The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1853-01-02
From the N. Y. Express.
WashingtOnana.

The world will ever welcome every accession mat
e Fs h6w small to the stock Of knowledge abou, the
yannah Geo) Daily Courier for some very interesting
facts in regard to The life and habits OF the great man,
which have never appeared in print. They are taken
from the manuscript copy Of autobiography OF the Rev
McWhir, D D and lett by him in his will 10 his grand
son, the Hon. Edward j. Harden. of Savannah Dr..
McWhir, native of Ireland, and educated at Belfast
teacher He was soon after his arrival in this country,
chosen principal of the Academy of Alexandria which
post he filled for ten years His advantages of frequent
and familiar intercourse with Gen Washington, gave
him an ample opportunity OF speaking with the utmost
accuracy IN regard TO his character and habits We APP
pend TWO or three OF DR.. Wbir's "reminiscences:
"A few days after his return to Mount Vernon then as
he was and he ever will be- in all human probability
the greatest man in the world in company with coun-
tryman OF mine, Colonel Fitzgerald one OF Washingtons
aids | visited him. AT the dinner table. Mrs Washing
The General sat next Mrs. Washington on The left He
called upon me to ask blessing before meat. When
the cloth was about to be removed he returned thanks
Mrs Washington, with a smile, said, NV dear YOU
forgot that you had clergyman dining with you 10 day
With equal pleasantness, he replied; My dear wish
cergymen and all men TO know that not srdeeitss
man,
I" ! was frequently at Mount Vernon, and him
frequently at Alexandria nor did ever see any per
son, whatever might be his character standing who
sensbly awed in his presence and by the i'm
preston OF his greatness. The vvscity and grace Of
Mrs Washington relieved vsiters OF some Of that
and restraint which possessed them He uniformly
slnNed Out seldom, out always agreeable.
His fayore subject OF conversation agriculture,
and he scrupulousy avoided in general society, topics
connected with politics, or the war of his personal
actions. As all the world knows he was most regular
in his habits. .
Seen. Washington visited his neighbors and friends
blu, seldom in consequence OF his numerous engagements
and the multitude OF vsers which he received IRON all
countries He sometimes went 10 spring parties a kind
OF barbecue, and the riyer parties. He occasionally at
tended public worship IN Alexandra, but his regular
pase Of worship was church in the vicinity OF Mount
Hpr pt Npli no veal ma and nunipu
member.
. 1 was al the public meeting OF the citizens OF Alex.
andria called to receive General Washington and take
farewell Of him, when he called to the presidential
chair. The large hotel crowded TO OVERLOOKING,
and great multitude surrounded the doors and win
dows. The address 10 General Washington written
by Colonel Harry Lee, and delivered by the mayor OF the
city. The reply of General Washington longer than
the address His style OF oraiory grave and com
handing, was possible when he spoke 10 deny the
most hyed and earnest attention. His sentiments fell
upon the people Ike oracles During the delivery OF
Col Lees address, and especially during the reply OF
Washington breathless silence pervaded the multitude,
and, in common language you might have heard pin
drop He closed bis reply with these words My kind
friends and good neghbors, bid you aectonate fare
we'll There was not dry eye in the assembly"