Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1859-07-29
MISCEILAN Y.
Last Scene of General WashingtOn's
Life.

Irving's new life Of Washington, in five
volumes, has just been completed. In the
fifth volume, after giving succinct narra-
tive of the Administration of Washington,
his retirement from office, and his mode of
life at Mount Vernon, Mr.. Irving brings
the work TO a close with the following de-
scription of the final scene
Winter had now set in, with occasional
wind, and rain, and frost, yet Washington
still kept up his active round Of indoor and
outdoor avocationS, MS his diary records
He was in full health and vigor, dined out
occasionally, and had frequent guests at
every day in the saddle, going the rounds
of his estates, and in his military phraseol-
ogy, visiting the outposts,"
He had recently walked with his favor
ite nephew about the grounds, showing the
improvements he intended TO make and had
especially pointed out the spot where he
proposed building new family vault, the
old one being damaged by the roots of trees
which had overgrown ii and caused it to
leak. This change said he, Il shall make
first of all, for may require it before the
rest
"When l parted from him" added the
rephew, he stood on the steps of the front
door, where he took leave Of myself and
another. 1t was a bright frosty morning ;
he had taken his usual ride, and the clear
healthy flush on his cheek, and his spright-
" manner, brought the remark from both
of uS that we had never seen the general
look so well. | have sometimes thought
him decidedly the handsomest man / ever
saw, and when in lively mood so full Of
pleasantly, so agreeable 10 all with whom
he associated, that / could hardly realize
he was the same Washington whose dignity
awed all who approached him
For some time past Washington had
been occupied in digesting complete sys-
TEN on which his estate was to be managed
for several succeeding years specifying
the cultivation of the several farms, with
tables designating rotation of crops. 1t
occupied thirty folio pages, and was exc
cuted with that clearness and method which
characterized all his business papers. This
was finished on the 10Th of December, and
was accompanied by a letter of that date
to his manager or steward. 1t is valuble
document, showing the soundness and vlgor
of his intellect at this advanced stage OF
his existence, and the love OF ardor that
reigned throughout his affairs. My great
est anxiety said he on previous occasion
is TO have all these concerns in such
clear and distinct form that no reproach
may attach itself TO me when | have taken
nv departure for the land of spirits.
1t was evident, however, that, full of
health and vigor, he looked forward to his
long-cherished hope, the enjoyment of a
serene old age in this home of his heart.
According to his diary, the morning on
which these voluminous instructions to his
steward were dated was clear and calm,
but the afternoon was lowering. The next
day-1fth-he noted there was wind and
rain, and at night a large circle round the
MOON
The morning Of the 18th was overcast.
THAT morning he wrote to Hamilton,
heartily approving of plan for military
academy. which the latter had submitted to
the Secretary of War.
About 10 o'clock, he mounted his horse
and rode ont as usual to make the rounds oil
the estate. The ominous ring round The
moon, which he had observed on the pre-
ceding night proved fatal portent. About
o'clock he noted, lit began 10 snow, soon
after to hail, and then turned to settled cold
rain.' Having on an overcoat, he contlnu-
ed his ride without regarding the weather,
and did not return to his house till after ).
His secretary approached him with let
tiers to be franked, that they might be taken
TO the post-ofice in the evening. Washing
ton franked the letters, but observed thai
the weather was too bad to send servant
out with them. Mr.. Lear perceived that
snow was hanging fiom his hair, and eN-
pressed his fears that he got wet; but ne
replied g No, his great coat had kept nm
dry" AS dinner had been waiting TOT nun
he sat down TO table without changing his
dress. IN the evening" writes his secreia-
nv. he appeared as well usual
On the following morning the snow was
three inches deep and still falling, which
prevented him from taking his usual ride
/ He complained Of sore throat, and had
sv;se,,,v taken cold the dsy before. IN