The River Falls journal. (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1857-1861, 1859-07-27
Mistellaneous,
The Last Scene of Washingt0n's
Life.

and his mode of life at Mt. Vernon, Mr.
Irving brings the work to a close with tht
following description of the final scene:
Winter had now sc. in, with occasional
wind, and rain, and frest, yet Washington
still kept up bis active round of indoor
and outdoor avocations, as his diary re-
cords. He was in full health and vigor
dined out occasionally, and had frequent
| guests at Mt. Vernon, and, as usual was
/ part of the every day in the saddle, going
! the rounds of his estates, and, in his mill
tary phraseology, "yisiting the outposts.' u
He had recently walked with his IA
vorite 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 it and
caused it to leak. ''This change" said
he, 81 shall make the first of all, for
may require it before the rest"
"N hen parted from him. added the
nephew, lie stood on the steps of the
front door, where he took leave of my
self and another. 1t was bright frosty
morning. he had taken his usual ride, land
the clear healthy flush on his chez k, aud
his sprightly manner, brought the remark
from both of lis that we had never seen
the General look so well. | have some
times thought him decidedly the hand
soonest man / ever saw, and when liz live
ly mood, SO full of pleasantly, so agreea-
Die to all with wi ON he associated, that |
could hardly realize ho was the same
Washington whose dignity awed all who
approached him."
For some time past Washington had
been occupied in disesting a complete sys
tenn on which his estate was to be man-
aged for several succeeding years; specify
inc the cultivation of the several farms,
with tables designating the rotation OF
crops. 1t occupied thirty folio pages,
and was executed with that clearness and
method which characterzcs all his bssi-
ness papers. This was finished on the
10th of December, and was accompanied
bv letter of that date TO his manager OF
steward. 1t is valuable document,
showing the soundness and vigor of his
intellect at this advanced stage of his ex-
istence, and the love of order that reigned
throughout his affairs. "My greatest
anxiety" said he on previous occasion
sis to have all these concerns in such a
clear and distinct form, that no reproach
NAV attach itself to me when have tax
en- my 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 voIuminous instructions te
his steward were dated was clear and
calm, but the afternoon was lowering
The next day-1lth-he notes there was
wind and rain, and, sat night large
circle round the moon"
The merning of the 18th was overcast
That morning he wrote a letter to Ham
ilton, heartily approving of a plan for
military academy, which the latter ha(
submitted to the Secretary of War.
About 10 o'clock, he mounted hi
horse and rode out as usual to make TIN
rounds of the estate. The ominous rins
round tho moon, he had observed on tn
preceding night, proved fatal portent
"About one O'clock" he notes sit began
to snow, soon after it hail, and then turn
ed to a settled cold rain." Having o1
an overcoat, he continued his ride with
out regarding the weather. and did no
return to his house till after three.
His secretary approached him wit
letters to be franked, that they might b
taken to the post office in the evening"
Washington franked the letters, but OF
served that the weather was too bad t
send servant out with them. Mr.. Lea
perceived that snow 7as hanging fror
his hair, and expressed his fears that h
had got wet; but he replied, ''No, h
great coat had kept him dry" AS diT
ner had been waiting for him, he 81
down to table without changing his dres
.In the evening"" writes his secretar,
..be appeared rs well as visual"