North Carolina standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1850-1852, 1851-03-12

| WAsHINGToN's Day AT Mourn VERNON. A few
weeks after Washington retired from the Presidency
of the United States to the shades Of Mount Vernon
! he wrote letter to James McHenry, Secretary o
War, which reveals some traits in his character no
often observed, while it also exhibits his mode of life
in the quiet pursuits of his farm. We think that its
publication at this season of the anniversary of hi:
birth will afford real pleasure 10 many of our readers
"MoUNT VERNON, May 30, 1897.
| DEAR SIR | am indebted 10 you for several un.
acknowledged letters. but mind that go on as
if you had answers. You at the of nfor-
nation. and can find many things to relate, while
have nothing say that could either inform or amuse
Secretary of War in Philadelphia.
l might tell him that begin my diurnal course
with the sun; that if my hreiings not in their
places at that time, send them messages of sorrow
for their indspostion; that having put these wheels
in notion examine the of things further that
the they probed, the deeper find the wounds
which my buildings have sustained by an absence
and neglect of eight years. that, by the time have
accomplished these matters, breakfast, Ga little after
seven o'clock about the time presume you are TAX
ing leave of Mrs. McHenry) is ready; that this be-
ing over mount my horse and ride round my farms,
which employs until it is time to dress for din
ner, at which | rarely miss seeing strange faces,
come, as they say, out OF respect for Pray,
would not the word curiosity answer as well1 And
how different this from having few social friends
at cheerful board The usual time of sitting at
table. walk, and tea bring within the dawn of
candle-light; previous to which, if prevented by
company. resolve mat as soon as the gllmmerlng
taper supplies the place of the great luminary will
retire my writing table, and acknowledge the let
tiers have received but when the lights are brought,
l feel tired and disnclined to engage in this work,
conceiving that the night will do well. The
next night comes, and with it the same causes for
postponement, and This will account for your
letter remaining so long unacknowledged; and hav-
ing given you the history of the day, ii will for
year, and l am persuaded you will no, require a
second edition of it. But it may strike you, that in
this detail mention is made any portion of time
allotted for reading. The remark would be just, for
have not looked into book since came home !;
shall be able TO do il until have discharged
my workmen, probably not before the nights grow
longer, when possibly may be looking in dooms-
day book. At present, shall only add that l am
always and affectonately yours,
GEORGE WAsHINGToN.'
vein of quiet humor pervades this letter that
must be to most of the world who have looked
upon Washington the personifcation of gravity.
We scarcely remember of any thirg in great man
more humorous than this practice of his sending mes
sages ofsorrow for their ndisposition when his work
men were late at their work. He was always pune
tual, and when his cabinet were behind time, they
met a reproof. But the idea of sending his condo
lence to his carrenters when they tardy, if
he supposed matter of course that they must be
sick, is decidedly pleasant, and shows that WASH
ington loved little pleasantly, well of in
ferior mark.
Indeed, the whole letter is beautiful picture of
the Father of his Country in retirement, seeking
pleasure in the genial occupations of the farm, and
enjoying himself in the tide of well spent life
We shall not the like of him very soon.
Presbyterian.