The Trinity journal., 1856-10-11
WASHINGTON and his Family.

Washington and his Family.
| had fcastcd my imagination, for several
days in the near prospect OF Il visit to Mount
Vernon, the seat Of Washington. No pill
grim ever approached Mecca with deeper
enthusiasm. arrived there in the after
noon OF January %, 1888. | was the bear
cr OF the letter from Gen. Gaeen, with an
other from Col. Fitzgerald, one Of the for
mcr aids Of Washington; ana also the books
from Granville Sharp. Although assured
that these credentials would secure me Il
respectful reception, felt an uuuccouutable
dlilidcncc as came into the presence OF this
great man found him ut Il table with
Mrs. " Washington aud his private family,
and was received in the native dignity, with
that urbanlty SO peculiarly combined in the
character OF soldier and eminent private
gentleman. He soon put me at ease, by
unbcnding, in u l.oc and atlabe couycrsa-
ton. The cautious reserve, which wisdom
and policy dictated, whilst engaged in rear
ing the glorious fabric OF our Independence,
was evidently the result OF consummate pru-
dcncC, and not characteristic OF his nature
Although | had frequently seen him in the
progress OF the Revolution, and had cores
pondcd with him from France, in 81 and
81, this was the first occasion on which |
had contemplated hlm III his private rcla-
tIons. | observed pcculiarity in his smile,
which seemed to illuminate his eve: his
whole cOuntunHnce Dcamcd with intelligence
while il commanded con ldcucc and respect.
The gentleman who had accompanied me
from Alexandria, left in the evening and |
remained alone in the enjoyment Of the so
cicty Of Washington, for Two Of the richest
days Of my life | saw him reaping the re-
ward Of hs illustrous deeds, in the quiet
shade Of his beloved retirement. He was
at the maturcd age Of hIty-thrcc AleXan-
der and Caesar both died before they reach
that period OF life, and both had immortal
izcd their names How much stronger and
nobler the claims OF Washington to mmor-
talty? In the impulses OF mad and selfish
ambition, they acquired fame by wadng to
the conquest Of the world through SEAS Of
blood. Washington, on the contrary, was
parsimonious OF the blood of his country
men, and stood forth, the pure and vlrtuous
champion OF their rights, and formed for
them (not hInaeIi) "A mighty republic. 70
have communcd with such a man in the
bosom Of his family | shall always regard
as one OF the highest privileges, and most
cherished Incidents ofmy life. found him
kind and benigmant in the domestic circle,
rcycrcd and beloved by all around him; ;
agrccably social, without ostcntation; de-
lighting in anecdotc and adventures, with
out assumption; his aomcslic arrangements
harmonious and systematic. His servants
seemed to watch his eye, and to anticipate
his every wish: hence Il look was equivalent
to a command. His servant Billy, the faith
full companion Of his military career, was al
ways at his side. Smiling content animated
and beumcd on every countcnance i'll his
presence The first evening | spent under
the wing Of his hospitality, we sat full hour
at table by ourselves, without the least III
terruption after the family had retired. !
was extremely oppressed by Il severe cold
and excessive coughing, contracted by the
exposure Of harsh winter journey. He
pressed me to use some remedies; but ! de
cncd doing 50. As usual, after retiring,
my coughing increased. When some time
had elapsed, the door Of my room was gen
tly opened, and drawing my bcd-rurtamS, to
my astonishmcnt bchcld Washington him
self, standing at my bedside, with bowl OF
hot tea in his hand This httIe incident de
serves to be recorded Men and Times cf
tie ReroiHtioa.