Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1843-06-01
Martha Washington.
BY Mrs. Sigourney.

Il II was early in the winter Of l14S that th
| lerees of Governor Gooch of Va. opened wit,
unwon,cd splendOr at Wllinmsbnrgh Man
the members Of Assembly took ihlthcr witt
them par, Of their families, aud this session
was graced by the presence OF several young
! high born maidcns, who had never befor,
been presented at court. One among these
was evidently the theme of general admira
lion. Some of the siaielier ma,rons criticised
her as deficient in height. But, though
somcw what beneath the middle stature, she
possessed tha, round and exquisite symmetry
which the early historians have oscribcd to
the fascinating Anne Boleyn. A pure com.
p'exon, and clear eye, were finely contrasted
with dark glossy. aud redundant hair. Still
! it was found difficult, by common observers
to analyzc her beauty for 1t rested not on
any permanent gift, but on the consent OF the
whole movement, and The melody Of voice
were confessed TO be among its elements -
Moe Of animation was hers, than is wont Il
distinguish the modern Southern beauty
hut what chiefly won old md young, was d
bland checrluness, the silent history OF the
souls happiness, and an expressive smile
inspiring every beholder with confidence
like beam from the temple of truth.
/ Though she had scarcely numbered twice
/ eieht summers. there wns about her a woman
/ " dignity, which chastened former adn,ira-
ilon into respect.
\ Among them who had paid their dtrors to
this lovely young creature was Colonel Gus
ts, one of the most accomplished gentlemen
of his time. Ills father, the Hon. John Cus,is.
Of Arlington, held The office OF Kings Coun-
sellor, and was a man of wealth and dlslnc.
,ion. Ills attendance at Williamsburg dur
ing the present session had been some what
interrupted by i'll health; and while there.
the gravcr duties Of The statesman had so far
absorbed him as 10 render him ignorant as to
what rcignng beauties had produced scnsa.
lion at court. Not long after the suspension
Of the lcvces, and The return OF the bnrgcsscs
Ia their homes, the counsellor requested a
conv ersailun IN his cabinet with his son,
Colonel Daniel Parkc Gusts.
81 trust have always shown that regard
for your welfare which is due from an niiec.
tonaie father TO an only son. ! am about to
give another proof Of it. ln short, wish to
turn your attention To a suitable murrlage."
The Colonel bowed.
"You know Colonel Byrd, of Westovcr.
TO be my very particular friend. His dauglI.
ter is one Of the most beautiful and accom-
plshed ladies' in Virginia. II is my desire
that you form with her a matrimonial alli.
aDte."
lie seemed TO wait for a reply, but in vain.
"May inquire if you have thus early pre-.
sumed to decide seriously ly on the preference
OF any young lady as q companion for life ?"
81 have, Sir"
inlay be favored with a knowledge of
her name Z"
"Ml-s Martha Darnbridge."
According to happy prcsc clencc, the lofty
counsellor gave his consent 20 the nuptials.
and the flower Of the Court OF Williamsburg
became bride, IN the blush Of her seven
tcenih summer.
Their residence was a retired and roman
tic mansion on the banks of The Pamunkey
" reared ns white walls amid profuson ol
vines and Towering trees. Broad plantations
and the wealth of Virginia forests, variegsied
the grounds. Rural occupation, and the de
ligh, Of each Others society, prepared for
them what they deemed paradise. In Wis
its TO their favored dwelling, the Chancellor
learned TO appreciate the treasures Of his
new daughter. Her excellence in the re.
sponsible sphere to which she was intro.
uced won h,s regard I; and with the lngcnu-
BUSINESS OF nm honorable mind when convinc.
I'd of mn error, he sought every opportunity
II Distinguishing her merit, which he had
,nce been reluctant io admit. When he
Jaw The grace and courliness with which she
general hospitality the judg.
nent lac beyond her years, d,,plnyeJ IL The
ol her servants the cnorgy
'arly rising. The cheerful nlacriiy ~itl, which
he regulated nnd bcaulIfcd the internal
mechanism Of her family the dIsinicrcs,ed-
css with which she forgot hersoIG and
ouym The good of oihors hut. above all.
or unIIrIng deviation io her husband. mud
he lliilc ones spong up around her lic glo-
pd IN the sentiment " bIs son, which, IN.
ceJ, he had always believed, though he