The penny press. [volume] (Cincinnati [Ohio]) 1859-1860, 1859-10-19
The Last scene of washington,s Life.

JuSt DeeH CUinPioteu, WI iINihS pth'So
the work to a close with the following
description of the final scene: 'lo71 a'taa
Winter had now setin, with occasional
wind and rain, and frost, yet Washington
still ptuphis active round Of indoor and
outdoor ayocation ,fas his diary5nreeords.
lie was in full health and visor, 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 the estate, and, in his military phrase
ology visiting the outposts" 'al al.,,y; 81 4;
He had recently walked with his IA,
vorite nephew about the grounds, show
ing the improvements he intended to
make, and especially pointed out the
spot where he proposed building new
family vault; the old damaged by the
roots of trees, which had oyergrownl it
and caused it to leak. "rhis change"
said he, "I shall make first Of all, for !
may require it before the rest ,' 'ii ,t., .
when l7parted from him, ,'icadded'gthe
nephew "he stood on the steps Of the
front door, where he took leave Of myself
and another, 1t was bright trostymorn-
ing; rhe had taken his usual rlde, ana the
clear, healthy Hush on his cheek, and his
Sprighttul manner brought tho remark
from both Of us that we had never seen
the General look so WE'LL. have some
times thought him the handsomest man |
ever saw, and when in lively mood, so
full Of pleasantly, SO agreeahlcto all with
whom he associated that ! c9nld hardly
realize that ne was the same Washington
whose dignity awed all who approached
him"
For some time past Washington had
been occupied in digestlnges complete
system on which his estate Wis to be
managed for several succeeding years
specifying the cultivation ofithe several
farms, with tables deslSnatlnosSi att nos; the rota
ton OF crops. 1t oeenpled. thirty toho
pages, and was executed with the, clear,
ness and method which characterized al
his business papers. This was finished
on the 10th ofaQecembern and 10 was ac-
companied Wy Il lettefof that date to- bis
manager or steward. 1t i4,a O. valuable
docunent2 showing the soundneSs and
yigor Of his intellect at this advanced
stage of his existence, and the love Of
order that reigned throughout his affairs
My greatest anxiety, said ne, on'a pre-
vious occasion, .'is to have all these con
Germs in such a clear and distinct form
that no reproach may attach itself. TO ME
when have taken my departure for the
land Of spirits s.',.7s. 7,,,..,..e.
According to his diary, the morning ON
which these, voluminONs instructions TO-
his steward were dated was clcdr and
calm, but the afternoon was lowering
The next day--llth--he notes there was
wind and rain, and "Rt night a large
circle round the moon. y -...-.--
The morning of the 10Th was overcast
That morning he wrote letter to Hami'
ton, heartily approving Of a plan, fora
military academy, which the latter had
submitted to the Secretary ofWar, i.,.z
About ten o clock he mounted his horse
and rode out rs iisualt to make the rounds
OF the estate. The ominous ring around
the moon, which he had observed the
preceding night, proved fatal portent
About one O'Clock, he notes, ut began
to rain, soon after ohail, aud then turned
toa settled cold rain. y Having on an
oyercont, he continued his ride without
regarding the weather, and did not return
to his house till after three. n ~ .'s
His secretary approached him with
letters to be iranked, that, they might be
taken to the postolRce in the evening.
Washington franked the letters but OBJ
served that theweath Ell was TOO bad ITO
send 4 servdnt out With them MI Lear
perceived that snow was hanging from
his hair, anGexpresssd his fears that he
had got wet; but he replied, ,"No, his
great coat had kept him dry. As dinner
had been waiting for him, he sat down to
table without changing his dress. 4"In
the evening" writes his secretary, ''hc
appeared as well as usual. y ;. ~. ... ,..,.
On the following morning the snow was
three 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
theiafternoon the weather cleared up, and
he went tout on the grounds between the
house and the river, to mark some trees
which were to be cut down. A hoarse-
ness which had hung about him through
the day grew worse toward night. but he
made light of it.,
lie was very cheerful in the evening,