The independent press. (Abbeville C.H., S.C.) 1853-1860, 1859-06-24
TERMs--Two DOLLARS PER ANNUM,]

I esteem, it would fill the measure and add
zest to my enjoyments; but, if ever this
happens,it must be under my own vine and
fg-tree, as I do not think it probable that
shall be beyond twenty miles from them"
And again, to another friend he indulges
in pleasing auticpations; "lsetred from
noise myself and the responsibility attached
to public employment, my hours will glide
smoothelv on. My best wishes, however, for
the prosperity Of our country will always
have tho first place in nythoughts; while 10
repair buildings and to cultivate my farms,
which require close attention, will occupy
the few years, perhaps days, I may be So
journer here, as am now in the sixty-ffth
year of my peregrination through life.n
A letter to his friend James McHenry,
Secretary Of War, furnishes picture of his
everyday life. II am indebted to YOU"
writes he, "for several unacknowledged
letters; but never mind that; 60 on as if
you had answers. You are at the source Of
information, and can find many things to
relate, while have nothing to say that
could either inform or amuse a Secretary
Of War in Philadelphia. l might tell that
l begin my diurnal course with the sun
that, if my hireings are not in their places
al that time; I send messages Of sorrow for
their indsposi,ion that, having put these
wheels in motion, examine the state of
things further; that the more they are
probed the deeper find the wounds which
my buildings have sustained, by an absence
and neglect Of eight years, that, by the
time l have accomplished these matters
breakfast "a little after seven o'clock, about
the time l presume you are taking leave Of
Mrs .McIIenry) is ready; that, this being over
| mount my horse and ride round my farms,
which employs me until it is time to dress
for dinner, at which l rarely miss seeing
strange faces, come, as they say, out of res
pect TO me- Pray, would not the word
curiosity answer as well? And how differ
ent this from having few social friends at
a cheerful board The usual time Of sit
ting at table, walk, and tea brings me
within the dawn of candle light; previous
to which, it not prevented by company,
resolve that, as soon as the glimmcring
taper supplies the place of the great .lumi
nary, will retire 10 my writing table and
acknowledge the letters have received bnL
when the lights are brought feel tired and
disinclined to engage in this work, con-
ceiving that the next night will do as well.
The next night comes, and with it the same
cause for postponement, and so on. Hav-
ing given you the history Of day, it will
serve for year, and am persuaded, you
will not require second edition of it. But
it may strike you that in this detail no
mention is made Of any portion Of time al
]oted for reading. The remark world be
just, forI have not looked into book since
| came home nor shall be able to do it
until I have discharged my workmen prob
ably not before the nights grow longer when
possibly may be looking in Dooms-day
Book"
In his solitary rides about Mount Vernon
and its woodlands, fond and melancholy
thoughts would occasionally sadden the
landscape as his mind reverted to past times
and early associates. In letter to Mrs. S.
Fairfax, now in England, he writes. ut is
a matter of sore regret when cast my eyes
towards Belvoir, which often do, to reflect
that the former inhabitants Of it, with
whom we have lived in such harmony and
friendship, no longer reside there, and the
ruins only can be viewed as the mementoes
of former pleasures"
The influx Of strange faces alluded to in
the letter to Mr.. McHenry, soon became
overwhelming, and Washington felt the ne.
cessity OF having some one at hand to relieve
him from part Of the selfimposed duties
Of Virginia hospitality.
With this view be bethought bin of his
nephew, Lawrence Lewis, the same who had
gained favor with him by volunteering in
the Western expedition, and accompanying
General Knox as aid-de-camp. Heaccord
ingly addressed letter to him in which hi
writes: "Whenever it is convenient to yor
TO make this place your home, I shall be
glad to see you. y As both you
aunt and ! are in the decline of life, aut
regular in our habits, especially in our houn
Of rising and going to bed, I require some
persons l6t and proper to ease me of th.
trouble of entertaining company, particu
larly of nights, as it is my inclination to re
tire land unless prevented by very particu
lar company. I always do retire,) either 1,
bed or to my study soon after candle.light
10 taking those duties (which hospitalit.
obliges one to besto~ On company off NJ,