The Hillsdale standard. [volume] (Hillsdale, Mich.) 1851-1909, 1859-09-13

was read for tho operation, became agita-
ted. "Don't be afraid" said the general,
ms we'll as he could speak. Rawlfng made
the incision. "Tho orifice is not large
enough" said Washington. The blood
however, ran pretty freely, ard Mis. Wash
ington uncertain whether the treatment
was proper, and fearful that too much
blood might be taken, begged Mr.. Lear
to stop it. When he was about TO unite
the string the general put his hand to pro-
vent him, and us coon as ho could speak
murmured, "More, more;" but Mrs. Wash.
ington's doubts prevailed, and the bleed
ing was stopped, after about half pint OF
bloodhad been taken. External applica-
tions were now made to the throat and his
feet were bathed in warm water, but with
out affording any relief.
His old friend, DR.. Craik, arrived be.
tween eight and nine, and two other ply.
sicians Drs. Dick and Brown. were called
in. Various remedies we've tried, and al.
ditional bleeding, but all OF no avail.
"About half past four o'clock" writes
Mr.. Lear, "he desired me to call Mrs.
Washington to his bedside, when he re-
questcd her to 60 down into his room, and
take from his desk two wills which she
would find there, and bring them to him,
which she did. Upon looking Mt them, he
gave her one, which he observed was use.
less, MS being superseded by the other, and
desired her to burn il, which she did, and
took the other and put it into her closet.
"Atter this was done l returr.d to his
bedside and took his hand. He said to
inc, Il find l am going; my breath eau
not last long. / believed from the first
that disorder would prove fatal. Do you
arrange all my military letters and papers.
Arrange my accounts and settle my books,
as you know more about them than any
one else ard let Mr.. Rawins finish record
ing my other letters which he has begun
/ told him this would be done. He then
asked me if l recollccted anything which
it was essential for him to do, as he had q
very short time to continue with us. ]
told him that could recollcct nothing,
but hoped that he was not 80 near his end.
He observed, smiling, that he certainly
was, and that as it was the debt which all
must paw, he looked to the event with per-
feet resignation"
In the course of the afternoon he ap.
peared to be 10 great pain and distress
from the difficulty of breathing, and fro
quently changed his posture in the bed
Mr.. Lear endeavored to raise him with as
much case as possible. IL am afraid |
fatigue you too much" the general would
say Upon being assured to the contrary,
"Well," observed he gratefully, "it is a
debt which we must pay to each other, and
hop, when you want aid Of this kind
you will find it.,
His servant Christopher, had been in
the room during the day, and almost the
whole time on bis feet. The general no.
ticed it in the afternoon, and kindly told
him TO sit down.
About five o'clock his odd friend, DR..
Craik, came again into the room, and ap.
preached the bedside. "Doctor," said the
general, 81 die hard, but am not afraid
to go. ! believed from my first attack,
tqat should not survive Tiny breath
cannot las. long" The doctor pressed his
hand in silence, retired from the bedside,
and sat ty the fire absorbed in grief.
Between five and six the other physi
clans came in, and he was assisted TO sit
up in his bed. 81 feel am going" said
he; 81 thank you for your attentions, but
/ pray yoa TO take no more trouble about
me; let mo go off quietly; | cannot last
long" He lay down again; all retired
except DR.. Craik. The general continued
uneasy and restless, but without complain.
ing frequently asking what hour it was.
Further remedies Were tried without
avail in the evening. He took whatever
was offered him, dif RS he was desired by
the physicians, and never uttered a sigh or
about ten o'clock" writes Mr.. Lear,
"he made sevcr attempts to speak to ME
before hc could effect it, Al length hc
said, 81 am just going. Have mo decent
ly buried and do not let my body be put
into the vault in lcss than three DAYS after
| am dead / bowed assent, for could
not speak. Ho then looked at mo again
and said, Do you understand mc! | re-
piled, Yes IT'S WELL said he.
"About ten minutes before no expired
(Which was between ten and eleven on the
night Of December II, l790,) his breath
ng became easier. lie lay quietly; ho
his hand from mine aud felt his
own pulse. | saw his countenance change.
spoke to DR.. Craik, who sat by tho fire.
He came to the bedside. The generals
band fel! from his wrist. took il in minc
lnd pressed il to my bosom. DR.. Crak
ont his hand over his eyes, and he expired
without n struggle or sigh.
"Whilc wo weio fixed in silent grief Mrs.
Washington, who was seated at the foot Of
hc bed, asked with firm and collected
'oicc, is he goneT l could not speak,
,ut held up my hand as signal that hc
vas no more. "Tis WELL said she, in the
ame voice. All is now over; shall soon
oIlow him; l have no more trials to pass
brough.''