Sunbury American and Shamokin journal. [volume] (Sunbury, Northumberland Co., Pa.) 1840-1848, 1843-07-22
MRS. GEORGE WASHINGTON.
by MRS. SIGouRNEy.

| scmOlance TO the fathCr-land than any OF Its
sisters. The manners of the nobility of Eng
land have been transplanted, with but little ra-
dical change to the territory of Powhattan. A
kind of feudal magnificence, a high and quick
sense of honor, generous and lordly hospitali-
ty, early characterized State which has given
10 this Western Empire SO many of its mighti-
est and noblest names.
One of the most immediate changes arising
| from the scrvancc of the mother country, was
| the breaking down of that courtly and almost
solemn etiquette which marked the intercourse
of the higher classes. Il know your age by
the edition Of your manners said lady Of
dscernmcnt to a gentleman distinguished for
poltcness Il am certain that you were cdu-
Gated before the Revolution But the repub-
licanism which may possibly have swept with
too full a tide over our national manners, had,
at that period of which we speak, no existence
in Virginia. The lcvees of her royal govern
ors, though stripped of monarchial pomp, dis
played remnant Of those stately trappings of
chvalry,' with which the titled and valiant of
still earlier age, were accustomed in Europe
an courts, to pay homage to beauty and rank.
1t was early in The winter of 174S, that the
| levees Of Governor Cooch opened with un-
wontcd splendor at Williamsburg Many of
| the members Of Assembly took thither with
them part of their families, and the season
was graced by the presence of several high
born maidens, who had never before been pre-
! sented at court. One among these was evil
IDENTIFY the theme of general admiration. Some
| Of the statelier matrons criticised her as def
cient in height But though somewhat beneath
| the middle stature, she possessed that round
| and exquisite symmetry which the early histo-
| rians have ascribed to the fascinating Anne
Boleyn. A pure complexion and clear eye,
were finely contrasted with dark, glossy and re.
dundant hair Still it was found difficult, by
common observers, to analyse her beauty; for
it rested not on any prominent gift but on the
union Of the whole person in loveliness. Grace
ofmovcment, and melody of voice, were confess
ed to be among its elements. More of anima-
tion was hers, than is wont to distinguish the
modern southern beauty; but wha, chiefly won
| old and young, was bland chccrfulness the
silent history of the souls happiness, and an
expressive smile, inspiring every beholdcr with
confidence like beam from the temple oftruth
Though she had scarcely numbered twice
eight summers, there was about her n woman.
| ly dignity which chastcncd admiration into re-
spect.
| Among those who had paid their dcroirs to
| this lovely young creature, was Colonel Gus
| tbs, one of the most accomplished gentleman of
his time His father, the Hon. John Gusts of
| Arlington, held the office of Kings Counsellor
and was q man of wealth and distinction. His
attendance at Williamsburg during the present
session, had been somewhat interrupted by i'll
health; and while there, the gravcr duties of
the statesman had so far absorbed him as to rem
der him ignorant as to what reigning beauties
had produced sensation at court. Not long af:
ter the suspension of the levees, and the .,turn
of the burGcssos to their homes, tic counsellor
requested conversation in mis- cabinet with his
son Colonel Daniel Parke Gusts. There was
singular mixture of gravity and condesccnsion
IN his manner as he desired him to be seated,
and thus opened the discourse
Il have for some time wished TO see you on
an interesting subject. Though still young, |
consider you have arrived to years of discre-
ton
The Colonel bowed.
thrust have always shown that regard for
your welfare which is due from an aiicctionate
father to an only son. ! am about TO give you
aiother proof in it, In short, wsh your at
attention TO suitable marriage
The Colonel bowed.
'You know Colonel Byrd, of Westover, to be
my very particular friend. His daughter is one
of the most beautiful and accomplished ladies in
Virginia. 1t is my desire that you form with
her a matrimonial alliance
MY dear sir, have rot the vanity Of sup
posing that could render myself acceptable to
Miss Byrd
mo objection on that head. Her father and
myself have settled it. Indeed, may as well
tell you that we have had numberless conver
sations on this business, and that you have been
as betrothed from the cradle. Think, my son
OF the advantage of such condition, the con
tIgulty OF wealth and power that shall ultimate
ly Pass into your hands,
, affection, sir, seems to me, 10 be the onl,
\ bond that can hallow such union Not even
my reverence for the best Of fathers could in