The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1859-11-01
Washington's First Love.

USSA&AAAs3 WA - - - ~ AASsSs
A correspondent Of the ''Cenpury," in giving
some "reminiscences of the old country seat called
1.-THE Cottage" in Hanover county, Virginia, re-
lates the following account of Gen. Washingtons
proposal for the hand Of Mary Cary, and his rejec
ton by her father:
"Her father was Wilson Cary, ESQ.,, Of 'ceIeys,'
in the county Of Elizabeth city, descended from
the noble family Of Hnnsdon, in England. His
relative, Colonel Archibald Cary, of Amp.hitt, in
Chesterfield was at his death the heir apparent TO-
the Earldom. The worthy old gentleman seems,
from all we know OF him, to have been as proud as
the Coucys or the Somersets, and to have thought
his family the noblest in the land. He lived in
great state, with chariot and horses, plate and vel
vet and embroidery--a worthy Of the old school,
FULLY satisfied with the order Of things and enjoy
ing serenely the good gift of Providence. His
beautiful daughter was great heiress. aud had
many sutors. The one here alluded TO was
yound man Of very high character, relative Of
George William Fairfax, Esq, who lived III Bel
voir, OIL the Potomac; and here lie met with Miss
Cary, who came to visit Mrs. Fairfax, her eldest
sister. He at once proceeded to fail in love, which
be did with an ardor characteristic Of his nature.
"When Miss Cary went back home to 'Ceyleys,
on James river, he followed her like courageous
gallant, and laid open seige to the fair fortress.
| In the good old times, however, something more
was necessary than the consent Of the young lady,
and so the youth duly asked q private interview
with the old lord OF the manor who listened to him
| silently throughout. When the lover had finished,
Mr.. Cary rose, made u low bow, and said that If
this was young Mr.. Washington's errand at Gee
leys, HE visit had better terlninatehis daughter
had been accustomed to ride in her own chariot.
And with this allnson to the poor condition OF the
younger son, the interview terminated. Young
| Washington bowed aud turned away, and in due
time married the young widow, Martha cambridge
Cnstis who 'resemblcd Miss Cary authority,
AS much as one sister ever did another
''The old tradition does not end here. Many
years led awsy-Aary Cary was Mrs Amber, ana
her discarded sutton Was the mas who had JUS. re-
ceived the sword of Corawallis at Yorktown, whom
the whole civilized world hailed Is the greatest
among the great--'lhe forenost man. not only in
Amsrica but Of '.ll the world He passed through
che cid metropolis, Williamsburg, II the head OF
his victorious troops, and the people we're almost
crazy with JOY and alteration. The vest multitude
nearly prevented his horse from proceeding; the
calm statue on horseback passed on serenely. AL
At once he perceived at window, or in the crowd,
his old love, Mary Cary He raised bis sword and
saluted her profoundly. She tainted.
"But it does not seem that the lovely woman
was to blame. She had not been able to return
the affection fthe youth--that WAS alI.s She mar.
ried him who won her heart, Edward Amber.
He Was not unworthy of this noble lady in rank or
character. He was descended throughhis mother
from the great Huguenot house Of La RocheJalne-
line, in Vendee, and inherited the honest instincts
Of bic race. At twelve years Of age he had been
sent tor his education to England. He graduated
at Cambridge, and then made the grand tour Of Eu.
one. BE was married TO Miss Gary soon afler
wards became collector Of York; and was 80 much
respected that when Lord Bottetort came to Wiz
gins as Governor he brought letter Of introduc
ton to the collector. He died At thirty-fye; and
the Revolutionary War breaking cut coon after
] wards his beautiful widow moved away from the
scene Of her grief and took refuge in the Cottage,
far upin. Hanover f.r.a
| Sic TkAsslT.-Beltdir, tle seat Of the Fairfaxe.
spoken Of above was on the bank Of the Potomac
four, or FIVE miles below Mount Vernon. The only
relaains now Of that fine residence il low nnound
OF broken Wondering bricks; covered over Will
Slid zines, e5 lntelligcncer.