Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1848-12-07
Hi sfellaneous.
NJ AIRY WASHIN

We extract the following passages from sketch
by Mrs Ellet in her excellent work entitled 'the wo
man Of the Revolalion.p
The only memoir Of the mother of Washington
extant, IS the written by George w p Gusts
the grandson Of Martha Washington and published
more than twenty years ago IN his '.Recoeconsn
IN the National Gazette. These "reminiscences were
collected by him in the of many years; and
to them we indebted Tor all that is known OF the
life and actions OF his mauon. According 10 these
she descended from The respectable family Of
Ball, who came 10 tins country and setled on the
banks Of the Potomac. In the old days Of Virginia
women We're taught habits OF industry and sellreli-
ance, and in these Mrs Washington was nurtured
The early death Of her husband involved her in the
cares OF young family with limited resources which
rendered prudence aud economy necessary provide
COR and educate her children. Thus circumslanced,
II was left her unassised efforts TO form in her sons
mind, those essential qualities which gave tone and
character TO his subsequent life. George was only
twelve years old al his fathers deah and retained
merely the remembrance Of his person aud his parent
al londResS Two years after tins event. he Obtained
mldshipman's warrant; but his mother opposed the
plan. and the idea Of entering the naval service was
relnqulshed.
One Of the associates of his juvenile years, Law
renee Washington. of Chalauk, thus speaks OF the
home OF Washington:
~ was often the with George, his playmate,
schoomate, aud young mans companion OF the
mother was ten times more afraid than ever was
OF my own parents she awed me in the midst OF her
kindness, Tor she was indeed irulg kind. And even
now when time has wh'tened my locks, and am The
grandparent OF a second generation, could not be-
hold thai majestic woman without feelings il is i'm
possible TO describe Whoever has seen that awe in
spring air and manner so characteristic of The Faith
er oil his Country will remember the malron as she
appeared, the presiding genius of her weiorlered
household, commanding aud being obeyed" Edu-
Gated under such influences is not 10 be wondered
a, that Washington's department towards his mother
al all times, testified his appreciation Of her elevated
ycharacler. and the excellence of her lessons.
ION his appointment to the command-in chief OF
the American armies" says Mr. Gusts, previously
TO his joining the forces al Cambridge, he removed his
mother from her country residence, 10 The village OF
Fredericksburg, situation remote from danger and
contiguous TO her friends and relatives. There she
remained, during nearly the whole OF The trying PEE
Rod OF the Revolution.
When news arrived Of the passage Of the Delaware
IN December, l7l6, the mother received calmly The
patriots who came with congratulations; aud While
expressing pleasure al The Intelligence, dIsclalmed
for her the praises in the letters from which eX-
tracts were read When informed BY express Of the
surrender Of Corvallis she liIled her hands N gal
Jude towards heaven. and exclaimed, "Inank God
war will now be ended, and peace, independence ana
happiness bless our country"
Hen housewilry, industry, and care 10 The manage
ment Of he domestic concerns, were not lntermiileo
during the war. "She lookelh well 10 the ways Of
her household" and ''worketh willingly with her
hands, - said the wise man, IN describing yrtuoHS
woman and il was the pride OF the exemplary NO
men of that day, fill the station OF mistress win
usefulness as well as dignity. Mrs. Washington was
remarkable for a simplicity which modern refinement
might call severe but which became her not less
when her fortunes were clouded, than when the sun