Lancaster gazette. [volume] (Lancaster, Mass.) 1828-1830, 1828-03-25
LAST HOURS OF WASHINGTON.

from CuSttSS htCOteSCttVftSJ ut0 'sCoee AAs"'V"'
of the Life and Character Of Washington.
Twenty-eight years have passed away
since an interesting group were assem-
bled in the death-room, and witnessed the
last hours of Washington. So keen and
unsparing hath been the scythe OF time,
that. Of all those who watched over the
Patriarch's couch, on the 18th and 18th
Dec. 1899, but single parsonage sur
wives.
On the morning of the 18th, the Gen
eral was engaged in making some inn
provements in front of Mount Vernon.
As was usual with him, he carried his
own compass, noted his observations, and
marked out the ground. The day became
rainy, with sleet, and the improver re-
NAMED so long exposed to the inclemency
of the weather, as to be considerably wet
ted before his return to the house. About
one o'clock he was seized with chillness
and nausea, but having changed his clothes
he sat down to his indoor work, there be-
inc no moment of his time for which he
had not provided an appropriate employ
/
ment.
At night, on joining his family circle,
the General complained Of slight indispo-
sition, and, after single cup of tea, re-
paired to his library, where he remained
writing until between eleven and twelve
o'clock. Mrs. Washington retired about
the usual family hour, but becoming alarm
ed at not hearing the accustomed sound
of the library door, as it closed for the
night, and gave signal for rest in the we'll
regulated mansion, she arose again, and
continued sitting up, in much anxiety and
suspense. At length the well-known step
was heard on the stair, and upon the Gen
erals entering his chamber, the lady kind
ly chided him for remaining SO late,
knowing himself to be unwell to which
Washington made this memorable reply
Il came so soon as my business was ac-
complished. You well know, that through
a long life 1t has been my unmarried rule,
neUer to put off till to-morroD the duties
which should be performed to-day"
| Having first covered up the fire with
care, the man of mighty labours at last
sought repose; but it came not, as it had
long been wont to do, to comfort and re-
store, after the many and earnest occu-
pations of the well-spent day. The night
was passed in feverish restlessness and
pain. "Tired natures sweet restorer,
balmy Sleep" was destined no more to
visit his couch yet the manly sufferer
uttered no complaint, would permit no
one to be disturbed in their rest, on his
account, and it was only at day-break he
would consent that the Oyerseer might be
called in, and bleeding resorted to. A
vein was opened, but without afording
relief. Couriers were despatched, to sum-
mon DIR. Craik, the family, and Drs. Dick
and Brown, as consulting physicians, all
OF whom came with speed. The proper
remedies were administered, but without
producing their healing effects, while the
patient, yielding to the anxious looks of
all around him, waived his usual obiec.
ton to medicines, and took those which
were prescribed without hesitation or re-
mark. The medical gentlemen spared
not their skill, and all the resources of
their art were exhausted in unwearied en-
deavours to preserve this noblest work of
nature.
Night approached, the last night of
Washington. The weather became Sc
verely cold, while the group gathered
nearer to the couch of the sufferer, watch.
ing, with intense anxiety, for the slight
est dawning Of hope. He spoke but lit
tie. To the respectful and affectionate
inquiries of an old family servant, as she
smoothed down his pillow, how he felt
himself, ne answered, 81 am very ill.,"
10 Dr. Craik, his earliest companion in
arms, longest tried and bosom friend. he OBJ.
served, " | am dying, sir,-but am not
afraid to die" To Mrs. Washington he
said, Go to my escritoir, and in the pri-
vate drawer you will find two papers
bring them to me-" They were brought.
He continued, "These are my wills
preserve this one, and burn the other :"
which was Immediately done. Calling to
Col. Lear, he directed, "Let my corpse
be kept for the usual period Of three
days"
Here we beg leave to remind our read
ers, that, in former part of this work
we have said that Washington was old
fashioned in much Of his habits and man.
ners, and in some Of his opinions nor
was ne the less to be admired on those
accounts. The custom of keeping the
dead tor the scriptural period of three
days is derived from remote antiquity.
and arose, not from fear of premature in
terment, as in more modern times, but
from motives of generation toward the de-
ceased; for the better enabling the rela-
tlves and friends to assemble from a dis
lance, to perform the funeral rites; for
the pious watchings of the corpse ; and