Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1838-11-09
EpucAr,IoN

ingion's sterling integrity is TO be found,
think, in that happy and efficient maternal
| influence, " hich il is well known, was ex-
ercised upon him. 10 his earlier days. On
the death OF his father, which occurred when
be was ten years old, the charge OF his edu-
catiob deyolvcd upon his mother. All ac-
counts concur in The admission that she was
an extraordinary woman--possessin not
only rare intellectual endowments, butihose
moral qualities which gave elevation. worth
and dignity 10 the soul. These qualities she
was particularly DESTROYS to engraft upon
the heart Of beloved son, and with what
success. the history OF his life displays.
4 The particular process by which She ac-
complished so happy design. il is not in
my power Mt this lime to describe but a
story occurs to my recollection, which may
serve to show the adroit and admirable man
ner in which she proceeded on acertuin oc-
rasion.
! 10 the ample pasture belonging 10 her
| plantation was a colt which. on account of
his beauty and high promise, she valued We.
ry much. Although ofsufficient age to be
used, il had never been mounted no one
seemed disposed TO attempt TO break its wild
and vicious spirit. One day, George pro-
posed 10 some Of his companions to assist
him at future time TO secure the colt, until
he could mount, and be would curb his
proud spirit. Accordingly soon after sun
rise. one morning the youthful band assem-
bed, and having drove the animal into an
enclosure. succeeded, with no small difficult
" however. in bridling him. In moment
George sprung upon his back. and the next
moment the surprised. wild, maddeniug crea-
ture, bounded forth into the open field. rear
ing, running plunging but George, grind
ing his teeth and clinging fast to the bride
and the name. held bis seat firmly as much
determined TO subdueas the colt was deter
mined moi 10 be subducd The struggle
was mutually desperate and as the COM
! panions Of George looked on, their terror
and amazement increased every passing mo-
ment Al length the colt obtained the adj
vantage. and bounding forward with the
speed of an arrow, made mis-. step, and in
bis fall broke a blood vessel, and died on the
lspot.
George came down unhnrt but when he
beheld the gasping Of the noble animal. and
Thought OF his mothers regard for ii, he was
spot anu Jo,..s.-s - he regret Of Georoe
anxIousIy inquired What will your mo.
Their say-who can tell her 2"
j AL this moment they were summoned TO
breakfast When seated at the liable. Airs.
Washington said. WE'LL young gentle
men, have you seen my fine sorrel colt in
your rambles this morning ~ The ques-
ton was natural-but what question il
was No answer was returned-and il
\ was repeated. Upon this. George with
lperieci frankness replied, Mother, your
sorrel colt is deadn
the whole affair AS the youthful and agi-
tated narrator passed along in his story, a
flush OF displeasure was arising upon her
cheek; but il soon passed away. and she
kindly and calmly said While regret the
loss Of my favorite, 1 rejoice in my son, who
ARRAYS speaks Tie truth
| scarcely know 10 what terms to express
my admiration Of the woman. or OF the man.
ner in which she treated this delicate and
difficult case. George was greatly in fault
and her rebuke was appropriate and com
mensurate The frankly confessed the whole
wrong. and she expressed her high sense Of
his regard to truth. That speech. short as
il was. dare say told upon bis heart--drew
his mother nearer to his bosom, and taught
him more effectually and more aslingly the
importance and value of truth and integrity,
than volume Of lecturng would have done
twas by such means that this part ofthe
character Of Washington was formed. Un-
der tutelage Of such mother the foundation
Of a character was laid, which was the adj
miration of the generation that was cotem-
porary with him; which has lost nothing of
| its glory 10 the present time--and will lose
nothing, as long as his memory shall last
Integrity OF character this is what we
want In the magistracy Of the land zzip the
Seepte chamber--in the pulpit-Hin the
neighborhood-in the famiy--every where.
What d world this would be. were every one
upright-a lover OF truth. justice and eqai-
lty What world tits because these things
are SO seldom fovnd
Here then is ample scope for PAD laf toll
and watchfulness, for parental energy and
wisdom. " Train up child in the way he
should 90, and when he is old he will not
depart from il" was verified in Washington
il may be verified in respect 10 others-in
respect to mothers. those little immortais
whom you now press TO your bosoms, and
whom you love better than your own souls.
So train them. that you may send them forth
having on the broastplate Of ruth and in
so doing you may accomplish more good
for your country than if you could convert
her rocks and her mountains into gold
The man Of integrity j like the pure and
refreshing air of morn on the mountains
top--ih dishonest mind, like the exhulta-
lions of the low and prestiferous pool the |
one invigoraiing as the pure and balmy