The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1827-04-05

more. The Provincial Colonel was pro-
ceedng TO Williamsburg, when he fell in
with p. Chamberlayne, Esq. one ofthe an
cicnt aristocracy Of Virginia, who lived in
a style Of great hospitality at his seat, in
the county Of New Kent. Chamberlayne
pressed the Colonel to dine with him, and
stay all night, (as Viginians OF those days
were not in the habit of making short or
ccrcmonlous visits,) but was answered,
that important business at the seat OF go
vernmcnt made a compliance, however a.
grecable, quite out ofqucslOn. Chamber
iayne now returned 10 the charge, by IN
forming his friend, that 1t was III his power
to introduce him to fine, young, and hand
some widow who was spending some days
at his house. The gallant soldier consent
ed TO stop, but IL was to dlnc-whIle hls
unsaddled horses ate a mOuthfu, and thcn
TO be off, so as TO accomplish ten or fifteen
miles Of his Journey by nightiall. Fate
destined this interview TO produce the long
and happy union which soon followed the
first meeting and mutual attachment Of the
parties for the enamoured Colonel, max
ing duty, for this time only, to yield to love
permitted the Sun to set and to rise again
upon him, the guest Of Chambcrlayne,
while Bishop, his old soldier and body ser.
want, tall as his chief and in this one in
stance more punctllious, had, in obcying
his orders Of hlstc, long stood Mt his mas
ter's stlrrup, ready, for the field" The
ensuing evening the Colonel departed,
"n olhing 10th" to accept the kind bidding
of his hospltable host to call again. The
marriage took place about l7GO, at the
White House in the county of New Kent.
IN,o fl, la, Ia - Il,
Mr.. Mossom, Clergyman sent out By the
Bishop of London, IN whose dlocess the
Colony of Virginia then was, to the rec
tory of ST. Peters Parish, New Kent
Soon after his marriage, Col. Washing
ton became settled at Mount Vernon. and
was elected frequently from the county OF
Fairfax to the House of Burgcsses. Dur
inc the rciGn3 ofthe Provincial Governors
Botctrout and Eden, the Courts of Viii.
llamsburg and Annapolis displayed as much
of the polish Of high life as was to be found
IN the larger cities of Europe, with far less
ol their corruptOns and dcbauchcnC3 II
was the custom for gentlemen Of fortune to
have their town houses during the sessions
ofthc Legislature, whore they lived in great
splGndor and hospitality. Col. Washington
was Of this number his personal attrac
tons not less than his early rcnown IN arms,
made hlm IA subject of much interest to the
Europeans, who were frequently vlsitcrs To-
the Capitals of Virginia aud Maryland.
Straight as an Indian arrow, he was casl-
ly distinguished in the gay crowds which
appeared at the palaces of he vice kings
by something in his air and manner
which bespoke no ordinary man. lis
lower limbs, being formed mathcmatcaIly
straight, he walked, as it were, in parallel
lines, while his mode Of placing and TAX
ing up his feet, rescmblcd the step of pre-
clson and care, so remarkable in the abo
riginal children Of the forest. lie might
be termed rather silent than speaking
member Of the House of Blrgcsscs, al
though lac aumctrmcs addressed the Chair,
and was listened to vioh attUHtun and res |
pect, while the excellence Of his judgment
was put IN roqulsjtion on all Committees, !
either of important, general, or local policy. |
When Col. Washington first resided at
Mount Vernon, both the mansion. house
and estate were lnconsldcrablc. All the
embellishments Of the house and grounds
are owing TO his creative hand. Prior to The
war of independence, he was much attach.
cd to the pleasures of the chase and is de-
scribcd rs bold aud fearless rider. lie
kept hounds for a short time after the Re.
yoution, but declined hunting altogcthera a
bout the year I7S7 or SS
He was never disposed to conviviality.
but liked the cheerful converse of the So
cal board indulged IN no game ofchance,
except in the olden times, when required
To make mp Il party at whist, in playing for
n trile, although for many years, play Of
all kinds was unknown in his household.
Alter his retirement from public life, all
the time which he could spare from his IL
brary, was devoted to the Improvement Of
his estates, and the elegant and tasteful ar
rangcmcnt of his house and grounds
Tie was his own surveyor and the dis
position and appearance of his farms, gave
evident proofs that the genius ofusetul inn
provemcnt had directed its energies with
beneficial, as well as ornamental effects.
AS master of slaves, General Washing
ton was consistent, as IN every relation of
his meritorious life. They were comtorta-
bly, lodged, fed and clothed required to
do full and fair share of dnty; well car
ed for IN sickness aud old age, and kept in
strict and proper discipline. These, we
humbly conceive, ,comprize oil the charities
ol slavery. To His old servants, where long ,
and faithful services rendered them worthy |
oi attachment and esteem, he was most /
His huntsman and Revolutionary attendant, /
VIII Lee, commonly called BILLY, was /
specially provided for, and survived his /.
master good many years. VIII had been |
stout, active man, aud n famous horseman,
but from accident, was a cripple for many
years before his death, which occurred at
very advanced age. This ancient follow
or, both in the chace and war, formed
most interesting relic of the Chief and re.
Ceiyed considerable largcsso from the nu-
.....o.,, ,....,... NI.,,,, N.r,a,