Independent Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1842-1844, 1843-06-17

his daily rounds upon his own estate. AS
they approached the avenue TO an. antique
mansion, he placed his hand on the rein o.
his companion. =.
4 Nay, Colonel Washington, let it never
be said that you passed The house Of you
fathers friend without dismounting. ]
must insist on the honor of delaying you
as my guest -. =
: Thanks to you, my dear sir, but | ride
in haste, the bearer Of dispatches 10 our
Governor in Williamsburg, which may
not brook delay'
{ Is this the noble steed which was given
you by the dying Braddock on theSfatal
field of Monongahela? and this the same
servant he bequeathed you at the same
time q ..-..
Washington answered in the aflirma-
tive.
Then, my dear Colonel, thus mounted
and attended you may well dine with me,
and by borrowing some OF this fine moon
light, reach Williamsburg ere his excel
lency shall have shaken off his morning
slumbers.'
Do understand that may be excused
Immediately after dinner 2
Certainly
--hen, sir, accept your hospitality
and gracefully throwing himself from the
charger, he resigned the reign TO the Eng
lish servant, giving at the same time strict
orders as to the time when he must be rea-
dy with the horses 10 pursue their journey.
IL am rejoiced Col. Washington,' said
the hnspitable old gentleman, fortunately
to have met you on my morning ride; and
more so as have some guests who may
make the rcpast pass pleasantly, and will
not fail to appreciate our young and valient
soldier
Washington bowed his thanks, and was
introduced to the company. Virginia's
far.famed hospitality was well SET forth in
that spacious baronial hall. Precise in
his household regulations, the social feast
was closed at tina time the host had pre-
dicted. The servant also was punctual-
he knew the habits OF his master. AT the
moment he stood with horses
camparisoned at the gate land much did
he marvel, as. listening 10 every loostep
that paced down the avenue, he saw the
sun sink la tiic west, alIu YET no master
appear. Al length an order came that
the horses should be put up for the night.
Wonder upon wonder! when his business
with the governor Was SO urgent The sun
was high in the heaven the next day ere
Washington mounted for his journey.
no explanation was given, bnt 1t was ru
mored that among the guests was beau
!lul and youthful widow, 10 whose charms
his heart responded. This was furler con
frmeG by his tarrying but brief space at
Williamsburg, retracing his route with un-
usual celebrity, and became frequent WIS.,
itor of the house of the late Colonel Gusts,
in the vicinity, where, the following year,
his nuptials were celebrated.
Henceforlh The life of the lady Of Mount
Vernon is IA part of the history OF her coun.
try. In that hallowed retreat she was
found entering into the plans of Washing
ton, sharing his confidence, and making
his household happy. There, her only
daughter, Martha Gusts, died in the bloom
of youth; few years alter, when the
troubles of the country drew her husband
to the pest of commander.in-chief OF her
armies she accompanied him 10 Boston,,
and Witnessed It's siege and evacuatlon.-l
For eight years he returned no more 10 en-
10y his beloved residence on the banks OF
the Potomac. Daring his absence she
made the most strenuous Efforts to dis
charge the added weight ofcare, and 10 en-
dnre, with changeiess trust in heaven,
anxiety Tor one SO lnexpressl'
Lly dear. At the close of each campaign
she repaired, in compliance with his wish
es, 10 head quarters, where the ladies OF
the general.officer joined her in forming
such society as dltflsed a cheering mhu-
ence over even The gloom OF, the winter of
Valley Forge and Morristown. Tie open
ing Of every campaign was the signal of
the return Of Lady Washington Gas She was
called in the army to her domestic cares
at Mount Vernon. 9Iheard,' said she,
'the ilrst and lasl cannon of The revolution
airy war; The rejoicing which attended
The surrender Of CornwaLis, in the autumn
Of 1881, marked for her a season of the
deept stsorrow: Her only remaining child,
Col John Gusts, The aid,de-camp Of Wash
inglon, became during his arduous duties
at the seige of Yorktown, the victim ofep.
ldemic fever, and died at the age of twen-
ty seven. He was but boy oil five al the
time of her second marriage, and had
drawn forth strongly The affections and re-
gard Of her iiluslrious husband, ahe shared
her affection for his loss, and by the ten
dercst sympalhies sought 10 alleviate it,
Alter tie close of the war, "a few years
was DEVOTED 10 the enjoyment and embel-
lishment of their iayorlIe Mount Vernon.
The peace and returning prosperity OF