Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1845-09-18


of any young lady as companion for life"
81 have, sir"
"May be favored with knowledge of her
name?"
" Miss Martha Darubrdge."
The high spirited gentlemen parted in mutual re
sentiment; but the reflections Of a night restored
them to better feelings The father began to eX-
cuse the son by recalling the warmth of his own
early attachment; while the son referred the tes-
ness of the father to the narrowing disappointment
of long cherished plan, and the querulousness Of
his feeble health. Still as it usually happens with
proud men, neither would open his heart TO the
other and a slight though almost inperceplible
GOODNESS gathered over their intercourse. But this
interview served as a stimuant to matrimony.-
The temporary reserve of the father, throwing
something like gloom over the paternal mansion.
heightened the frequency of the visits of the lover.
The gentle object Of his preference imagined no
barrier TO an alliance where there existed no ine-
quality; and he iorebOre to communicate what
could only occasion perpeXity, and what he trusted
would soon vanish like "tbc blseless fabric of
Dream According to happy prescienco, the lofty
counsellor gave his consent to the nuptlas, and the
flower of the coast of WILLIAMSBURG became Il
bride i'll the blush Of her seventeenth summer.
Their residence was a retired and romantic man.
sion on the banks of the Pamunkey. 1t reared its
white walls amid profuson of vines and flower.
ing trees. Broad plantations, and the wealth Of
Virginia forests variegated the grounds. Rural
occupation, and the delight Of each others society,
prepared for them what they deemed paradse.-
In visits to their favored dwelling, the counsellor
learned to appreciate the treasures Of his new
daughter. Her excellence in the responsible sphere
to which she was introduced won his regard and
with the righteousness of an honorable mind when
convinced Of an error he sought every opportunity
OF distinguishing her merit, which he had once
been reluctant to admit. When he saw the grace
and courtliness with which she maintained gener-
al hospitality the Judgment far beyond her years,
displayed in the management of her servants the
energy the early rising, the cheerful aacrty with
which she regulated and beautifed the internal me-
chanism Of her family the dlsnterestedness with
which she forgot herself and sought the good of
others; above all, her unring devotion to her hus
band, and the little ones sprung up around her, he
gloried in the sentiment of his son which, indeed
he had always believed, though he was once in
danger of swerving from it--that strong personal
affection is essential 10 the bias of matrimonial af
| lection.
But the scene OF exquisite felicity was not long
| TO last The death of her two oldest children pre-.
pared her for deep loss in her beloved and csti-
mable husband In the trying situation of a young
] beautiful, and wealthy widow. and mother, she was
still able to conduct herself with unvaryng dis
cretion and faithfully to discharge every import
ant duty.
II was in the spring of 1858 that two gentlemen,
attended by servant, were seen riding through the
luXhrant scenery with which the county of New
Kent, in Virginia. abounds. The most striking
figure of the group was tall, graceful man, and
apparently about twenty six years of age. He
would have been model for statuary when Rome
was in her best days. His companion was an ell
derby man. in plain garb, who by the familiarity
with which he pointed out surrounding objects,
would seem to be taking his daily rounds upon his
own estate. AS they approached the avenue to an
antique mansion he placed his hand OF. the reign Of
his companion.
"Nay, Colonel Washington, let it never be said
that you passed the house of your fathers friend
without dsmountng. / must insist on the honor
of delaying you as my guest"
"Thank to you my dear sir, but ride in haste
the bearer of dispatches to our Governor of Will
liamsburgh, which may not brook delay"
"Is this the noble steed which was given you by
the dying Braddock on the fatal field Of Mononga-
! hela and this same servant he bequeathed you at
the same time!"
Washington replied in the Alternatives
"Ther my dear Colonel, thus mounted and at
tended, you may well dine with me; and, by Dor:
rowing some of this fine moonlight, reach Williams
burg ere his Ncelency shall have shaken off his
morningsumbers"
" Do understand that may be excused imme-
diotely after dinner ~
/ "Cerainly.'
"Then, sir, I accept your hospitality" And
gracefully throwing himself from his charger, he
resigned the rein to his English servant, giving at
the same time strict orders as to the time when he
must be ready with the horses to pursue their jour
ney.
II am reolced Colonel Washington" said the
hospitabe old gentleman, fortunately to have mel
you on the morning ride; and the more so as
have some guests who may make the repast pass
pleasantly and will not fail to appreciate our young
and valiant soldier"
+ Washington bowed his thanks and was ntrodu
ced to the company. Virginia far famed hospital
ty was well set forth in that spacious baronia
hall Precise in his household regulations. the SO
f. cal feast was closed at the time the host predicted
The servant was also punctual-he knew the hab
a It's of his master. At the appointed moment he
f stood with horses caparisoned at the gate; ant
much did he marvel, as listening to every loolstel
that paced down the avenue, he saw the sun IN the
e west, and yet no master appear AT length orde
came that the horses should be put up for the night
It Wonder upon wonder! when his business with thu
t, Governor was so urgent The sun was high il
d the heavens the next day, ere Washington mount
@ ed for his Journey. No explanation was given
+ but it was rumored that among the guests was
e beautiful and youthful widow to whose charms hi
!. heart responded. This was further confirmed b.
4. his tarrying but brief space at Williamsburg re
tracing his route with unusual CELEBRITY, and becom
l. ing frequent visitor at the house Of the late Co
er Gusts, in the vicinity, where, the following yea
his nuPtlals were celebrated.
Henceforth the life of the lady of Mount Verno
r is part of the history Of her country In that hal
to lowed retreat she found entering into the plan
Of of Washington sharing his confidence and maxim
r his household happy. There her only daughte
Martha Gusts, died in the bloom Of youth; ie
years after, when the troubles Of the country DIRE
be her husband TO the post of commander-n-chlef {
of her armies, she accompanied him to Boston, an
r. witnessed its siege and evacuation For eigl
tn years he returned no more 10 enjoy his beloved re
dence on the banks Of the Potomac. During h
ng absence she made the most strenuous efforts TO d
ISIS charge the added weight Of care, aud TO endul
with changeless trust in Heaven continued anxie
nd for one nexpressbly dear. AT the close Of eaC
ell campaign she repaired in compliance with h
on wishes, head quarters where the ladies Of Il
e general officers joined her in forming such socie
he as dlfiused a cheering influence over even Il
of gloom of the winter Of Valley Forge and Moni