian Queen ; we may regard
profound erudition without respect, when allied
with the undisciplined instincts and uncontrolled
passions of the celebrated daughter of the Great
Gustavus ; or hear with indifference, tributes to
the religious enthusiasm and regal heroism of the
Empress-King ;* or turn with unsympathizing dis-
hke from the haughty, indomitable, relentless
Elizabeth ; but when shall the daughters of Co-
* " Behold oue Kdtg !" "was the enthusiastic exclamation of
the brave Hungarian nobles, at the most toucliing and sublime
moment of the life of this great soyereiga
72 MEMOIR OF
lumbia be weary of imbibing the benign and hal-
lowed influences inseparably associated with the
pure and sacred name of Mary Washington ? .
The combined qualities of her consistent, ele-
vated, conscience-illuminated character, consti-
tute a perfect whole, that most beautifully and
strikingly illustrates alike the Woman and the
Christian, in the highest and most comprehensive
sense of those expressive words.
Enshrined in the Sanctuary of Home, her sub-
lime example is the peerless boast of her country;
and it shall but brighten as it recedes with re-
volving years.
Radiant in the zenith of Columbia's Heaven,
beams the star of her fame, fixed and enduring as
" the cerulean arch we see,
Majestic in its own smPLiciTY !"
MAEY WASHINGTON. 73
CHAPTER VIIL
" There are deeds which should not pass away,
And names that must not wither, though the earth
Forgets her empires with a just decay,
The enslavers and the enslaved, theur death and birth.'
Act ! — for in action are wisdom and glory ;
Fame, immortality, these are its crown ;
Wouldst thou illumine the tablets of story,
Build on achievements thy doom of renown.
Honor and feeling are given to cherish :
Cherish them, then, though all else should decay;
Landmarks be these that are never to perish,
Stars that will shine on the duskiest day. J, G. Von Salis.
The remains of Mrs. Washington were in-
terred at Fredericksburg, in Virginia, where she
so long resided, and where she remained till the
time of her death.
For many years after her decease her place of
sepulchre v/as undistinguished by any mark of
public respect ; but more recently a tasteful and
splendid monument has been erected to the mem-
ory of Mrs. Washington, under the direction of a
Committee representing the citizens of her native
State.*
* In preparing these pages for the press, the author, haying
74 ' MEMOIR OF
The ceremony of laying the corner-stone of
this highly appropriate mausoleum, was performed
by Andrew Jackson, who was at the time Presi-
dent of the United States, and who was, there-
fore, very properly invited by the Monumentai
Committee to assume that honorary task.
This interesting celebration occurred on the
seventh of May, 1833.
General Jackson went from the seat of govern-
ment to Fredericksburg, attended by the several
members of the National Cabinet and by a nu-
merous concourse of highly respectable citizens
and strangers, The inhabitants of Fredericks-
burg, also united in great numbers, with this im-
posing assemblage ; and the whole scene was
characterized by the most cordial and respectful
interest, and by deep pathos and solemnity.
The President distinguished the occasion by an
not the slightest reason to suspect their accuracy, assumed as
facts the statements in relation to this public monument con-
tained in " Knapp's Female Biography." Truth, however, com-
pels her, most reluctantly, to admit that, after the MS. was
delivered to the Publisher, a newspaper article, purporting tc-
be written at Fredericksburg, met her eye, in which it wask
asserted that the tomb of Mrs. "Washington has not been com-
pleted, and that it, at present, exliibits painful indications of
neglect and decay.
MARY WASHINGTON. 75
elegant eulogistic Address, from which we present
our readers with a few paragraphs.
* * # * *
" We are assembled, fellow-citizens, to witness
and assist in an interesting ceremony. More
than a century has passed away since she to
whom this tribute of respect is about to be paid,
entered upon the active scenes of hfe. A century
fertile in wonderful events, and of distinsfuished
men who have participated in them. Of these
our country has furnished a full share ; and of
these distinguished men she has produced a
Washington ! If he was " first in war, first in
peace, first in the hearts of his countrymen," we
may say, Vv'ithout the imputation of national van-
ity, that if not the first, he was in the very first
rank of those, too few indeed, upon whose career
mankind can look back without regret, and whose
memory and example will furnish themes of eu-
logy for the patriot, wherever free institutions are
honored and maintained. His was no false glory,
deriving its lustre from the glare of splendid and
destructive actions, commencing in professions
of attachment to his country, and terminating in
the subversion of her freedom. Far different is
the radiance which surrounds his name and fame.
76 MEMOIR OF
It shine, mildly and equally, and guides the phi-
lanthropist and citizen in the path of duty ; and
it will guide them long after those false lights
which have attracted too much attention, shall
have been extinguished in darkness.
" In the grave before us, lie the remains of his
Mother. Long has it been unmarked by any
monumental tablet, but not unhonored. Yois,
have undertaken the pious duty of erecting a col-
umn to her name, and of inscribing upon it, the
simple but affecting words, " Mary, the Mother of
Washington." No eulogy could be higher, and
it appeals to the heart of every American.
" These memorials of affection and gratitude,
are consecrated by the practice of all ages and
nations. They are tributes of respect to the
dead, but they convey practical lessons of virtue
and wisdom to the living. The mother and son
are beyond the reach of human applause ; but
the bright example of paternal and filial excel-
lence, which their conduct furnishes cannot but
produce the most salutary effects upon our coun-
trymen. Let their example be before us from the
first lesson which is taught the child, till the
mother's duties yield to the course of preparation
and action which nature prescribes for him.
* * # « «
MARY WASHINGTON. 77
' Tradition says, that the character of Wash-
ifcihgjton was strengthened, if not formed, by the
care and precepts of his mother. She was re-
markable for the visior of her intellect and the
firmness of her resolution.
*****
" In tracing the few recollections which can be
gathered, of her principles and conduct, it is im-
possible to avoid the conviction, that these were
closely interwoven w^ith the destiny of her son.
The great points of his character are before the
world. He who runs may read them in his whole
career, as a citizen, a soldier, a magistrate. He
possessed unerring judgment, if that term can be
applied to human nature ; great pi'obity of pur-
pose, high moral principles, perfect self-possession,
untiring application, and inquiring mind, seeking
information from every quarter, and arriving at
its conclusions with a full knowledge of the sub-
ject ; and he added to these an inflexibility of
resolution, which nothing could change but a
conviction of error. Look back at the life and
conduct of his mother, and at her domestic gov-
ernment, as they have this day been delineated
by the Chairman of the Monumental Committee,
and as they were known to her contemporaries,
78 MEMOIR OF
and have been described by them, and they will
be found admirably adapted to form and develop,
the elements of such a character. The power
of greatness was there ; but had ..it not been
guided and directed by maternal solicitude and
judgment, its possessor, instead of presenting to
the world, examples of virtue, patriotism and wis-
dom, which will be precious in all succeeding ages,
misht have added to the number of those master-
spirits, whose fame rests upon the faculties they
have abused, and the injuries they have com-
mitted.
* * #> * *
" Fellow-citizens, at your request, and in your
name, I now deposit this plate in the spot destined
for it ; and when the American pilgrim shall, in
after ages, come up to this high and holy place,
and lay his hand upon this sacred column, may
he recall the virtues of her, who sleeps beneath,
and depart with his affections purified, and his
piety strengthened, while he invokes blessings
upon the Mother of Washington."
The following impressive lines were prepared
for this interesting ceremonial, by our gifted
countrywoman, Mrs. L. H. Sigourney :
MARY WASHIXGTOX. /9
" Long hast thou slept unnoted Nature stole
In her soft ministry, around thy bed,
And spread her vernal coverings, violet-gemm'd,
And pearl'd with dews. She bade bright Summer bring
Gifts of frankincense, with sweet song of birds,
And Autumn cast his yellow coronet
Down at thy feet, and stormy Winter speak
Hoarsely of man's neglect. But now we come
To do thee homage, Mother of our Chief,
Fit homage, such as honoreth him who pays I
Methinks we see thee, as in olden time,
Simple in garb — majestic and serene —
Unaw'd by " pomp and circumstance" — in truth
Inflexible — and with Spartan zeal
Repressing vice, and making folly grave.
Thou didst not deem it woman's part to waste
Life in inglorious sloth, to sport awhile
Amid the flowers, or on the summer wave,
Then fleet like the ephemeron away,
Building no temple in her children's hearts,
Save to the vanity and pride of life
"Which she had worshipp'd
" Of the might that cloth'd
The "Pater Patriae"— of the deeds that won
A nation's liberty, and earth's applause,
Making Mount Vernon's tomb a Mecca haunt —
For patriot and for sage, while time shall last,
What part was thine, what thanks to thee are due,
"Who mid his elements of being wrought
With no uncertain aim — nursing the germs
80 MEMOIR OF
Of godlike virtue in his infant mind,
We know not, — heaven can tell 1
" Rise, noble pile I
And show a race unborn, "who rests below—
And say to mothers, what a holy charge
Is theirs — with what a kingly power their love
Might rule the fountains of the new-born mind-
Warn them to wake at early dawn, and sow
Good seed before the world doth sow its tares,
I^or in their toil dechne — that angel bands
May put the sickle in, and reap for God,
And gather to his garner.
" Ye who stand
"With thrilling breast and kindling cheek this morn,
Viewing the tribute that Virginia pays
To the blest Mother of her glorious Chief ;
Ye, whose last thought upon your nightly couch,
Whose first, at waking, is, your cradled son,
What though no dazzling hope aspires to rear
A second Washington, or leave your name.
Wrought out in marble, with your country's tears
Of deathless gratitude, — yet may ye raise
A monwnent above the stars, a soul
Led by yom' teacliings, and yoin- prayers, to God."
The exquisite taste and perfect keeping, ex
hibited in this mausoleum, render it one of the
most elegant works of art, of which our country
MARY WASHINGTOX. 81
boasts. The form is pyramidal ; and the height
of the obelisk, forty-five feet. The shaft is
adorned by a colossal bust of the immortal Wash-
ington, and surmounted by the American Eagle^
sustaining a civic crown above the heroic head.
Language can scarcely afford a more irresist-
ibly touching illustration of the moral sublimey
than is contained in the brief sentence inscribed
upon this hallowed tomb : —
MARY
THE MOTHER OP
WASHINGTON.
APPEi^JDIX TO MARY WASflLNGTON
■ APPENDIX TO MARY WASHINGTON.
-•-•-»-
Note A. — "In the year 1538, the Manor of
Sulgrave, in jVorthumberlandshire, was granted
to LawTence Washington, of Gray's Inn, and for
some time Mayor of Northampton. He was prob-
ably born at Warton, in Lancashire, where his
father hved. The grandson of this first proprie-
tor of Sulgrave, who was of the same name, had
many children, two of whom, that is, John and
Lawrence Washington, being the second and
fourth sons, emigrated to Virginia about the year
1657, and settled at Bridge's Creek, on the Po-
tomac River, in the county of Westmoreland
The eldest brother, Sir William Washington,
married a half-sister of George Villiers, Duke of
Buckingham. Lawrence had been a student at
Oxford. John had resided on an estate at South
Cave, in Yorkshire, which give rise to an erro-
neous tradition among his descendants, that their
80 APPENDIX TO MARY WASHINGTON.
ancestor came from the North of England. The
two brothers bought lands in Virginia, and be-
came successful planters.
" John Washington, not long after coming to
America, was employed in a military command
against the Indians, and rose to the rank of
Colonel. The parish in which he lived was also
named after him. He married Anne Pope, by
'vvhom he had two sons, Lawrence and John, and
a daughter. The elder son, Lawrence, married
Mildred Warner, of Gloucester County, and had
three children, John, Augustine, and Mildred."
"Augustine Washington, the second son, was
twice married. His first wife was Jane Butler,
by whom he had three sons and a daughter;
Butler, who died in infancy, Lawrence, Augus-
tine, and Jane, the last of whom died likewise,
when a child." His second wife was Mary Ball
Sparks' Life of Washington.
MARTHA WASH^GTOK
^ M © n IB
OF
MAHTHA ¥ASHIHGTOE
-••-•-
A Perfect Woman, nobly planned,
To warn, to comfort, and command ;
And yet a spirit, still and bright.
With something of an Angel's light I
Wordsworth.
Not enjoyment, and not sorrow,
Is our destined end or vay ;
But to act that each to-raorrow,
Finds us farther than to-day.
Longfellow
CONTENTS
OF THE
LIFE OF MARTHA WASHINGTON,
■# » ♦
CH^VPTER I.
PAOB
The Subject of our Memoir, a Belle, in her early Years, in the Capital
of Virginia — Her Disposition and Appearance — Maiden \ame — Place
and Date of her Birth — Descent — Education — Mental Endowments —
Her early Matrimonial Engagement — Opposition of Col. Custis' Fa-
ther— The Marriage of Miss Dandridge — Removal to the Plantation
of her Husband — Name and Situation of the Residence of Col. Custis
— Character and Hospitality of Col. Custis — Mrs. Custis an American
Matron — Becomes a Mother — Her Domestic Happiness — The Death
of her Eldest Son — Death of Col. Custis — Anecdote — Strength of
Mind displayed by Mrs. Custis — Her two remaining Children — Her
Religious Principle — Business Abilities of Mrs. Custis — Active At-
tention to her Children 97
CHAPTER 11.
Mrs. Custis a beautiful and fascinating Widow— The "WTiite House again
the Seat of Hospitality — Mrs. Custis for some time not tempted to re-
marry— Meets Col. Washington — His undisguised Admiration of the
fair Widow— Their Engagemeni — The War-Steed and Servant of the
Soldier the Victims of Cupid's arts — Preparations fur the Wedding —
The Distinguished Character of the Assemblage — The " Pride, Pcmp
and Circumstance" of the Occasion 133
92 CONTENTS.
CHAPTER III.
VAGB
Date of the Marriage of Col. and Mrs. Washington — They remove from
the White House to Mount Vernon — Origin of tlie Name of Washing-
ton's Plantation — Washington's desire to render his Home worthy of
its Mistress — Memoranda of Articles ordered from London — Peculiar
Characteristics of Domestic Life in the Colonies — Mrs. Washington
assumes her new Duties — Washington relieves her from the Charge
of her Pecuniary Affairs — Mrs. Washington conducts the Education
of her Children — Again the Wife of a Virginia Planter — Anecdote of
Washington — Mrs. Washington's Journeys from Home — Her Friend-
ships and Hospitalities — Distinguished Visitors at Mount Vernon —
Mrs. Washington's Charity, conscientious Care of Dependants, Piety,
and Domestic Contentment — Her Pleasure as her Daughter advances
towards Womanhood— The Death of Miss Custis — Grief of the Fam-
ily— Date of Miss Custis' Death — Signs of approaching War — Wash-
ington leaves Home to attend the First Congress .... 113
CHAPTER IV.
Mrs. Washington does not accompany her Husband to Philadelphia —
Washington is appointed Commander-in-Chief of the American Ar-
my— This Intelligence first communicated to Mrs. Washington in a
Letter from her Husband — The Letter — Mrs. Washington deter-
mines to repair to the Scat of War — Letter from Washington to his
Brother — Mrs. Washington's supposed Danger at Mount Vernon —
Public Reception at Philadelphia — She is invited to a Ball — Annoying
Proof of Popular Disaffection— Leaves Philadelphia — Letter from
Washington to Joseph Reed, Esq. — Mrs. Washington's Accommoda-
tions at Cambridge — Letter from Washington to Joseph Reed, Esq.
— Mrs. Washington's Piety and Serenity of Mind — She gains the Re-
gai-ds of all about her, and the Appellation of " Lady Washington" —
She takes Leave of her Husband and Son and returns to Mount
Vernon 128
CHAPTER V.
Mrs. Washington establishes a Domestic System suited to the Times—
Her Success in Domestic Manufactures — Mrs. Washington's peculiar
interest in Public Affairs— Her Indignation at the Treachery medi-
tated towards the Commander-in-Chief, and her Delight when in-
formed of the successful Passage of the Delaware . . . 142
CONTENTS. . 93
PAOB
Washington goes into Winter Quarters — Mrs. Washington joins him in
the Camp — Her Husband's Care and Attention during her Yearly
Journeys— Mrs. Washington travels in her own Cairiage, attended hy a
Military Escort — The Example of Mrs. Washington generally followed
by the Wives of the principal Officers of the Army — Mrs. Wa^hingtou
the Favorite of the Army — Anecdote — The Cheerfulness and Equa-
nimity of Mrs. Washington, v.hile residing in the Camp — Her Society
highly valued by tbe Commander-in-Chief — Anecdote — Mrs. V\'ash-
ington devotes herself to the care of the Sick and Sutltring — She
forms many agreeable Friendships — Her Correspondence at this Time
— Extract from a Letter — Mrs. V/ashingtou's intimate Associa-
tion with the lieroes of the Revolution 147
CHAPTER VU.
Mj-s. Washington's return to Mount Vernon, in the Spring of 1777 — Re-
assumes the personal Charge of Family Affairs — Supplies the Place
of her Husband at Home — Ready to return to Camp in the Autumn
— The Army at Valley Forge — Passage from one of Mrs. Washing-
ton's Letters — Christian Faith and Foilitude of Mrs. Washington
— Spring brings cheering Tidings from France — Active Movements in
the Camp — Mrs. Washington again repairs to her Home — Mrs. Wash-
ington's Winter at Valley Forge a Type of many successive Seasons —
The Location of Head-Quarters — The Marquis de Chastelleax the
Guest of Gen. and Mrs. Washington, in the Camp — Extract — Mrs.
Washington neglected by the Philadelphia Ladies — She is hospita-
bly received elsewhere — Mrs. Washington visits Mrs. Barry, of New
Jersey — A Ball given in Honor of her Arrival — ^The Equipage, Attend-
ants and Dress of .Mrs. Washington at this time — The Commander-
in-Chief dances at the Ball — The Anniversaiy of the National Alli-
ance with France celebrated by a Ball, at which Mrs. Washington is
present — The Respect entertained for Mrs. Washington in Europe —
Reported Present from the Queen of France — The Marriage of Mrs.
Washington's Son, Col. Custis — Her Daughter-in-law resides at
Mount Vernon — Repealed Iliness of the Commander-in-Chief— Mrs.
Washington's Health impaired — She is Inoculated for the Small -pox
— ilrs. Washington's Appearance at this Period of her Life— Grand-
children claim the Care arid Affection of Mrs. Washington — Her Oc-
cupations and Amusements — Prospects of Peace— Mrs. Washington's
Anticipations of Domestic Felicity— She is summoned to the Death-
bed of her Son— Particulai-s respecting Col. Custis' Public Career, Dl-
ness and Death— Washington's Grief on this Occasion— His Sym-
pathy with Mrs. Waahington 158
94 CONTENTS.
CHAPTER VIII.
Date of Col. Ciistis' Death — Mrs. Washine;ton devotes herself more en-
tirely to the Charge of her Grand-children — She remains at Mount
Vernon — Her Hospitality and Benevolence — Her Husband returns to
Mount Vernon — Passage from one of Washington's Lktters to the
Marchioness de La Fayette — Proposed Enhirgement and Improve-
ment of the Jlansion and Grounds of Mount Vernon — The manifold
Occupations of Mrs. Washington — Her Industry, Method, Domestic
Discipline, Personal Neatness, Courtesy and Conversation at Table,
Regular Devotional Exercises — Mrs. Washington a Lady of the " Old
School" — Complimentary Testimony of the Marquis de Chastelleux
— The Grand-children of Mrs. Washington the Favorites of Mount
Vernon — Numerous Visitors at Mount Vernon — Mrs. C. Maccauley
Graham — The Marquis de La Fayette the Guest of Gen. and Mrs.
Washington — Expectations of a Visit from the Marchioness — Letter
from Washington to Madame de La Fayette— The Marquis returns to
Mount Vernon before leaving the Country — Proofs of the continued
Friendship cherished by the distinguished Military Companions of
the Commander-in-Chief — Fler Husband continually associates Mrs.
Washington with himself in his Correspondence with his Friends —
Few present traces of Mrs. Washington's Letters — Illustrative Ex-
tract— Devotion of Gen. and Mrs. Washington to the Practical Du-
ties of their Station — Their Self-Denial— Order for Plate counter-
manded— Donation to a Literary Institution— Mrs. Washington's
Pleasure at the Adoption of the Federal Constitution by her Native
State — Public Rejoicings in the City of Alexandria — Mrs. Washing-
ton's Patriotism and Philanthropy 177
CHAPTER IX.
Election of Washington to the Presidency — Mrs. Washington's Reluc-
tance to leave Home — Letter from Mrs. Washington to a Female
Friend — Journey from Mount Vernon to the City of New York —
The Bridge at Trenton and the Inausuration— Mrs. Washington in
High Station — Propriety of State and Ceremony in the Presidential
Establishment— Mrs. Washington's Domestic Arrangements — Her
Levees — The Levees and Dinners of the President — State Dress of
the President — Particular Ceremonies of the National Fete Days —
Distinguishing Attention paid to Mrs. Montgomery and to Mrs.
Green — Respect paid to the Sabbath by the President and Mrs.
Washington — The Revolutionary Soldiers always welcomed to the
Presidential Mansion — Mrs. Washington receives the Attention due
to her exalted Position with proper Self-Respect— She never con-
verses in Public upon Political Subjects— Mr. Washington passes a
CONTENTS. 95
PACK
Portion of each Summer at Mount Vernoa — Still regardful of the In-
terest and Improvement of her Grand-children — Preparations for the
final Departure of President and Mrs. Washington from the Seat of
Government — Lcave-talcinga, and Bestowment of Tokens of Remem-
brance and Regard 193
CHAPTER X.
Mrs. Washington returns permanently to Mount Vernon — Pleasing Re-
sults of former Improvements there — The Domestic Happiness of
Mrs. Washington and her Family — Sudden Illness of Washington —
The overwhelming Grief of Mi-s. Washington — The Death of the
Father of his Country — Mrs. Wasliiiigtoii leaves, never to return, the
Apartments she had occupied with her Husband — The Grief of a
Nation — The Remains of Washington yielded to the Government
• — Mrs Washington's confident Hope in the Eternal Felicity of her
Husband — Her deep Grief and Christian Fortitude — .Mr.--. Washington
continues her former Attention to the active Duties of Life — In her
COth year — The Health of Mrs. Washington is undermined — She be-
comes seriously 111 — She is conscious of her approaching Dissolu-
tion— The Death-bed of Mrs. Washington — She calmly expires —
Date of Mrs. Washington's Death — Her Place of Sepulture . . 216
Appendix to Martha Washington . ...•*. SS9
\
THE WIFE OF WASHINGTOxN.
■<*■»*»•
CHAPTER I.
Grace was in all her steps, heaven in her eye,
lu every gesture, dignity and love. Miltos.
Our youthful summer oft we see
Dance by on wings of game and glee,
Whilst the dark storm resumes its rage.
*****
And such a lot, my theme, was thine,
When thou, of late, wert doom'd to twine, —
Just when the bridal wreath was by, —
The cypress with the myrtle tie. Scott.
The Illustrious Subject of the following
Memoir, is first presented to our attention in the
interesting position of a youthful helle at the
Court of the stately representative of British
power and rule, within the limits of the proud,
aristocratical and wealthy '• Old Dominion."
The charms of an agreeable person and a lovely
face, enhanced by the superior fascination of
winning manners and an amiable disposition
7
98 MEMOIR OF
combined to render this fair representative of an
ancient race, one of the most admired and be-
loved of the many living flowers assembled dur-
ing the season of fashion, to grace the Colonial
Com't of Governor Dinwiddie.
Martha Dandridge was born in the County
of New Kent, in the Colony of Virginia, in May,
1732. The long Jine of ancestors from whom she
was descended, was originally represented in the
Colony by the Rev. Orlando Jones, a Welsh
gentleman, who early established himself on the
, banks of the Potomac.
Miss Dandridge possessed only such artificial
accomplishments as the system of domestic in-
struction, then the sole means of female education
in her native land, enabled her to acquire. But
she was, happily, endowed by nature, with infi-
nitely more essential qualifications for usefulness
and happiness than these could supply — self-
respect, good sense, gentleness of temper, a quick
perception of propriety, and a ready power of
self-adaptation to the exigencies and necessities
of practical life.
Though the celebrity early acquired, and the
distinguished associations as early commenced by
Miss Dandridge, were perpetuated through the
MARTHA WASHINGTON. 99
accumulated years of a long and varied life, her
career in the dazzling realms of fashion, was des-
tined to be as evanescent as it was brilliant and
agreeable.
Won by the almost resistless power of a deep
and discriminating attachment, — that most ex-
quisitely delicate and expressive of compliments, —
at the age of seventeen, before adulation and her
unusual siicces de societe had alloyed the ingen-
uous simplicity, or diminished the buoyant en-
thusiasm of her noble nature,
" in the lustre of her youth, she gave
Her hand, with her heart in it, to" —
one of her numerous admirers, Colonel Daniel
Parke Custis, a son of the Hon. John Custis of
Arlington.
Through her eventful life, it was the happy
fate of this distinguished lady to be the object of
warm and disinterested affection ; and this char-
acteristic of her history was eminently illustrated
by the attachment of Col. Custis, vv^ho, in opposi-
tion to the more ambitious matrimonial designs
of his father, — himself a King's Counsellor, and
desirous of public honors for his son, — preferred
the young and lovely Miss Dandridge to all the
100 MEMOIR OF
allurements of political distinction and unbounded
wealth.
The consent of the reluctant and ambitious
King's Counsellor yielded, at last, to the firmness
and ardor of manly constancy, the successful lover
triumphantly bore away his fair prize, to his plan-
tation in her native County of Kent.
The residence of Col. Custis was situated on
the shore of the Pamunkey River, and was known
by the now peculiarly significant appellation of
the " White House."
He was a highly prosperous planter, and a
pleasing impersonation of the Virginia gentleman
of the olden time. Possessed of sterling integrity,
and eminently gifted with the refined and elevated
sentiments so agreeably illustrated by the peculiar
incidents connected with his matrimonial encrasre-
ment, he was, also, endowed by nature with a
heart as generously liberal as his purse was ample
and overflowing. Living in times when hospi-
tality vvas not only practised as a duty and a
virtue, but regarded as affording some of the most
innocent and delightful gratifications of domestic
life, his bountiful board was habitually spread,
like those of the feudal lords of other days and
other lands, not alone for numerous vassals and
MARTHA WASHINGTON. 101
dependants, but in preparation for the cordial
welcome equally awaiting the passing stranger
and the expected friend.
The obligations and responsibilities appertain-
ing to the mistress of so extensive an establish-
ment as that of the " White House," however
agreeable in their nature, were necessarily, by no
means either nominal or light. But she who had
voluntarily and "nothing loath," so early exchang-
ed her youthful pleasures and her maiden free-
dom for the cares and duties of an American
Matron, readily and cheerfully assimilated her-
self to her new position.
And when the more interesting and important
avocations of a mother w^ere added to those of the
wife of a Virginia country gentleman, the home
in which Mrs. Custis presided continued to illus-
trate the judicious system of household arrange-
ment, the wise economy, order, and regularity for
which she was through life so remarkable.
To the friends whom she had known and loved
in her girlhood, and who still continued to evince
undiminished their former interest and regard,
time only added nearer ties and more endearing
associations, and
*' Tlie ^vife, the mother, dearer than the bride "
102 MEMOlU OF
the sweet home-virtues long went hand in hand
with Health, Peace, and Content, — the lovely
graces of the fireside !
Thus, for some time, the halcyon- days of the
domestic felicity of Mrs. Custis glided uninter-
ruptedly on.
But never does earthly happiness continue un-
alloyed ! Death entered, and desolated this Eden
of Delight !
The first victim of the destroyer was the hope
and joy of his parents, — their eldest child, —
whose unusual mental developments gave only
too delusive and fleeting promise of the future.
Soon after this melancholy event, Col. Custis
(his malady incurably heightened by the effects
of overwhelming grief for the loss of his son,)
sunk, prematurely, into the grave, when he had
scarcely attained the prime of manhood !
With the painfully-touching proof of extraor-
dinary sensibility afforded b}^ the mournful cause
Qf his early death, family tradition unites an
anecdote illustrative of another prominent trait
in the interesting character of Col. Custis : — " It
is related of this amiable gentleman," says his
brief biographer and immediate descendant, "that,
when on his death-bed, he sent for a tenant, to
MARTHA WASHINGTON. 103
whom, in settling an account, he was due one
shilling^. The tenant besTged that the Colonel,
who had ever been most kind to his tenantry,
would not trouble himself at all about such a
trifle, as he, the tenant, had forgotten it long ago.
" But I have not," rejoined the just and conscien-
tious landlord, and bidding his creditor take up
the coin, which had been purposely placed on his
pillow, exclaimed, "Now my accounts are all
closed with this world!" and shortly after ex-
pired.
Thus suddenly deprived, not only of the child
whose existence had first awakened in her bosom
the holy love and the lofty aspirations of a
mother, but, of the friend and counsellor whose
chano;eless affection had lono; made the sunshine
of her life, and upon whom she had so implicitly
relied for effective aid in the fulfilment of her
solemn and momentous maternal duties, Mrs.
Custis did not weakly abandon herself to useless
lamentation, or helpless despair. Two children
still survived to claim her care and affection ;
and, after the first burst of impassioned and over-
powering sorrow, — seeking strength for the effort
where alone it could be found, in the promised
aid of a chastening, but merciful Redeemer, —
104 MEMOIR OP
she nerved herself for conscientious and perse-
vering attention to duties and interests so pain-
fully augmented and so mournfully and deeply
important.
Col. Custis gave the highest proof that the ro-
mantic attachment and well-founded respect of
early days remained undiminished through the
lapse of years, by leaving to his widow the ex-
clusive management and disposition, not only of
her own pecuniary interests, but of those of her
children.
How triumphantly Mrs. Custis proved her
ability for the task thus delegated to her, will be
best told in the words of the same authority to
which w^e have before referred. — " Independently
of extensive and valuable landed estates, the Col-
onel left thirty thousand* pounds sterling in
money, with half that amount to his only daugh-
ter Martha. # * * * *
"Mrs. Custis, as sole executrix, managed the
* Mr. Sparks states tliis sum to have been still larger. He
says : — " Mr. Custis had left large landed estates in New Kent
County, and forty-five thousand pounds sterling in money. One
third part of this property she [Mrs. Custis,] held in her own
right, the other two thirds being equally divided between her
children." — SparJcs' Life of Wa&hington, vol. i, p. 105.
MARTHA WASHINGTON 105
extensive landed and pecuniary concerns of the
estates with surprising abihty, making loans on
mortgage, of moneys, and, through her stewards
and agents, conducting the sales or exportation
of the crops to the best possible advantage."
If not as lightly and blissfully as of old, stul
peacefully and hopefully, time passed with the
widowed mother, while engaged-in these needful
occupations, and in the most affectionate devo-
tion to the education and happiness of her chil-
dren, whom it was her sedulous endeavor to in-
spire with a wish to emulate the virtues of their
father ; — thus rendering just homage to his mem-
ory, and suitably entitling them to the splendid
worldly endowments and to the honorable name
which were alike their proud inheritance.
.06 MEMOIR OF
CHAPTER 11.
O, young Lochinvar is come out of the West,
Through all the wide Border his steed was the best ;
And save his good broadsword, he weapons had none.
Pie rode all unarmM, and he rude all alone.
So faithful in love, and so dauntless in war,
There never was knight like the young Lochinvar I Scott.
And bright
The lamps shone o'er fair women and brave men :
A thousand hearts beat happily ; and when
Music arose with its voluptuous swell.
Soft eyes look'd love to eyes which spake again ! Byron.
Beautiful, gifted, with great fascination of
manner, unusually accomplished, extremely
wealthy, youthful, and
" Without any control, but the s-weet one of gracefulness,"
it is not surprising, — the usual period of mourn-
ing and seclusion passed, — that the hand of Mrs.
CusTis was sought by many and ardent suitors.
The " White House" became again the chosen
abode of refined and graceful hospitality, and its
fair and gentle mistress once more assumed her
place in the elegant and distinguished circle, to
MARTHA WASHINGTON. 107
/he attractions of which her presence had for-
merly made so agreeable an addition.
But though participating with subdued cheer-
fulness in the rational enjoyments of social life,
and extending equal courtesy to all who came
within the sphere of her magic influence ; yet a
taste, refined, it might be even to fastidiousness,
by prolonged and intimate association with one
of the most amiable and honorable of men, was
not easily satisfied. Nor would the heart that
had been so entirely his, through many happy
years of wedded love, readily yield itself to the
keeping of another.
" Oft she rejects, but never once ofiFends.*'
Content in her singular freedom from authori-
tative restraint, conscious of her ability to con-
duct, unaided, her own business aflfairs, and those
of her children, — young, lovely, admired, re-
spected,— why should she exchange her felicitous
independence for a protection, in her peculiar
circumstances little better than nominal per-
chance, or, at least, for many reasons, undesirable
and unnecessarv ? The well-remembered virtues
of his father would be the best guide of her son,
and her ceaseless assiduity would obtain both for
108 MEMOIR OP
him and for his sister, every advantage that un-
limited pecuniary resources and the most affec-
tionate interest could unitedly secure. Why,
then, either for their benefit, or for her own hap-
piness, should their mother renounce her present
name ?
Governed by these numerous, weighty, and
seemingly-conclusive reasons, the beautiful widow
remained immovably relentless, while each ena-
mored lover pressed, in turn, his glowing and dis-
interested suit ! Eloquence did not shake her
resolution, manly beauty and intelligence, pol-
ished manners, high honor, — all were vain to
ruffle the " waveless calm" of the unresponding
heart, in whose peaceful depths lay enshrined — •
the treasures of memory !
At length, by accident, there crossed her path,
one, whose Star of Fame was already far in the
ascendant in his native State ; a patriotic and
distinguished citizen-soldier, who could tell
" of most disastrous chances,
Of moving accidents by flood and field,
Of hair-breadtli 'scapes i' the imminent deadly breach,
Of being taken by the insolent foe !"*
* Our readers will consider the application of this last line as
scarcely involving a poetic license, when they recollect the fact
recorded in the annexed passage ;•—
MARY WASHINGTON. 109
His conversation, his manners, his appearance,
combined to prove this interesting stranger no
common mortal, no ordinary wooer ! Nature
had stamped upon his powerful frame and majes-
tic countenance an unmistakable impress of the
mental power that dwelt within, and sealed his
august brow, w^ith
" The stamp of Fate and fiat of a God !"
Again and again the fascinated soldier sought
the presence of the enchanting widow. Again
and again he spontaneously acknowledged the
winning power of her lithe and graceful form, her
bright, expressive face, and the far more potent
magic of her suave and benignant manners, her
noble and disciplined intellect. And he, the vic-
tor-crowned,— now himself subdued, — awaited his
fate at the hand of the resistless charmer !
What w^onder, then, that the lofty resolve to
preserve unchanged her womanly liberty, which
was erst the high prerogative of Mrs. Custis,
Lieutenant Col. "Washington, "being joined soon after by the
residue of the regiment, and a few other troops, making an ag-
gregate of somewhat less than four hundred men, they erected
a small stockade fort; here he was attacked by twelve hundred
French and Indians, and after a brave resistance from ten in the
morning until night, he capitulated."
N'atioxal Poeteait Gallehy.
110 MEMOIR OP
should, gradually, " melt into thin air," like the
scrolled snow-wreath, beneath the ardent gaze of
advancing Phoebus ! —
" Airy messengers had sought,
The rosy realms of Fancy througli,"
and, with one accord, they yielded the palm of
highest merit to the youthful TVashington !
The favorite charger of the Hero of Mononga-
hela, and his faithful Bishop,*' in obedience to the
high behest of their noble master, now often
traced with him, the familiar way that conducted
to the hospitable " White House." Long and
often did the impatient war-steed await his time-
unheeding rider; long and often did the assiduous
attendant marvel at a forgetfulness of commands
that on other occasions, sometimes anticipated
even his prompt and exact punctuality.
And now, all was in elegant and tasteful prepa-
ration in the " White House," for the elaborate
and splendid celebration of the approaching
bridal.
Numerous relatives and valued friends, aristo-
cratic magnates of the " Old Dominion," stately
* Each bequeathed him by the dymg Braddock on the ill*
jtai'red field of his last battle.
MARTHA WASHINGTON. Ill
matrons, and dignified statesmen, the young, the
beautiful, the brave, were assembled in honor of
nuptials so signally auspicious, so brilliant and so
felicitous.
" Much hath the biographer* heard of that
marriage, from gray-haired domestics, who waited
at the board where love made the feast and
Washington was the guest. And rare and high
was the revelry, at that palmy period of Virginia's
Festal age ; for many were gathered at that mar-
riage of the good, the great, the gifted and the
gay, while Virginia, with joyous acclamation,
hailed in her youthful hero a prosperous and
happy bridegroom."
Imagination will better picture the pomp and
splendor of this interesting scene than any de-
scription of ours. Thus will our readers satis-
factorily behold the fairest of Virginia's fair
daughters, arrayed in the superb brocades, the
costly laces, and sparkling jewels that the Old
World alone could then supply; gallant cavaliers,
m the elaborate and elegant costumes of the time ;
ihe brilliant apartments, the bountiful board, glit-
tering with massive plate, and loaded with sub-
* "We borrow the expressive language of the interesting
annalist to whose authority we before referred.
12 MEMOIR OF
stantial viands, rich wines, and delicate conserves-
Thus aided they may listen to the gay conversa-
tion, the merry song, the whispered words, the
blithesome laugh, the flashing wit, the inspiring
music, each well befitting the occasion ; and
watch
the docile footstep to the heave of the sweet measurs,
As music wafts the form aloft at its melodious pleasure,
Now breaking through the woven chain of the entangled dance l"
The same magic power will most successfully
portray the grace, the loveUness, the tearful
smiles, the glowing cheek of the Bride, when
warm words and softened looks bespoke the cor-
dial aspirations for her future happiness that
swelled the hearts of her friends ; and the ani-
mated countenance, the majestic mien, the undis-
guised rapture of the triumphant and love-crowned
Soldier.
MARTHA WASHINGTON. 113
CHAPTER III.
For still where the firm *****
And the stern, in sweet marriage is blent with the meek,
Rings the concord harmonious, both tender and strong ;
******
The heart to the heart flows in one, love delighted. Schillbr,
« * Woe to thy dream of delisht ;
In darkness dissolves the g:iy frost-work of bliss ;
Where now is the picture that Fancy touch''d bright?
W. W, DlMOXD.
But lo I a Congress ! What, that hallow'd name
Which freed the Atlantic? Byrox.
Soon after their union, which occurred, it is
beheved, in January, 1759, Coloxel and Mrs.
Washington removed from the " White House"
to Mount Vernon, which continued thenceforth,
to be the permanent family residence.*
* Mount Yernon is in Fairfax Co., Virginia. It is pleasantly
situated on tlie south bank of the Potomac, nine miles belcw
Alexandria and fifteen miles from "Washington. It may interest
some of our readers to learn the origin of the name of a spot
now possessing so much celebrity. George "Wasliington in-
herited this residence from his eldest brother, Lawrence, who
8
Hi MEMOIR OF
The mansion then bearing this name, was
much smaller than it afterwards became. It con-
sisted only of the centre of the present building,
with but four rooms on the first floor. Its owner
had resided there for some years previous to his
marriage, but Mount Vernon was now, for the
first time, graced by the presence of a mistress.
We find many proofs, in his published papers
and Correspondence, of the efibrts made by Col.
Washington to augment the comforts and multi-
ply the embellishments of his home, after it
received the fair and gentle inmate, whose hap-
piness was, thenceforth, to be his peculiar care.
Nor was his attention confined to matters
appertaining merely to daily convenience, or
general improvement, — it extended to all that
could lend attractiveness to home-life, for the en-
joyments of which the inhabitants of Mount
Vernon mutually possessed an ardent love.
" held a Captain's commission in the Provincial troojis, employed
in the celebrated attack against Carthagena, imdcr Admiral
Vernon. On his return, he settled on liis patrimonial estate ;
wliich, through respect to bis Admiral, he called Mount Vernon."
Tills gentleman died not long afterwards, bequeathing his estate
to his only child, in case of whose death it was to descend to liis
brother George, " with the reservation of the use of the same
to the wife during her lifetime."
MARTHA WASHINGTON. 115
The following Memoranda of articles to be
ordered from Europe, the originals of which were
found by Mr. Sparks among Washington's papers,
in his own hand-writing, will serve as passing
indications of the refined and ele2;ant taste that
directed everything within the precincts of the
new abode of Mrs. Washington : —
"Directions for the Busts. — One of Alex-
ander the Great; another of Julius Caesar; another
of Charles XII. of Sweden ; and a fourth of the
King of Prussia."*
" N. B. These are not to exceed fifteen inches
in height, nor ten in width."
" 2 other Busts, of Prince Eugrene and the Duke
of Marlborousfh, somewhat smaller."
" 2 Wild Beasts, not to exceed twelve inches in
height, nor eighteen in length."
" Sundry small ornaments for chimney-piece."
We also find Col. Washington seeking, by im-
portations from France and England, to adorn
his plantation with the graceful drapery of the
■^ Hovr little did the writer imagine, when penning this order,
that not many years later, his walls would be adorned by a
portrait of the Great Frederick, sent him by that Monarch, and
accompanied by the memorable words, " From the oldest Gen
eral in Europe, to the greatest General in the world !"
116 MEMOIR OP
blue hills of the " sunny South," and with the far-
famed verdure of rural Albion.
Our readers must bear in mind that, at the
period to which our narrative refers, the various
domestic arrangements, of which we have, very
briefly, endeavored to convey an idea, were com-
paratively unusual in the American Colonies ;
and that not only all articles of luxury, but a very
great proportion of the essentials of household
convenience and daily comfort, were imported
from Europe. It will thus be perceived, that
what would now scarcely be regarded in the light
of luxurious indulgences were then within the
reach only of the most wealthy. Even the cloth-
ing of his servants, and the ordinary implements
of agriculture, as well as most articles of food,
not the produce of his own plantation, were twice
every year ordered by Colonel Washington from
his English agents.*
* "We append a some-what amusing List of articles imported
from England about tliis time by Col. W., which was gleaned
from the voluminous " Memoranda" published by the indispu-
table authority to which we have before referred. By its pe-
rusal the reader may, perhaps, gam some incidental information
respecting the dress and domestic habits of Mrs. Washington,
at this period of her liistory, together with various indications
MARTHA WASHINGTOX. 117
We may believe that the efficient and cheerful
aid of Mrs. Washixgton was not wanting in the
regulation and adornment of the new home to
which she found herself transferred.
We perceive, from the details of his " Life,"
that Col. \Vashincrton almost immediatelv as-
sumed the pecuniary responsibilities devolving
upon him in consequence of his marriage, to-
gether with the guardianship of Mrs. Washing-
ton's two children — a duty which he continued
most faithfully and affectionately to discharge
until they no longer required his care.
We find in his Letters to his assents abroad,
frequent references to the business affairs of Mrs.
Washington, and of John and Martha Custis,
each characterized by his usual precision, regu-
larity, and conscientiousness.
The following passages from one of these Let-
ters will serve as illustrations of the efficient su-
pervision exercised by this judicious friend, over
the interests of the new members of his family : —
of the degree of luxury and refinement characteristic of the
system of hfe then prevalent among the more wealthy of the
Vh-ginia Planters. See Note A, of the Appendix.
118 MEMOIR OF
" To Robert Gary and Company, MERciiANxa
London.
"Mount Vernon, 20 S(l|tember, 1159.
" Gentlemen,
" This will make the fom'th letter I have writ-
•ten to you since my marriage with Mrs. Martha
Gustis. The two first served to cover invoices of
such goods as I wanted, and to advise you at the
same time of the change in her affairs, and how
necessary it would be to address, for the future,
all your letters, which relate to the estate of the
deceased Golonel Gustis, to me.
Tt* vF Vt" w Vp Vt" ^
" I remark the pains you take to show the im-
propriety of paying the duty of the estate's to-
bacco. When money is wanting, it cannot be
expected ; but, when a sum lies in your bands, it
should certainly be applied that way, as far as it
will go. I likewise observe the difficulties you
have met with in settling for the inte^'est of the
bank stock ; but I hope that is now over, unless
any part or the whole sliould require transferring,
(when a division of the estate is made,) and then
timely notice will be given ; but, until this hap-
pens, it may be received and placed to the es-
tate's credit in the usual manner.
MARTHA WASHINGTON. 119
" From this time it will be requisite, that you
should raise three accounts ; one for me, another
for the estat^ and a third for Miss Patty Custis ;
or, if you think it more eligible, (and I believe it
will be,) make me debtor on my own account
for John Parke Cusds, and for ^liss Martha
Parke Custis, as each will have their part of the
estate assigned them this fall, and the whole will
remain under my management, whose particular
care it shall be to distinguish always, either by
letter or invoice, for whom tobaccos are shipped,
and for whose use goods are imported, in order to
prevent mistakes arising. The estate's credit
now in your hands, may be applied towards an-
swerincp the whole drafts, that have been and
shall be made this year ; and it must appear very
plain from my former letters, as well as from
what is here said, how necessary it is to send reg-
ular accounts current, that, by comparing them
with the books here, satisfactory settlements may,
from time to time; be made to our General Court."
But thoufrh thus relieved from the irksome and
uncongenial employments incident to her previous
mode of life, Mrs. Washington, doubtless, found
sufficient occupation in the agreeable avocations
120
MEMOIR OF
involving the health, happiness, and education of
her children ; and in a general superintendence
of the affairs of her household, toirether with the
maiiy social obligations appertaining to her posi-
tion.
The present situation of Mrs. Washington
closely resembled that to which she was accus-
tomed during her former marriage. She was
now, as she had previously been, the wife of a
prosperous, enterprising Virginia Planter. For
though still
" Bearing his blushing honors thick upon liira,"
Col. Washington, for many successsive years, took
no other part in public affairs than occasionally to
act as a local magistrate, or as a Representative
in the Provincial Legislature, of which he was a
member for fifteen successive years, punctually
attending each sitting, though there were, occa-
sionally, three yearly.
Col. Washington first assumed his seat in the
Virginia House of Burgesses a short time subse-
quent to his marriage ; and, if there was needed
any public confirmation of the truth, that Mrs.
Washington had united her fate with that of one
of the bravest and most eminent of the sons of
MARTHA WASHINGTON. 121
Virginia, it was afforded by the pleasing incidents
recorded in the following paragraph : —
" By a YOt§ of the House, the Speaker, Mr.
Robinson, was directed to return their thanks to
Colonel Washington, on behalf of the colony, for
the distinguished military services which he had
rendered to his country. As soon as Colonel
Washington took his seat, Mr. Robinson, in
obedience to this order, and following the impulse
of his own generous and grateful heart, dis-
charged the duty with great dignity, but with
such warmth of coloring and strength of expreS"-
sion, as entirely confounded the young hero.
He rose to express his acknowledgments for the
honor ; but such was his trepidation and confu-
sion, that he could not give distinct utterance to
a single syllable. He blushed, stammered, and
trembled for a second ; when the Speaker relieved
him by a stroke of address, that would have done
honor to Louis the Fourteenth in his proudest
and happiest moment. ' Sit down, Mr. Wash-
ington,' said he, with a conciliating smile ; ' your
modesty equals your valor ; and that sur'jisses
the power of any language that I poss^ -s.' "*
* "Wirt's Life of Patrick He^tsy.
122 MEMOIR OP
After the commencement of her residence at
Mount Vernon, Mrs. Washington occasionally
accompanied her husband in his various journeys
and in his official visits at Williamsburg, — the
scene of her early entrance into society, and of
many of the pleasing associations of later years ;
but most of her time was passed at home in the
care and education of her children, and in the
midst of other congenial pleasures, occupations,
and duties.
Everywhere honored and beloved, she con-
tinued to receive the affectionate and respectful
regards of a large circle of attached and admiring
friends, and to extend to each the most cordial
and generous hospitality. Fortunately for both,
she ever united with her husband in a genial
enjoyment of this agreeable and graceful cour-
tesy— so appropriate to their social position, and
so consistent with their ample resources.*
We are indebted to Mr. Sparks for a some-
wha. minute sketch of several of the recipients of
the hospita 'ties of Mount Vernon, at the time to
which our narrative at present refers : —
* "We learn from excelleni: authority, that an accession of
more than one hundred thousand dollars was made to the for-
tune of CoL Washington by his marriage with Mrs. Custifl.
MARTHA WASHIXGTON. 123
"Although Col. Washington's pursuits were
those of a retired farmer, yet he v/as by no means
secluded from social intercourse with persons of
intelligence and refinement. During the periods
of his attendincr the House of Buro^esses at Wil-
liamsburg, he met on terms of intimacy the
eminent men of Virginia, who, in imitation of the
Governors, (sometimes noblemen, and always from
the higher ranks of English society,) lived in a
style of magnificence, which has long passed
away, and given place to the republican simpli-
city of modern times. He was a frequent visitor
at Annapolis, the seat of government of Mary-
land, renowned as the resort of the polite, wealthy,
and fashionable. At Mount Vernon he returned
the civihties he had received, and practised, on a
large and generous scale, the hospitality for which
the Southern planters have ever been distin-
guished. When he was at home, a day seldom
passed without the company of friends or stran-
gers at the house. In his diaries the names of
these visitors are often mentioned, and we find
among them the Governors of Virginia and Mary-
land, and nearly all the celebrated men of the
southern and middle colonies, who were after-
wards conspicuous in the history of the country."
124 MEMOIR OF
" One of his nearest neighbors was George Ma-
son, of Gunston Hall, a man possessing remark-
able intellectual powers, deeply conversant with
political science, and thoroughly versed in the
topics of dispute then existing between England
and America. Lord Fairfax was also a constant
guest at Mount Vernon, who, although eccentric
in his habits, possessed a cultivated mind, social
qualities, and a perfect knowledge of the world.
To these may be added a large circle of relatives
and acquaintances, who sought his society, and
to whom his house was always open."
While alluding to the different sources of hap-
piness enjoyed during this period of her life, by
tjie estimable Subject of our Memoir, we should
not omit particularly to mention the pure and ex-
alted gratification springing from her enlightened
and systematic charity, from her conscientious
attention to the numerous dependants immediately
relying upon her care for health and comfort,
and from her habitual and devout attention to the
duties of religion.*
* Both Col. and Mrs. Washington were at this time com-
miinicants in the church of the parish of Truro, in which the
family estate was included, and upon the pubhc services of
which they were constant attendants. CoL W. was, also, lop*;;
MARTHA WASHIXGTOX. 125
Occupied by pleasures, employments, and duties
of which we have thus endeavored to give our
readers a passing idea, long did this excellent
lady glide serenely and happily down the stream
of time.
As Miss Custis, the onlv dauditer of Mrs.
Washington, advanced towards womanhood, the
tender maternal assiduity that so earnestly sought
her improvement in all that could tend to pro-
mote her happiness and usefulness in after life,
was, if possible, still more devoted in its mani-
festations.
And when, at last, the child of so many hopes,
the favored recipient of such accumulated care
and tenderness, became the intelligent companion
of the mother to whose guidance she owed so
much, words are inadequate to express that
mother's pride and joy.
But Mrs. Washington was destined again to
behold the cup of happiness pass, scarce tasted,
from her lips.
Miss Custis had no sooner attained maturity
than she was snatched forever from the presence
of her earthlv friends.
a vestryman of this churcli, and a most active and useful assist-
ant in the management of its secular affairs.
126 MEMOIR OF
Who shall tell the sorrow of the bereaved ana
grief-stricken mother; the passionate lamenta-
tion of the young brother who, hand in hand with
this one gentle sister, had grown in health and
beauty through so many happy years of genial
and loving companionship ; or the deep sadness
of the almost paternal guardian beneath whose
fostering care her youthful mind had so pleasingly
developed ?
The melancholy event that thus, suddenly,
robbed Mount Vernon of one of its brightest and
most cherished ornaments, occurred in the year
1770.
Subsequent to this sad incident, for several
successive years, nothing demanding particular
notice arose to vary the usual routine of Mrs.
Washington's existence.
The tender sympathy that calms and soothes
the wounded heart, beyond all else that earth can
give, united with the dictates of religion to soften
regrets which they could not remove, and
" Time, that wears out the trace of deepest sorrow,"
witnessed a gradual diminution of the pervading
and poignant grief that long shadowed the spirit
of this mourning mother.
MARTHA WASHINGTON. 127
At length, the distant murmurs of the approach-
ing storm that served to render more dear the
sanctity and the delights of home, reached ears
all unwilling to receive the dreadful tidings they
conveyed. Near, and yet more near, advanced
the threatening clouds, till even the most incredu-
lous were compelled to fear its fast-coming fury.
Mrs. Washington was first fully awakened to a
foreboding sense of the changes that awaited her,
when her husband, obeying the summons of pa-
triotism, hastened to join in the momentous public
deliberations, upon the results of which hung con-
sequences of so much present and prospective
importance. Then, indeed, she became only too
surely convinced that the master-spirit had de-
parted from the home-paradise, within which, for
seventeen successive years, there had so seldom
entered the sin and suffering that make the alloy
of all human happiness !
128 MEMOIR OF
CHAPTER IV.
Hark ! forth from the abyss, a voice proceeds,
A long, low, distant murmur of dread sound,
Sn,ch as arises when a Nalion bleeds
with some deep and immedicable wound. BvRON.
Should Heaven, yet unappeased, refuse its aid,
Disperse our hopes, and frustrate our designs,
Yet shall the conscience of the great attempt
Diffuse a brightness on our future dnys ;
Nor will his country's groans reproach Demetrius.
Johnson.
When Col. Washington left Mount Vernon to
attend the meeting of the first Congress at Phila-
delphia, Mrs. Washington remained at home,
participating, though at a distance, the interest
and anxiety with which he discharged the various
and peculiarly responsible duties which the_ Sol-
dier OF America was directly summoned to as-
sume ; and watching with engrossing eagerness,
for his reports of the highly interesting proceed-
ings and deliberations of the solemn assemblage
with which he was associated.
When, after more than nine months of sepa-
ration and solitude, she was informed of her hus-
MARTHA WASHINGTON. 129
band's appointment as Commander-in-Chief of the
American Army, and that " the •^var had actually
begun" which must summon him to immediate
action, the mingled nature of her emotions may
be easily conceived.
The first intelligence of this event was com-
municated to Mrs. Washington in the following
Letter, which possesses the more interest as it is
the only one of the many addressed to her from
the same source, that has descended to us.*
"Philadelphia, IS June, 1775.
" My Dearest :
" I am now set down to write to you on a sub-
ject, which fills me with inexpressible concern,
and this concern is greatly aggravated and in-
creased, when I reflect upon the uneasiness I
know it will give you. It has been determined
in Cons^ress, that the whole armv raised for the
defence of the American cause shall be put under
my care, and that it is necessary for me to pro-
ceed immediately to Boston to take upon me the
command of it.
* It is knoTTa that Mrs. Washington, previoug to her death,
destroyed these precious testimonials of affection and confi-
dence— unwilling, it may be supposed, to allow other eyes than
her own to trace the cherished records.
9
130 MEMOIR OF
" You may believe me, my dear Patsy, when 1
assure you, in the most solemn manner, that, so
far from seeking this appointment, I have used
every endeavor in my power to avoid it, not only
from my unwillingness to part with you and the
family, but from a consciousness of its being a
trust too great for my capacity, a.nd that I should
enjoy more real happiness in one month with you
at home, than I have the most distant prospect
of finding abroad, if my stay were to be seven
times seven years. But as it has been a kind of
destiny, that has thrown me upon this service, I
shall hope that my undertaking it is designed to
answer some good purpose. You might, and I
suppose did perceive, from the tenor of my let-
ters, that I was apprehensive I could not avoid
this appointment, as I did not pretend to intimate
when I should return. That was the case. It
was utterly out of my power to refuse this ap-
pointment, without exposing my character to such
censures, as would have reflected dishonor upon
myself, and given pain to my friends. This, I
am sure, could not, and ought not to be pleasing
to you, and must have lessened me considerably
in my own esteem. I shall rely, therefore, confi-
dently on that Providence, which has heretofore
MARTHA WASHINGTON. 131
preserved and been bountiful to me, not doubting
but that I shall return safe to you in the fall. I
shall feel no pain from the toil or the danger of
the campaign ; my unhappiness will flow from
the uneasiness I know vou will feel from beinff
left alone. I therefore besj that vou will summon
your whole fortitude, and pass your time as agree-
ably as possible. Nothing will give me so much
sincere satisfaction as to hear this, and to hear it
from your own pen. My earnest and ardent de-
sire is, that you would pursue any plan that is
most likely to produce content, and a tolerable
degree of tranquillity ; as it must add greatly to
my uneasy feelings to hear that you are dissatis-
fied or complaining at what I really could not
avoid.
" As life is always uncertain, and common pru-
dence dictates to every man the necessity of set-
tling his temporal concerns, w^hile it is in his
power, and while the mind is calm and undis-
turbed, I have, since I came to this place, (for I
had no time to do it before I left home,) got Col-
onel Pendleton to draft a will for me, by the di-
rections I gave him, which wall I now enclose.
The provision made for you in case of my death,
will, I hope, oe agreeable.
132 MEMOIR OF
"I shall add notliing more, as 1 have several
letters to write, but to desire that you will re-
member me to your friends, and to assure you
that I am, with the most unfeigned regard, my
dear Patsy,
" Your affectionate
" George Washington/*'^
The contents of this letter, w^ill, far more ef-
fectually than any comments of ours, convey to
our readers a just conception of the considerate
and affectionate respect always paid by the illus-
trious PATER PATRIAE to the wishes, feelings, and
comfort of the celebrated Subject of our Memoir.
Though there is no allusion in this epistle to
the possibility of Mrs. Washington's accompany-
ing the Commander-in-Chief in his journey to
Cambridge, nor to the prospect of even a brief
■reunion after this, their first protracted separa-
tion, yet it was subsequently determined that
they should, tempora^rily at least, be relieved from
the mutual pain of absence, as will be explained
by the following passage from a letter addressed
by Washington to his brother.
* Sparks' Writings of Washington.
MARTHA WASHINGTON. 133
" Camp at Cambridge, 13 October, 17 To.
" Dear Brother :
" I am obliged to you fur your advice to my
wife, and for your intention of visiting her.
Seeing no great prospect of returning to my
family and friends this w^inter, I have sent an in-
vitation to Mrs. Washino^ton to come to me, al-
though I fear the season is too far advanced to
admit this with any tolerable degree of conveni-
ence, especially if she should, when my letters
get home, be in JXew Kent, as I believe the case
will be. I have laid before her a statement of
the difficulties, however, which must attend the
journey, and left it to her own choice."*
There is no reference in this Letter to any ap-
prehension, on the part of her husband, of danger
to Mrs. Washington, should she remain at Mount
Vernon, but fears for her safety were entertained
by many of her friends, as w^e learn from the
subjoined extract from Sparks' " Writings op
Washington :" —
" As the General could not leave the army, he
had requested Mrs. Washington to pass the win-
* Sparks' Weittn-qs of "Washi>'gxon.
134 MEMOIR OF
ter with him at Cambridge. It seems, that some
persons thought her in danger at Mount Vernon,
which stands on the bank of the Potomac River,
and is accessible to armed ships of the largest
size. Lund Washington had written to the Gen-
eral : — ' Many people have made a stir about
Mrs. Washington's continuing at Mount Vernon,
but I cannot think there is any danger. The
thought, I believe, originated in Alexandria;
from thence it got to Londoun, and I am told the
people of Londoun talk of sending a guard to con-
duct her up to Berkeley, with some of their prin-
cipal men to persuade her to leave this place, and
accept their offer. Mr. John Augustine Wash-
ington wrote, pressing her to leave Mount Ver-
non. She does not believe herself in danger.
Lord Dunmore will hardly himself venture up this
river ; nor do I believe he will send on that er-
rand. Surely, her old acquaintance, the attorney,
who, with his family, is on board his ship, would
prevent his doing an act of that kind. You may
depend I will be watchful, and upon the least
alarm persuade her to remove.' "
In accordance with the wishes of her husband,
Mrs. Washington hastened to make preparations
for joining him at Cambridge for the winter.
MARTHA WASHINGTON. 135
Upon her arrival at Philadelphia, on her way
to the scene of her new duties, she was met and
escorted into the city by Col. Hancock and other
officers, and the " Light Infantry of the Second
Battalion, and the company of Light Horse, &lc."
In addition to these public demonstrations of
respect, Mrs. Washington was welcomed by
every proof of individual regard and personal af-
fection on the part of her numerous friends.
She immediatelv received an invitation to attend
a public Ball which was in contemplation, and
which it was hoped the Ladies of the Commander-
in Chief and of Col. Hancock would honor with
their presence.
Mrs. Washington was fated thus early in her
new career, to realize that Persecution, like his
twin-compeer, '-'loves a shining mark," and that,
during the commotion of public feeling which was
already beginning to surge and swell, she must
prepare to meet the popular tumult, manifesta-
tions of which would, thenceforth, occasionally
reach even to her.
Before the evening appointed for the intended
fete arrived, fears were entertained that the anti-
cipated festivities would be disagreeably inter-
rupted, and that the tranquillity of the city might
136 MEMOIR OF
De seriously disturbed by an occurrence, under
ordinary circumstances so unimportant to the
populace.
Accordingly, there was a numerous meeting of
the most respectable citizens, at Philosophic Hall,
" for the purpose of considering the propriety of
allowinoi; the ball to be given." — After much
serious deliberation, it was finally concluded that
no such entertainment should take place, either
then, or " in future, while these troublesome times
continued."
This meeting resulted in the appointment of a
committee, vv^hose duty it should be to desire the
managers of the intended Ball to relinquish their
design, and, also, to wait upon Mrs. Washington
with the request that she should decline any par-
ticipation in the aifair.
It was understood that Mrs. Washington readi-
ly assented to the wishes of the gentlemen who
called on her on this occasion, assured them of
the entire accordance of her feelings with their
own, in relation to the matter, and politely ex-
pressed her acknowledgments for the kind at-
tention that had secured her against embarrass-
ment and annoyance.*
* Por the quaint version of this sin^ar illustration of popu-
MARTHA WASHINGTON. 137
After enjoying the society of her friends for a
few days, and, at the same time, refreshin^j her-
self with needful rest froQi the fatigue of her
already long and laborious journey, Mrs. Wash-
ington left Philadelphia,* on her way to New
England, "attended by the Troop of Horse, two
companies of Light Infantry, &c., 6z:c."
The anxious and affectionate care with which,
despite his engrossing public duties, the Com-
mander-in-Chief endeavored to secure the safety
and comfort of JMrs. Washino;ton, durins;; her
journey to the American Camp, is proved by the
frequent references to the subject contained in his
letters. Thus, in a letter to his Military Secre-
tary, Joseph Reed, Esq., we find the following
passage, under date of the 20th of November : —
"I thank you for your frequent allusions to
Mrs. Washington. I expect that she will be
in Philadelphia about the time this letter may
reach you, on her way hither. As she and her
conductor, who I suppose will be Mr. Custis, her
son, are perfect strangers to the road, the stages,
and the proper place to cross Hudson's River, by
lar feeling given in "Christopher Marshall's Diary of ITTS,**
see Note B., of the Appendix.
■^ 2'7th Xovember, IT To.
138 . MEMOIR OP
all means avoiding New York, I shall be much
obliged by your particular instructions and advice
to her. I imagine, as the roads are bad, and the
weather cold, her stages must be short, especially
as I presume her horses will be fatigued ; as when
they get to Philadelphia, they will have performed
a journey of at least four hundred and fifty miles,
my express having found her among her friends,
ner Williamsburg, one hundred and fifty miles
below our house."
Mrs. V/ashington reached Cambridge in safety
on the 11th December, having accomplished the
journey from Philadelphia in about fifteen days.
She was soon comfortably established in the ele-
gant mansion of one of the w^ealthy Tory families,
who deserted their residences upon the approach
of the Continental Army. The American officers,
generally, took possession of these luxurious
abodes, thus — and then only during the continu-
ance of the War, — "faring sumptuously every
day."
After Mrs. Washington's arrival in the Ameri-
can Camp, the punctilious courtesy of the Com-
mander-in-Chief dictated the following expression
of his sense of grateful obligation to the many
MARTHA WASHINGTON. 139
friends whose kind attentions she had elicited
during her journey.
" To Joseph Reed, Esa.
" Camp, Dscember 25tli, 1775.
" Dear Sir :
******
" I am so much indebted for the civilities shown
Mrs. Washington on her journey hither, that I
hardly know how to go about to acknowledge
them. Some of the enclosed (all of which I beg
the favor of you to put into the post-office.) are
directed to that end. I shall be obliged to you
for presenting my thanks to the commanding
officers of the two battalions of Philadelphia, for
the honors done her and me, as also to any others
equally entitled. I very sincerely offer you the
compliments of the season, and wish you, Mrs.
Reed, and your fireside, the happy return of a
great many of them, being, dear Sir,
" Your most obedient and
"Affectionate humble servant,
"George Washington."*
It would of course, be irrelevant to our subject,
as well as a work of supererogation, to attempt
* Life a^d Corezspoxdexce of PEEsrDE>-T Reed.
140 MEMOIR OF
a detailed account of the memorable siege and
eventual evacuation of Boston.
Mrs. Washington, while participating in the
harassing embarrassments that, almost directly
upon the assumption of his new position, began to
demand the sympathy she always exhibited in
whatever affected either the interest or happiness
of her husband, was now called upon to illustrate
in relation to him, as she had ever done in every
personal trial and affliction, her firm reliance upon
the beneficent superintendence of overruling Wis-
dom and Goodness. Even in this early stage
of his eventful military career, her habitual cheer-
fulness and practical abilities, served in many
instances, essentially to aid and encourage the
Commander-in-Chief.
The agreeable and estimable qualities of the wife
of the American Hero soon won for her the love
and veneration of her husband's companions in
arms, and her universal popularity among them,
occasioned her receiving the appellation of ''Lady
Wasliington,'" the well-known title by which she
was always afterwards distinguished in the Ameri-
can Army.
With the departure of the British Fleet from
MARTHA WASHINGTON. J41
the Harbor of Boston,* Mrs. Washington pre-
pared to return to her long-deserted home, — the
portentous aspect of mihtary affairs warning her
of the iinpracticabihty of remaining with the
Commander-in-Chief during the season of actual
hostihties.
In addition to her parting from her husband,
this affectionate mother was, also, necessitated to
nerve herself for a separation from her son, who
was already pledged to share the military fortunes
of his beloved step-father. — For usefulness and
honor she had reared him to manhood, and to her
countrv she now resis^ned this last lino;erincr scion
./ O DO
of maternal hope and joy.f
* l^Zth March, 1176.
•{• Whether or not Mr. Custis was already one of the military
family, strictly speaking, of the Commander-in-Chief, we have
not the means of determining ; but we know him, together with
Mrs. Custis, to have accompanied his mother to Cambridge, to
have been at the siege of Boston, and to have continued with
Washington throughout the war, though he probably did not,
in consequence of his youth, thus early receive the appointment
oi Aid- de- Camp to the General-in-Chie£
142 MEMOIR OF
.CHAPTER V.
Employ'd she employs ;
******
Locks the chest and the wardrobe, with lavender smelling',
And the hum of the spindle goes quiclv through the dwelling;
And she hoards in the presses, well polished and full, ^
The snow of the linen, the shine of the wool ;
Blends the sweet with the good, and from care and endeavor
Rests never ! Schillkr.
While duty measures the regard it owes
With scrupulous precision and nice justice,
Love never reasons, but profusely gives —
Gives, lilie a thoughtless prodigal, its all,
And trembles then, lest it has done too little. Mure.
Mrs. Washington sought the security and se-
clusion of Mount Vernon, not to indulge in vain
repinings at her separation from its master and
from her only child, nor to yield herself up to the
unworthy dominion of useless fears for their per-
sonal safety and well-being ; but to find in active
and needful occupation, and in care for the hap-
piness of others, the best guarantee afforded by
circumstances, for the preservation of her mental
serenity.
MARTHA WASHINGTON. 143
That knowledge of practical life, aaa that sin-
gular facility for adapting herself to avocations
unusual to her sex, which she had exhibited dur-
ing her widowhood, were now again called into
exercise by the peculiar situation in which Mrs
Washington found herself placed. She immedi-
ately established a domestic system thoroughly
adapted to the exigencies of the times, and emi-
nently calculated as an example most beneficially
to influence others. Her dress, — always remarlt-
able for its simplicity, — was soon composed al-
most entirely of home-made materials, as was
the clothing of her numerous domestics.
We have her own authority for the fact that
" she had a great deal of domestic cloth made in
her house," and that " sixteen spinning-wheels
were kept in constant operation" at Mount Ver-
non. One one occasion, when conversing with
some friends upon this and similar topics, she gave
the best proof of her success in domestic manu-
factures by the exhibition of two of her dresses,
which were composed of cotton striped with silk,
and entirely home-made. The silk stripes in the
fabric were woven from " the ravellings of brown
silk stockings and old crimson damask chair-
covers !"
144 MEMOIR OF
Momentarily to anticipate in our narrative ; — ■
when Washington arrived at New York to as-
sume his duties as first President of the United
States, he was attired in a complete suit of home-
spun cloth.
By the judicious and admirable simphcity and
economy she systematically practiced, this exem-
plary Revolutionary matron secured the means,
not only of personal and domestic comfort,
convenience, and independence, but of the bene-
volent diffusion of more generally extended
benefit.
It must not be supposed, however, that these
household avocations and duties were sufficient
to engross, or content, one whose interest in the
progress of public events was so painfully aug-
mented by her intimate connection with the mas-
ter-spirit upon whose wisdom and guidance hung
the destiny of his country.
Mrs. Washington was, doubtless, kept well and
promptly advised not only of the momentous
events that follow^ed each other in such rapid and
startling succession, during the ever-memorable
year succeeding the siege of Boston, but of the
individual adventures and personal feelings and
apprehensions of her husband. The assevera-
MARTHA WASHINGTON. I4:fj
tions and fears expressed in the following sen-
tences w^ere, probably, often repeated in Wash-
ington's frequent letters to this sympathizing re-
cipient of his confidence : — " I am wearied to
death with the retrograde motion of things, and 1
solemnly protest that a pecuniary reward of
twenty thousand pounds would not induce me
to undergo what I do."* "In a word, if every
nerve is not strained to recruit the new army
with all possible expedition, the gajm is nearly
Onlv a wife as devoted as Mrs. Washinijton,
can fully appreciate her emotions of indignation
and abhorrence, when made acquainted with the
happily-discovered treachery that aimed at the
personal safety of the Commander-in-Chief, ana
the success of which would have dealt a death-
blow to the prosperity of the American Cause.
Only such a one can realize the pride and pleas-
ure that swelled in her heart, when informed of
the glorious passage of the Delaware, and of the
encouracrinD" success of which that skilful manoe-
* Washington to his Brother, 19th Nov. 1176— Sparks' Weit-
DfGS OF Washington,
f Washington to his Brother, 18th Dec. 1Y16 — Lite and
CJOEEESPONDENCE OF PRESIDENT ReED.
01
146 MEMOIR OF
uvre was the immediate precursor ; or paint the
harrowing anxiety with which she awaited fur-
ther intelHgence respecting the movements of the
Httle Continental Army ; and her dehght when
certain of the temporary cessation of active hos-
tihties, and of the consequent safety of those most
dear to her. But why attempt to particularize
among incidents, each of which was necessarily
invested with such vital importance for this ten-
der Mother, this sympathizing Wife, this patriotic
American Matron !
MARTHA WASHINGTON. 147
CHAPTER VI.
To paint that being to a grovelling mind
Were like portraying pictures to the blind.
'Twas needful e'en infectiously to feel
Her temper's fond and firm and gladsome zeal,
To share existence with her, and to gain
Sparks from her love's electrifying chain,
Of that pure pride, which lessening to her breast
Life's ills, gave all its joys a treble zest,
Before the mind completely understood
That mighty truth — how happy are the good ! Campbell
When the American Commander-in-Chief, af-
ter ten months of incessant exertion, fatigue, and
responsibility that succeeded their parting, im-
mediately subsequent to the evacuation of Boston,
had finally conducted his worn and weary Army
into winter quarters, at Morristown, in New
Jersey,* Mrs. Washington, anxious for his health
and comfort as well as for those of her son, lost
no time in repairing thither to join him in the
Camp for the remainder of the season.
It became, thenceforth, during the continuance
of the War of the Revolution, Mrs. Washington's
* Jm 1111.
148 MEMOIR OF
habitual practice to pass her winters at the Head-
quarters of the American Army. It was, con-
sequently, her wont to say, in after life, that " she
had heard the first cannon at the opening and the
last at the closing of all the campaigns of the
Revolution !"
Many passages in the private Letters of Wash-
ington express his affectionate interest on the
subject of Mrs. Washington's long and hazardous
journeys at the inclement season of the year
when they were, necessarily, undertaken. We
find him writing to ask advice as to the best
means of promoting her safety and comfort, or
requesting assistance in effecting her transit from
Mount Vernon to him, and again, expressing his
thanks for the many civilities extended to her
on such occasions by friends whose personal and
patriotic devotion, no considerations of policy or
prudence could vary or diminish.
Mrs. Washington's journeys to the American
Camp were always performed in her own carriage
and attended by her own servants. It was, also,
the invariable practice of the Commander-in-
Chief, to dispatch one of his Aids-de-Camp to
escort her from Mount Vernon to his Winter
MARTHA WASHINGTON. 149
quarters.* We infer, that on some of these oc-
casions, at least, he adopted the additional pre-
caution to dispatch a band of soldiers, the more
effectually to insure her protection, as we are
told that in one instance, when travelling, Mrs.
Washington's chariot was attended by ten dra-
goons, and that, at another time, her departure
from Philadelphia was accompanied by two mili-
tary companies.
The example of the wife of the American
General-in-Chief, in passing the winters with her
husband in his Camp quarters, was generally
imitated by the wives of the principal officers of
the Continental Army : and her arrival soon
came to be resfarded as a sisrnal for the assem-
blage of the fair ministering spirits whose pres-
ence lent a charm even to hardship and danger.
The foUowino; anecdote, for which, as well as
for some other details, we are indebted to the ele-
gant and highly entertaining volumes of Mrs.
Ellet, will serve to illustrate the unwearying and
affectionate zeal with which Mrs. Washington
was herself befriended by those towards whom
* As one of tlie ^Military Family of Washington, we may sup-
pose that a duty, for many reasons so peculiarly agreeable to him,
was, at least occasionally, delegated to CoL Custis.
150 MEMOIR OF
she -was so ready to exhibit the most substantial
proofs of her regard and interest : —
'' There were but two frame houses in the
settlement (where Washington had established
his Winter quarters) and neither had a finished
upper story. The General was contented with
his rough dwelling, but wished to prepare for his
wife a more retired and comfortable apartment.
He sent for the young mechanic, who was himself
many years afterwards the narrator of the inci-
dent, and desired him and one of his fellow-
apprentices to fit up a room in the upper story for
the accommodation of Lady Washington through
the winter. She herself arrived before the work
was commenced. " She came," says the military
carpenter, " into the place — a portly-looking,
agreeable woman of forty-five, and said to us :
' Now, young men, I care for nothing but com-
fort here ; and should like you to fit me up a
beaufet on one side of the room, and some shelves
and places for hanging clothes on the other.' We
went to work with all our might. Every morning
about eleven, Mrs. Washington came up stairs
with a glass of spirits for each of us ; and after
she and the General had dined, we were called
down to eat at their table. We worked very hard,
MARTHA WASHIXGTON. 151
nailinfi: smooth boards over the roug;h and worm-
eaten planks, and stopping the crevices in the
walls made by time and hard usage. We then
consulted tos^ether how we could smooth the un-
even floor, and take out, or cover over some of the
huge black knots. We studied to do everything
to please so pleasant a lady, and to make some
return in our humble way, for the kindness of the
General. On the fourth day, when Mrs. Wash-
ington came up to see how we were getting along,
we had finished the work, made the shelves, put
up the pegs in the wall, built the beaufet, and con-
verted the rough garret into a comfortable apart-
ment. As she stood looking round, I said, * Mad-
am, we have endeavored to do the best we
could ; I hope we have suited you.' vShe replied,
smiling-, ' I am astonished ! your work would do
honor to an old master, and you are mere lads.
I am not only satisfied, but highly gratified by
what you have done for my comfort.' "
Those who had the happiness to be able to
speak and write from personal knowledge, bore
the most unequivocal and emphatic testimony to
the benign influence diffiised through the Camp
by the welcome presence of " Lady Washing-
ton." Her cheerfulness and equanimity were
152 MEMOIR OF
happily and habitually displayed, even in the most
trying circumstances, and exerted over the minds
of all who were so fortunate as to share her friend-
ship, or participate in her benevolent cares, the
most beneficial effect.
-And to know her well
Prolong'd, exalted, bound, enchantment's spell ;
For with affections warm, intense, refined.
She mix'd such calm and holy strength of mind,
That, like heaven's image in the smiHng brook,
Celestial peace was pictured in her look.
Her's was the brow, in trials unperplex'd,
That cheer'd the sad, and tranquillized the vex'd ;
She studied not the meanest to eclipse.
And yet the wisest listened to her lips." —
She submitted with the utmost patience to per-
sonal privation and hardship, and did the honors
of her homely camp abode with all the grace and
urbanity that had formerly distinguished the mis-
tress of the White House and of Mount Vernon.
Her unwavering religious faith and her perpetual
serenity and good humor, not only contributed
materially to the general good, but were of great
service to her husband individually. The Com-
mander-in-Chief, both by word and action, gave
ample proof that the habits of military life were
MARTHA WASHIXGTON. 153
far from diminishing his affection for the com-
panion of more genial hours, or his just apprecia-
tion of the advantages arising to himself from her
society. As an illustration in point, some of our
readers will recollect, that, when on one occasion,
while this couracreous woman and her fair com-
panions still remained in their martial homes, and
there was a sudden apprehension that "the enemy"
were rapidly approaching, Washington resisted
the proposition made by his military friends, to
send tlie ladies away under an escort ; — saying,
" The presence of our wives will better encourage
us to a brave defence !"
" Lady Washington's" time and attention dur-
ing each of the many seasons of her residence
with the Army — apart from the dearer duties and
obligations arising out of her reunions with her
husband and son — were chiefly devoted to the
humane purposes of berefiting and relieving the
suffering soldiers. She risited the sick, minister-
ed to their wants, an • poured that sympathy
/ which is the '"oil of j >/" into their desponding
hearts. She is describ-d by those who witnessed
and partook her efforts, as having been unwaver-
ing in her zeal and earnestness in this, her noble
and womanly purpose. No danger delayed, no
154 MEMOIR OF
difficulty or hardship prevented the fulfilment of
these benevolent duties. Blessings and prayers
followed the departure of this beneficent spirit
from among the recipients of her kindness and
bounty, and the most heartfelt delight hailed hei
return !
Nor were the winters thus passed by this esti-
mable wife and mother wholly wanting in other
sources of merely personal enjoyment, than those
arising from her constant association with the
objects of her deepest aftections. She became
closely and confidentially connected with the noble
and heroic women, who, like herself, were pledged
to the service of their country — those pi^ivate de-
fenders of the Cause of Libertv, whose dearest
interests, whose highest hopes, whose all, in short,
of earthly happiness was involved in the issue of
passing events.
The friendships thus fostered by propinquity,
and cemented by strong congeniality of senti-
ment and interest, as well as by the bond of
common danger and suffering, in addition to the
present sympathy and enjoyment to which they
gave rise, were among the most cherished pleas-
ures of Mrs. Washington's subsequent Hfe.
When separated from these valued friends by
MARTHA WASHINGTON. 155
the vicissitudes of the active campaigns, in which
during each season the nearest relatives of all
were equally engaged and endangered, it was the
solace and gratification of each, by a constant
correspondence, not only to maintain their mu-
tual remembrance and affection, but to uphold
and encourage each other in the Good Cause, by
a more zealous esprit clu corps than ever cemented
the secret compact of
" a band of brothers joined 1"*
It is to be much regretted that only detached
fragments of Mrs. Washington's correspondence
have been preserved to the present day. The
following extract from an epistle addressed by her
* Our fair readers must not suppose that " Lady Washing-
ton," or any other lady of her day, enjoyed during the Revohi-
tion, the advantages of a regular, safe, systematic Post-Office
arrangement. This was far enough from being the case. Wot
unfrequently the Commander-in-Chief, in addition to his other
multitudinous avocations, acted as Post-Master General for his
female friends and their lords or lovers. — But, in spite of chance
accidents, difficulties, and delays, the active minds that were
roused to such high tension by the powerful stimulus of the
times, found passing relief and amusement in this agreeable
mode of interchanging sentiment, feelings, and more particular
intelligence in relation to matters and occurrences generally and
individually interesting.
156 MEMOIR OF
to a female friend, will serve to indicate the spirit
by which she was habitually actuated in similar
circumstances : —
" It gives me unspeakable pleasure to hear that
General Burgoyiie and his army are in safe quar-
ters in your State. Would bountiful Providence
aim a like blow at General Howe, the measure of
my happiness would be complete \"
In addition to much pleasing intercourse with
her own sex, it was the good fortune of this patriot
wife to enjoy the friendship and society of her
husband's most distinguished military companions.
It was her high privilege to share in their councils,
and imbibe their exalted sentiments, to participate
in their self-denial, their zeal, their enthusiasm,
and their courage ! There were Steuben, Ro-
chambeau. La Fayefte, Kosciusko, and a host of
heroes " to the manor born," — Knox, and Greene,
and Putnam, and Moultrie, and Hamilton, and
many others, of less note, perchance, but lofty
and glorious spirits all, amidst whom, as one en-
shrined by yet higher purpose and yet more
august intellect,
" in shape and gesture proudly eminent,
Stood like a tower"
the beloved and illustrious pater patriae with
MARTHA WASHIXGTON. 157
whom it was her pride and happiness to be united
by ties so tender, so endearing, and so blessed!
Thus, then, thouo-h surrounded bv discomfort,
subjected to trials, sorrows, and sufferings, called
to witness and to partake apprehensions, cares,
and responsibilities, in their results at once the
most engrossing and the most important, it was
to those portions of her existence which were
passed in the Camp of the heroic Army of the
Revolution, that Mrs. Washington could, in after
years, revert, as having afforded some of the
happiest hours of her -life ! — hours of enjoyment
so pure, so exalted, so spiritual, that there was
*' less of earth in them than Heaven I**
158 MEMOIR OF
CHAPTER VII.
The field of freedom, faction, fame, and blood :
Here a proud people's passions were exhaled,
From the first hour of empire in the bud. Byrok.
If the consciousness of perpetual endeavor to advance our race
be not alone happier than the life of ease, let us see what this vaunted
ease really is. Tell me, is it not another name for eruiui ? This state of
quiescence, this objectless, dreamhiss torpor, this transition du lit a la
table, de la table au lit; what more dreary and monotonous existence can
you devise 1 Is it pleasure in this inglorious existence to think that you
are serving pleasure 1 Is it freedom to be the slave of self 1
PiLUKIiMS OF THE RhINE.
We resume our somewhat interrupted narrative
of the events of Mrs. Washington's Ufe, with
that of her return to Mount Vernon, in the Spring
of 1777, after her first thorough initiation into
the hardships, privations, and sufferings of the
American Camp, during the winter passed by her
in the log hut that constituted her abode at Mor-
ristown.
This interval of leisure for home duties and
avocations, was, much of it, passed, like that of
the previous season, in arrangements for the well-
MARTHA WASHINGTON. 159
being of the relatives and domestics dependent
upon her care and guidance.
We gather from the private Correspondence of
Washington, that he maintained, throughout his
protracted absence from home, the general super-
vision and direction of affairs relative to his plan-
tation ; but it will readily be supposed that the
skill and judgment displayed by this eminently-
practical woman, when she was but little more
than twenty years of age, in the exclusive man-
agement of a large landed estate, were now of
most essential service in promoting the proper
management of ail out-of-door matters, as well as
of those of a merely household character. The
gloomy aspect of public affairs rendered the pros-
pect of her husband's ability to resume the per-
sonal care of his private affairs more and more
remote and uncertain, and Mrs. Washington was,
consequently, impressed with the necessity of so
regulating her family arrangements as to supply,
in a degree, at least, the place of their absent
master to those employed in his service, or de-
pendent upon his bounty.
When winter approached, this heroic and de-
voted wife was prepared again to return to the
companionship of her husband, and to re-assume
IGO MEMOIR OF
the interestinsj and benevolent offices she had
appropriated to herself.
This was, as our readers will remember, the
terrible winter of 1777-78, which witnessed the
frightful sufferings of our Army at Valley Forge,
where, " while the foe were luxuriating in the
comfortable quarters of a populous and luxurious
city, the Americans were sheltered in huts of
their own fabrication, and frequently suffering the
extremity of want/'*
The following brief passage from one of Mrs.
Washington's letters, written at this time, con-
tains a passing description of her camp accom-
modations : — " The General's apartment is very
small ; he has had a log cabin built to dine in,
which has made our quarters more tolerable than
they were at first."
Thus, then, did this high-souled and self-sacri-
ficing woman voluntarily exchange the ease, the
comfort, and the security of her home, for incon-
* Valley Forge is six miles above Norristown, in Pennsyl-
vania, on the west side of the Schuylkill river, and about twenty
miles from PhiladelpMa, It is a deep, rugged hollow, at the
mouth of Valley Creek, from which, and from an ancient forge
once estabhshed there, it takes its name. On the mountain sides
of this wild spot, "Washington fixed the camp of the AmericaD
Army during the winter of ITTT-VS.
MARTHA WASHINGTON. 161
venience, privation, and danger, that she might
the better sympathize with, and minister to her
husband ; who, oppressed by conflicting duties,
difficuhies, and trials, and, at the saaie time, a
mark for the shafts of pubhc animadversion and
private intrigue, could turn trustingly to the faith-
ful and tender friend who was ever ready to share
his cares, his anxieties, and his toils.
True to the faith and fortitude of a Christian,
side by side with her heroic husband, did she stem
alike the tide of popular discontent and the tumul-
tuous commotion more immediately surrounding
her in the Camp. Unappalled by the disaffection,
persecution, mortality, and despair by which she
was environed, she was content to endure all,
brave all, save separation from the cherished ob-
jects of her warmest affections.
Calm,, cheerful, hopeful, her presence and her
example shed light and blessing even upon the
deepest gloom and the most fearful horrors!
The last ensang-uined record of this ever-mem-
a
orable winter was at length traced upon the Page
of Time !
Well has it been said, that, in the moral, as iu
the physical world, the darkest hour precedes that
of dawning light. The calumnies by which the
11
102 MEMOIR OF
Commander-in-Chief hod been so ruthlessly as-
sailed, only served to elicit the strongest proofs
of public confidence and individual attachment.
The cruel deprivations and suiTerings of the Pa-
triot Soldiers were now materially relieved.
Eager preparation and active discipline took the
place of discontent and despondency. And
bright-eyed May, the fairy-footed daughter of the
year, was a welcome harbinger of the inspiring
intelligence that France had publicly recognized
the Independence of the American RepubUc, and
that her efficient aid would now assist the strug-
gling cause of Liberty !
" A day was set apart for a public celebration
in camp. It began in the morning with religious
services, and a discourse to each of the brigades
by one of its chaplains. Then followed military
parades, marchings, and firings of cannon and mus-
ketry, according to a plan announced in the gen-
eral orders. The appearance was brilliant, and
the effect imposing. The whole ceremony was
conducted with perfect regularity, and was closed
with an entertainment, patriotic toasts, music, and
other demonstrations of joy."
The following paragraph from the pen of an
MARTHA WA3HIXGT0N. 163
enthusiastic letter-writer* graphically portrays
the encouraging aspect of affairs in the Republi-
can Camp after the reception of the soul-cheering
news of our National Alliance with the Land of
La Fayette : — '•' We have nothing here but re-
joicing ; every one looks happy, and seems proud
of the share he has had in humbling the pride of
Britain, and of establishing the name of America
as a nation."
Sir Henry Clinton's evacuation of Philadel-
phia was the signal for the breaking up of the
American Camp at Valley Forge.
Mrs. Washington once more returned to the
scene of her long-interrupted domestic felicity,
again to encounter the suspense, the forebodings,
the alternating hopes and fears, that must, inevi-
tably, fall to the lot of one watching at a distance
from the scene of action, the chanceful indica-
tions of the political horizon, and far separated
from those who rendered both her home and her
country doubly dear to her heart.
Our brief and imperfect description of the
most prominent characteristics of the Winter
* Lady Catherine Alexander, writing from Valley Forge to
a friend.
164 MEMOIR OF
passed at Valley Forge by the illustrious Subject
of our narrative, will serve, in its general fea-
tures, as a type of those of many succeeding
years.
The Head-Quarters of the Commander-in-
Chief were for several seasons established on the
banks of the Hudson, or in its vicinity, more or
less near to New York, as circumstances permit-
ted. And Mrs. Washington continued, through-
out the war, to make each year a long and hazard-
ous journey ere she could rejoin her husband and
son, and, as often, voluntarily to encounter many
consecutive months of fatigue, exposure, and de-
privation.
The sprightly sketch* that follows, not only
possesses much interest from its furnishing the
outline of a day passed by the writer, the Mar-
quis de Chastellux, as the guest of Gen. and Mrs.
Washington, in their military home; but also,
serves, incidentally, to illustrate the ingenious re-
sults to which hospitality and necessity unitedly
brought the domestic resources of camp-hfe, under
the practical superintendence of " Lady Wash-
ington." It is possible that the dwelling here
* We are indebted to Mrs. EUet for this extract,— she herself
quotes it from a IIS. Letter.
MARTHA WASHINGTON. 165
described is the same referred to in a previous
chapter, as having undergone some improvements
and repairs, for the better accommodation of its
fair and gentle mistress : —
" The Head-Quarters at Newburgh consist of
a single house, built in the Dutch fashion, and
neither large nor commodious. The largest room
in it, which General Washington has converted
into his dining-room, is tolerably spacious, but it
has seven doors, and only one window. The
chimney is against the wall ; so that there is, in
fact, but one vent for the smoke, and the (ire is in
the room itself I found the company assembled
in a small room, which served as a parlor. At
nine, supper was served, and when bed-time came
I found that the chamber to which the General
conducted me, was the very parlor spoken of,
wherein he had made them place a camp-bed.
We assembled at breakfast the next mornincr at
ten, during which interval my bed was folded
up ; and my chamber became the sitting-room for
the whole afternoon ; for American manners do
not admit of a bed in the room in which com-
pany is received, especially where there are
women. The smallness of the house, and the
inconvenience to which I saw that General
IGG MEMOIR OF
and Mrs. Washington had put themselves to re-
ceive me, made me apprehensive lest M. Ro-
chambeau might arrive on the same day. The
day I remained at head-quarters was passed either
at table or in conversation."*
As we have before intimated, the wife of the
American General-in-Chief, though individually
so unoffending, was occasionally the subject of
manifestations of the height to which party ani-
mosity rose in those troubled times.
In one of her annual removals from Mount
Vernon, at the conclusion of the active campaign,
Mrs. Washington's usual visit at Philadelphia was
marked by great coldness on the part of the ladies
resident there, many of w^hom forbode to call
upon her during her stay in the city-f
But in agreeable contrast to treatment like
this, was the cordial hospitality with which this
* It may be new to some of our readers that the house desig-
nated in this descrijDtion is still standing entire at Newburgh.
It is plainly discernible from the deck of a steamer upon the
Hudson, and may be thus seen by the passing traveller. Long
may this classic spot be sacred from the approach of the De-
stroyer !
f This indication of popular feeling probably grew out of the
opposition made by the Philadelphians to Washingtons going
into winter quarters during the inclement winter of 77-78.
MARTHA WASHINGTON. 167
patriotic wife was very frequently greeted in the
course of her yearly pilgrimages, by those devo-
ted friends of the Revolutionary cause at whose
several residences she was temporarily enter-
tained.
We are told by a graceful annalist, that, on
one occasion, when the Head-Quarters of the Re-
publican Commander-in-Chief were for a short
time established at tlie hospitable mansion of Mrs.
Barry, in New Jersey, a Ball was given by the
hostess to sio^nalize the arrival of the wife of her
illustrious guest. When the well-known chariot
of " Lady Washington," with her coachman and
postilion, in their neat white and scarlet liveries,
arrived at her door, and Mrs. Barry saw a female
alight, dressed in a simple " russet gown" with a
" white handkerchief neatly folded over her
neck," she was surprised to perceive the Hero-
Chief advance to receive her, and to learn that
this unostentatious stranger was none other than
" Lady Washington' ! The first salutations over
(so runs the history) the General proceeded to
make inquiries respecting the well-being of his
favorite carriage-horses, and concluded the pleas-
ures of the day, by treading — for the first time in
a very long while — a minuet at the Ball !
1G8 MEMOIR OF
This, at that time, a very frequent and favor-
ite mode of celebrating a joyful occurrence, was
also adopted on the Anniversary of the National
Alliance with France.
" The entertainment was given in the Camp
near Middlebrook. ' On this festive occasion Mrs.
Washington, Mrs. Greene and Mrs. Knox, and
the wives of several officers were present ; and a
circle of brilliants, the least of which was more
valuable than the stone which the King of Portu-
gal received from his Brazilian possessions. The
ladies and gentlemen from a large circle around
the camp, attended the celebration. It was
opened by a discharge of cannon : and dinner
was served in a building used for an academy.
There was dancing in the evening, and a grand
display of fire-works. The Ball was opened by
General Washington. As this was a festival
given by men who had not enriched themselves
by the war, the illuminations were on a cheap
scale, being entirely of their own manufacture ;
the seats were adorned with no armorial blazonry,
but were the work of native and rather unskilful
artisans. Instead of knights of difterent orders,
such as pageants like the Mischianza could boast,
there were but hardy soldiers ; happy, however,
MARTHA WASHINGTON. 169
in the consciousness that they had contributed to
bring about the auspicious event they had met to
celebrate/'*
If sometimes subjected to unmerited neglect in
her own country, indications were not wanting
of the respect and regard entertained for Mrs.
Washinsrton abroad. Some ladies who came
from New York to the American Camp, at one
time, when it was fixed near that city, reported
that a vessel which had been captured and
brought into port, had on board a present from
the Queen of France to Mrs. Washington, which
wa:^ designed to manifest her interest in that lady,
and to serve as " an elegant testimonial of her
appi'obation of the General's conduct." The
Marquis de La Fayette was requested by Wash-
ington to make inquiries, through the Marchioness,
at Versailles, respecting this somewhat interesting
m£:tter, but we are unable to gratify our readers
by relating the result of the investigation.
Scenes and incidents like these, occasionally
relieved, for a brief space, the weight of care
and solicitude that, despite her apparent cheerful-
ness and tranquillity, long rested upon the mind
* Remembrancer, YoL TL
170 MEMOIR OF
of this magnanimous and patriotic American
Matron.
Mrs. Washington's mental firmness and con-
stancy of purpose were, more than once during
the struggle of the Revolution, severely tested by
the illness of her husband, who, taxed both in
body and mind beyond the power of human en-
durance, was on several occasions constrained to
resign himself wholly to her gentle and efficacious
ministrations.
Occurrences and alarms similar to those which
form the subject of the following letter, not un-
frequently united with her apprehensions respect-
ing the health of her husband to disturb the mental
quietude of this exemplary wife : —
"Trenton, April lltli, 1781.
"Dear Sir:
" I was told a few days ago by a man who had
made his escape from New York, after having
been thirteen months a prisoner v^^ith the enemy,
that I might depend upon it there were four parties
out to take or assassinate General Washington,
your Excellency, me, and a fourth person, w^hose
name he did not hear, or had forgot. As I
frequently receive accounts of this kind of expe-
dition against myself, which sometimes prove true
MARTHA WASHINGTON." 171
and sometimes otherwise, I paid no great atten-
tion to the man's report. I yesterday received a
letter from General Washington, dated the 8th
instant, in which there is this paragraph : — ' In-
telhgence has been sent me by a gentleman living
near the enemy's hnes, and who has an opportu-
nity of knowing what passes among them, that
four parties had been sent out with orders to take
or assassinate your Excellency, Governor Clinton,
me, and a fourth person, name not known.'
" It seems, therefore, highly probable that the
gentleman whose name my informant did not re-
member, was Governor Clinton, and the gentle-
man whose name was not transmitted to General
Washington, is your Excellency.
" This confirmation of my intelligence gives
the matter so serious an aspect, that I think it my
duty to advise your Excellency of what has come
to my knowledge, that you may take such pre-
cautions on the occasion as appear to you neces-
sary. I have the honor to be, with the greatest
esteem, Dear Sir, your Excellency's
" Most humble, &c.,
" W. Livingston."*
* From Governor Livingston to Pi-esident ReeA — Life aitd
CoEEESPOXDENCE OF Peesidext Reed, YoL 2, 33Y.
172 MEMOIR OF
In addition to trials thus peculiarly severe, Mrs.
Washington's own health was, not unfrequently,
seriously impaired by the hardships of her mode
of life in the camp. She had, during one winter,
the fortitude to submit to the imperative ordeal
of being inoculated for the small-pox, — the popu-
lar course in the then imperfect state of medical
science, — rather than to secure safety in distance
from the immediate scene of the ravages of that
appalling malady.
The personal appearance of Mrs. Washington,
at this meridian period of her life, is thus de-
scribed by one of her friends : — " She is about
forty, or five and forty, rather plump, but fresh,
and of an agreeable countenance."
Time rolled on. The diligent industry of the
mistress of Mount Vernon, the society of her
daughter-in-law* and of the little prattlers who
now began to claim her care and affection, to-
* The marriage of Colonel Custis occurred previous to, or
about the time of the commencement of the Revolution, as we
learn from Mr. Sparks, that her daughter-in-law accompanied
Mrs. "Washington to Cambridge in 1775. Though we may not
enter the sacred precincts of private life in search of details
respecting this event, none will question the interest with which
it was invested for so affectionate a mother as Mrs. "Washington.
MARTHA WASHINGTON. 173
gtflKer with her extensive correspondence, and
the i:.ever-ceasing duties of hospitahty, combined
to biguile the tedium of her annual separations
from her almost idoUzed -' chief;" and her winters
conti^iued to pass as they had invariably done
since the commencement of the Revolution.
Fa'tUt streakings of the morning light destined
to break into the effulgence of an all-glorious day,
began at length to cheer the friends and defenders
of Liberty, and the self-sacrificing Wife of the im-
mortal Soldier of America rejoiced, with noble
exultation, in the anticipated consummation of a
Nation's freedom, achieved by him ! Visions of
domestic felicity once more delighted her mental
gaze — visions of a blissful reunion with each
member of her now scattered family, at home, in
their beloved Mount Vernon, not one link want-
ing in the golden circlet of love, each face radiant
with happiness, each heart overflowing with grat-
itude and affection !
" Joy quickens her pulse, all lier hardships seem o'er,
And the voices of loVd ones reply to her call 1"
Alas, for the vanity of all human expectations!
An impenetrable pall was fated suddenly to
shroud from her eagerly-expectant eyes alike the
174 MEMOIR OF
triumphant success of her husband, and the dawn-
ing glory of her country.
What were all earthly honors and triumphs to
a mother abruptly summoned to attend the last
hours of her only remaining child ! — the pride
and joy of her tender and loving heart, stricken
down, — not victor-crowned and dying for his
country on the field of fama, — but the victim of
insidious disease !
Colonel Custis had, from the commencement
*
of the Revolutionary struggle, attached himself to
the fortunes of his country, and participated, as
one of the Aids-de-Camp of his step-father, in the
dangers, efforts, and trials of that eventful con-
test. While engaged in his military duties during
the siege of Yorktown, he was attacked by the
malignant fever then raging in the British camp,
and, after enjoying the high satisfaction of be-
holding the surrender of Lord Cornwallis, was im-
mediately removed, under the superintending care
of a kind and valued family friend, Dr. Craik, the
Chief of the American Medical Staff, to Eltham,
in New Kent. •
Thither, when informed of his alarming condi-
tion, Mrs. Washington flew on the wrings of tor-
tured affection.
MARTHA WASHINGTON. 175
For the victorious American Chief, too, the cup
^f joyful thanksgiving was deeply tinctured with
bitterness. — ''Providence left liini childless that
he might be the father of his country,"* but he
was strongly attached to this his almost-son, so
long and so affectionately associated with him in
the closest personal and official relations. He
was no sooner aware of the increasing illness of
Colonel Custis, than he " privately left the camp
before Yorktown, while it yet rang with the
shouts of victory, and, attended by a single offi-
cer, rode with all speed to Eltham."
Day was dawning upon the dimmed eyes of
the agonized watchers by the bedside of the ex-
piring sufferer, when Dr. Craik was requested to
attend the Commander-in-Chief, who had just ar-
rived.
Washington inquired whether there was any
reason to hope for Colonel Custis' recovery.
When the physician sadly intimated that all was
nearly over, the sorrowing pater patriae, retiring
to a solitary apartment, threw himself upon a
couch, overpowered by the most painful emotion.
^ Tliis exquisite atticism appeared originally in the form of
a toast given at a public dinner, but the writer is not so fortu-
mvte as to know the name of its felicitous author.
176 MEMOIR OP
When death had concluded the vigil of the an
guish-stricken parent, her sympathizing husband
sought her presence ; and these tender friends
long mingled their grief together, ere the Gen-
eral-in-Chief,— nerving himself to imperative ef-
fort and calmness, — returned to the world that
claimed him, leaving the childless mother alone
with her God I
MARTHA WASHINGTON.
177
CILIPTER VIII.
In Duty's active round each day is past.
As if she thought each day might prove her last:
Her labors fur devotion best prepare,
And meek Devotion smooths the brow of care.
Where is the smile unfeign'd, the jovial welcome,
Which cheer'd the sad, beguil'd the pilgrim's pain,
And made Dependency forget its bonds ?
Where is the ancient, hospitable hall,
Whose vaulted roof once rung with harmless mirth,
Where every passing stranger was a guest,
And every guest a friend ?
MORK.
More.
After the death of her son, which was, as we
have seen, coeval with the virtual termination of
the War of the Revolution,* the cares and af-
fections of Mrs. Washington were centered
more continuouslv than thev had been for many
previous years at Mount Vernon, which was now
the home of her widowed daughter-in-law and
of her four little grand-children, who became,
thenceforth, the objects of her especial attention
and solicitude.
It was now the chief delight and blessing of her
bereaved and affectionate heart to
12
» Oct., nsi.
178 MEMOIR OF
hear the gladsome sound
Of infant voices sweet,
The gush of fairy laughter,
Or the tread of tiny feet."
In addition to the dear and interesting com-
panions who were added permanently to the
members of her household, Mrs. Washington
continued, as she had hitherto done, when at
Mount Yernon during^ the warmer months of the
year, to gather round her those other family
friends and connections who had long partaken
her ho'spitality. Sorrow had never the effect to
render her selfish ; nor did she now for2;et what
was due in this respect to her husband, as well as
to her own personal obligations and attachments.
But she was, of course, altogether disinclined to
participate in the public rejoicings and festivities
in which the Republican Commander-in-Chief
was compelled by his public station to take part.
It was not until after the formal conclusion of
the Treaty of Peace, in 1783, that the multipliea
domestic occupations and responsibilities so long
resting upon Mrs. Washington, were again shared
by her husband.
His public duties resigned at last, and the pain
of the pathetic and sublime scene of his final
MARTHA WASHINGTON. 179
parting with his beloved companions in arms en-
countered and passed, Mrs. Washington pro-
ceeded as far as Annapolis to meet the retiring
Cincinnatus, and they returned togetlier to the
peaceful retreat from which so many revolving
years, and so many momentous occurrences had
separated its iilustritjus master.
It was on the eve of the great Jubilee of Chris-
tendom, that Washington, " an older man," — to
use his own expressive words, — " by nine years
than when he left them," once more crossed his
own threshold, and, beside his own hearth-stone,
hailed the welcome joys of home ! " The scene
is at length closed," said the august Father of his
Country, " I feel myself eased of a load of public
care, and hope to spend the remainder of my days
in cultivating the atlections of good men, and ia
the practice of domestic virtues!"
We leave our readers to imagine the glad en-
thusiasm that expressed the general delight of
relatives, friends, and dependants, at the long-
looked-for arrival of this grand epoch in the family
history of the inmates of Blount Vernon ; and the
more quiet, but not therefore less heartfelt, en-
joyment and gratitude of Mrs. Washington, on
that happy Christmas Day, when a double zest
180 MEMOIR OF
was lent, each to the other, by the combined
pleasures of gratified affection and fervent devo-
tion. The soul of a religious being, when thus
blessed, must ever
take Devotion's wing ;
And, like the bird that hails the sun,
Far soar towards Heaven;"
and this sincere and devout Christian had too
long and too unceasingly been accustomed to
bear both her joys and griefs to the Cross of the
Redeemer, not now to unite " the cup of thanks-
giving" with her "sorrowful tears."
The following pleasing sketch* of the mode of
life contemplated with cordial anticipations of
gratification by the Hero of America, upon his
return to Mount Vernon, will also serve as a cor-
rect portraiture of the tastes and wishes of his
amiable home-companion : —
" At length, my dear Marquis, I am become a
private citizen on the banks of the Potomac ; and
under the shadow of my own vine and fig-tree,
free from the bustle of a camp, and the busy
* Extracted from a Letter -written by "Washington to La
Fayette, Feb. 1, 1784.— Sparks' Writings of "Washington, "VoL
IX. 17.
MARTHA WASHINGTON. 181
scenes of public life, I am solacing myself with
those tranquil enjoyments, of which the soldier,
who is ever in pursuit of fame, the statesman,
whose watchful days and sleepless nights are
spent in devising schemes to promote the welfare
of his own, perhaps the ruin of other-countries, as
if this globe was insufficient for us all, and the
courtier, who is always watching the countenance
of his prince, in hopes of catching a gracious
smile, can have very little conception. I have
not only retired from all public employments, but
I am retirinsj within mvself, and shall be able to
view the solitary walk, and tread the paths of
private life with a heartfelt satisfaction. Envious
of none, I am determined to be pleased with all;
and this, my dear friend, being the order of my
march, I will move gently down the stream of
life, until I sleep with my fathers."
Once thoroufThlv re-established in the beloved
home of their earlier, and happy years, Genera
and Mrs. Washington assiduously turned their
attention to the enlargement of the family man-
sion, which still retained its original size, and to
the further improvement and adornment of the
adjoining grounds and gardens, all of which soon
182 MEMOIR OF
gave token of the taste, skill, and industry of
both.*
" Havins^ arranged and systematized his agri-
cultural operations, Washington now set himself
at work in earnest to execute his purpose of
planting and adorning the grounds around the
mansion-house. In the direction of the left wing,
and at a considerable distance, was a vegetable
garden ; and on the right, at an equal distance,
was another garden for ornamental shrubs, plants,
and flowers. Between these gardens, in front of
the house, was a spacious lawn, surrounded by
serpentine walks. Beyond the gardens and lawn
were the orchards. ^ ery early in the spring, he
bcfran with th^ lawn, selecting^ the choicest trees
from the woods on his estate, and transferring
them to the borders of the serpentine walks, ar-
ranging them in such a manner as to produce
symmetry and beauty in the general cfibct, inter-
mingling in just proportions forest trees, ever-
greens, and flowering shrubs. He attended per-
sonally to the selection, removal and planting of
every tree ; and his Diary, which is very particu-
lar from day to day tin-ough the whole process,
* At this time, the approach to this celebrated residence was
through three successive miles of uninterrupted forest
MARTHA WASHINGTON. 183
proves that he engaged in it with intense interest,
and anxiously watched each tree and shoot till it
showed signs of renewed growth. Such trees as
were not found on his own lands, he obtained
from other parts of the country, and at length his
design was completed according to his wishes.
" The orchards, gardens, and green-houses were
next replenished with all the varieties of rare
fruit-trees, vegetables, shrubs, and flowering plants
which he could procure. This was less easily
accomplished; but, horticulture being with him a
favorite pursuit hr^ continu<^d during his life to
make new accessions of fruits and plarUs, both
native and exotic."
Apart from these agreeable employments, in
which she occasionally took part, Mrs. Washing-
ton found am})le occupation in the charge of a
large household, which was constantly augmented
bv the addition of numerous guests.
The following letter furnishes pleasing proof of
the thoughtful and sympathizing kindness with
which her ever-considerate husband sought to
relieve the mistress of Mount Vernon, at least
in part, from the onerous labors of housekeep-
ing-
184 MEMOIE OF
"Mount Vernon, Ith Sept., 1T86.
" Sir :
"As no person can judge better of the qualifi-
cations necessary to constitute a good housekeeper,
or household steward, than yourself, for a family
which has a good deal of company, and wishes to
entertain them in a plain, but genteel style, I take
the liberty of askincr you, if there is any such one
within your reach, whom you think could be in-
duced to come to me on reasonable wages. I
would rather haye a man than a woman, but
either will do. if they can be recommended for their
honesty, sobriety, and knowledge of their profes-
sion ; w'hich, in one word, is to relieye Mrs.
WashiniTton from the (lru!lu;erv of orderiuix, and
seeing the table properly coycred, and things eco-
nomically used. Sec, &:c."
Despite the assistance she roceiycd from others,
howoycr, i\Irs. Washington's employments and
duties were many and important; and it was
only by lial)itually systematizing all her arrange-
menls autl occu|)ations, that she was enabled to
accomplish a jiersonal superintendence of the va-
rious engagements of each successiye day.
Continuing to rise, inyariably, with the sun, as
had always been her habit, she industriously de*
MARTHA WASHINGTON. 185
voted several hour*; tn hor domestic affairs, thus
securing leisure lur s«jciai eiijoyineiits, and lor
attention to other avocations, wiliiout the neglect
of household duties.
la the well-regulated mind of this discijilined
and exemnlarv wonum, each detail of dailv life
and hahit found suitable attention. This was
true even with reference to tJie excjuisite neat-
ness of her dress, which, though always entirely
simple, was regarded as a model of refinement and
propriety by her female friends. Carrying her
keys at her side and makin [uent visits to the
various apartments connort -d with the elaborate
arrangements of the tabic and its " aids and ap-
pliances," the sputlcss j)urity of her attire always
remained unsullied by her active participation in
the mysteries of each and all.
The direction and government of her servants,
too, illustrated both the judirmrnt and kindness
of this admirable niislrcss. ProwijJi, regular, and
industrious herself, she retjuired like characteris-
tics in those about her ; but she tempered whole-
some restraint by benevolent and sympathizing
interest in whatever related to their collective or
individual good ; and, in addition to its many
other attractions, the home of Mrs. Washington
186 MEMOIR OP
was celebrated for the superior excellence of its
domestics.
It is recorded of this devout Christian, that
never during her life, whether in prosperity or in
adversity, did she omit that daily self-communion
and self-examination, and those private devotional
exercises, which would best prepare her for the
self-control and self-denial by which she was, for
more than half a centurv, so eminentlv distin-
guished. It was her habit to retire to her own
apartment every morning after breakfast, there
to devote an hour to solitary prayer and medita-
tion.
Prominent among the multitudinous occupa-
tions of Mrs. Washington, were those connected
with the varying but incessant requisitions of hos-
pitality. She had always been remarked for the
ease and elegance of her manners, and long
practice in the graceful courtesies of the table
had served to perfect her conversational powers ;
so that wdien again resuming these agreeable du-
ties with her present advantages of place and po-
sition, she conducted the ceremonies of her am-
ple and bountiful board with peculiar affability
and self-possession, and led the conversation with
singular felicity to subjects most congenial to the
MARTHA WASHINGTON. 187
tastes, and familiar to the minds of all. Each
varying theme was invested with attractiveness
by her amiability and good sense ; each guest
seemed the object of her especial care and atten-
tion. And as her husband was habitually taci-
turn and abstracted, this happy tact, and this gen-
tle womanly politeness, were particularly appro-
priate and necessary on the part of the hostess
of Mount Vernon.
It will readily be supposed that retirement and
solitude were unknown to the inmates of the
Home of Washington.
It was the pleasure of the now rusticated
American Commander-in-Chief and of " Lady
Washington" to repay with grateful interest, those
tokens of friendship and politeness which had
been exhibited towards them, when both were,
in some degree, the tests of unaftected and disin-
terested report and regard.
Her valued female friends, — the heroic com-
peers of " Ladv Washino;ton'' through lonsr, dark
years of struixsle and sufferinor, — renewed their
intercourse with her under auspices most pleasing
to all parties. The venerated members of the
first Congress ; the illustrious and time-honored
Cincinnati ; Washington's beloved companions in
188 ME3I0IR OF
arms, — the faithful, though humble veterans of
the well-fought fields of the Revolution ; old
friends and new; relations, connections and ac-
quaintances, all " came trooping" to this shrine
of Patriotism and Worth.
No distinguished foreigner who visited the new
Land of Freedom, thought his tour complete
without its including a pilgrimage to the home of
the illustrious modern Cincinnatus. Many sought
counsel and aid at his hands in the prosecution
of objects of business, pleasure or philanthropy.
Illustrative of this fact, there may be found
among Washington's published Letters, together
with many others of a similar nature, several
addressed about this time to the celebrated
Catharine Maccauley Graham ; who, during a
prolonged visit at Mount Vernon, endeavored to
secure the interest of her host in her benevolent,
though somewhat Utopian schemes of usefulness,
and with whom he politely continued, subse-
quently, fo-r some time to correspond.
But among the numerous guests who, during
this period of Mrs. Washington's life, claimed
the hospitalities of Mount Vernon, there were
few whose arrival was anticipated with more
pleasure, or whose welcome was more heart-felt,
MARTHA WASHINGTON. 189
than th.'it of the Marquis de La Fayette. There
was, at one time, a hope entertained by his Amer-
ican friends, that this celebrated Champion of
Liberty would be accompanied by the Marchio-
ness in his visit to this country soon after the
termination of the War in which he had borne
so conspicuous a part. With this distinguished
lady Mrs. Washino-ton maintained the most cor-
dial and pleasing correspondence, upon that, and
kindred topics. — Nothing could surpass the affec-
tionate veneration with which both these amiable
foreigners regarded their beloved " Hero." Their
eldest son and daughter bore, severally, the names
of Washington and of his native State ; and
.they long cherished the hope that he would,
eventually, be enabled to fulfil a half-promise to
visit France with Mrs. Washinorton. The sue-
ceeding passage from one of Washington's Let-
ters to Madame de La Favette, will furnish the
reasons that were deemed sufficient to prevent
the gratification of this hospitable wish, and ex-
emplity the cordiality with which the Marchioness
was invited to Mount Vernon.
" Mrs. Washington is highly honored by your
participations, and feels very sensibly the force
of your polite invitation to Paris ; but she is too
190 MEMOIR OF
far advanced in life, and too much interested ifl
the care of her httle progeny to cross the Atlan-
tic. This, my dear Marchioness, (indulge the
freedom,) is not the case with you. You have
youth (and if you should not incline to bring
your children, can leave them with all the ad-
vantages of education,) and must have a curios-
ity to see the country, young, rude, and unculti-
vated as it is, for the liberties of which your
husband has fought, bled, and acquired much
glory, where everybody admires, everybody loves
him. Come, then, let me entreat you, and call
my cottage your home ; for your own doors do
not open to you with more readiness than mine
would. You will see the plain manner in which
we live, and meet with rustic civility, and you
shall taste the simplicity 'of rural life. It will di-
versify the scene, and may give a higher relish for
the gayeties of the court, w4ien you return to
Versailles. In these wishes, and in most respect-
ful compliments, Mrs. Washington joins me.
With sentiments of strong attachment, and very
great regard, I have the honor to be, madam, &c."*
* In our inability to present our readers -with specimens of
Mrs. Washington's letters to this interesting family, we venture
to commend to their perusal two selections from those ad-
MARTHA WASHINGTON. 191
In the mean while La Fayette returned, tem-
porarily, to the country of his adoption, though
without the Marchioness ; and upon his arrival
hastened directly to the presence of his dearest
American friends. He passed a long-remembered
fortnight of such happiness as rarely falls to the
lot of mortals with his almost parental host and
hostess at Mount Vernon, before commencing
his general tour to the North, and returned again
for another week of delifrhtful intercourse with
them, before his departure for his native land.
Nor was it by those alone who were so fortu-
nate as to be able personally to pay their respects
to Mrs. Washinsfton, that she was cn-atefuUv and
affectionatelv remembered lonsr after she ceased
to spend a portion of each year in intimate asso-
ciation with the martial companions of the Re-
publican Commander-in-Chief. Thus, we find
proofs of the kindly recollections ever cherished
for her by the Count de Rochambeau ; and rec-
ords of the complimentary and oft-recurring mes-
sages of rec!;ard exchang^ed with him throuorh her
dressed, about this time, by "VS^ashington to iladame De La
Fayette, in which he represents himself as expressing the wishea
and sentiments of both Mrs, "Washington and himselt See Xotb
C, of the Appendix.
192 MEMOIR OF
husband. So, too, with Gen. Knox and innume-
rable others of their mutual friends.
We frequently discover traces of the prolonged
continuance of much pleasing and friendly epis-
tolary intercourse not only with these gentlemen,
but with the ladies of their several families — of
an interchange of the most cordial invitations,
messages, &c., &:c. Indeed the " Miscellaneous
Correspondence" of Washington abounds with
these incidental testimonials to the high apprecia-
tion entertained by her friends of the many and
exalted excellencies of this celebrated lady, as
well as with unequivocal manifestations of the
unchanging interest and affection with which her
husband constantly associated her with himself
in all the various enjoyments and courtesies of
social and domestic life.*
But agreeable and engrossing as were the en-
gagements and enjoyments we have attempted
faintly to delineate, they were far from occupying
the attention of either Mrs. Washington or her
husband to the exclusion of more important moral
obligations.
* "We are constrained to refer to the Letters of Washivgton
for proofs and illustrations of our statements in relation to this
interesting subject, because little of the correspondence of Mrs.
"Washington is extant, or at least, attainable for pubhcation.
MARTHA WASHJXGTOX. 193
After the nine vears of Washington's unbroken
absence, and of the very frequent and protracted
departures of Mrs. Washington from home, and
in the unsettled state of all private as well as pub-
lic afiairs, it is not remarkable that both should
deem it important, for the sake of those dependent
upon them, if not for their own personal advan-
tage, that strict order and method should be in-
stituted in all matters appertaining to individual
and household expenditure. But whatever neces-
sity arose for curtailment in the pecuniary ar-
rauE^ements of this trulv conscientious and esti-
mable pair, was made to fall, not upon their
benevolent and charitable resources, but upon
their powers of self-denial in matters of luxurious
indulgence or personal convenience. Thus,
though Washington at one time uncompromis-
ingly countermanded an order for silver plate
previously given, through the Marquis de La
Fayette to his Parisian agents, when he thought,
upon a further investigation of his afiairs, that he
could not conveniently meet the necessary ex-
pense and continue his other outlays, he, about
•he same time, srave the sum of £1000 to the
Academy at Alexandria, and made the most kind
and generous provision for an untbrtunate con-
is
194 MEMOIR OF
nection who sought his aid. He, also, during
many years, " gav^e fifty pounds annually for the
instruction of indigent children in Alexandria;
and by will he left a legacy of four thousand dol
lars, the net income of which was to be used for
the same benevolent object forever."
To obligations like these, and to objects and
designs of a similar nature, all considerations of
less moral importance were systematically and
habitually made subservient. United in the most
faithful, cheerful, and enlightened regard for the
requisitions of philanthropy, the necessities of de-
pendants and the promptings of beneficence, these
congenial and exalted spirits found more genuine
gratification in the unobtrusive charities that
marked their mutual career, than all the pomp
and luxury of a regal establishment could have
yielded them.
Meanwhile the progress of national events — so
important, so interesting to all — engaged a share
of the attention of one long and intimately con-
nected with the most prominent actors in the
affairs of her country.
Mrs. Washington partook her husband's high
pleasure in the early adoption of the Federal
Constitution by her native State ; and, though
MARTHA WASHINGTON. 195
now seldom tempted to leave home, probably par-
ticipated with him in the public festivities by
w^hich their friends in the citv of Alexandria were
the first to celebrate an occurrence so gratifying
to the Patriot of Mount Vernon ; who thus briefly
alludes to the expressive rejoicings elicited by the
occasion, in a letter written immediatelv after his
return home : — "The citizens of Alexandria when
convened constituted the first public company in
America, which had the pleasure of pouring a
libation to the prosperity of the ten States that
had actually adopted the General Government/'*
]Mrs. Washington was too true-hearted a daugh-
ter of the " Old Dominion," and too enlightened
in her patriotism and philanthropy, not greatly to
rejoice in the gradual development of the auspi-
cious events bv which the general good, not of
her native country alone, but of the whole civi-
lized world, v\'as destined to be so essentially and
enduringly promoted.
Though now considerably past fifty years of
age, and becoming somewhat portly in person,
Mrs. Washington's rational, healthful habits, and
the ceaseless influence of the principles by which
her fife was habitually regulated, enabled her still
♦ Letter to C, C. Pinkney, Esq., Mount Ternon, June 28, HSS,
196 MEMOIR OF
to exhibit undiminished her characteristic activ-
ity, usefulness and cheerfuhiess. As a wife, a
parent, a mistress, a hostess, and a friend, she was
equally admirable, and a happy combination of
the best qualities of each and all ! In short, Mrs.
Washington was at this time, in manner, appear-
ance, and character, the pleasing and graceful
representative of a class of which the model is
now, unfortunately, lost — a Lady of the Olden
Time ! " She appeared to me," recorded an ad-
miring visitor* who was, in the absence of her
husband, the guest of Mrs. Washington during
the period to which our narrative at present re-
lates, " one of the best women in the world, and
beloved by all about her. She * * * *
was surrounded by her grand- children and Mrs.
Custis, her son's widow."
The fairy forms and playful sports of the youth-
ful inmates alluded to in this brief but expressive
eulogium, were long the admiration of every
visitor at Mount Vernon, as they were the pride
and delight of its amiable mistress, whose judi-
cious advice and assistance materially aided their
mother in conducting their education. Deeply
impressed with the importance of this grateful
* Tlie Marquis de Chastellux.
MARTHA WASHINGTON. 197
task, Mrs. "Washington regularly devoted much
time and attention to these favored recipients of
her love and care, and her husband formally
adopted one of the three little daughters of Mrs.
Custis as his own.
With this general and imperfect description of
the peaceful and congenial pleasures and em-
ployments of a delightful and fleeting portion of
the existence of our heroine, — a period replete
with exemplifications of the happy fate we have
before ascribed to her, that of being ever sur-
rounded by a glowing halo of affection, — we re-
lease our readers from further attention to this
portion of our subject.
198 MEMOIR OP
CHAPTER IX.
Must I thus leave thee, Paradise ? Thus leave
Thee, native soil, these happy walks and shades
Fit haunt of gods ? MiLTOlt«
The World is with me, and its many cares,
Its woes — its wants — the anxious hopes and fears
That wait on all terrestrial affairs —
The shades of former and of future years —
Foreboding fancies, and prophetic tears,
Quelling a spirit that was once elate. Hood,
The time too soon arrived when his ever-sa-
cred duty to his country compelled the illustrious
Farmer of Mount Vernon to peril his mental and
domestic peace, as he had formerly done his "life,
his fortune, and his sacred aonor," by leaving the
delightful retreat in which he had earnestly hoped
to secure future exemption from the burdensome
public duties to which he had devoted so large a
portion of his past life.
Mrs. Washington's reluctance to leave, for
gayer and more ceremonious scenes, the quiet
pleasures and congenial pursuits from which she
derived so much gratification, as well as her sen-
MARTHA WASHINGTON. 199
Ifments in relation to other equally interesting
subjects, will be most satisfactorily learned from
a Letter addressed by her, soon after her arrival
at the Seat of Government, to an old and confi-
dential friend : —
Mrs. Washington to Mrs. Warren.
" Your very friendly letter of last month has
afforded me much more satisfaction, than all the
formal compliments and empty ceremonies of
mere etiquette could possibly have done. I am
not apt to forget the feelings which have been in-
spired by my former society with good acquaint-
ances, nor to be insensible to their expressions of
gratitude to the President; for you know me well
enough to do me the justice to believe, that I am
fond only of what comes from the heart. Under
a conviction that the demonstrations of respect
and affection to him originate in that source, I
cannot denv, that I have taken some interest and
pleasure in them. The difficulties which pre-
sented themselves to view upon his first entering
upon the Presidency, seem thus to be in some
measure surmounted. It is owing to the kind-
ness of our numerous friends in all quarters, that
200 MEMOIR OF
my new and unwished-for situation is not indeed
a burden to me. When I was much younger,
I should probably have enjoyed the innocent gay-
eties of life as much as most persons of my age ;
but I had long since placed all the prospects of
my future worldly happiness in the still enjoy-
ments of the fireside at Mount Vernon.
" I little thought when the war was finished,
that any circumstances could possibly happen,
which would call the General into public life
again. I had anticipated, that from that moment
we should be suffered to arrow old too;ether in
solitude and tranquillity. That was the first and
dearest wish of my heart. I will not, however,
contemplate with too much regret, disappoint-
ments that were inevitable, though his feelings
and my own were in perfect unison with respect
to our predilection for private life, yet I cannot
blame him for having acted according to his
ideas of duty in obeying the voice of his country.
The consciousness of having attempted to do all
the good in his power, and the pleasure of find-
ing his fellow-citizens so well satisfied with the
disinterestedness of his conduct, will doubtless be
some compensation for the great sacrifices which
I know he has made. Indeed, on his journey
MARTHA WASHINGTON. 201
from Mount Vernon to this place, in his late tour
through the Eastern States, by every public and
every private intbrmation which has come to
him, I am persuaded he has experienced nothing
to make him repent his having acted from what
he conceives to be a sense of indispensable duty.
On the contrary, all his sensibility has been
awakened in receiving such repeated and un-
equivocal proofs of sincere regard from his
countrymen.
" With respect to myself, I sometimes think the
arrangement is not quite as it ought to have been,
that I, who had much rather be at home, should
occupy a place, with which a great many younger
and gayer women would be extremely pleased.
As my grand-children and domestic connections
make up a great portion of the felicity which I
looked for in this world, I shall hardly be able to
find anv substitute, that will indemnifv me for the
loss of such endearing society. I do not say this
because I feel dissatisfied with my present station,
for everybody and everything conspire to make me
as contented as possible in it ; yet I have learned
too much of the vanity of human affairs to ex-
pect felicity from the scenes of public life. I am
still determined to be cheerful and happy in what-
202 MEMOIR OF
ever situation 1 may be ; for I have also learned
from experience, that the greater part of our
happiness or misery depends on our dispositions,
and not on our circumstances. We carry the
seeds of the one or the other about with us in oui
minds, wherever we go.
I have two of my grand-children with me, who
enjoy advantages in point of education, and who,
I trust, by the goodness of Providence, will be a
great blessing to me. My 'mother two grand-
children are with their mother in Virginia." —
New York, December 26th, 1789.*
The subjoined passage from Mrs. Warren's
reply to this highly engaging and expressive com-
munication, truly indicates, as she herself inti-
mates, the feelings of the numerous friends of the
wife of the first President : —
"Your observation may be true, that many
younger and gayer ladies consider your situation
as enviable ; yet I know not one, who, by general
consent, would be more likely to obtain the suf-
frages of the sex, even were they to canvass at
election, for this elevated station, than the lady
who now holds the first rank in the United
States."
* Published by Mr. Sparks from the Original MS.
MARTHA WASHINGTON 203
Our readers will not have failed to remark the
unostentatious allusion contained in Mrs. Wash-
ington's Letter, to the scenes and adventures of
the journey of the President elect from Mount
Vernon to New York ;* and all will remember
the peculiar incidents of that triumphal progress
— unrivalled as it is in the lives of the Kinsrs and
Conquerors of the World !
Every generous heart will beat in unison with
the delightful emotions that must have glowed in
the bosom of the Patriot Wife while witnessing
the spontaneous manifestations of enthusiastic
gratitude and reverence with which the immortal
Saviour of his Country was evervwhere hailed,
from the time of his departure from home lo the
auspicious hour of his imposing and august inau-
guration. The glorious ceremonial at the Bridge
of Trenton has no parallel in all history for its deep
* Some of our readers may have forgotten that the first or-
ganization of the Federal Government (April, 1789) took place
at Xew York. Philadelphia was afterwards the seat of the
General Government. It was not until the year 1791 that the
present location was selected by Vashtn-gtox, to whom that
duty was formally delegated by his countrymen. Thus, then,
llrs. "Washington passed the first year of the Presidency of her
husband at N'ew York, the second at Philadelphia, and the re-
maining six at the present iXational Capitol.
204 MEIVIOIR OF
pathos and moral sublimity. It drew tears even
from eyes " unused to the melting mood" — those
of the imperturbable " Defender of the Mothers"
and " Protector of the Daughters' of America.
Words poorly avail to tell the pure and ex-
alted happiness of the Wife of Washington,
when participating with him in joys so little
alloyed by the dross of earth ! In pleasures like
these she received a high remuneration for the
sacrifice of personal tastes and wishes involved in
her change of residence and position.
We behold this estimable, exemplary, and
gifted woman assuming the obligations and re-
sponsibilities of her novel and exalted station,
with the same ease and grace, the same self-
possession and serenity, the same ready self-
adaptation and feminine tact that had distin-
guished her in every previous phase of her varied
and eventful career.
When deciding, for the first time, upon the ex-
ternal manifestations, so to speak, of public order
and system, the authority of law and the reality
of National Independence, policy and propriety
equally demanded that the visible tokens of each
should be sufficiently imposing to impress the
popular mind and exact respect from all observers.
MARTHA WASHINGTON. 205
Hence the prominence given to the mere insignia
and appendages of power.
In accordance with this judicious design, the
Mansion of the First President of the new Re-
pubhc was furnished with stately elegance, and
the daily routine of its arrangements was con-
ducted with much more elaborate observance of
the requisitions of courtly etiquette than is now
required either by popular taste or political ne-
cessity.*
* The principal servants connected with the Presidential es-
tabliihmeut wore the family hvery — white with red collars
and cuffs. The chariot in which President Washington per-
formed his celebrated tour through the United States, was also
white. This was probably the color of the carriage in which
lilrs. Washington made visits of ceremony in Xew York and
Philadelphia. The horses of the President were noted for their
great beauty and value. Those used by 3Ii-s. Washington were
bays. The chief domestics of the household were a steward,
housekeeper, porter, coachman, and cook. The former and lat-
ter were personages distinguished by family tradition. Francis
the steward, wore, when in his official post at the sideboard,
dming the state dinners, silk small clothes, wliite silk stockings,
and his hair elaborately dressed and powdered ! It was the
pride and business of his life to contribute his full share tow-
ards sustaining tha dignity and consequence of the family he
had the honor to serve, througli the most ostentatious displays
permitted by the restraining supervision of liis methodical ana
judicious master. Hercules, the colored ^ook, was one of the
20G MEMOIR OF
The Levees of Mrs. WashinG;ton were held ou
Friday evenincr of each week : those of the Presi-
dent on each Tuesday, from three to four o'clock.
The " Congressional dinners" occurred on Thurs-
day.
The company, on the occasion of Mrs. Wash-
ington's Levees, assembled at an early hour, and
usually retired at a little past ten.* The ladies
were seated, and the President was accustoned to
address some appropriate remarks to each, in
turn, as he passed round the circle. At these
drawing-rooms, Mrs. Robert Morris ahvays occu-
pied the seat at the right hand of the Lady of the
Mansion.
We have no means of describing the dress
worn by Mrs. Washington during her receptions;
most finii^hed and renowned dandies of the age in which he
flourished, as well as a highly accomplished adept in the mys-
teries of the important art he so long and so diligently prac-
tised.
* The author remembers to have somewhere read, (though
upon what authority the statement was based, she cannot now
recall,) that, as the usual hour of separation drew near, the ex-
pressive air of " Home, sweet Home," not unfrcquently saluted
the ears of the assemblage ; and that Mrs. Washington was
"went sometimes quietly to remark that the General retired at
half-past ten 1
MARTHA WASHINGTON. 207
but we know that the etiquette of the day re-
quired that all gentlemen who attended the draw-
ing-rooms of the National Chief Magistrate should
appear in full full dress ; and we infer that there
was not less ceremony observed by both ladies
and gentlemen at the Levees of ^Mrs. Washing-
ton. The costume of the President at his own
Levees, (and probably at those of Mrs. Washington
also.) was a black velvet coat and small clothes,
with a dress sword, a chapeait de hras adorned
with a cockade and frincred with short black fea-
thers, knee and shoe buckles, and orange-colored
gloves; his hair, of course, powdered, and '-'gather-
ed behind in a silk bag." There were no seats
in the apartment where the President stood, with
his Secretaries and other attendants, to receive
his guests on these State Days. Visitors ad-
vanced in succession, paid their respects to the
Head of the Republic, and were addressed by him
in return ; but the President offered his hand to
no one.
At all dinners given by the Republican Chief
Magistrate, the venerable Robert ?>Iorris took pre-
cedence of everv other suest, invariablv con-
ducted Mrs. Washington, and sat at her right
hand
208 MEMOIR OP
*' Oil the great National festivals of the Fourth
of July and Twenty-second of February, the
sages 'of the Revolutionary Congress and the
officers of the Revolutionary Army renewed their
acquaintance with Mrs. Washington ; many and
kindly greetings took place, with many a recol-
lection of the days of trial. The Cincinnati, after
paying their respects to their Chief, were seen to
file off towards the parlor, where " Lady Wash-
ington" was in waiting to receive them, and
where Wayne, and Mifflin, and Dickenson, and
Stewart, and Moylan, and Hartley, and a host of
veterans, were cordially welcomed as old friends,
and where many an interesting reminiscence was
called up, of the head-quarters and the " times of
the Revolution."
On the National fete days, the commencement
of the Levee was announced by the firing of a
salute from a pair of twelve-pounders, stationed
not far distant from the Presidential Mansion ;
and the ex-Commander-in-Chief paid his former
companions in arms the compliment to wear the
old Continental uniform.
It was customary for the gentlemen officially
connected with the family of the President to re-
ceive the ladies who came to pay their respects
MARTDA WASHINGTON\ 209
to Mrs. Washington, attend them from their car-
riages to her presence ; but Washington himself
performed that service when the venerated
widows of the beloved and lamented Greene and
Montgomery called at the Presidential Mansion.
Visitors were not received either by the Presi-
dent or Mrs. Washington on the Sabbath. They
habitually attended divine service during the day,
and in the evening her husband read from the
Bible, or some other devotional book, to Mrs.
Washington in her own apartment.
" There was one description of visitors, how-
ever, to be found about the first President's Man-
sion on all davs. The old soldiers repaired, as
they said, to head-quarters, just to inquire after
the health of his Excellency and Lady Washing-
ton. They knew his Excellency was, of course,
much engaged ; but they would like to see the
good lady. One had been a soldier of the Life
Guard ; another had been on duty when the
British threatened to surprise the head-quarters ;
a third had vritnessed that terrible fellow, Corn-
waliis, surrender his sword ; each one had some
touching appeal, with which he introduced him-
self to the peaceful he ad- quarters of the presido-
liad. All were " kindly bid to stay," were con-
14
210 MEMWK OF
ducted to the steward's apartments, and refresh-
ments set before them ; and after receiving some
little token from the lady, with her best wishes
for the health and happiness of an old soldier,
they went their w^ays, while blessings upon their
revered Commander and the good Lady Wash-
ington, were uttered by many a war-worn vete-
ran of the Revolution."*
In her new and interesting position as the wife
of the first President of the American Republic,
Mrs. Washington continued to be distinguished
by the quiet good breeding, dignified simplicity,
self-possession, and equanimity for which she had
long been remarkable. She received the respect,
the compliments, and the honors rendered to her
high station without the assumption of undue self-*
importance, and without the affectation of inap-
propriate humihty. She presided at her elegant
and bountiful table with tlie same courteous ease
and kindly affability that formerly shed an almost
* Perhaps some of our readers may be disposed to ascribe
puerility to the minuteness of our details in relation to the pe-
culiarities of Mrs. "Wasliington's present mode of life. Tlie
author hopes, nevertheless, to afford passing entertainment to
others whose taste for antiquarian research may be, perhaps,
in some degree gratified.
MARTHA WASHIXGTOX. 211
inimitable charm over the hospitalities of ^Mount
Vernon ; and continued, as before, to lead the
conversation on such occasions, to subjects suited
to the innocent conviviality of the hour.*
Her beloved grand-children continued to en-
gage the affections and enjoy the society and
attention of Mrs. Washington, not only when she
was comparatively at leisure in the retirement of
Mount Vernon, but when residing at the seat of
Government, and involved in the formal routine
of public life. The eldest of this little band were
now rapidly becoming interesting social com-
panions for the paternal guide to whom they
were so much indebted.
* Mrs. Washington possessed too much natural good sense
and too clear a conception of propriety to convercje publicly
upon subjects involving her husband's political interests or offi-
cial policy. Foreign ambassadors and strangers frequently at-
tempted to di*aw her into a discussion of political topics ; but it
was her invaiiable practice to waive all discourse of this nature.
— But, though it had never, during her long pubUc career, been
the habit of ilrs. V^". to give open expression to her pohtical
sentiments, no want of independence withlield their manifesta-
tion wlien circumstances required their promulgation In the
year 1780 an Address was published in the Pliiladelphia news-
papers, entitled, " The Sentiments of an American Wo7nau,^'
wliich was attributed to her, and which was publicly read in
the Churches throughout Virginia.
212 MEMOIR OF
This disinterested friend did lot, however,
avail herself of the opportunities afforded by her
exalted position to secure either personal aggran-
dizement, or the exclusive benefit of her own
family. The daughters of her old and well-
remembered Revolutionary companions, shared
with her grand-children in the high social advan-
tages it was now in her power to afford them ;
and all to whom she was bound by the cherished
ties of former years, received the most convincino-
proofs of the perpetuity of a friendship that was
ever equally thoughtful, active, and sincere, whe-
ther engendered by the clinging tendencies of a
youthful heart, fostered amid the snow-thatched
hovels of Valley Forge, enshrined beneath the
hospitable roof of Mount Vernon, or lending in-
terest, grace, and warmth to the stately courtesies
of the National Capital !
During each year of the double Presidential
term of office, Mrs. Washington i-eturned for at
least a portion of the summer, to Mount Vernon.
Indeed the health of her husband, impaired by his
too arduous labors, soon imperatively required
that temporary exemption from bodily fatigue and
i:iental exertion, v/hich he could there alone
MARTHA WASHINGTON. 213
secure, as well as the watchful care she could so
judiciously and affectionately bestow.
There is no record of Mrs. Washington's hav-
ing accompanied the President in his journey to
New England, during the year following that of
his election to the Chief Magistracy ; nor of her
being the companion of his long and well-known
tour in the year 1791. We, therefore, infer that
she preferred the repose and seclusion which she
could best enjoy in her favorite retreat, surrounded
by the household companions who might almost
be said to impersonate the Penates of Mount
V^ernon.
Devoted to the varied and important duties of
her high station, eight successive years sped
away in pleasures and occupations, which, if not
those most congenial to the conjugal, maternal,
and domestic tastes and affections of this eminent
American Matron, were yet crowned by the
grateful consciousness of usefulness, and the high
approbation of that mental guide, to the test of
whose scrutinizing arbitration she was wont to
submit each thought, word, and action of her
life.
The final departure of President and Mrs.
Washington from the place and power through
214 MEMOIR OP
which they had acquired so much personal honor,
and conferred such lasting benefit upon their
country, was distinguished by every manifesta-
tion of national and individual reverence and
gratitude.
All mourned the retirement of the great and
good Father of his Country, from the immediate
supervision to which all might so safely and im-
plicitly trust ; and the love and blessings of a
nation followed both Mrs. Washington and its'
honored Chief to the well-earned tranquillity of
private life.
Many were the tender farewells of those who
were to be forever officially separated, and many
the parting tokens of remembrance and afTection
long preserved as the sacred mementoes of those
patriarchal days.
Mrs. Washington's part in these touching
adieux will be characteristically illustrated by the
following pleasing anecdote, for which we are
obliged to a gentleman who personally received it
from the most authentic source : —
" On leaving the Seat of Government after the
inauguration of his successor, Washington pre-
sented to all his principal officers some token
of regard. When Mrs. Oliver Wolcott, the wife
iMAETUA WASHINGTON. 215
of one of these gentlemn, and the particular
friend and correspondent Df Miss Custis, called
* to take leave,' Mrs. Wasl ngton asked if she did
not wish a memorial of tiro General. ' Yes,' re-
plied Mrs. Wolcott, 'I sho.!ld like a lock of his
hair.' Mrs. Washincjton inslmtlv took her scis-
sors, and with a happy smile, cut a large lock
from her liusband's head, add<? d to it one from her
own; and presented them to I ^r fair friend."
" Nor place, nor titles, made A jpasia's bliss ;
« * « 4e- « «
Unmoved she saw the ghtte. ing trifles perish,
And thought the petty droas beneath a sigh.
Cheerful she follo^ved to the rural cell ;
Love for her wealth, and he istinction Virtue F
216
MEMOIR OF
CHAPTER X,
And a vision of happiness steals through
her rest —
DiMOND.
Cease, then, the funeral strain !— Lament no more,
Whom, rife for fate, 'twere impious to deplore !
He died the death of glory. Cease to mourn,
And cries of grief to songs of triumph turn !
Ah, no ! — Awhile, ere reason's voice o'erpowers
The fond regret that weeps a loss like ours,
Yet, yet awhile, the natural tear may flow.
Nor cold reflection chide the chastening woe I
Scott.
Yes, there is pain in this
Most passionate longing to o'erreach the clay —
This exile-thirst, which stronger grows each day
To take the morning-wings and llee away
To realms of future bliss. Mrs. E. J. Eames.
Relieved, at last, from the irksomeness of elab-
orate ceremony, and the time-engrossing duties
of a pubHc station, the illustrious Subject of our
JMemoir returned permanently, in the Spring of
1797, to the earnestly-coveted and peaceful en
jovments of the home from which she had so often
and so long been exiled.
Never had that home seemed so worthy to be
graced by the continued presence of its gentle
MARTHA WASHIXGTON. 217
and admirable mistress. The walks, the gardens,
the grounds, the venerable mansion, all gave most
pleasing token of the refined taste and careful
supervision of the beneficent spirits who shed
everywhere around them so benign an inlluence.
But, though the efllects of their previous eflorts
were so plainly discernible, General and Mrs.
Washington entered, with much zeal and interest,
upon projects for tho ftirth<'r ijnT^rovoment and
embellishment of the iuiLuaca a^yium of their de-
clining years.
And now these faithful votaries of nature, these
unaffected lovers of all the thuusaml nameless
joys that constitute the sacred charm of Home,
contemplated with exquisite pleasure the calm
vista ihroULrh which thev could at last trace their
mutual pathway along the vale of time. A tem-
perate enjoyment of the luxuries aflbrded by
afBuence, the affectionate reverence of depend-
ants and relations, the exalted pleasures of friend-
ship, the heavenly delights of benevolence, the
joys of conjugal love — all these sources of hap-
piness were theirs !
" And memory stood sidewise, half covered with flowers,
Displaying each rose, but secreting its thorn,"
while recalUng the many varying incidents of
218 MEMOIR OF
long years of high duty and successful effort, of
well-rewarded self-sacrifice and eventual' tri-
umph !
Such were the natural and appropriate rewards
that crowned a life so useful, so virtuous, so ex-
alted as that which it has been our desire to
sketch in these brief pages ! Unfettered by the
" irons of circumstance," through each changing
scene of her eventful career, Mrs. Washington
had been faithful to the dictates of a noble na-
ture, disciplined and controlled by Christian prin-
ciple. Yielding to no selfish, effeminate love of
the dolce far niente of existence, nor yet to the
insidious promptings of worldly ambition, but
ever " true to the kindred points of Heaven and
Home," she had passed unfalteringly on, scathed
neither by the fierce lightnings of adversity, nor
the dazzling splendor of place and power. The
wordless eloquence expressed by the serene maj-
esty of her life, commends itself to our hearts
with far more resistless pathos than all the eulo-
gies panegyrists could pronounce, or poet's pen;
and we turn from the contemplation of her char-
acter with mingled emotions of admiration, affec-
tion, and humility !
MARTHA WASHINGTON. 219
Felicity such as now blessed the venerable
mistress of Mount Vernon partook too little of the
usual attributes of human happiness to be per-
petuated on earth.
Two years after his final resignation of the
cares of state, the immortal Washinorton was sud-
denly summoned to possess, in the revealed pres-
ence of Deity,
" Through boundless Space and countless Time,"
the immutable bliss of a ''just man made per-
fect r
Mrs. Washinsjton never for a moment left the
apartment of her husband during the brief and
severe illness that terminated his existence.
Kneeling by his bedside, she bowed her throb-
bing brow upon the sacred records of those Holy
Promises and Consolations that could alone sustain
her spirit in this the hour of her most agonizing
trial.
" The last effort of the expiring Washington
was worthy of the Roman fame of his life and
character. He raised himself up, and casting a
look of benignity on all around him, as if to thank
them for their kindly attentions, he composed his
limbs, closed his eyes, and folding his arms upon
220 MEMOIR OF
his bosom, the Father of his Country expired,
gently as though an infant died !" " Favored of
Heaven, he departed without exhibiting the weak-
ness of humanity ; magnanimous in death, the
darkness of the grave could not obscure his
brightness !"
Fate had now dealt the last deadly blow to the
earthly happiness of Mrs. Washington! Her
children, their father, the faithful, affectionate,
sympathizing friend and counsellor, with whom,
through unnumbered years, she had stood side by
side in many and grievous trials, dangers, and
sorrows, — all were gone ! The desolate survivor
stood like a lone sentinel upon a deserted battle-
field, regarding in mute despair the fatal destruc-
tion of hope, and love, and joy !
" She sheds no tears, her grief's too highly wrought :
'Tis speechless agony !"
Long did the heart-stricken mourner linger
amid the familiar objects that, like the faces of
old friends, everywhere met her sorrowful eyes,
and in the beloved presence of all that was mortal
of the august Christian Philosopher, to whose
memory the apartment where he reposed would
be forever consecrated. Yielding at last to the
MARTHA WASHINGTON. 221
entreaties of affection, she turned a long, soul-
harrowing gaze upon the placid features of the
mighty dead, and then departing from these hal-
lowed precincts, never more returned to a spot
replete with associations at once sorrowful and
inviolate !
The shock occasioned bv the intelligence of
the death of Washington " fell upon the country
with the unexpected suddenness of an earthquake;
dismay and affliction suspended all business ; all
ages and classes united in demonstrations of re-
spect and affection."
" By an arrangement with the Government,
Mrs. Washington yielded the remains of the
Chief to the prayers of the nation, as expressed
through its representatives in Congress, condition-
ing that, at her decease, her own remains should
accompany those of her husband to the Capital.
The earthly relics of the great Pater PATRiiE
were then consigned to the Family Tomb within
the grounds of Mount Vernon, there to aw' ait the
fmal disposition of his country."*
" When the burst of grief which followed the
leath of the Pater Patrice had a little subsided,
visits of condolence to the bereaved lady were
* National Poktkait Gallekt.
222 MEMOIR or
made by the first personages of the land. The
President of the United States, with many other
distinguished individuals, repaired to Mount Ver-
non, while letters,* addresses, funeral orations,
and all the tokens of sorrow and respect, loaded
the mails from every quarter of the country, offer-
ing the sublime tribute of a nation's mourning for
a nation's benefactor."f
But grateful and consolatory as were these
spontaneous manifestations of reverential regard
for the memory of her illustrious husband, Mrs.
Washington possessed a far higher and dearer
source of confidence in his eternal happiness than
any earthly fiat could bestow, in her inw^ard and
assured conviction that he had ever sought the
same ''fountain of living icaters,'' from which she
had herself drunk deep of heavenly hope and joy !f
* A letter addressed to Mrs. Washington on this solemn oc-
casion by the Earl of Bucan, the brother of Lord Erskine, and
the distant relative of Washington, has recently been discovered
among the papers of Mrs. W,, by her grand-daughter, Mrs.
Lawrence Lewis, and given to the public. Our readers will not
be displeased Avith its insertion in this volume, though it is char-
acterized by some pecuUarities of style and expression. See
Note D, of the Appendix.
f ISTational Portrait Gallery.
X We present our readers with a communication upon this
MARTHA WASHINGTON. 223
The venerable Subject of our Memoir now
looked eagerly and intently forward to the termi-
nation of that journey in which she had been pre-
ceded by all who were most dear to her. Devoutly
resting her wounded spirit upon the soothing
conviction that those from whom she was here
separated would then be forever restored to her,
she strengthened herself to tread on in the weary
way of life, with mournful but unshaken confi-
dence in the blessed truth that " all things work
together for good" in the orderings of the Great
Disposer of events. Hers was was not the cal-
lousness of indifference or insensibility, the ob-
tuseness of a benighted stoicism, or the lightness
of a shallow intellect; but the undoubting con-
stancy of a Christian, whose faith in Him who
" giveth, with paternal care,
Howe'er unjustly we complain,
To each their necessary share
Of. joy and sorrow, health and pain,"
highly interesting subject, addressed, at his request, to Mr.
Sparks, by the adopted daughter of "Washington, Miss Custis,
who was twenty years an inmate of the family of her kind pro-
tector. Any attempt to abridge these agreeably -written para-
graphs must, necessarily, diminish the pleasing simplicity and
frankness that lend additional interest to the details they con-
taia — See ^ote E, of the Appendix.
224 MEMOIR OF
no mortal sufTering could disturb, no sublunary
occurrence could destroy !
But neither her changeless grief, nor her deep
interest in the concerns of a future state of ex-
istence, were regarded by this exemplary and
self-sacrificing Christian as entitling her to ex-
emption from vigilant attention to the requisitions
of actual and practical life. The many cares
assumed by the helpful, judicious, kindly friend
who had formerly shared her toils and duties, now
rested solely upon her. Yet though Mrs. Wash-
ington was in her sixty-ninth year, she still ron-
ducted the various affairs of her extensiv .f>tab-
lishment with her previous diligence, ref ^iarity,
and skill, and discharged the numerous ob' gations
of the hostess of Mount Vernon, with wonted
dignity and urbanity. More grave, mo e silent,
she might be ; but no duty was forg )tten or
omitted in relation to domestic arrangerrents, no
courtesy neglected towards the innumerable vo-
taries who sought, in sorrowing pilgrin*age, Co-
lumbia's more than Mecca-shrine.
" Light grief is fond of state and courts compat sion.
But there's a dignity in cureless sorrow,
A sullen grandeur, which disdains complaint
Yet, despite this outward composure, this ha-
MARTHA WASHINGTON. 225
bitual self-control, this hospitable amenity, her
lustreless and abstracted eye, and the one glow-
ing spot in her else blanched and faded cheek,
betrayed only too plainly the ceaseless struggle
of that noble spirit !
*' She lived — for life may long be borne
Ere sorrow break its chain !"
But what was earth, what was life, to this be-
reaved and heart-stricken mourner !
Thus passed two long years for the worn and
weary earth- wanderer ; and then her sudden and
serious illness spread consternation to the outer-
most circle of the many loving and sympathizing
hearts that ever environed her.
Dr. Craik, the old and highly-esteemed physi-
cian of the family, well aware of the insidious
mental foe that had but too surely undermined
the strength of his patient, scarce spoke of hope
to the sorrowing household, and Mrs. Washing-
ton was herself aware of her approaching disso-
lution.
Dying as she had lived, mindful of duty to the
last, the expiring Christian summoned the several
members of her family to attend her death-bed,
and addressed to her grand-children, particularly,
15
226 MEMOIR OF MARTHA WASHINGTON.
the most solemn and impressive words of exhorta-
tion and advice. She bore the most unequivocal
and triumphant testimony to her unwavering
reliance upon the hopes and assurances of the
Religion that had been the guide and support of
her long and varied life, and with that appro-
priate and pathetic farewell, this celebrated
American Matron tranquilly rendered back her
earthly existence to Him from whom it was re-
ceived.
The death of Mrs. Washington occurred in
the year 1801, and during the seventy-first year
of her age.
Her remains, in accordance with her desire,
were enclosed in a leaden coffin, and placed be-
side those of Washington in the family tomb at
Mount Vernon.
APPENDIX
TO
MARTHA WASHINGTON.
APPENDIX TO MARTHA WASHLXGTON.
■»» ♦ »»
NOTE A.
•vr ^ • '
r* 1 ■
Mr. Sparks gives us the original List, as found
among Washington's papers. For explanatory
particulars, see Sparks' Life of Washington,
Vol. IL 329. We, of course, copy exactly, from
Mr. S.
" A Salmon-colored Tabby of the enclosed pat-
tern, with satin flowers, to be made in a sack and
coat. One Cap, Handkerchief, Tucker, and Ruf-
fles to be made of Brussels lace, or point, proper
to wear with the above negligee, to cost £20
One piece Bag Holland at 6s. (a yard.) 2 fine
flowered Lawn Aprons. 2 double .Handkerchiefs.
1 pair woman's white Silk Hose. 6 pairs fine
Cotton do. 4 pairs Thread do. 1 pair black
and 1 pair white Satin Shoes, of the smallest 5s.
4 pairs Calamanco, do. 1 fashionable Hat, or
230 APPENDIX.
Bonnet. 6 pairs woman's best Kid Gloves. 8
pairs ditto mits. 1-2 dozen Knots and Breast
Knots. 1 doz. round Silk laces. 1 black Mask.
1 doz. most fashionable Pocket Handkerchiefs.
2 pairs neat, small Scissors. 1 lb. sewing silk,
shaded. 4 pieces binding Tape. 6 m. Minikin
Pins. 1 m. Hair ditto. 6 lbs. perfumed Pow-
der. 3 lbs. best Scotch SnufF. 3 lbs. best vio-
lette Strasburg. 8 lbs. Starch. 2 lbs. powdered
Blue. 2 oz. Coventry Thread, one of which to
be very fine. 1 piece narrow white satin Ribbon,
pearl edge. 1 case of Pickles, to consist of An-
chovies, Capers, Olives, Salad Oil, and 1 bottle
India Mangoes. One large Cheshire Cheese. 4
lbs. Green Tea. 10 groce best corks. 25 lbs.
best jar Raisins. 25 lbs. Almonds, in the shell
1 hogshead best Porter. 10 loaves double and 10
single refined sugar. ***** 12 lbs.
best Mustard. 2 doz. Jack's playing Cards. *
* * * * 11-2 doz. Bell glasses for Garden.
2 more Chair Bottoms, such as were WTitten for
in a former invoice. 1 more Windsor Curtain
and Cornice. 100 lbs. White Biscuit. 3 gallons
of Rhenish in bottles."
There then follows a long enumeration of arti-
cles, evidently designed for the use and comfort
APPEXDIX. 231
of the slaves upon the estate ; among which we
observe "350 yds. Kendall Cotton," " 100 Dutch
Blankets," &c., &c., together with numerous
Garden, Carpenter's, and Farming tools, and
articles of Cutlery and Iron-ware, sufficient to
supply a colony preparing to populate a deserted
island of considerable size !
Among the medicines ordered (and the list
seems to us to include the whole Materia Medi-
ca !) we light upon the agreeable items of " Pearl
Barley" and " Sago," " 5 lbs. White Sugar Can-
dy," " 10 lbs. Brown do.," " 1 lb. Barley Sugar."
After this follows an array of the names of
medicines to be used in Farriery ; and the whole
is concluded by the following —
Invoice of Sundries to be shipped by Robert
Cary. and Company, for the use of Master
John and Miss Patty Custis, each to be
charged to their own accounts, but both
consigned to George Washington, Potomac
River.
For Master Custis, 6 years old. — 1 piece Irish
Holland, at 4s. 2 yards fine Cambric, at 10s.
6 pocket Handkerchiefs, small and fine. 6 pairs
Gloves; 2 Laced Hats. 2 pieces India Nan-
232 APPENDIX.
keen. 6 pairs fine thread Stockings, 4 pairs
coarser do. 4 pairs worsted do. 4 pairs strong
Shoes ; 4 pairs Pumps. 1 summer suit of clothes,
to be made of something; h^ht and thin. 3 fine
Ivory Combs ; 2 Horn do., and 2 Brushes. 1
piece black Hair Ribbon. 1 pair handsome Sil-
ver Shoe and Knee Buckles. 10s. worth of Toys.
G little books for children beginning to read. 1
oz. 8d. Thread ; 1 oz. 12d. do. ; 1 oz. 2s. do. ; 1
oz. 3s. do. 1-2 lb. whited brown Thread. 1 light
duffel Cloak with silver frogs.
For Miss Custis, 4 years old. — 8 yards fine
printed Linen, at 3s. 6d. 1 piece Irish Holland,
at 4s. 2 ells fine Holland, at 10s. 8 pairs kid
Mits; 4 pairs gloves. 2 pairs silk shoes. 4
pairs Calemanco do. ; 4 pairs leather Pumps. 6
pairs fine thread Stockings. 4 pairs worsted do.
1-2 piece flowered Dimity. 2 yards fine Cam-
bric, at 10s. 2 Caps, 2 pairs Ruffles, 2 Tuckers,
Bibs, and Aprons, if fashionable. 2 Fans ; 2
Masks ; 2 Bonnets. 2 m. large Pins; 2 m. short
whites ; 2 m. Minikins ; 1 Cloth Cloak. 1 stiff-
ened Coat of Fashionable S Ik, made to pack-
thread stays. 6 yards Ribbon ; 2 Necklaces. 1
pair Silver Sleeve Buttons, with stones. 1 fash-
ionable-dressed baby, 10s.; and other Toys, 10s.
6 Pocket Handkerchiefs.
NOTE B.
" November 24th. — After dinner, as I had heard
some threats thrown out, that if the ball assem-
bled this night, as it was proposed, they presumed
that the New Tavern would cut but a poor figure
to-morrow morning, these fears of some commo-
tion's bein'T made that would be verv disagreeable
at this melancholy time, in disturbing the peace
of the city, I concluded if possible, to prevent, in
order to which I went to Colonel Hancock's lodg-
ings, and finding he was not come from Congress,
and the time grew short, being three o'clock, I
walked up to the State House, in expectation of
meeting him. That failing, I requested the door-
keeper to call Samuel Adams, which he accord-
ingly did, and he came. I then informed him of
the account received of a ball, that was to be
held this evening, and where, and that Mrs.
Washington and Colonel Hancock's wife were to
be present, and as such meetings appeared to baMk
contrarv to the Eisihth Resolve of Confess,* ■
therefore requested he vv'ould give my respects to
♦V-
^.
234 APPENDIX.
Colonel Hancock, desire him to wait on Lady
Washington to request her not to attend or go
this evening. This he promised. Thence I went
and met the Committee at Philosophic Hall, which
was large and respectable, being called together
for this only purpose to consider the propriety of
this meeting or ball's being held this evening in
this city, at the New Tavern, where, after due
and mature consideration, it was then concluded,
there being but one dissenting voice, (Sharp De-
lany,) that there should be no such meeting held,
not only this evening, but in future, while these
troublesome times continued, and a Committee
w^as appointed, immediately, to go and inform the
directors of the meeting not to proceed any fur-
ther in this affair, and also to wait upon Lady
Washington, expressing this Committee's great
regard and affection to her, requesting her to
accept of their grateful acknowledgments and
respect, due to her on account of her near con-
nection with our worthy and brave General, now
exposed in the field of battle in defence of our
rights and liberties, and request and desire her
riot to grace that company, to which we are in-
cfrmed, she has an invitation this evening, &c.,
&c. Came home near six. After I drank coffee.
APPENDIX. 235
1 went down to Samuel Adams' lodgings, where
was Colonel Dyer. Spent some time pleasantly,
until Colonel Harrison came to rebuke Samuel
Adams for using his influence for the stoppage of
this entertainment which he declared was legal,
just and laudable. Many arguments were used
by all present to convince him of the impropriety
at this time, but all to no effect ; so as he came
out of humor, he so returned, to appearance.
" November 25th. — At half past eleven, went
to the Committee Room at the Coffee House :
came away near two. At this time Major Bay-
ard, one of the four gentlemen appointed to w^ait '
on Lady Washington, reported that they had
acted agreeably to directions, that the lady re-
ceived them with great politeness, thanked the *
Committee for their kind care and regard in giv-
ing such timely notice, requesting her best com- ^
pliments to be returned to them for their care
and regard, and to assure them that their senti-'
ments on this occasion, were perfectly agreeable
to her own.''
f
NOTE C.
"To THE Marchioness de La Fayette.
"Mount Vernon, 25 November, 1184.
" Madam
" If my expressions were equal to my sensi-
bility, I should, in more elegant language than I
am master of, declare to you my sense of the ob-
ligation I am under for the letter you did me the
honor to write to me by the Marquis de La Fay-
ette, and thanks for this flattering instance of
your regard. The pleasure I received in once
more embracing my friend could only have been
increased by your presence, and the opportunity
I should thereby have had of paying, in my own
house, the homage of my respectful attachment
to his better half I have the promise, which the
Marquis has ratified to Mrs. Washington, that he
will use his influence to bring you with him to
this country, whenever he shall visit it again.
When the weight of so powerful an advocate is
on your side, will you, my dear Marchioness,
deny us the pleasure of your accompanying him
to the shores of Columbia ? In offering our mite
APPENDIX. 237
we can only assure you, that endeavors shall not
be wanting on our part to make this new world
as agreeable to you, as rural scenes and peaceful
retirement are competent to.
" The Marquis returns to you with all the
warmth and ardor of a nevvdy-inspired lover. We
restore him to vou in srood health, crowned with
wreaths of love and respect from every part of
the Union. That his meetino- with vou, his
family, and friends may be propitious, and as hap-
py as your wishes can make it, that you may live
long together revered and beloved, and that you
may transmit to a numerous progeny the virtues
which you both possess, is the fervent wish of
your devoted and
" Most respectful
"Humble servant,
" George Washington.
"N. B. In every good wish for you, Mrs.
Washington sincerely joins me."
Accompanying this letter was the following
epistle, addressed to the little Virginia de La
Fayette, which, though it has no direct connection
with our subject, is too interesting and character-
istic to be separated from its companion : —
238 APPENDIX.
" To Mademoiselle de La Fayette.
"Mount Vernon, 25 November, 1'784.
" Permit me to thank my dear lit .le correspon-
dent for the favor of her letter of the 18 of June
last, and to impress her with the idea of the pleas-
ure I shall derive from a continuance of them.
Her papa is restored to her with all the good
health, paternal affection, and honors, which her
tender heart could wish. He will carry a kiss to
her from me (which might be more agreeable
from a pretty boy), and give her assurances of
the affectionate regard with which I have the
pleasure of being her well-wisher.
" George Washington.
}j
" To the Marchioness de La Fayette.
"Mount Vernon, 10 May, 1786.
" Madam :
" The tokens of regard, with which Miss de
La Fayette and my namesake* honored the young
folks of this family, will cement the friendship,
which seems to be rising in their tender hearts,
and will increase those flames of it, which they
have imbibed from their parents, to which nothing
* George "Washington La Fayetto.
APPENDIX. 239
can add strength but the endearments that flow
from personal interviews, and the unreserved
exchange of Uberal sentiments. Will you no
then, Madam, afford them this opportunity ? May
we hope for it soon ? If the assurances of the
sincerest esteem and affection, if the varieties of
uncultivated nature, the novelty of exchanging
the gay and delightful scenes of Paris, with which
you are surrounded, for the rural amusements of
a country in its infancv: if the warblins; notes of
the feathered songsters on our lawns and meads,
can for a moment make you forget the melody of
the opera and the pleasures of the court, these all
invite you to give us this honor, and the opportu-
nity of expressing to you personally those senti-
ments of attachment and love, with which you
have inspired us.
" The noontide of life is now passed with Mrs.
Washington and myself; and all we have to do
is to spend the evening of our days in tranquilHty,
and glide gently down a stream which no hiiman
effort can ascend. We must, therefore, however
reluctantly it is done, forgo the pleasure of such a
visit as you kindlv invite us to make. But the
case with you is far otherwise. Your days are in
their meridian brightness. In the natural order
240 APPENDIX.
of things, you have many years to come, in which
you may indulge yourself in all the amusements,
which variety can afford, and different countries
produce, and in receiving those testimonies of
respect which every one in the United States
would wish to render to you.
" My mother will receive the compliments you
honor her with, as flattering marks of attention ;
and I shall have great pleasure in delivering them
myself My best wishes and vows are offered for
you, and for the fruits of your love ; and with
every sentiment of respect and attachment,
" I have the honor to be. Madam, &c.
" George Washington."*
* Sparks' Private Letters of Washington.
NOTE D.
" The Earl of Buchan to Mrs. Washington
" Dry burgh Abbey, Jan. 28, 1800.
" Madam :
" I have this day received from my brother, at
London, the afiiicting tidings of the death of your
admirable husband, my revered kinsman and
friend. I am not afraid, even under this sudden
and unexpected stroke of Divine Providence, to
give vent to the immediate reflections excited by
it, because my attachment to your illustrious con-
sort was the pure result of reason, reflection, and
congeniality of sentiment. He was one of those
wdiom the Almighty, in successive ages, has
chosen and raised up to promote the ultimate de-
signs of his goodness and mercv, in the gradual
melioration of his creatures and the coming of
his kingdom, which is in heaven.
"It may be said of this great and good man who
has been taken from among us, what was wTitten
by the wise and discerning Tacitus concerning
his father-in-law Agricola, that, " though he w^as
snatched away while his age was not broken by
16
242 APPENDIX.
infirmity or dimmed by bodily decay of reaswx,
yet that, if his life be measured by his glory, he
attained to a mighty length of days ; for every
true felicity, namely, all such as arise from virtue,
he had already enjoyed to the full. As he had
likewise held the supreme authority of the state
with the confidence and applause of all wise and
good men in every part of the world, as well as
among those he governed, and had enjoyed tri-
umphal honors in a war undertaken for the de-
fence of the inalienable rights of mankind, what
more, humanly speaking, could fortune add to his
lustre and renown ?"
" After enormous wealth he sought not ; an hon-
orable share he possessed. His course he finished
in the peaceful retreat of his own election, in the
arms of a dutiful and aflfectionate wife, and be-
dewed with the tears of surrounding relatives and
friends, with the unspeakably superior advantage
to that of a Roman general, in the hopes aflforded
hf me Gospel of pardon and peace ! He there-
fore, Madam, to continue my parallel, may be
accounted singularly happy, since by dying ac-
cording to his own Christian and humble wish,
expressed on many occasions, while his credit
was nowise impaired, his fame in all its splendor,
APPENDIX. 243
nis relations and friends not only in a state of
comfort and security, but of honor, he was prob-
ably to escape " many evils incident to declining
years. Moreover, he saw the government of his
country in hands conformable to our joint wishei
and to the safety of the nation, and a contingent
succession opening, not less favorable to the
liberties and happiness of the people.
" Considering my uniform regard for the Amer-
ican States, manifested long before their forming
a separate nation, I may be classed as it were
among their citizens, especially as I am come of
a worthy ancestor. Lord Cardross, who found ref-
uge there in the last century, and had large prop-
erty in Carolina, where Port Royal is now situ-
ated. I hope it will not be thought impertinent
or officious, if I recommend to that country and
nation of America at large the constant remem-
brance of the moral and political maxims con-
veyed to its citizens by the Father and Founder
of the United States, in his farewell address, in
that speech which he made to the Senate and
House of Representatives, where the last hand
was put to the formation of the Federal Con-
stitution ; and may it he perpetual.
" It seems to me that such maxims and such
244 APPENDIX.
advice ought to be engraved on every forum or
place of common assembly among the people, and
read by parents, teachers, and guardians to their
children and pupils, so that true religion, and
virtue, its inseparable attendant, may be imbibed
by the rising generation to remote ages ; and the
foundations of national policy be laid and con-
tinued in the superstructure, in the pure and im-
mutable principles of private morality, since there
is no truth more thoroughly established than that
there exists in the economy and course of nature
an indissoluble union between virtue and happi-
ness, between duty and happiness, between duty
and advantage, between the genuine maxims of
an honest and magnanimous people, and the solid
rewards of public prosperity and felicity ; since
w^e ought to be no less persuaded that the propi-
tious smiles of heaven can never be expected on
a nation that disregards the eternal rules of order
and right which Heaven itself has ordained ; and
since the preservation of the sacred fire of liberty
and the destiny of the Republican model of gov-
ernment are justly considered as deeply, perhaps
finally, staked on the experiment entrusted to the
hands of the American people.
APPENDIX. 245
" Lady Buchan joins with me in the most sin-
cere, respectful good wishes.
" I am, Madam, with sincere esteem,
" Your obedient and faithful servant,
" Buchan."
NOTE E.
After some particulirs in relation to the seve-
ral churches in the vicinity of Mount Vernon,
the fair writer gives us the following interesting
details respecting Washington and family : —
"We attended the Church at Alexandria, when
the weather and roads permitted a ride of ten
miles. In New York and Philadelphia, he never
omitted attendance at church in the morning, un-
less detained by indisposition. The afternoon
was spent in his own room at home ; the evening
with his family and without company. Some-
times an old and intimate friend called to see us
for an hour or two ; but visiting and visitors were
prohibited for that day. No one in church at-
tended to the services with more reverential re-
spect. My grandmother, who was eminently
pious, never deviated from her usual habits. She
always knelt. The general, as was then the cus-
tom, stood during the devotional parts of the ser-
vice. On communion Sundays, he left the church
with me, after the blessing, and returned home,
APPENDIX. 247
and we sent the carriage back for my grand-
mother.
" It was his custom to retire to his library at
nine or ten o'clock, where he remained an hour
before he went to his chamber. He always rose
before the sun, and remained in his library until
called to breakfast. I never witnessed his private
devotions, I never inquired about them. I should
have thought it the greatest heresy to doubt his
firm belief in Christianity. His life, his writings,
prove that he was a Christian. He was not one
of those who act, or pray, ' that they may be seen
of men.' He communed with his God in secret.
" My mother resided two years at Mount Ver-
non, after her marriage with John Park. Custis,
the only son of Mrs. Washington. I have heard
her say that General Washington always received
the sacrament with my grandmother before the
Revolution. When mv aunt, Miss Custis, died
suddenly at Mount Vernon, before they could
realize the event, he knelt by her and prayed most
fervently, most affectingly for her recovery. Of
this I was assured by Judge Washington's mother,
and other witnesses.
" He was a silent, thoughtful man. He spoke
little generally ; never of himself. I never heard
248 APPENDIX.
him relate a single act of his life during the war.
I have often seen him perfectly abstracted, his
lips moving, but no sound was perceptible. I
have often made him laugh most heartily from
sympathy with my joyous and extravagant spirits.
I was, probably, one of the last persons on earth
to whom he would have addressed serious con-
versation, particularly when he knew that I had
the most perfect model of female excellence ever
with me as my monitress, who acted the part of
a tender and devoted parent, loving me only as a
mother can love, and never extenuating or ap-
proving in me what she disapproved in others.
She never omitted her private devotions, or her
public duties ; and she and her husband were so
perfectly united and happy that he must have been
a Christian. She had no doubts, no fears, for him.
After forty years of devoted afFeation and unin-
terrupted happiness, she resigned him without a
murmur into the arms of his Saviour and his God,
with the assured hope of his eternal felicity."
THE END.
BOOKS RECEXTLY PUBLISHED BY DERBT <fe MILLER.
Headley's Women of the Bible : Historical and
descriptive sketches of the Women of the Bible, as maidens,
wives, and mothers; from Eve of the Old, to the Marys of
the Xew Testament: by Rev. P. C. Headley, in one 12mo.
volume, illustrated — uniform with "Headley's Sacred
Mountains." $1,25.
The author of this work possesses enough traits of resemblance to the author o{
the Sacred Mountains, to leave no doubt of his right to the name.of Headley. There
is much of that spirited descriptive power, which has made the elder brother a
popular favorite, and gives promise of a successful career on his own account. The
sketches are brief, and embody all the historic incidents recorded of them. — New
York Evangelist.
A younger brother of J. T. Headley is the author of this beautiful volume. It will
probably have a larger circulation than the splendid work issued last fall by the
Me'^srs. Appleton, being better adapted for the general reader, in form and price,
while it is ornamental enough for the centre table. It contains nineteen descriptive
biographical sketches, arranged in chronological order, including nearly all the
distinguished women of the sacred annals, and forming an outline of Scripture
histofy. The illustrations are from original designs, and are numerous and appro-
priate. No ordinary powers of imagination and expression are shown in the vivid
and picturesque descriptions ; and the fine portraitures of character rivet the
interest, and set forth the Scripture delineations in a stronger light. In this respect
the book has no rival, for no other is so complete, following so closely at the same
time, the sacred narrative. We hope it is but an earnest of other works from the
oen of its gifted author. — Home Journal.
We were so struck with the title of this work, and the prepossessing appearance
of its typography, that we have so far departed from the usual course adopted in
like cases, as to read carefully the work in hand, before recommending U to our
readers. And we are prepared to say, that a more attractive volume has aot fallen
m our way for a long time. It is made up of brief historical and descriptive eulogies
of the most remarkable females of a most extraordinary era in the world'" history.
The author has appropriated very much of the poetry and romance of the Rible, in
the sketches he has given of nineteen women, who have come down to ua 'hrough
their peculiar merits, embalmed in sacred inspiration. Whoever reads the «*.ory of
Sarah, the beautiful Hebrew maiden, the admiration of the Chaldean sheph'»rds and
the pride of her kindred ; or of Rebecca, whom the " faithful steward of Abraham "
journeyed to the land of Nahor and selected as the bride of Isaac, and wM^ it \s
said, "was very fair to look upon ;" or of Rachel, the beautiful shephcrde's who
tended her father's flocks in the valley of Haran ; or of Merriam, Deborah. Jcitha'a
Daughter, Delilah, Ruth, Queen of Sheba, the Shimamite, Esther, Elizabeth, '"''(rgin
Mary, Dorcas, and others — will read a story far more interesting and attractive than
any romance or novel. Every young lady in town should read this work ; an^ wa
will venture to say that they icill do so if they but once get hold of it, for it is a b<»*>fe
that cannot, be laid aside. — Oswego Times.
BOOKS RECENTLY PUBLISHED BY DERBY <fe MILLER.
The American Fruit Oulturist : By J. J. Thomas:
containing directions for the propagation and culture of
Fruit Trees, in the Nursery, Orchard, and Garden; with
descriptions of the principal American and Foreign varieties
cultivated in the United States: with 300 accurate illustra-
tions. 1 volume, of over 400 pages, 12mo. |l,00.
A cheaper, but equally valuable book with Downing's was wanted by the great
mass. Just such a work has Mr. Thomas given us. We consider it an invaluable
dddition to our agricultural libraries. — Wool Groicer.
We pi-edict for it a very rapid sale ; it should be in the hands of every fruit grower
and especially every nurseryman. It is a very cheap book for its price. — Ohio
Cultivator.
It, is a most valuable work to all engaged in the culture of fruit trees. — Utica
Herald,
It is a book of great value. — Genesee Farmer.
Among all the writers on fruits, we do not know of one who is Mr. Thomas'
cuperior, if his equal, in condensing important matter. He gets right at the pith of
the thing — he gives you that which you wish to know at once ; stripped of all use-
less talk and twattle. No man has a keener eye for the best ways of doing things.
Hence we always look into his writings with the assurance that we shall find some-
thing new, or some improvements on the old ; and we are seldom disappomted.
This book is no exception. It is full. There is no vacant space in it. It is like a
fresh egg — all good, and packed to the shell full. — Prairie Farmer.
In the volume before us we have the result of the author's experience and obser-
vations, continued with untiring perseverance for many years, in language at once
concise and perspicuous. — Albany Cultivator. ,
We can say with confidence to our readers, that if you need a book to instruct you
in the modes of growing trees, «&c., from the first start, the systems of pruning, etc.,
etc., you will find the American Fruit Culturist an extremely valuable work. The
million who purchase it, will find matter adapted to their wants, superior to any
work as yet published. — Cleveland Herald.
For sale in New York by M. H. NEWMAN «fe CO. and C. M. SAXTON.
Boston, B. B. MUSSEY & CO. Philadelphia, THOMAS, COWPERTIIWAITE 6i
CO.
I^F" Copies in paper covers sent by mail, free of expense, on receipt of $1,00
p«(5t paid., Direct to DERBY & MILLER,
Auburn, N. Y.
BOOKS RECENTLY PUBLISHED BY DERBY & MILLER.
The Life of Gen. Zachary Taylor, I2tli Presidem
of the United States, brouglit down to his inaugiu-ation.
Steel portrait, 12nio., muslin; a new edition, by H. Mont
gomery. 81,25.
%* 18,000 of the above work have been sold by us.
"The Life of Gen. Z. Taylor."—^. Montgomery, Esq., editor of the Auburn
Daily Advertiser, has found leisure, amid the multitude of his engagements, to get
up the most respectable looking and carefully prepared biography of the old General
we have yet seen. It makes a neat volume, and is printed on excellent paper and
new type, and bound in the very best style. It cannot fail to find a tremendous sale ;
«i result due alike to the book itself, and the enterprise of its busy publishers. —
Albany Evening Journal.
" Life of General Zachary Tatlor, by H. Montgomery,^' is the latest and
most complete of the numerous volumes purporting to be ' Lives' of the GeneraL
The author of this work — likewise editor of the Auburn Journal — is already knowa
as a forcible and pleasing writer, handling his subject with a masterly hand ; these
characteristics are fully developed in the book before us. The stirring incidents of
General Taylor's life, and the recent battles on Mexican soil are well portrayed —
the very fair and impartial style of narration being a rare quality in depicting battl»
scenes. The book will repay an attentive perusal.— iV. Y. Tribune.
The Life of Major General Zachary Taylor. By H. Montgomery.-—
Another and still another " illustrated" Life of the great American, (would that ha
had as many lives as the publishers give him,) the American whom Carlyle would
recognise as " a hero" worthy of his pen's most eloquent recognition; the man op
DUTY in an age of Self. An American in everything ; in valor, in strong mu^culai
sense ; in simplicity and directness and cordiality of feeling ; an American in ever)
thing, save in devotion to our new political God of Expediency.
The volume before us is put forth in Aubura, by the editor of the Auburn Dail^
Advertiser, whose vigorous, fluent style, and skill in compressing his materials.
must make his elegant volume very generally acceptable. Many of the traitt
ascribed to General Taylor have been assimilated by some of his admirers to thv
leading military characteristics of Frederick the Great. But, uniike Frederick
Taylor is anything but a martinet in discipline ; and, though his movements of smal
bodies of troops against vast odds, are characterized by the vigorous will and irou
determination of Frederick, the arbitrary disposition of the Prussian despot is wholly
alien to his tolerant and candid nature. Taylor's atfectionate and almost parenta'
relation to his soldiers, perhaps, alone first suggested the parallel, as we find it
hinted in the following stanza of some verses upon one of his battles, quoted by Mr,
Montgomery :
" • Old Zach !' ' Old Zagh !' the war cry rattles
Among those men of iron tread.
As rung ' Old Fritz' in Europe's battles
When thus his host Great Frederick led,"
Literary WoruL
BOOKS RECENTLY PUBLISHED BY DERBY dt MILLER.
History of the War with Mexico, from tlie com
mencement of hostilities with the United States, to the
ratification of Peace; embracing detailed accounts of the
brilliant achievements of Generals Taylor, Scott, Worth,
Wool, Twiggs, Kearney, and others; by John S. Jenkins,
8vo., 20 illustrations, morocco gilt. $2,50.
A History of the late war prepared for popular circulation The writer takes a
patriotic view of his subject. His narrative of the coimiiencement of the war would,
we presume, not displease Mr. Polk. He follows the campaign throughout with
industry and spirit, drawing from public documents, diplomatic correspondence, and
the newspaper letter writers by the way. More facts, we believe, are brought
together than in any single publication of the kind. The narratives of adventure lo
California, Col. Doniphan's march, and other passages, are told with interest; the
writer evidently seeking to make a useful book. The portraits and illustrations of
Gcenes are numerous ; the mechanical execution of the whole work being highly
creditable lo the Auburn publishers. — Literary World.
This is a volume of over 500 pages. The publishers have brought it out in e^^cel-
lent style. The paper, type, printing and binding, are admirable. The book has
been written with due regard to accuracy, and in a popular style. It is the most
elaborate, and probably the best History of the War yet published,— .4Ziamy
Evening Journal.
We have been unable to notice, until now, this new work from the pen of the
author of " The Generals of the last War with Great Britain, etc." In this volume
we have at last a complete and interesting history of the late collision between the
two Republics of the Continent. To a minute and detailed account of the position
and policy of Mexico, the origin and causes of War, are added soul-stirring descrip-
tions of the brilliant and successful engagements of our army with the enemy. This
narrative is v/riiten after a careful examination of the diplomatic correspondenco
and the various publications, of a public or private character, that have appeared
from time to time, calculated to throw light on the subject. To render tlie work
Btill more interesting and desirable, it has been illustrated with portraits of the most
distinguished officers of our own and the Mexican army, with views of the ever
memorable battle-fields of Buena Vista and Cerro Gordo. The reputation of tha
author will insure for this history a very general circulation.— .^^iany^l^/as.
.i
V ■
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