Holmes County Republican. [volume] (Millersburg, Holmes County, Ohio) 1856-1865, 1859-12-08
The Last Day. Of Washington

The Last Days Of Washington
Winter had now set in, with occasiona
wind, and rain and frost, yet Washington
kept up his active indoor aud outdoor avo
cations, as his diary records.
He was in full heath and vigor, dinet
out occasionally, and had frequent guest
at Mount Vernon, and, as usual, was par
of every day in the saddle, going the rounds
of the estate, and, in his military phrase
ology, "visiting the outposts." He had
recently walked with his favorite nephew
about the grounds, showing the improve
ments be intended TO make, and had es-
pecially pointed out the spot where he pur'
posed building new family vault, the
old one being damaged by the roots of trses
which bad overgrown it and caused i: to
leak.
"This change" said be, II shall make
the first of all, for I may require it before
the rest" "When parted from hin" ad-
ded the nephew, "he stood on the steps oi
of the front door, where he took leave Of
myself and another. 1t was bright fros-
ty morning; be had taken his customary
ride and the clear healthy flush on his
cheek, and his sprightly maner, brought
the remark from both Of Us that We had ncv-
er seen the general look so well.
have sometimes thought him decided
ly the bandsomest man / ever saw, and in
lively mood, so full of pleasantly, so agre-
able to all with whom he associated, that
l couIe hardly realize that be was the same
Washington whose dignity awed oil who
approached him."
For sometime past Washington had
been occupied in digesting complete sys-
tenn on which his estate was TO be manag-
ed for several succeeding years; specifying
the cultivation of several Of the farms, with
tables designating the rotation of crops oc-
cupying thirty folia pages, and executed
with that clearness and method which char
terises all his busiress papers. This was
finished on the 10th of December, and was
accompanied BY letter Of that date to his
manager or steward. 1t is valuable doc
ument, showing the soundness and vigor
of his intellect, at this advanced age Of bis
existence, and the love Of order that reign
ed throughout his affairs. "My greatest
anxiety" said he on previous OCCASION.
"is to have all these concerns in such clear
and distinct form that no reproach may at
tach itself to me when l have taken 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
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-11th-he notes there was wind and
rain, and "at night large circle round the
moon" The morning of the 18th was
overcast. That morning he wrote letter
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 bis horse
aud rode out as usual to make the rounds
of the estate. The ominous ring round
the moon, which he had observed on the
night, proved fatal potent
''About l O'clock" he notes, "it began to
snow," soon after to hail, and then turned
into set led cold rain" Having on an
overcoat, he continued his ride without re-
garding the weather, and did return 10 his
house till after 8. His secretary approach
latt 10 ho
they might be taken to the post office in
he evening, Washington franked the let
ters. but observed that the weather was too
bad to send a servent out with them.-l
Mr.. Lear preceived that snow was hanging
rom his hair, and expressed bis fears that
he had got wet; but he replied, "no bis
great coat had kept him dry" As dinner
lad been waiting him, he sat down to the
able without changing his dress. "ln the
evening"" writes his secretary, "he appear
d as well as usual"
On the following morning the snow was
hree inches deep and still falling, which
prevented him from taking his usual ride.
lie complained of sore throat, and had
evidently taken cold the day before. In
he afternoon the weather cleared up, and
,e went out on the grounds betwean the
louse and the river, to mark some trees
which were to be cut down. A hoarseness
which had hung about him through the
lay grew worse toward night, but he
made light of it. He was very cheerful ip
he evening, as he sat in the parlor with
drs. Washington and Mr.. Lear, amusing
himself with the papers which had been
'rought from the post office. When he
net with anything interesting or entertain
NO, he would read it aloud as well as his
'oarseness would permit, or he listened
nd made occasional comments while Mr..
lear read the debates of the Virginia As
emily.
On retiring to bed, Mr.. Lear suggested
hat he should take something to relieve
lis cold. "No," replied he, "you know l
ever take anything for cold. Let it go as
! came" In the night he was extremely
! with ague and difficulty Of breatbing.-
'etween 2 and 8 o'clock in the morning
e awoke Mrs. Washington, who would
a-e risen 10 call servant, but he would