Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1845-09-18
MISCELLANEOUS.
MARTHA WASHINGTON.
BY MRS. sIGoURNEY.


The state of society in Virginia, century since,
was unique and imposing The Ancient Domn-
ion" retained stronger features of resemblance TO
the father land that any Of its sisters. The man
ners of the nobility of England had been trans
planted with but little radical change, to the terri
tory Of the Manhattan, A kind of feudal magnf-
icence, q high and quick sense Of honor, a genor.
GUS and lordly hospitality, early characterized a
State which has given TO this Western Empire SO
many OF its mightiest and noblest Names
One Of the most immediate changes arising from
the severance of the mother country, was the
breaking down Of that courtly and almost solemn
etiquette which marked the intercourse of the high
est classes. I" / knew your age by the edition Of
your manners" said a lady Of discernment to a
gentleman distinguished for politeness 81 am
certain that you were educated before the Revou-
ton" But the repubcanism, over which may
have swept with too full tide our national man
ners had, at the period of which we speak, no ex-
istence in Virginia. The levees of her royal gov
ernors though stripped of monarchal pomp, dis
played remnant of those stately trappings of chv
airy with which the titled and valiant of a still
lier age were accustomed in European Courts, to
pay homage to beauty and rank.
1t early in the winter of l74S that the levees
Of Governor Gooch opened with unwonted splen-
dorat Williamsburgh. Many of the members Of
the Assembly took thither with them part of their
families, and this season was graced by the pres
never before been presented at court. :0ne among
these was evidently the theme of general. admra-
ton. Some Of the statelier marons criticised her
as deficient in height. But, though somewhat be-
meath the middle stature, she possessed that round
and exquisite symmetry which the early historians
have ascribed to the fascinating Anne Boleyn; a
pure complexion, and clear eve, were finely con.
trasted with dark, glossy and redundant hair. Still
it was found difficult, by common observers, to an
alyze her beauty; for it rested not on any perma
nent gift but OIL the consent of the whole person in
loneliness. Grace of movement, and melody OF
voice. were confessed to be among its elements. -
More of animation was hers than is wont to distin-
gush the modern Southern beauty but what chief.
ly won old and young, was bland cheerTuness =
the silent history Of the souls happiness-and al
expressive sGile, inspiring every beholder witt
confidence like q beam from the temple Of truth.
Though she had scarcely numbered twice eigh
summers, there was about her womanly dignity
which chestened former admiration into respect
Among those who had paid their deUoirS to thi
lovely young creature was Colonel Gusts, one 0
the most accomplished gentlemen of his time. Hi
father THE Hon. John Gusts, of Arngton,) he'll
the office of Kings Counsellor, and was man o
wealth and distinction. His attendance at vii
lamsburgh, during the present session, had bee
somewhat interrupted by i'll health; and while Their
the graver duties Of the statesman had so far alb
sorbed him as to render him ignorant as to wha
Not long after the suspension of the levees, an
the return of the burgesses to their homes, tn
counsellor requested a conversation in his cabint
with his son, Colonel Daniel Park Gusts. Their
was singular mixture of gravity and coudescer
sion in his manner, as he desired him to be seatet
and thus opened the discourse:
81 have for sometime wished to see you on an i,
teresting subject. Though still young, consdc
you have arrived to years OF discretion"
The Colonel bowed.
81 trust ha,e always shown that regard for you
welfare which is due from an affectionae father
an only son. am about to give another proof
it. wish to turn your attention to a suitable ma
rage"
The Colonel bowed.
"You know Colonel Byrd, of Wesover, to
my very particular friend. His daughter is one
the most beautiful and accomplished ladies in Vi
ginia. 1t is my desire that you should form wi
her matrimonial alliance"
"My dear sir, have not the vanity Of supposil
that ! could render myself acceptable to hi
Byrd"
"No objection on that head. Her father a
myself have settled it. Indeed, may as well t
you that we have had numberless conversations
this business, and that you have both been as b
trolhed from the cradle. Think, my son, Of {
advantage Of such connection the continuity
wealth ana power that VIII ultimately pass into 20
hands"
Affection, sir seems TO me TO be the only boz
that can hallow such union. Not even NV re
erence for the best Of fathers could induce me
enter into it from mercenary motives"
"Mercenary, sir,-mercenay! Who ever b
fore dared to couple that word with my name p {
claimed the counsellor, raising himself to his f
height and fixing kndling eye upon his son.
Then pacing the apartment few turns he ST.
ped opposite to him and added:
"You speak of the affection that should prect
marriage. Have the goodness to understand II