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 JHflrtjia llliiHlfiiigta. 
 
MEMOIRS 
 
 MOTHER AND WIFE 
 
 WASHINGTOI. 
 
 \ 
 
 BY 
 
 MARGARET C. CONKLING, 
 
 AUTHOR OF harpers' TRANSLATION OF " FLORIAN'S HISTORY OF THE 
 
 MOORS OF SPAIN;" "ISABEL, OR TRIALS OF THE HEART;" 
 
 ETC., ETC. 
 
 " Of differing themes the veering song was mix'd." 
 
 "To teach us how divine a thing 
 A woman may be made." 
 
 SECOND EDITION, REVISED AND ENLARGED. 
 
 AUBURN: 
 DERBY, MILLER, AND COMPANY. 
 
 1850. 
 
r 
 
 ^l5 
 
 Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 185JJ, by 
 
 DERBY, MILLER, AND COMPANY, 
 
 In the Clerk's Office for the Northern District of New York. 
 
 QoVrowsc^ \ro\rr\ "il'C L.C. 
 
 STEREOTYPED BY THOMAS B. SMITH, 
 216 WILLIAM STREET, N. Y. 
 
TO 
 
 MES. WILLIAM H. SEWARD, 
 
 A SLIGHT TRIBUTE TO HER MAl^TY VIRTUES, 
 
 AND 
 
 IN TOKEN OF HIGH REGARD, 
 
 THIS VOLUME 
 IS VERT RESPECTFULLY INSCRIBED. 
 
 Thank3 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 daughtei", cherished in her heart, will keep; 
 Thy couch of siiffering 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! — 
 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 ling'ring round the glowing West} 
 When day serene has gently sunk to rest! 
 
 Long may Columbia's Daughters thus portray 
 The lofty virtue of her earlier day !— 
 And may the blessings of thy heart and hearth 
 Change but for those of bright, empyreal birth! 
 
 M. C. 0. 
 Melrose, January 1st, 1850. 
 
(DHIE 
 
 OF 
 
 AHY WASniNGTOH. 
 
 Life is not lost, from which is brought 
 
 Endless renown, Spencer, 
 
 . . . Virtue, on no aid extraneous bent, 
 Is to herself, her own bright ornament. 
 
 Tasso, 
 
CONTENTS 
 
 OF THE 
 
 IIFE OF MARY WASHINGTON. 
 
 PAGE 
 
 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 — Names of Mrs. 
 Washington's six Children — Death of Augustine Washington — State 
 of his pecuniary affairs 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 Matron 15 
 
 CHAPTER 11. 
 
 The History of Mrs. Washington associated with 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 Mrs. 
 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. 
 
 PAGK 
 
 The Commencement of the Revolution— Washington's Appointment 
 as Commander-in-Chief of the American Army — Mrs. Washington's 
 pious Resignation — Her Removal from her country-seat to Fred- 
 ericksburg, in Virginia — Bids adieu to her son — Her Remedy for 
 Mental Anxiety — Her practicai Knowledge now peculiarly available 
 to Herself and others — Mrs. Washingto-a's active Habits — Daily 
 Practice of driving out to her Farm — Her prompt Discipline in re- 
 Bpect 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 
 Yorktovvn — The Commander-in-Chief hastens to the Presence of 
 his Mother — Mrs. Washington's Bearing and Conversation on this 
 Occasion 41 
 
 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 Officers present — Characteristic Remarks of Mrs. Wash- 
 ington, upon Retiring — The Commander-in-Chief dances his last 
 Minuet 50 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 Mrs. Washington's Children desire her to reside v.ith 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-La\v iu the 
 Management of her Affairs — Receives a visit from the Ma- quls de 
 La Fayette — Mrs. Washington's celebrated Remark respecting 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. XI 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 PAGB 
 
 President Washington takes a final Leave of liis Motliei , before assum- 
 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 of Wash- 
 INQXON 63 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 General Summary of the Character of Mrs. Washington . . ,68 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 Place of Mrs. Washington's Interment — Monument to her Memory — 
 Laying of the Corner-Stone by tlie President of the United States — 
 Extracts from his Eulogy — Lines written for this occasion, by Mrs. 
 Sigourney— Description of the Monument ...... 73 
 
 Appendix to Mary Washington 85 
 
THE MOTHER OF WASHINGTON. 
 
 -^-►-♦- 
 
 INTRODUCTION. 
 
 Here Woman reigns ; the mother, daughter, wife, — 
 Strews with fresh flowers the narrow way of life ; 
 In the clear heaven of her delightful ej-e, 
 An 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 spiiitual 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 fain 
 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 following Memoir. 
 
 The life of woman, almost in proportion as it is true 
 to the loftiest impulses and purest principles by which 
 she can be actuated, presents comparatively few inci- 
 dents claiming circumstantial record or remembmnce. 
 
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 hfe-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 worn 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 ! 
 The holiest thoughts it may impart, 
 
 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 1706. 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 developed and matured. 
 
16 MEMOIR OF 
 
 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 liistory of Wash- 
 
MARY WASHINGTON. 17 
 
 " His occupation was that of a planter, which, 
 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. We 
 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 
 ;ons survived his first union. He was united to 
 Mary Ball on the 6th of March, 1730. 
 
 iugton, is so generally interesting, that we append, for the con- 
 venience of the curious in such matters, Mr. Sparks' brief but 
 clear exposition of the genealogy of*liis father's family. See 
 Appendix — Note A. 
 
 * Sparks' Life of Washington. 
 
18 MEMOIR OF 
 
 After her marriage, Mrs. Washington's fmi 
 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, two 
 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 daus:hters, 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 which, apparently, 
 characterized every action of this faithful wife 
 and mother, that her native benevolence and jus- 
 tice were 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 pecuniary 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- 
 wards Mount Vernon, which then consisted of 
 twenty-five hundred acres ; and also other lands, 
 
20 ' MEMOIR OF 
 
 and shares 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 in 
 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 welfare 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 patienoe 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 with the 
 fear and love of God. In short, it was her sys- 
 tematic and unceasing endeavor, to illustrate and 
 eijforce willing compliance wdth 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- 
 ty, and occupation, sympathy, cheerfulness, and 
 
22 MEMOIR OF 
 
 unity, reigned supreme among tlie youthful deni- 
 zens of her httle 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 powder 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 Wasliiiigton, Esq., of Ohotank, wlio thus described 
 his distinguished relative : " I was often there with George, his 
 playmate, schoolmate, and young 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 gSftneration, I could not behold that 
 majestic woman without feelings it is impossible to describe." 
 
MARY 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 amiUsements 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 
 w^oman, perhaps none was more constantly illus- 
 trated in her life than her native good sense, the 
 practical effects of wiiich were infinitely more 
 useful and precious to her children than she could 
 
24 MEMOIR OF 
 
 possibly have rendered volumes of theoretical 
 precept, however philosophical and profound. 
 
 To her possession of this unpretending, but 
 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 attache'd 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 childhood.* 
 
 * Our juvenile readers can scarcely fail to be familiar -with 
 
MARY WASHINGTON. 25 
 
 Trained to unvarying respect for the truths of 
 revealed rehgion, 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 
 whose 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," who 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 which also incidentally illustrate more 
 than one of his youthful habits. 
 
26 MEMOIR OF 
 
 who even " laid down their own necks" for them ! 
 Mrs. Washington was a Christian Matron, who 
 derived her ideas 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 Avhich exalted mere physical courage 
 above the highest virtues of humanity ! 
 
MARY WASHINGTON. 27 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 'T is the Divinity that stirs within us ! Addison. 
 
 Must such minds be nourish'd in the wild, 
 
 Deep in the upturned foresis, 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 I\Irs. 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 wdth the history of her son. 
 
 The incipient w^orkings of the mighty spirit 
 destined to achievements that should move the 
 world, influenced the youthful Washington, 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 home 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 
 design. 
 
 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 was taken with 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 "Washington. 
 
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 was 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. Nor ought that de- 
 cision to be ascribed to obstinacy, or maternal 
 weakness. It was 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 3^ounger 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 "Washington, yoL i, p. 10. 
 
80 iMEMOIR 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. 
 Washington. 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 was 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 life of limited 
 usefulness 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 washes of her son, by the cheer- 
 fulness with which, almost immediately after the 
 abandonment of his original design, she relin- 
 quished the pleasure and benefit she would have 
 derived from his continued residence under the 
 paternal 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 aflairs. 
 
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 consjenial 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 victhn 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 vrelfare and happiness of her 
 
MARY WASHINGTON. 33 
 
 son, willingly to interpose the slightest obstacle in 
 the high and honorable path which circumstances 
 and his own aspirations and exertions combined 
 to mark out for him, most uncomplainingly and 
 unselfishly resigned 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 
 Mrs. 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 training had well fitted her to 
 adorn ; George, when not engaged in his profes- 
 sional avocations, resided upon the patrimonial 
 estate of Mount Vernon, to which he became 
 heir after the death o^ 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 effectually secured. 
 
 Some years later, when the young Virginian 
 
 2* 
 
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- 
 
r— ^ 
 
 MARY WASHINGTON. 35 
 
 vey, of the dignified and confidential intercourse 
 that was uninterruptedly maintained between 
 these distinguished correspondents. 
 
 "To Mrs. Mary Washington, near 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 earliest 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 ours consisted of about one thousand 
 three hundred well-armed troops, chiefly regular 
 soldiers, who were struck with such a panic, that 
 they behaved 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 fate, for 
 only one of his was left. In short, the dastardly 
 behavior of those they call regulars, exposed all 
 others that were inclined to do their dutv, to 
 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 wound, 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 wounded 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 weak and 
 feeble condition, which induces me to halt here 
 two or three days, in the hope of recovering a 
 Httle 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 all other friends that inquire after me. 
 " I am, most honored Madam, 
 
 " Your most dutiful son.^f 
 
 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. Nor can we believe 
 his own intimation to have conveyed the first 
 knowledge of this distressing intelligence to his 
 mother. She had, however, the consolation to 
 be, at the same time, informed of all that she 
 
 * The reader will remember that Col. W. had already re- 
 sided some time upon his patrimonial estate of Mount Vernon, 
 f Sparks' Life 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 occurred 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. 
 
 "Momit Yernon, 14 August, 1155. 
 
 " 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 w^ould 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 
 corn-age, as it also might have been by his ready discernment 
 and sagacious tactics, had Gen. Braddock been guided by his 
 advice in the incipient stages of the conflict. 
 
MARY WASHINGTON. 39 
 
 able command. Upon no other terms will 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."* 
 
 Our readers will not fail to remark the almost 
 deprecatory tone that characterizes this epistle ; 
 nor the deference it indicates to the wishes and 
 opinions of the parent to whom 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' Life of Washington. 
 
40 MEMOIR or 
 
 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, which, 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 outline presented in the dehneations of 
 the general historian. 
 
MARY WASHINGTON. 41 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 He shall not dread Misfortune's angry mien, 
 
 Nor feebly sink beneath her tempest rude, 
 Whose soul hath learn'd, through many a trying scene, 
 
 To smile at fate, and suffer unsubdued. Mbtastasio. 
 
 To solemnize this day, the glorious sun 
 Stays in his course, and plays the alchemist ; 
 Turning, with splendor of his precious eye. 
 The meagre, cloddy earth to glittering gold : 
 The yearly course, that brings this day about. 
 Shall never see it but a holy day ! Shakspkare. 
 
 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 responsibihties 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 WASHINGTON. 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 segis-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 househo«i, 
 but in furnishing the means of that liberal charity 
 which she had always exercised, however limited 
 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 liimself 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 life, her 
 e-juanimity, her healthful habits, and the sys- 
 tematic uniformity of her daily existence, still 
 gave this exemplary matron the physical power 
 essential for carrying into eifect her plans of self- 
 dependence and benevolent usefulness. 
 
 It was, 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 
 while 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 Hteral 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 were invariably most assidu- 
 ous and aifectionate 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 meanwhile, look with an unobser- 
 vant or unsympathizing eye, upon the changing 
 and momentous aspect of pubUc affairs. Her 
 residence in Fredericksburg enabled her early to 
 obtain the most important intelligence 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 regai'd. 
 
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 coQipanions in 
 arms, was communicated to his Mother, by the 
 numerous friends w^io hastened to rejoice wdth, 
 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. 111Q. 
 
MARY 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 v^ell 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. VVashing-- 
 ton was, at last, informed* of the crowning event 
 of the great conflict — the surrender of Lord 
 Cornwailis, 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 Commander-in-Chief repaired im- 
 
 * To whose thoughtful care Mrs. W. o-wed the Express de- 
 spatched to her with this grateful news, may easily be sui'mised. 
 
48 MEMOIR or 
 
 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 
 well-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 days, 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 ! 
 
 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 MEMOIR OF 
 
 CHAPTEE IV. 
 
 There fell a momeiifs thrilling silence round, — 
 
 A breathless pause ! — the hush of hearts that bea^ 
 
 And limbs that quiver : Hemans. 
 
 And blessed waa her presence there — 
 
 Each heart, expanding, grew more gay ; 
 Yet something loftier still than fear, 
 
 Kept men's familiar looks away ! Schiller. 
 
 Why then should witless man so much misweenti 
 
 That nothing is but that which he hath seen. Spenser. 
 
 The unexpected arrival of Washington and 
 his Suite, created the most enthusiastic dehght 
 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 occa 
 sion by a splendid Ball. 
 
MARY WASHINGTON. 51 
 
 Mrs. Washington received a special invita- 
 tion. She answered, that " although her dancing 
 days w^ere 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 
 brilliant uniforms of their respective corps, glit- 
 tering with the dazzling insignia of royal favor 
 and successful courage. 
 
 Thither came veteran heroes, the blessed and 
 honored of after times, whose war-scathed vis- 
 ages bespoke the unflinching bravery and perse- 
 vering devotion with which they had served their 
 country, through long years of hardship and 
 danger. 
 
 There, too, now swayed only by the light breath 
 of pleasure, waved in billowy folds, the dear- won 
 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, the 
 merry laugh, 
 
 " Nods, and becks, and wreathed smiles 1" 
 
 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 of 
 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 imp6sing 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. 53 
 
 Mrs. Washington received these pecuUar 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, while all eyes and all 
 hearts were irresistibly attracted by the winning 
 address and unpretending appearance of the ven- 
 erable lady. 
 
 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 which the language 
 and manners of the Mother of Washington 
 were so remarkable. 
 
 They spoke of women renowned in classic 
 lore : — the names of the celebrated Voluminia, and 
 of the noble mother of the Gracchi, broke invol- 
 untarily from their lips ; and they spontaneously 
 rendered the tribute of admiration and reverence 
 at the shrine of native Dignity and real Worth. 
 
54 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. 
 
MARY WASHINGTON. 55 
 
 CHAPTER y. 
 
 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. Pollok. 
 
 Who sat 'mongst men like a descended god, 
 
 ***** 
 
 Who livM in court, which it is rare to do, 
 
 Most praised, most loved: 
 
 A samjile to the youngest; to the most mature 
 
 A glass that feated them. Shakspkare. 
 
 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 Lewis, of Fredericksburg, the only sister of 
 Washington, whom she so closely resembled, that when she was 
 arrayed in his usual head-dress, her features were undistinguish- 
 able from his. 
 
56 MEMOIR OF 
 
 posed by nature and affection, had repeatedl]? 
 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 estabhshment, 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 
 
 " K'one 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 Congi-ess ; and afterwards again, in a letter 
 to Major-General Knox, he offers the same explanation of a 
 
MARY WASHINGTON. 5"^ 
 
 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 was ill, we perceive that he 
 pleads this honorable errand, without reserve, as presenting 
 claims superior to any public obligation. In an epistle written 
 towards the close of the year 1788, we find allusions to a pro- 
 longed sojourn under the maternal roof, &c., &q. 
 
 3» 
 
58 MEMOIR OF 
 
 This amiable visitor, who had frequently be- 
 fore enjoyed the happiness of conversing w^ith 
 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 dweUing, 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 Republic. 
 
 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, " / arn not surprised at what 
 George has done, for he tvas always a good 
 boy." 
 
 Thus did the true greatness 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 wail- 
 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 early 
 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 slightest dissent 
 
 * 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 Napoleon gave audience to 
 the several members of his family, while walking in one of the 
 galleries of the Tuilleries, among his other relatives, his mother 
 advanced towards him. The Emperor extended his hand to 
 lier to kiss, as he had done when his brothers and sisters ap- 
 proached him, " No !" said she, " you are the King, the Emperor 
 of all the rest, but you are my son /" We leave our readers to 
 draw the contrast irresistibly suggested by this anecdote, be- 
 tween the Republican Statesman and the Emperor of all the 
 French. 
 
MARY WASHINGTON. 61 
 
 from this sentiment. We are informed by 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 which she was placed. 
 
 It w^as 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 appropria^te preparation for 
 
 / 
 
 / 
 
 * G. W. P. Custis, Esq., the grandson of Mrs. Martha Wash- 
 ington, to whose interesting " Recollections" we are indebted for 
 most of the particulars relative to the life of Mrs. W., now in the 
 possession of the literary public. 
 
62 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. 
 
MARY WASHINGTON. 63 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 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 
 of 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 declining age. 
 
 Forgetting 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 
 
04 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, her 
 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 widow. 
 
 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 Washtng- 
 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 will also, thus 
 become possessed of the minutest information in 
 relation to the concluding scenes of Mrs. Wash- 
 
 * Cancer in the breast. 
 
MARY WASHINGTON. 65 
 
 ington's life, that persevering research has ena 
 bled us to discover. 
 
 " To Mrs. Betty Lewis. 
 
 "K'ew York, 13th September, 1789. 
 
 " My Dear Sister :— 
 
 vP vf* Vp Tt" ^ Vp 
 
 " 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 was^last at Fredericksburg, I took 
 a final leave of my mother, never expecting to 
 see her more. 
 
 *•' It will 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. 
 
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 
 very little trouble. Every person may, in thot case, 
 immediately receive what is specially devised. 
 
 " Were it not that the specific legacies, w^hich 
 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 eulogy 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 
 son, 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 early influence of his mother. 
 If this be true, how much do mankind owe to the 
 mother of Washington." 
 
68 MEMOIR OF 
 
 CHAPTEE VII. 
 
 Thou high-born spirit, on whose countenance, 
 
 Pure and beloved, is seen leflected all 
 
 That Heaven and Nalui-e can on earth achieve ! — 
 
 Michel Anqelo. 
 
 " There sounds not fo 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 da}^, with the undraped proportions 
 and severe beauty of an antique statue, as to com- 
 pare the life and character of the Mother of 
 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 circumstance; 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 quaUties, 
 earnestly 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 by 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 companions of 
 nature, 
 
 " N'ot 'neath tlie 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 I" 
 
 Iler 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 tliose of mighty empires and 
 world-renowned sovereigns shall have sunk for- 
 ever into the v\ hirlpool 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 
 
MARY WASHINGTON. 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- 
 like from the haughty, indomitable, relentless 
 Elizabeth ; but when shall the daughters of Co- 
 
 * " Behold our King !" was the enthusiastic exclamation of 
 the brave Hungarian nobles, at the most touching and sublime 
 moment of the life of this great sovereign. 
 
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 TVoma7i and the 
 Christian, in the highest and most comprehensive 
 sense of those expressive w^ords. 
 
 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 ix its own suiplicity !' 
 
MARY WASHINGTON. 73 
 
 CHAPTER YIII. 
 
 " 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, their death and birth." 
 
 Act I — for in action are wisdom and glory ; 
 
 Fame, immurtality, these ai-e 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 dustiest 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 was 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, having 
 
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 Monumental 
 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, w'th 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 renson to suspect then- accuracy, assumed as 
 facts the statements iii relation to this public monument con- 
 tained in " Knapp's Female Biogp^aphy." Truth, hov.ever, com- 
 pels her, most reluctantly, to admit that, after the MS. was 
 delivered to the Publisher, a newspaper article, purporting to 
 be written at Fredericksburg, met her eye, in which it was 
 asserted that the tomb of Mrs. "Washington has not been com- 
 pleted, and that it, at present, exhibits painful indications of 
 neglect and decay. 
 
MARY WASHINGTON. 75 
 
 elegant eulogistic Address, from which we present 
 our readers with a few paragraphs. 
 
 TFE" TfP Tt» ^ ^ 
 
 " 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 life. A century 
 fertile in wonderful events, and of distinguished 
 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, without 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. Yott 
 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- 
 ington was strengthened, if not formed, by the 
 care and precepts of his mother. She was re- 
 markable for the vigor of her intellect and the 
 firmness of her resolution. 
 
 7t* Tt" VV" ^ tP 
 
 " 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 with 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 probity 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 knowleds^e 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, 
 might 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. 
 
 tP ^ ^^ ^w* ^W 
 
 " 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 WASHINGTON. 
 
 79 
 
 « 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 bu'ds, 
 And Autumn cast his yellow coronet 
 Down at thy feet, and stormy AVinter speak 
 Hoarsely of man's neglect. But now we come 
 To do thee homage. Mother of our Cliief, 
 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 makmg 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 m her children's hearts, 
 Save to the vanity and pride of hfe 
 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 thme, what thanks to thee are due. 
 Who mid his elements of being wrought 
 With no uncertain aim— nm-smg the germs 
 
80 MEMOIR OP 
 
 Of godlike virtue in his infant mind, 
 We know not, — heaven can tell I 
 
 " Rise, noble pile 1 
 And show a race unborn, who rests below — 
 And say to mothers, what a holy cliarge 
 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, 
 J^or in theii' toil decline — 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 monument above the stars, a soul 
 Led by your teachings, and your 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 WASHINGTON. 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 surmomited 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 sublime, 
 than is contained in the brief sentence inscribed 
 upon this hallowed tomb : — 
 
 MARY 
 
 THE MOTHER OP 
 
 WASHINGTON. 
 
 4* 
 
APPENDIX TO MARY WASHINGTON. 
 
APPENDIX TO MARY WASHINGTON. 
 
 Note A. — "In the year 1538, the Manor of 
 Sulgrane, in Northumberlandshh'e, was granted 
 to Lawrence 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 Sulgrane, who was of the same name, had 
 many children, two of whom, that is, John and 
 Lawrence Washington, being the second and 
 fom'th 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 
 
86 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 
 whom 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. 
 
MAUTHA WASHIIGTOI. 
 
E II ® nm 
 
 OF 
 
 MAETHA ¥ASniNGTOH, 
 
 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 ! 
 
 Wordsworth. 
 
 Not enjoyment, and not sorrow, 
 Is om- destined end or way; 
 But to act that each to-morrow, 
 Finds us farther than to-day. 
 
 Longfellow. 
 
CONTENTS 
 
 OF THE 
 
 LIFE OF MARTHA WASHINGTON 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 PAQB 
 
 The Subject of our Memoir, a Belle, in her early Years, in the Capital 
 of Virginia — Her Disposition and Appearance — Maiden Name — Place 
 and Date of her Binh — Descent — Education — Mental Endowments — 
 Her early Matrimonial Engagement — ()i)position of Col. Custis' Fa- 
 ther — The Marriage of Miss Danuridge — Removal to the Plantation 
 of her Husband — Name and Situation of the Residence of Col. Custis 
 — Character and Hosiiitality 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 White 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 Engagement — The War-Steed and Servant of the 
 Soldier the Victims of Cupid's arts — Preparations for the Wedding — 
 The Distinguished Character of the Assemblage — The " Pride, Pomp 
 and Circumstance" of the Occasion 108 
 
92 CONTENTS. 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 PAGB 
 
 Date of the Marriage of Col. and Mrs. Washington — They remove from 
 the White House to Mount Vernon — Origin of the 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. VVashington 
 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- 
 i\y — Dale of IMiss 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 — Tliis Intelligence first communicated to Mrs. Washington in a 
 Letter from her Husband — The Letter — Mrs. Vv^ashington deter- 
 mines to repair to the Seat of War — Letter from Washington to his 
 Brother — Mrs. Washington's supposed Danger at Jlount 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- 
 gards 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 
 mterest in Public Afifairs— Her Indignation at the Treachery medi- 
 tated towards the Commander in-Chief, and her Delight when in- 
 formed of the successful Passage of the Delawai-e . . . 142 
 
CONTENTS. 93 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 PAOB 
 
 Washington goes into Winter Quarters — Mrs. Washington joina him in 
 the Camp — Iler Husband's Care and Attention during lier Yearly 
 Journeys— Mrs. Washington travels in lier own Carriage, attended by a 
 Military Escort — The Example of Mrs. Washington generally followed 
 by the Wives of the principal Officers of the Army — Mi-s. Washington 
 the Favorite of the Army — Anecdote — The Cheerfulness and Equa- 
 nimity of Mrs. Washington, while residing in the Camp — Her Society 
 highly valued by the Commander-in-Chief^Aii'^cdote — Mrs. Wash- 
 ington devotes herself to the care of the Sick and Sufftring — She 
 forms many agreeable Friendships — Her Correspondence at this Time 
 — Extract from a Letter — Mrs. Washington's intimate Associa- 
 tion with the Heroes of the Revolution 147 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 Mrs. 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 — Keady to retuin to Camp in the Autumn 
 — The Army at Valley Forge — Passage from one of Jlrs. Washing- 
 ton's Letters — Christian Faith and Fortitude 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 Chastelleux 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 Sirs. 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 Anniversary 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 — Ret'ealed Illness of the Commander-in-Chief— Mrs. 
 Washington's Health impaired — She is Inoculated for the Small -pox 
 — Mrs. Washington's Appearance at this Period of her Life— Grand- 
 children claim the Care and Affection of Mrs. Washington — Her Oc- 
 cupations and Amusements — Prosjjects of Peace — Mrs. Washington's 
 Anticipations of Domestic Felicity — She is summoned to the Death- 
 bed of her Son — Particulars respecting Co!. Custis' Public Career, Ill- 
 ness and Death — Washington's Grief on this Occasion — His Sym- 
 pathy with Mi's. Washington 158 
 
94 CONTENTS. 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 FAOB 
 
 Date of Col. Ciistis' Death— Mrs. Washington devotes herself more en- 
 tirely to the Charge of her Craud-children — She remains at Moimt 
 Vernon — Her EJuspilality and Benevolence — Her Husband returns to 
 Mount Vernon— Passage from one of Washington's Letters to the 
 Marchioness de La Fayette — Proposed Enlargement and Improve- 
 ment of the idauslon and Grounds of Mount Vernon — 'I'lrie manifold 
 Occupations of Mrs. Wushington — Her Industry, Method, Domestic 
 Discipline, Personal Neatness, Courtesy and Conversation at Table, 
 Regular Devolional 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 — Lktter 
 from Washington to Madame de La Fayette— The ?)Iarquis returns to 
 Mount Vernon before leaving the Country — Proofs of the continued 
 Friendship cherished by the distinguished Military Companions of 
 the Commander-in-Chief — Her Husband continually associates Mrs. 
 Washington with himself in his CorrespondtMice with his Friends — 
 Few present traces of Mrs. Washington's Letters — liiustrative 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. Wiishington'a 
 Pleasure at the Adoption of tf.e Federal Coi.stitutiim by her Native 
 Stale — Public Rejoicings in the City of Alexandria — Mrs. Washing- 
 ton's Patriotism and Philanthropy 177 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 Election of Wasiiington to the Presidency — Mrs. Washinglon's Reluc- 
 tance to leave Home— Lkttkr from Mrs. Washington to a Female 
 Friend— .louriicy from Mount Vernon to the City of New York — 
 The Bridge at Trenton and the Inau;ruration — Mrs. Washington in 
 High Station— Proi)ri»:;ly of State and Ceremony in the Presidential 
 Establishment —Mrs. Washington's Do-nestic Arrangements — Her 
 Levees— The Levees and Dinners of the I'resident — State Dress of 
 the President- i'.irlicular Ceremonies of the Nation:il Fete Days — 
 Distinguishing Attention jtaid to Mrs. Montgomery and to Mrs. 
 Green — Respect paid to the Sabbath by the President and Mrs. 
 V/ashington — The Revolutionary Soldiers always welcomed to the 
 Presidential Mansion— Mrs. V/ashingtou 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 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Portion of each Summer at Mount Vernon— 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 — Leave-takings, and Bestowment of Tokens of Remem- 
 brance and Regard 198 
 
 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 — t 
 The overwhelming Grief of Mrs. Washington— The Death of the 
 Father of his Country — Mrs. Washington 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 conlident Hope in the Eternal Felicity of her 
 Husband — Her deep Grief and Christian Fortitude — Mrs. Washington 
 continues her former Attention to the active Duties of Life — In her 
 69th 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 ........ 229 
 
THE WIFE OF WASHINGTON. 
 
 ■^ « ■»■ 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 Grace was in all her steps, heaven iu her eye, 
 
 In every gesture, dignity and love. Popb. 
 
 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 ifirst 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, 
 
98 MEMOIR OF 
 
 combined to render this fair representative of an 
 ancient race, one of the most admired and be- 
 loved of the many Hving flowers assembled dm'- 
 ing the season of fashion, to grace the Colonial 
 Court of Governor Dinwiddie. 
 
 Martha Dandridge was born in the County 
 of New Kent, in the Colony of Virginia, in May, 
 1732. The long line 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 succes 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, who, 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 OP 
 
 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 
 c" the old entime. Possessed of sterling integrity, 
 and eminently gifted with the refined and elevated 
 "sentiments so agreeably illustrated by the peculiar 
 incidents connected with his matrimonial engage- 
 ment, he was, also, endowed by nature with a 
 h *nr rs generously liberal as his purse was ample 
 and o\ oiilowing. Living in times when hospi- 
 tality was not only practised as a duty and a 
 V rtuc, but X ^garded as affording some of the most 
 inn^: '^rt ana 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, w^re necessarily, by no 
 means either nominal or Ught. But she who had 
 voluntarily and " nothing lotli," 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 were 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 
 
 " The wife, the mother, dearer than the bride," 
 
102 MEMOIR 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 Delio-ht ! 
 
 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 eflects 
 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 by the mournful cause 
 of 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 
 shiUing. The tenant begged 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 
 changeless affection had long 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, — 
 
f 
 
 104 MEMOIR OF 
 
 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, wdll be 
 best told in the words of the same authority to 
 which we 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 suni 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 
 chUcb-en." — Sparks Life of Washington, 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, still 
 peacefully and hopefully, time passed v^ith the 
 widowed mother, w^hile 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. \ 
 
 5* 
 
106 MEMOIR OF 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 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, 
 
 He rode all unarni'd, and he rode 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 sweet one of gracefuhiess," 
 
 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 
 
 the 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 slie rejects, but never once oflfends.'' 
 
 Content in her singular freedom from authori- 
 tative restraint, conscious of her ability to con- 
 duct, unaided, her own business affairs, 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 unnecessary? 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 OF 
 
 him and for his sister, every advantage that un- 
 Hmited 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 I 
 
 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 liair-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 liceiise, when they recollect the fact 
 recorded in the annexed passag^e : — ■ 
 
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, with 
 
 " 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." 
 
 National Portrait Gallery. 
 
110 MEMOIR OF 
 
 should, gradually, " melt into thin air," like the 
 scrolled snow-wreath, beneath the ardent gaze of 
 advancing Phoebus ! — 
 
 " Airy messengers had sought, 
 
 The rosy reahiis of Fancy thi-ough," 
 
 and, with one accord, they yielded the palm of 
 highest merit to the youthful Washington ! 
 
 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 dying Braddock on the ill- 
 starred 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 
 vvas 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, 
 in the elaborate and elegant costumes of the time ; 
 the 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. 
 
 
112 MEMOIR OF 
 
 stantial viands, rich wines, and delicate conserves. 
 Thus aided they may Usten to the gay conversa- 
 tion, the merry song, the whispered words, the 
 bhthesome laugh, the flashing wit, the inspiring 
 music, each well befitting the occasion ; and 
 watch 
 
 " the docile footstep to the heave of the sweet measure, 
 
 As music wafts the form aloft at its melodious pleasure, 
 
 ISTow breaking through the woven chain of the entangled dance !" 
 
 The same magic power will most successfully 
 portray the grace, the loveliness, 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. 313 
 
 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 ; 
 
 * * 4: ^ * * 
 
 The heart to the heart flows in one, love delighted. Schiller. 
 
 * * Woe to thy dream of delight ; 
 In darkness dissolves the gay Irost-work of bliss ; 
 Where now is the picture that Fancy touch'd bright? 
 
 W. W. DiMOND. 
 
 But lo ! a Congress ! What, that hallow'd name 
 
 Which freed the Atlantic ? Byron. 
 
 Soon after their union, which occurred, it is 
 believed, in January, 1759, Colonel and Mrs. 
 Washington removed from the " White House" 
 to Mount Vernon, which continued thenceforth, 
 to be the permanent family residence.* 
 
 * Mount Vernon is in Faii-fax Co., Virginia. It is pleasantly 
 situated on the south bank of the Potomac, nine nules below 
 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 "Washington in- 
 herited this residence from his eldest brother, Lawrence, who 
 
114 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 buildino-, 
 with but four rooms on the first tioor. Its owner 
 had resided there for some years previous to his 
 marriage, but JNIount 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 eftbrts 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 troops, employed 
 in the celebrated attack against Carthagena, tmder Admiral 
 Vernon. On his return, he settled on his patrimonial estate ; 
 vrhich, thi-ough respect to his Admiral he called Mount Vernon." 
 This gentleman died not long afterwards, bequeathing his estate 
 to Ids only child, in case of whose deatli it was to descend to liis 
 brother George, " with the reservation of the use of the same 
 to the wife during her hfetimc." 
 
MARTHA WASHIXGTON. 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 elegant taste that 
 directed everj'thing within the precincts of the 
 new abode of Mrs. Washington : — 
 
 " DiRECTioxs 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 Eugene and the Duke 
 of Marlborough, 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 
 
 * How 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, w^ere twice 
 every year ordered by Colonel Washington from 
 his Endish ao;ents.* 
 
 * We appeud a some^s^hat amusing List of articles imported 
 from England about this 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, gain some incidental information 
 respecting the dress and domestic habits of Mrs. Washington, 
 at this period of her history, together with vai-ious indications 
 
MARTHA WASHINGTON. 117 
 
 We may believe that the efficient and cheerful 
 aid of Mrs. Washington 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. Washington almost immediately 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 agents 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 life then prevalent among the more wealthy of the 
 Virginia Planters. See Note A, of the Appendix. 
 
118 MEMOIR OF 
 
 " To Robert Gary and Company, Merchants 
 
 London. 
 
 "Mount Yernon, 20 September, 1Y50. 
 
 " 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. 
 
 vF vp T\- tP tS* vf* vp 
 
 " 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 hands, it 
 %hould certainly be applied that way, as far as it 
 will go. I likewise observe the ditficulties you 
 have met with in settlino- for the interest of the 
 bank stock ; but I hope that is now over, unless 
 any part or the whole should 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 estate, 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 Custis, and for Miss 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- 
 swering 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 timCj be made to our General Court." 
 
 But though 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, together with the 
 many 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 liim," 
 
 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 aflbrded by the pleasing incidents 
 recorded in the following paragraph : — 
 
 " By a vote 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 JHSses 
 the power of any language that I poss-^ss.' "* 
 
 * Wirt's Lite of Patrick Henet. 
 6 
 
122 MEMOIR OF 
 
 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 hospiia Hies of Mount Vernon, at the time to 
 which our narrative at present refers : — 
 
 * "We learn from excellent authority, that an accession of 
 more than one hundred thousand dollars was made to the for- 
 tune of Col. "Washington by his maiTiage with Mrs. Custis. 
 
MARTHA WASHINGTON. 123 
 
 ''Although Col. Washington's pursuits were 
 those of a retired farmer, yet he was by no means 
 secluded from social intercourse with persons of 
 intelligence and refinement. During the periods 
 of his attending the House of Burgesses 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 civilities he had received, and practised, on a 
 large and generous scale, the hospitality for which 
 the Southern planters have ever been distin- 
 guished. W^hen 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 
 the estimable Subject of our Memoir, we should 
 not omit particularly to mention the pure and ex- 
 alted gratification springhig 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- 
 municants in the church of the parish of Truro, in which the 
 family estate wag included, and upon the pubUc services of 
 which they were constant attendants. Col. W. was, also, long 
 
MARTHA WASHINGTON. 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 only daughter 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 w^as snatched forever from the presence 
 of her earthly friends. 
 
 a vestryman of this church, 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 and 
 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 severe} 
 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 ! 
 
188 MEMOIR OF 
 
 CHAPTER ly. 
 
 Hark ! forth from the abyss, a voice proceeds, 
 
 A long, low, distant murmur of dread sound, 
 
 Such as arises when a Nation bleeds 
 
 With some deep and immedicable wound. Byro». 
 
 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 days ; 
 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 wtiS 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 war 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.* 
 
 " Philadelpliia, 18 June, 1115. 
 " 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 Congress, that the whole army 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 known that Mrs. Washington, previous to her death, 
 destroyed these precious testimonials of affection and confi- 
 dence — unwilKng, it may be supposed, to allow other eyes than 
 her own to trace the cherished records. 
 
 6^ 
 
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, and 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 you will feel from being 
 left alone. I therefore bes 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- 
 thng his temporal concerns, while 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 will I now enclose. 
 The provision made for you in case of my death, 
 will, I hope, be agreeable. 
 
132 MEMOIR OF 
 
 " I shall add nothing 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, will, 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, temporarily 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, I'lTS. 
 " Dear Brother : 
 
 " I am obliged to you for your advice to my 
 wife, and for your intention of visiting her. 
 Seeing no great prospect of returning to my 
 family and friends this winter, I have sent an in- 
 vitation to Mrs. Washington 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 New Kent, as I believe the case 
 will be. I have laid before her a statement of 
 the difficulties, however, w^hich 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 we 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' Writings of Washington. 
 
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, &c." 
 
 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 immediately 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 
 
130 MEMOIR OF 
 
 oe seriously disturbed by an occurrence, under 
 ordinary circumstances so unioiportant 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 
 allowing 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, whose 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 affair. 
 
 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- 
 presse her acknowledgments for the kind at- 
 tention that had secured her against embarrass- 
 ment and annoyance.* 
 
 * For the quaint version of tliis s ingular illustration of popu- 
 
MARTHA WASHINGTON. 137 
 
 After enjoying the society of her friends for a 
 few days, and, at the same time, refreshing her- 
 self with needful rest from 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., &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 Mrs. Washington, during 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 lIlS," 
 see Note B., of the Appendix. 
 * 2'7th November, 1116. 
 
138 MEMOIR OF 
 
 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. Washington 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 wealthy 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 eUcited 
 during her journey. 
 
 " To Joseph Reed, Esa. 
 
 " Camp, December 25th, 1715. 
 " Dear Sir : 
 
 ****** 
 
 " I am so much indebted for the civiUties 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 and Coerespondence of President 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 
 w^hatever 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 
 Washington/' 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. 141 
 
 the Harbor of Boston,*' Mrs. Washington pre- 
 pared to return to her long-deserted home, — the 
 portentous aspect of military affairs warning her 
 of the impracticability of remaining with the 
 Commander-in-Chief during the season of actual 
 hostilities. 
 
 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 
 country she now resigned this last lingering scion 
 of maternal hope and joy.f 
 
 * llth March, 1116. 
 
 •(• Whether or not Mr. Custis was already one of the military 
 family, strictly speakmg, 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 
 of Aid-de-Camp to the General-in-Chie£ 
 
142 MEMOIR OP 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 Employ'd she employs ; 
 
 Locks the chest and the wardrobe, with lavender smelling', 
 
 And the hum of the spindle goes quick 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 ! Schiller. 
 
 While duty measures the regard it owes 
 
 With scrupulous precision and nice justice, 
 
 Love never reasons, but profusely gives — 
 
 Gives, like a thoughtless prodigal, its all, 
 
 And trembles then, lest it has done too little. More. 
 
 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, and 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 remark- 
 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 simplicity 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 followed 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. 145 
 
 tions and fears expressed in the following sen- 
 tences were, 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 game is nearly 
 
 Only a wile as devoted as Mrs. Washington, 
 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 
 encouraging success of which that skilful manoe- 
 
 * Washington to his Brother, 19th Nov. 1776 — Sparks' Writ- 
 ings OF Washington. 
 
 f Washington to his Brother, 18th Dec. 1776 — Life and 
 
 COEEESPONDENCE OF PRESIDENT ReED. 
 
 7 
 
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 
 little Continental Army ; and her delight 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 w^as necessarily 
 invested with such vital importance for this ten- 
 der Mother, this sympathizing Wife, this patriotic 
 American Matron ! 
 
MARTHA WASHINGTON. 147 
 
 CHAPTEE YI. 
 
 To paint that being to a grovelling raind 
 
 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 
 * Jaa 1111. 
 
148 MEMOIR OF 
 
 habitual practice to pass her winters at the Head- 
 quarters of the American Army. It was, con- 
 sequently, her ^vont 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 civihties 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 
 eftectually 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 regarded as a sisjnal for the assem- 
 blage of the fair ministering spirits whose pres- 
 ence lent a charm even to hardship and danger. 
 
 The foUowincr 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 the MOitary Family of Washington, yre 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 dwelHng, 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 u]) 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 WASHINGTON. 151 
 
 nailing smooth boards over the rough and worm- 
 eaten planks, and stopping the crevices in the 
 walls made bv time and hard usaa^e. We then 
 consulted together hov/ 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.' She replied, 
 sm.ilincv, ' I am astonished ! vour work would do 
 honor to an old master, and you are mere lads. 
 I am not only satisfied, but highly gratified by 
 what vou have done for mv 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 diflused 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 smiling 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 WASHINGTON. 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 courageous 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 the 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 benefiting and relieving the 
 suffering soldiers. She visited the sick, minister- 
 ed to their wants, and poured that sympathy 
 which is the " oil of joy" into their desponding 
 hearts. She is described 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 
 
 7* 
 
154 MEMOIR OF 
 
 difficulty or hardship prevented the fulfihuent 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 her 
 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 affections. She became 
 closely and confidentially connected with the noble 
 and heroic women, who, like herself, were pledged 
 to the service of their country — those private de- 
 fenders of the Cause of Liberty, whose dearest 
 interests, w^hose 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 life. 
 
 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 stratification of each, bv 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 du corps than ever cemented 
 the secret compact of 
 
 " a band of brothers joined !"* 
 
 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 dui'ing the Revolu- 
 tion, the advantages of a regular, safe, systematic PostOflSce 
 arrangement. This was far enough fi'om being the case. Not 
 imfrequently 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. 
 
1§6 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 Burgoyne 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 wdth 
 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 w^ere Steuben, Ro- 
 chambeau. La Fayette, 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 WASHINGTON. 157 
 
 whom it was her pride and happiness to be united 
 by ties so tender, so endearing, and so blessed ! 
 
 Thus, then, though surrounded by 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 1" 
 
158 MEMOIR OP 
 
 CHAPTER YII. 
 
 The field of freedom, faction, fame, and blood : 
 
 Here a proud people's passions were exhaled, 
 
 From the first hour of empire iu the bud. Byron. 
 
 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 ennui ? This state of 
 quiescence, this objectless, dreamless torpor, this transition dii 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 
 ai'e serving pleasure 1 Is it freedom to be the slave of self ? 
 
 PlLUKIMS OF THK RhINK. 
 
 We resume our somewhat interrupted narrative 
 of the events of Mrs. Washington's life, 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 all 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 aiTairs 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 
 
160 MEMOIR OF 
 
 the interesting 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 tlie 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 Worristown, in Pennsyl- 
 vania, on the west side of the Schuylkill river, and about twenty 
 miles from Philadelphia. It is a deep, rugged hollow, at the 
 mouth of Valley Creek, from which, and from an ancient forge 
 once established there, it takes its name. On the mountain sides 
 of this wild spot, Washington fixed the camp of the American 
 Army during the winter of 1*777-78. 
 
MARTHA WASHINGTON. 161 
 
 venience, privation, and danger, that she might 
 the better sympathize with, and minister to her 
 husband ; who, oppressed by conflicting duties, 
 difficulties, and trials, and, at the same time, a 
 mark for the shafts of public 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 ensanguined record of this ever-mem- 
 orable winter was at length traced upon the Page 
 of Time ! 
 
 Well has it been said, that, in the moral, as in 
 the physical world, the darkest hour precedes that 
 of dawning light. The calumnies by which the 
 
102 MEMOIR OF 
 
 Commander-in-Chief had been so ruthlessly as- 
 sailed, only served to elicit the strongest proofs 
 of public confidence and individual attachment. 
 The cruel deprivations and sufferings 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 Republic, and 
 that her efficient aid would now assist the strug- 
 'gling cause of Liberty I 
 
 " A day was set apart for a public celebration 
 in camp. It began in the morning with religious 
 services, and a discom'se 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 WASHINGTON. 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 changeful 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 Yalley Forge to 
 a friend. 
 
161 MEMOIR OP 
 
 passed at Valley Forge by tlic 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-life, under 
 the practical superintendence of " Lady Wash- 
 ington." It is possible that the dwelling here 
 
 * We are indebted to Mrs. EUet for this extract, — sin? herself 
 quotes it from a ^fS. Letter. 
 
MARTHA WASHINGTON. 1G5 
 
 described is the same referred to in a previous 
 
 4 
 
 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, v^hich 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 fire 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 rne, was the very parlor spoken of, 
 wherein he had made them place a camp-bed. 
 We assembled at breakfast the next morning 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 
 
166 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 whom forbode to call 
 upon her during her stay in the city.f 
 
 But in ao-reeable 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 tMs description 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 Washington's going 
 into -winter quarters during the inclement winter of '77-78. 
 
MARTHA WASHINGTON. 167 
 
 patriotic wife w^as very frequently greeted in the 
 course of lier 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 the hospitable mansion of Mrs. 
 Barry, in New Jersey, a Ball was given by the 
 hostess to signalize 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" I 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 I 
 
168 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. 
 Washing-ton, 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 tVashington. 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 different 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. 
 Washington 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 
 was designed to manifest her interest in that lady, 
 and to serve as " an elegant testimonial of her 
 approbation 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 
 matter, 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, Vol. ^'I. 
 8 
 
170 MEMOIR OF 
 
 of this magnanimous and patriotic American 
 Matron. 
 
 Mrs. Washington's mental firmness and con- 
 stancy of pm'pose were, more than once during 
 the struggle of the Revolution, severely tested by 
 the illness of her husband, v/ho, 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 follovv'ing 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, c\pril lltb, 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 with 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, whose 
 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- 
 telligence has been sent me by a gentleman living 
 near the enemy's lines, 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 Piesident Reed. — Life and 
 Correspondence of President Reed, Vol. 2, 337. 
 
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 1175. Though we may not 
 enter the sacred precuacts 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 
 
 gether with her extensive correspondence, and 
 the never-ceasing duties of hospitality, combined 
 to beguile the tedium of her annual separations 
 from her almost idolized " chief;" and her winters 
 continued to pass as they had invariably done 
 since the commencement of the Revolution. 
 
 Faint streakings of the morninor 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 hhn ! Visions of 
 domestic felicity once more delighted her mental 
 gaze — visions of a blissful reunion with each 
 member of her now scattered familv, 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 lov'd ones reply to her call !" 
 
 Alas, for the vanity of all human expectations! 
 An impenetrable pall was fated suddenly to 
 shroud from her eagerly-expectant eyes alike the 
 
174 ME?»IOIR 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 fame, — bat the victim of 
 insidious disease ! 
 
 Colonel Custis had, from the commencement 
 of the Revolutionary stru2;o-]e, 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 wings of tor- 
 tured affection. 
 
MARTHA WASHINGTON. 175 
 
 For the victorious American Chief, too, the cup 
 of joyful thanksgiving was deeply tinctured with 
 bitterness. — " Providence left Jihn childless that 
 he might he 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 v/atchers 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 vv^hether there was any 
 reason to hope for Colonel Custis' recovery. 
 When the physician sadly intimated that all was 
 nearly over, the sorrowing pater patricB, retiring 
 to a solitary apartment, threw himself upon a 
 couch, overpowered by the most painful emotion. 
 
 ^ This exquisite attici.^ni appeared originally in the form of 
 a toast given at a public dinner, but the writer is not so fortu- 
 nate 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 
 
 CHAPTER YIIL 
 
 In Duty's active round each day is past, 
 
 As if she thought each day might prove her last: 
 
 Her labors for devotion best prepare, 
 
 And meek Devotion smooths the brow of care. 
 
 More. 
 
 Where is the smile unfeign'd, the jovial welcome, 
 
 Which cheered the sad, beguiPd 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 ? 
 
 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 continuously than they 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 
 
 * Oct., 1781. 
 
 8* 
 
178 MEMOIR OF 
 
 hear tlie 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 wlio 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 hospitality. Sorrow had never the effect to 
 render her selfish ; nor did she now forget 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 multiplied 
 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 Annapohs to meet the retiring 
 Cincinnatus, and they returned together to the 
 peaceful retreat from which so many revolving 
 years, and so many momentous occurrences had 
 separated its illustrious 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 aftections of good men, and in 
 the practice of domestic virtues 1" 
 
 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 Mount 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 Wasliington 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 
 J am retiring within myself, 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 thoroughly 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 th^ taste, skill, and industry of 
 both.* 
 
 " Having 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 lavv'n, surrounded by 
 serpentine walks. Beyond the gardens and lawn 
 were the orchards. Very early in the spring, he 
 began with th':3 lawn, selecting the choicest trees 
 from the woods on his estate, and transferrin gj 
 them to the borders of the serpentine walks, ar- 
 ranging them in such a manner as to produce 
 symmetry and beauty in the general effect, inter- 
 mingling in just proportions iorest 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 through the whole process, 
 
 ■^ At this time, tlic .approacli 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, he continued during his life to 
 make new accessions of fruits and plants, both 
 native and exotic." 
 
 Apart from these agreeable employments, in 
 which she occasionally took part, Mrs. Washing- 
 ton found ample occupation in the charge of a 
 large household, which was constantly augmented 
 by 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 MEMOIR OP 
 
 "Mount Vernon, 'Jth Sept., 1785. 
 " 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 asking you, if there is any such one 
 within your reach, whom you think could be in- 
 duced to come to me on reasonable wasies. I 
 would rather have a man than a woman, but 
 either will do, if they can be recommended for their 
 honesty, sobriety, and knowledge of their profes- 
 sion ; which, in one word, is to relieve Mrs. 
 Washington from the drudgery of ordering, and 
 seeing the table properly covered, and things eco- 
 nomically used, &c., &c." 
 
 Despite the assistance she received from others, 
 however, Mrs. Washington's employments and 
 duties were many and important ; and it was 
 only by habitually systematizing all her arrange- 
 ments and occupations, that she was enabled to 
 accomplish a personal superintendence of the va- 
 rious engagements of each successive day. 
 
 Continuing to rise, invariably, with the sun, as 
 had always been her habit, she industriously de- 
 
MARTHA WASHINGTON. 185 
 
 voted several hours to her domestic affah's, thus 
 securing leisure for social enjoyments, and for 
 attention to other avocations, without the neglect 
 of household duties. 
 
 In the well-regulated mind of this disciplined 
 and exemplary woman, each detail of daily life 
 and habit found suitable attention. This was 
 true even w^ith reference to the exquisite neat- 
 ness of her dress, w^hich, though always entirely 
 simple, was regarded as a model of refinement and 
 propriety by her female friends. Carrying her 
 keys at her side and making frequent visits to the 
 various apartments connected with the elaborate 
 arrangements of the table and its " aids and ap- 
 pliances," the spotless purity of her attire always 
 remained unsulhed by her active participation in 
 the mysteries of each and all. 
 
 The direction and government of her servants, 
 too, illustrated both the judgment and kindness 
 of this admirable mistress. Prompt, regular, and 
 mdustrious herself, she required 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 OF 
 
 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 w^ould best prepare her for the 
 self-control and self-denial by which she was, for 
 more than half a century, so eminently 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 when 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 habituallv 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 Yernon. 
 
 It Vvill 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 V\'ith grateful interest, those 
 tokens of friendship and politeness which had 
 been exhibited towards them, when both were, 
 in some degree, the tests of unaffected and disin- 
 terested report and regard. 
 
 Her valued female friends, — the heroic com- 
 peers of '• Lady Washington" through long, dark 
 years of struo:a;le and sutferino-, — 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 MEMOIR 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, for 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 that 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. Washington 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. Washington. The suc- 
 ceeding passage from one of Washington's Let- 
 ters to Madame de La Fayette, will furnish the 
 reasons that were deemed sufficient to prevent 
 the gratification of this hospitable wish, and ex- 
 emplify 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 ii? 
 the care of her Utile 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 tlie simplicity of rural life. It will di- 
 versify the scene, and may give a higher relish for 
 the gayeties of the court, when 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 tliis interesting family, we venture 
 to commend to their perusal two selections from tliose 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 delightful intercourse with 
 them, before his departure for his native land. 
 
 Nor w^as it by those alone who were so fortu- 
 nate as to be able personally to pay their respects 
 to Mrs. Washington, that she was gratefully and 
 affectionately remembered long 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 fnid 
 proofs of the kindly recollections ever cherished 
 for her by the Count de Rochambeau ; and rec- 
 ords of tlie complimentary and oft-recurring mes- 
 sages of regard exchanged with him through her 
 
 dressed, about this time, by Washington to Madame De La 
 Fayette, in which he represents himself as expressing the wishes 
 and sentiments of both Mrs. Washington and himself. See Note 
 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 Wasldngton 
 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 fur publication. 
 
MARTHA WASHINGTON. 193 
 
 After the nine years 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 affairs, 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 ail matters appertaining to individual 
 and household expenditure. But whatever neces- 
 sity arose for curtailment in the pecuniary ar- 
 rangements of this truly 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 affairs, that he 
 could not conveniently meet the necessary ex- 
 pense and continue his other outlays, he, about 
 the same time, gave the sum of £1000 to the 
 Academy at Alexandria, and made the most kind 
 and generous provision for an unfortunate con- 
 
 9 
 
194 MEMOIR OF 
 
 nection that sought his aid. He, also, during 
 many years, " gave 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 obhgations 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 pubhc festivities by 
 which their friends in the city of iVlexandria 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 immediately 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 by which the general good, not of 
 her native country alone, but of the whole civi- 
 lized world, was destined to be so essentially and 
 enduriugly 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 life was habitually regulated, enabled her still 
 * Letter to 0. C. Pinkney, Esq., Mount Yernon, June 28, 1788. 
 
196 MEMOIR OF 
 
 to exhibit undiminished her characteristic activ- 
 ity, usefuhiess and cheerfulness. 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 
 
 * The Marqms 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, Paiadise? Tims leave 
 
 Thee, native soil, these happy walks and shades 
 
 Fit haunt of gods ? Milton. 
 
 The AVorld is with me, and its many cares, 
 
 Its woes — its wants — the anxious hopes and fears 
 
 That wait on all terrestrial aflairs — 
 
 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 A^ernon to peril his mental and 
 domestic peace, as he had formerly done his "life, 
 his fortune, and his sacred lonor," 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 
 
 timents 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 
 aftbrded 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 deny, 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 fron^ that moment 
 we should be suffered to grow old together 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 havino; acted accordino; 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 information 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 any substitute, that will indemnify 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- 
 
 9* 
 
202 MEMOIR OF 
 
 ever situation 1 may be ; for I have also learned 
 from experience, that the greater part of om' 
 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 our 
 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 other 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 Kings 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 everywhere hailed^ 
 from the time of his departure from home to 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 New York. Philadelphia was afterwards the seat of the 
 General Govermnent. It was not until the year 1791 that the 
 present location was selected by Washington, to whom that 
 duty was formally delegated by his countrymen. Thus, then, 
 Mrs. Washington passed the first year of the Presidency of her 
 husband at 'New York, the second at Philadelphia, and the re- 
 maining six at the present National Capitol. 
 
204 MEMOIR OP 
 
 pathos and moral sublimity. It drew tears even 
 from eyes " unused to the meUing 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 hke 
 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- 
 public 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- 
 tablishment wore the family livery — white with red collars 
 and cuffs. The chariot in which President Washington per- 
 formed his celebrated torn* through the United States, was also 
 white. This was probably the color of the carriage in which 
 Iilrs. 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 Mrs. 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, Avhen in his official post at the sideboard, 
 during the state dinners, silk small clothes, white sLtk 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 the dignity and consequence of the family he 
 had the honor to serve, through the most ostentatious displays 
 permitted by the restraining supervision of liis methodical and 
 judicious master. Hercules, the colored cook, was one of the 
 
206 MEMOIR OF 
 
 The Levees of Mrs. Washington were held on 
 Friday evening 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 always 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 fini.«l\ed 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 anther 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 unfrequently saluted 
 the ears of the assemblage ; and that Mrs. Washington was 
 wont sometimes quietly to remark that the General retired at 
 half-past ten ! 
 
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 fuW full di^ess ; 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 chapeau de bras adorned 
 with a cockade and fringed 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 jMorris took pre- 
 cedence of every other guest, invariably con- 
 ducted Mrs. Washington, and sat at her right 
 hand. 
 
208 MEMOIR OF 
 
 " On 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 w^ear 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 
 
MARTHA 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 days. 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 witnessed that terrible fellow, Corn- 
 wallis, surrender his sword ; each one had some 
 touching appeal, with which he introduced him- 
 self to the peaceful head-quarters of the presido- 
 liad. All were "kindly bid to stay," were con- 
 
210 MEMOIR OP 
 
 ducted to the steward's apartments, and refresh- 
 ments set before them ; and after receivmg some 
 little token from the lady, with her best wishes 
 for the health and happiness of an old soldier, 
 they went their ways, 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 humility. She presided at her elegant 
 and bountiful table with the same courteous ease 
 and kindly affability that formerly shed an almost 
 
 * Perhaps some of our readers may be disposed to ascribe 
 puerility to the mimiteness of our details in relation to the pe- 
 cuharities of Mrs. "Wasliington's present mode of life. The 
 author hopes, nevertheless, to afford passing entertainment to 
 others whose taste for antiquarian research may be, perhaps, 
 in some degree gratified. 
 
MARTHA WASHINGTON. 211 
 
 inimitable charm over the hospitahties of IMount 
 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 sens9 
 and too clear a conception of propriety to converse publicly 
 upon subjects involving her husband's political interests or offi- 
 cial policy. Foreign ambassadors and strangers frequently at- 
 tempted to draw her into a discussion of political topics ; but it 
 was her invariable practice to wr.ive all discourse of this nature. 
 — But, though it had never, during her long public career, been 
 the habit of Mrs. W. to give open expression to her political 
 sentiments, no want of independence withheld their manifesta- 
 tion when circumstances required their promulgation. In the 
 year 1780 an Address was published in the Philadelphia news- 
 papers, entitled, " The Sentiments of an Atnerican Woman," 
 which was attributed to her, and which was publicly read iu 
 the Churches throughout Virginia. 
 
212 MEMOIR OF 
 
 This disinterested friend did i ot, 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 convincing 
 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 
 mental exertion, Vv'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 OF 
 
 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. 
 
 Ail 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 affection 
 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. Ohver Wolcott, the wife 
 
MARTHA WASHINGTON. 215 
 
 of one of these gentlemen, and the particular 
 friend and correspondent of Miss Custis, called 
 ' to take leave,' Mrs. Washington asked if she did 
 not wish a memorial of the General. ' Yes,' re- 
 plied Mrs. Wolcott, ' I should like a lock of his 
 hair.' Mrs. Washington instantly took her scis- 
 sors, and with a happy smile, cut a large lock 
 from her husband's head, added to it one from her 
 own, and presented them to her fair friend/' • 
 
 " "Nor place, nor titles, made Aspasia's bliss; 
 ****** 
 Unmoved slie saw the glittering trifles perish, 
 
 And thought the petty dross beneath a sigh. 
 
 Cheerful she followed to the rural cell ; 
 
 Love for her wealth, and her distinction Virtue /" 
 
216 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 And a vision of happiness steals through 
 - her rest — 
 
 Cease, then, the funeral strain I — 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'erpowera 
 The fond regret that weeps a loss like ours, 
 
 ****** 
 Yet, yet awhile, the natural tear may flow. 
 Nor cold reflection chide the chastening woe ! 
 
 DiMONO. 
 
 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 flee away 
 
 To realms of future bliss. Mrs. E. J. Eamks. 
 
 Relieved, at last, from the irksomeness of elab- 
 orate ceremony, and the time-engrossing duties 
 of a public station, the illustrious Subject of our 
 IMemoir returned permanently, in the Spring of 
 1797, to the earnestly-coveted and peaceful en- 
 joyments 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 WASHINGTON. 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 influence. 
 
 But, though the effects of their previous efforts 
 were so plainly discernible, General and Mrs. 
 Washington entered, with much zeal and interest, 
 upon projects for the further improvement and 
 embellishment of the intended asylum of their de- 
 clining years. 
 
 And now these faithful votaries of nature, these 
 unaffected lovers of all the thousand nameless 
 joys that constitute the sacred charm of Home, 
 contemplated with exquisite pleasure the calm 
 vista through which they could at last trace their 
 mutual pathway along the vale of time. A tem- 
 perate enjoyment of the luxuries aflforded by 
 affluence, 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 recalling the many varying incidents of 
 
 10 
 
218 MEMOIR OF 
 
 long years of high duty and successful effort, of 
 well-rewarded self-sacrifice and eventual tri- 
 u^jajph ! 
 
 Such were the natural and appropriate rewards 
 that crowned a Hfe 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 tb 
 usual attributes of human happiness to be ; r- 
 petuated on earth. 
 
 Two years after his final resignation of the 
 cares of state, the immortal Washington 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- 
 feet !" 
 
 Mrs. Washington 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. 4 
 
 " 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 lingei 
 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 by 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 Patri^ 
 were then consigned to the Family Tomb within 
 the grounds of Mount Vernon, there to await the 
 final disposition of his country."* 
 
 " When the burst of grief which followed the 
 death of the Pater Patrice had a little subsided, 
 visits of condolence to the bereaved lady were 
 
 * National Portrait Gallery. 
 
222 MEMOIR OP 
 
 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 inward and 
 assured conviction that he had ever sou2;ht the 
 same '^fountain of limn g waters,'' from which she 
 had herself drunk deep of heavenly hope and joy If 
 
 * A letter addressed to Mrs. Washington on this solemn oc- 
 casion by the Earl of Bucan, the brother of Lor4 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 with its insertion in this volume, though it is char- 
 acterized by some peculiarities of style and expression. See 
 Note D, of the Appendix. 
 
 f National PoRTRArr 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 liis request, to Mr. 
 I Sparks, by the adopted daughter of Washington, Miss Custis, 
 I who was twenty years an inmate of the family of her kind pro- 
 \ lector. 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- 
 tain. — 3ee Note E, of the Appendix. 
 
224 MEMOIR OF 
 
 no mortal suffering 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 stil) ron- 
 ducted the various affairs of her extensiv .r.tab- 
 lishment with her previous diligence, re/ -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 arrangenents, no 
 courtesy neglected towards the innume: able vo- 
 taries who sought, in sorrowing pilgrin-age, Co- 
 lumbia's more than Mecca-shrine. 
 
 " Light grief is fond of state and courts compaf 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 1" 
 
 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, w^ell 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, 
 
 lO* 
 
226 MEMOIR OF MARTHA WASHINu 
 
 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 WASHINGTON. 
 
 ^ ■ ♦ » ^ 
 
 NOTE A. 
 
 Mr. Sparks gives us the original List, as found 
 among Washington's papers. For explanatory 
 particulars, see Sparks' Life of Washington, 
 Vol. II. 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 written 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 
 
APPENDIX. 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 yeai^s 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 hght 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 Silk, 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 being made that would be very 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 be 
 contrary to the Eighth Resolve of Congress, 1 
 therefore requested he would give my respects to 
 
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 
 was 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 
 not to grace that company, to which we are in- 
 formed, 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. — vit 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 wait 
 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." 
 
NOTE C. 
 
 "To THE Marchioness de La Fayette. 
 
 "Mount Yernon, 25 November, 1784. 
 " 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 asrain. 
 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 newly-inspired lover. We 
 restore him to you in good health, crowned with 
 wreaths of love and respect from every part of 
 the Union. That his meeting with you, his 
 family, and friends may be propitious, and as hap- 
 py as your wishes can make it, that you may live 
 lonor together revered and beloved, and that vou 
 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, 1784. 
 
 " 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-wdsher. 
 
 " George Washington." 
 
 "To the Marchioness de La Fayette. 
 
 "Mount Vernon, 10 May, 1*786. 
 
 " 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 Fayette. 
 
APPENDIX. 239 
 
 can add strength but the endearments that flow 
 from personal interviews, and the unreserved 
 exchange of liberal sentiments. Will you not 
 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 infancy ; if the warbling 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 tranquillity, 
 and glide gently down a stream which no human 
 effort can ascend. We must, therefore, however 
 reluctantly it is done, forgo the pleasure of such a 
 visit as you kindly 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 
 
 " Dryburgh Abbey, Jan. 28, 1800. 
 " Madam : 
 
 " I have this day received from my brother, at 
 London, the afflicting 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 
 o-ive 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 v^as one of those 
 whom the Almighty, in successive ages, has 
 chosen apd raised up to promote the ultimate de- 
 signs of his goodness and mercy, 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 written 
 by the wise and discerning Tacitus concerning 
 his father-in-law Agricola, that, " though he was 
 snatched away while his age was not broken by 
 
242 APPENDIX. 
 
 infirmity or dimmed by bodily decay of reason, 
 yet that, if his Ufa 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 affectionate 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 afforded 
 by the 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 wishes 
 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, w^ho 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 m.ade 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 
 we 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, 
 
 " Yom' obedient and faithful servant, 
 
 "Buchan." 
 
NOTE E. 
 
 After some particulars 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 Ubrary 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 hfe, 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 my 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 
 
1 1 
 
 248 APPENDIX. 
 
 no 
 
 him relate a single act of his life during the war. 
 I have often seen him perfectly abstracted, his 
 lips moving, but no sound vvas 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 affection 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. 
 
 q 91 80 • 
 
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