Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1850-07-06

The Convention assemblies, and that immortal Con-
stitutional Charter, that millions of freemen have
since so happily enjoyed, received its first sigma
ture from the hand of George Washington.
From this date young and glorious empire
dawned upon the world. Conceived in the purity
of republican freedom, founded on the bases OF
equal rights and equal laws, the great and re-
nowned of the land formed this masterwork of
virtue; and Patriotism might well expect that
il would endure for centuries till grown hoary
by Time, and from the decline of public virtue it
should experience the fate of nations, when. from
the extent and magni6cence of its ruins, futurity
might read the story of its rise, its grandeur, and
its fall.
Our tableau exhibits, in 1889, important and
touching events in the history Of Mount Vernon.
A special envoy arrives in the person of Mr.. Sc
crelary Thomson, signer OF the Declaration OF
Independence, and a genuine type of the braue old
days of re. Scarcely is he received with the
warmest welcome, when he declares the object of
his mission: That he is charged, by the Congress
then assembled in New York, with the grateful
duty Of announcing to George Washington, pri-
vate citizen, his election to the Presidency of the
United States of America.
The recipient of this highest this proudest dig
nifty that can ever be conferred on man, was by no
means unprepared for its announcement by the
venerable ambassador. From the period of the
ratification of the Constitution by the States, every
mail from every part OF the Union brought letters
to Mount Vernon, all praying the retired Chief to
yield to the united wishes of the people to accept
the highest dignity in their power to bestow.
In vain did the happy farmer of Mount Vernon
plead that advanced age and long services needed
reRose. Many of his old and much-loved CON-
panions in arms gathered around him affectonately,
saying, We feel assured that you cannot, that you
will not refuse the wishes Of whole people: your
honored name is heard from every lip, while in
every heart there dwells but one sentiment: Wash
ington, Chief Magistrate Of the Republic.
The newly-chosen President was deeply affected
by this generous, this universal testimonial of the
love and attachment of his countrymen. The
People triumphed The man of the people yield
ed to the will of the people day or two
sufiiced for preparation for departure. sigh
to the fond memories of home and happy days
of retirement, and the First President of the
United States babe adieu to Mount Vernon. For
eight years silence regned in the ancient halls, |
when, in 1897, they again TEEN with animation. /,
The long absent master returns. Time has blanch- |
ed his locks, and traced its burrows on his noble
brow, but his manly form is still erect; aye, with
lightsome step and joyous heart he once more en-
tiers the portals of his beloved Mount Vernon.
Our tableau, having exhibited the changing
six years, in its closing scene portravs the aged
Chief in his last retirement. His days are num-
bered his glorious race is nearly run, yet, when
invasion threatens, he obeys the last call of his
country, and is again in arms, her general and
protector. ...
He stipuates with the Government that he shall
be permitted to remain in his retirement till crcum
stances demand his presence in the field. While
giving the necessary orders for the organization OF
the forces to meet the invaders. the Lieutenant Gen
eral and Commander in Chief continues his agr-
cultural employments at Mount Vernon, his only
military staff being military secretary.
After long and unexampled career of glory in
the service of his country and mankind, well strick-
en- in years and laden with honors, in his own be-
loved Mount Vernon, with the fortitude and resigna.
ton betting the Roman fame of his life and actions,
the Pater Patri;e yielded up his soul to Him who
gave it, calmly declaring, g am not afraid to die"
Our tableau yvant closes with the grandeur and
lemnty of the spectacle that bore him to his grave.
The Author of the Recoectious introduces TO
the public the first of series of tie Pirate and
Confidential Letters Of Washington, addressed to
JOHN PARKE CusTIs, his stepson, and at different
periods his aid-de-camp during the War of the
Revolution. The :. first of the SERIES" (the whole
of which will be published in the work. it will be
perceived, is the Letter of the General upon his
accepting the communicable of the American
army. The next Letter will bear the date Of Nor
rstown and contains touching "reminiscences of the
close of the memorable campaign of l776.
We also introduce to the Public the first of Sc.
ries of the Pafernal Letters Of Washington to his
adopted son, (the author of the Recollectons,)
when the latter was a student at the College of
New Jersey. These Letters exhibit Washington
in the new and endearing light of father, and are
addressed with paternal affection and soicitude to
one whom he had adopted in infancy, and cherish
ed, educated, and protected, to early manhood.
THE REVOLUTIONARY LETTER.
PHILADELPHIA, JUNE Is, 1875.
DEAR JACK: have been called upon by the unanimous
voice of the Colonies TO take the command othe Contne
tai Army. II is honor neither sought after nor was by
any fond of accepting from consciousness of my
nexperience and nab lily discharge the duties of so
important trust. However the paraty the Congress
hath placed in this distinguished point Of view can
make them no other return but what will flow from close at
tention and upright intention For the rest, say
nothing My great upon this occasion is the
thoughts of leaving your mother under the which
know this affair will throw her into therefore hope ex
pect and indeed have doubt of your using every
your power keep her spirits, by doing every thing 10
your power promote her quiet. have, must confess
very uneasy feelings her account but it has been
kind Of unavoidable necessity which has led into this ap
pointmen shall readily hope that will attend
it, and crown our meeting with happiness
At any time, hope is unnecessary for say that
am always pleased with your and Neys abdance Mount
" ,,;. har \ 70