The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1859-07-21
Tn. Last Scene Of Washingt0n's Life.

Hn@ Last scene OF " asnlnYtOn Lie.
IRvIses's new Life Of Washington, in five
volumes, has just been completed. 10 the
fifth volume, after giving succinct nara.
tive Of the Administration of W ARLINGTON.
his retirement from Office, and bis mode Of
life at Mount Vernon, Mr.. IRvrsG brings
the work to close with the following de.
scription fthe final scene:
Winter had now set in, with occasional
wind, and rain, and frost, ye. Washington
still kept up bis active round OF indoor and
outdoor avocations, as his diary records.
He was in full health and vigor, dined out
occasionally, and had frequent guests at
Mount Vernon, and, as usual, was part of
every day in the saddle, going the rounds Of
his estates, and in his military phraseology,
visiting the outposts
lie had recently walked with his favorite
nepbews about the grounds, showing the i'm.
provements he intended to make, and had es.
pecially pointed out the spot where he pur-
posed building a 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 be, ~ shall make
the first Of all, for may require it before
the rest"
When parted from him. added the
nephew, "he stood on the steps Of the front
door where he took leave Of myself AMI an
other. 1t was Il bright frosty morning be
had taken his usual ride, and the clear
healthy blush On his cheek, and his sprightly
manner, brought the remark from both Of
US that we had never seen the General look
so well. have sometimes thought him de-
cidedly the handsomest man ever saw, and
when in lively mood, so full of pleasantly,
30 agreeable TO all with whom he associated
that could hardly realize be was the same
Washington who's. dignity awed all who
approached him.
For some time past Washington had
been occupied in digesting acompete system
on which bis estate was to BE- managed for
several succeeding years specifying the
cultivation OF the several farms, with tables
designating the rotation of crops. 1t occu.
pied thirty folio pages, and was executed
with that clearness and method which char.
acterized all his business papers. This was
finished on the 10th OF December, and was
accompanied by letter OF that date to his
manager or steward. 1t is q valuable doc.
ument, showing the soundness and vigor Of
bis intellect at this advanced stage Of bis
existence, and the love of order that reigned
throughout his affairs. My greatest anxi-
ety." said be on u previous occasion, is to
have all these concerns in such clear and
distinct form that no reproach may attach
itself to me wher have taken my depar.
ture 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 sc.
rene old age in the home OF his heart.
According to his diary, the morning on
which these volumiuous instructions to his
steward were dated was clear and calm, but
the afternoon was lowering. The next day
Qlth) he notes 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 letter to Hamilton,
heartily approving Of plan for a military
academy, which the latter had submitted to
the Secretary Of War.
About 10 o'clock he mounted his horse
and rode out as usual to make the rounds OF
the estate. The ominous ring round the
moon which be had observed on the prece-
ding night, proved fatal portent. "Abou,
| O'clock be notes, " it began TO snow,
soon after to hail and then turned to q set
tied cold rain Having on an overcoat, he
continued his ride without regarding the
weather, and did not return to bis house till
after three.
His Secretary approached him with let.
tiers to be ranked, that they might be taken
10 the post. Office in the evening. Wash.
ington franked the letters, but observed
that the weather was too bad to send ser.
want out with them. Mr.. Lear perceived
that snow was hanging from his hair. and
expressed his fears that be has got wet but
he replied, No, his great coat had kept
him dry As dinner bad been waiting for
him, he sat down to table without changing
his dress. In the evening" writes his
Secretary, be appeared as well as usual
Va tH' loHp"Ibg uoIniug, Tue snow was
three inches deep and still falling, which
prevented him from taking bis usual ride.
He complained OF sore throat, and had
evidently taken cold the day before. la the
afternoon the weather cleared up. and he
vent out on the grounds between the house
dnd the river, to mark some trees which
we're to be cut down. A hoarseness which
had hung about through the day grew worse
towards night, but be made light Of it.
lie was very cheerful in the evening as
he sat in the paylor with Mrs. Washington
and Mr.. Lear, amusing himself with the
papers which had been brought from the
post Office. When Ne met with anything
interesting or entertaining, he would read II
aloud as wei as bis hoarsoness would per.
NIT, or be listened and made occasional
comments while Mr. Lear read the debates
OF the Virginia Assembly
Ga retiring to bed Mr.. Lar suggested