The Abbeville banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1847-1869, 1859-07-14
THE LAST SCENE OF wAsH1NoroN,s LIFE.


cinct narrative of the Administration of
Washington, his retirement from Office, and
his mode Of life at Mount Vernon, Mr..
Irving brings the work to close with
tho following description of the final
scene:
Winter has ROW set in, with occasional
wind, and rain, and frost, yet Washington
still kept up hls active round of indoor and
outdoor avocat;oa. at his diary records.-
lie was in full health and vigor, d;ned out
occasionally, and had frequent guests at
Mount Vernon, and, as usual was Fart 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 "a
Sorite nephew about the grounds, show
Ing the improvements he intended to
make, and had especially pointed out the
spot where he proposed building q new
family vault the one being damaged by
the roots Of trees which had overgrown
1t and c;sas.A It to leak. "This CHANGE
said he, "I shall make the first of
all, for I may require it before the
rest"
"When parted ttom him." added the
nephew, he stood on tho steps Of the
front door, where he took leave Of myself
and another. It vas bright frosty
morning; he had taken his usual ride,
and the clear healthy flush OH his cheek,
and his sprightly manner, brought the
remark from both Of us that we have never
seen the general look so we'll. have some.
times thought him decidedly the handsom-
est man ever saw and when in a lively
mood, SO full of pleasantly, SO agreea
ble to all with whom he associated, that 1
could hardly realize be was the same wash
sngton whose dignity awed all who ap-
preached him."
For some time past Washington had
been occupied in dgesting complete
system on which his estate was to be
managed for several succeeding years
specifying the cultivation Of the several
farms, with tables designating the rotation
Of crops. It occupied thirty folio pages
and was executed with that clearncss aud
method which characterized all his business
papers. This was finished on the 10th
Of December, and was accompanied hy a
letter OF that date to his manager or
steward. 1t is a valuable document, show
ing the soundness and vigor Of his intel
iect at this advanced stage Of his exis-
tencc, and the love of order that rcigned
throughout his affairs. my greatest aux-
iety," said he OIL II previous occasion, "i is to
have all these concerns in such clear and
distinct form that no reproach may attach
itself to me when have taken my depart
ure for tho land Of spirits"
1t was evident, however, that (full Of
tealtl, aud vigor, lie looked forward 10 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 volumiuous instructions
to his steward were dated was clear aud
calm, but tho afternoon was lowering. The
next day-l1th-hc notes there was wind
and rain, and "at night large circle round
the moon.''
The morning of the 18th was over
cast. That morning lie wrote letter to
Hamilton, heartily approving of plan for
= military academy, which the lat
ter had submitted to the Secretary Of
War.
About 10 o'clock, lie mounted his horse
and rode out rs usual to make the rounds
Of the estate. The ominous ring round
the moon, which he had observed on the
preceding night, proved fatal portent-
"About o'clock" he notes, I" it began to
snow, soon after to hail, and then turned to
settled cold rain" Having OH an over
coat, lie continued his ride without re-
garjing the weather, and did not return to
his house till after three.
His secretary approached him with
letters to be franked, that they might be
taken to. the post Office in the evening.
Washington franked the letters, but OBJ
aerved that the weather was too bad to
send servant out with them. Mr.. Lear
perceived that snow was hanging from
his Mar, and expressed his fears that lie had
got vet; but lie replied, No, his great
coat had kept him dry" AS dinner had
beer waiting 70. him, he sat down to the
~.table without changing his dress. "In the
evening" writes his secretary" he appeared
as we'll as usual.'' ....
On the following morning the snow was
three inches deep and still falling, which
prevented him from taking his usual
ride. He complained of sore throat,