Du Buque visitor. [volume] (Dubuque, Lead Mines, Wisconsin Territory) 1836-1837, 1836-10-12
THE MoTHER or wAsH1SGToN.

Inc moiner OF aShlnGton, on WhOm
the care Of bringing him up devolved,
on the death of his father, is described
to me, by those who knew her we'll, as
"a woman of ordinary stature, once
great belle and beauty in that part Of
Virginia, called the Northern Neck.
High-spirited, yet of great simplicity
OF manners, uncommon strength of
mind and decision of character, she ex-
acted great Difference from her sons,
of whom George was the favorite.
The only weakness Of her character
was an excessive fear of thunder, which
originated in the melancholy death of
a young female friend, who was struck
dead at her side by lightning, when
Mrs. Washington was about fifteen
years old.
The same inAexiblc regard to the
performance Of those ordinary duties
of life, on which so much of our own
happiness, and that Of others depends;
the same strict punctuality in keeping
her word, and discharging all the obi
cations of justice, by which Washing
ton was distinguished, characterized
his mother. There was a plain. hon.
esty and truth about her, peculiar TO
that age, and which has been lick
changed for empty professions and out
ward polish. AS native Of Virgin
ia, she was hospitablc by birth-right,
and always received her visitors with
smiling welcome. But they were
never asked to stay but once, and she
always speeded the parting guest, by
atiording every facility in her power
She possessed all those domestic habits
and qualities that confer value on wo-
men, but had no desire to be distin-
guished by any other titles than those
of good wife and mother.
She was once present, and occupied
the seat of honor, at ball given to
Washington at Fredericksburg, while
in the full measure of his well-earned
! glary, and when nine o'clock came,
said to him with perfect simplicity
i Come, George, it is time to 20 home
"Mrs. M. is woman of inestinable
worth. BY her prudence and amiabi-
ility she won her husband from the Sc
auctions of pleasure; by the fervour Of
her affection and the strength of her
ljud gment she retained and constantly
augmented his attachment. Though
destitute Of beauty, there is a charm in
her conversation and manner which at
once commandsrespcctand admiration.
Although she received a superior edu-
cation in her youth, she does not forget
that the mind is susceptible ofimprove-
\ mcnt, but IS daily adding to hvr sour
ces of knowledge and happiness by ju-
dicious reading and observation. Her
temper is under the most perfect con-
troll. Passion or peevishness never dis
turbs the tranquil and intellectual ex-
preston of her countenancc. The
sounds of calumny and detracton new
Ter fall from herlips.-Though not par
ssimonious, she has the utmost regard
to economy in her domestic affairs.
She is generous without prorasiol, and
charitable without display. Her kind
ness to the poor and sick in her neigh
bcrhoodais ever welcome theme with
the recipients Of her bounty. She is
remarkable for her uniform politeness
I towards her husband and her friends,
! as well as towards strangers--a polite
ness which is constant and habitual,
not assumed for the moment, and laid
aside when the occasion is past. Her
children she instruct herself, and al
ways exerts herself to make them hap
py, but scrupulously avoids making
them promises she has no expectation
of performing A pattern of industry,
she accomplishes as much during the
day as others who make greater pre-
tensions. Her highest ambition, her
constant study is to promote the hap
piness Of all within the sphere Of her
influence.
ssAVhat. you may inquire, is the Sc
cret spring Of all her actions? She is
adevoted servant Of him swho went a.
bout doing good Her religion is not
merely cold, speculative assent to the
doctrines Of the bible, but warm, OPP
perative, heartfelt principle, which
leads her to exhibit the peaceful fruits
ofrighteousness.
Muane.--How this state will settle
the question Of the disputed boundary,
is more than we can tell. But, as they
quietly suffered British saYages to re-
tain part Of their territory during last
war, we presume they areR less pat
riotic Grand Cad ..72vcrtisey.