Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1854-05-24

gaoics' Department.

- &@W@6N
Headley, now publishing in G,Gham'S
M01azihe:
HIS CoURrsmP-It was about this time,
Ohe spring of 1852 while on his way to
Williamsburg, that Washington was first
made acquainted with the young widow
who was destined to become his wife. The
young colonel, in military undrcss, noun
ted on a splendid charger, and attended by
n single tall body-scrvant, both the gift of
the dying Braddock as he fed from the
fatal field Of Monongahcla, had just crossed
Williams Ferry, over the Pamunkey, a
branch of York river, when he was met
by Mr.. Chambcrlaync, a Virginia gentle
man Of the old school, who invited him to
his house. Washington excused himself,
on the ground Of urgent business with the
governor. Butthe hospitablep planter would
take no denial, and at last succeeded in turn
ingthcscalo by promising tointroducc himto
a young and beautiful widow. The colonel
finally consented to stop and dine-nothing
more. 4 short delay could be made up
for, by hard riding and pressing further
into the night. In dismounting he gave
his horse into the charge of his servant
Bishop, with explicit instructions to have
him at the door at a certain hour. Giving
his arm to his guest, the hospitable planter
entered the house and introduced him to
his family. The young Virginia colonel
Immediately drew every eye upon him, for
a fine commanding appearance heightened
rather than lessened the romance that gath
erel around his chiyalrous aud adventurous
life. The young widow was handsome,
fascinating, and possessed ola large fortune,
and was withal the widow of a colonel
Colonel Washington was also rich, of high
family connections, and, above all, posses
sed that which ever attracts woman, a valiant,
heroic heart, that would beat as calmly amid
whistling bullets and death and carnage as
in its peaceful slumbers. The lady was
only three months younger than he, and
from the first could not disguise her admit
ration Of the youthful hero. On the other
hand, her society was so agreeable to Wash
ington that for the first time in his life
he forgot his own appointment. His SER
want, Bishop, punctual to his orders, had
the two horses saddled and bridled, stand
ing at the gate at the time appointed
Contrary to all military rules, and all for
mer experience, his master did not make
his appearance. Lingering underline sweet
influence of the beautiful young widow, the
time slipped ~unconsciously away. AT
length, as the sun stopped behind the ives,
tern wilderness, the planter stepped forward
and declared hat it was contrary to the
rules Of his estate to allow n guest to leave
the house after shutdown. Washington
laugAingly acknowledged that he felt bount
to submit to such wholesome regulations
and was soon forgctful of everything bu
the fascinating woman beside him. Othe
dreams than those Of military glory visiteC
his pillow hat night, and other hopes I'm
PEELED him forward as next morning he con
tinued his journey to Williamsburg.
white House of his friend, and surrer
dcred at discretion to the blooming widow
Washington now threw his whole encrg
into the campaign, which resulted in tn
capture OF Fort Du Quesne from the French
and the planting of the royal flag upon il
ruins. When peace was secured, he resign
cd his command and retired to Mour
Vernon, being then twenty-six years ofagC
While absent on duty he had been electe
member Of the House of Burgesses frol
Frederic county.
HIS Misunderstanding now returne
to private life, he consummated his engag
mcnt with Mrs. Gusts, and n wedding W;
given (January G, 1850 on a scale con
mensurate with the wealth and standing
the parties, and in keeping with the GOO
old customs of the time. From far an
near came the laced coats and powdert
hair and long cues, till the hospitable ma
sion oyerfowed with the wealth and beau
and gaiety Of the colony. And a mol
couple they werc-tho young colonel, 5
feet three inches in height, towering abo
all around, and the beautiful bride, radia
with happiness. The rafters of the hu
mansion rang that night with mirth a
gaiety. The bride brought as a dow
thirty thousand pounds sterling, besid
one-third of large landed estates. She h
two children a son, six years old, and
daughter four. To the former belonged OF
third of the estates left by his father, VIII
the latter had the remaining third, togct
er with ten thousand pounds sterling.
This swelled Washington's fortune to
amount for those days.
He did not take his bride immediate
to Mount Vernon, but repaired to Williar
burg and took his seat as member Of
Assembly. During the session the spe;
or was directed, by a vote of the Hou
'to return thanks on behalf Of the colo
to Colonel Washington, for the distingui
cd military service he had rendered
country This the eloquent speaker
in a manner to suit himself, and poul
forth a strain Of ~eulogium at once unexpC
cd and embarrassing. Washington, tax
wholly by surprise, rose to reply, but col
not stammer forth a single word. Out
this painful dilemma the witty speakerh he
ed him as generously as he had he'll
him into it. sit down, Mr.. Washingtc
said he, your modesty equals your va
and that surpasses the power of any
guage that l possess Nothing could
more elegant and skillful than this doul
stroke which at once relieved Washingt
while it enhanced the compliment.
HIS HOME AND SPoRTs.-In the spr
Washington retired to Mount Vernon
devoted himself to agricultural pursuits
Covered with honor from FIVE years fa
full and arduous service, united to a nc
andbeautiful woman, surrounded with al
cnce, and beloved by all, life at this t
spread out attractively before him, and
waters promised to bear him smoothly
to the end Of his course.
He adorned his library with the bust