The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1859-08-17
The Last Scene Of Washington's Life.

Irying's new Life Of Washington, in
five volumes, has just been completed. In
the fifth volume, after givingsa succinct
narrative Of the Administration Of Wash.
ington, his retirement from Office, and his
mode Of life at Mount Vernon, Mr.. Irving
brings the work to close with the fol
lowing description Of the final scene:
Winter had now set in, with OCCASIONAL
wind, and rain, and frost, yet Washing
ton still kept up his active round Of in
door aud outdoor avocations, as his dairy
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 mill
tary phraseology, 9 visiting the out
posts"
He had recently walked with his favor.
lite nephew about the grounds, showing the
Improvement he intended to make, and
had especially pointed out the spot where
he proposed building 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
|he II shall make tie first Of all, forI
may require it before the rest"
when 1sparted from him." added the
nephew, he stood on the steps Of the
front door, where he took leave CT myself
and an other. It was bright frosty NOR
ming he had takenhi usual ride, andthe
clear healthy flush on his cheek and his
sprightly manner, brought the remark
from both Of us that we had never seen
the General look 50 well. l have some
times thought him decidedly the handsom-
est man ever saw, and when in d lively
mood, so full Of pleasantly, SO agreeable
to all whom he associated, that could
hardly realize he was the same Washing
ton whose dignity awed all who APP
|proached him."
For some time past w Washington had
been occupied in digesting q complete
system on which his estate was to be
managed for several succeeding years !;
specifying the cultivation Of the several
farms, with the tables designating the ro-
tation Of crops. II occupied thirty folio
pages, and was executed with that clear-
ness and method which characterized all
his business papers. This was finished on
the 10th Of December, and was accompa-
MED BY q letter Of that date to his mana.
ger, Or steward. tits a valuable docu.
ment, showing the soundness and vigor Of
his intellect at this advanced stage Of his
existence, and the love Of order that
ireigncd throughout his affairs. my great
est anxiety, said he'on aprevious occasion
"is to have all these concerns insuch a
clear and distinct form that no reproach
may attach itself to me whe1I have taken
my departure for the land Of spirits
It is evident, however, that, full of
health and vigor, he looked forward to his
long cherished hope, the enjoyment Of q
serene old age in this home Of his heart
According to his diary, the morning on
which these yolumillous instructions to his
steward were dated, was clear and calm,
but the afternoon was lowering. The
next day-the 1lth-he notes there was
wind and rain, aud ,"at night circle
around the MOON"
The morningsof the 18th was overcast.
That morning he wrote letter 10 Hamil.
ton, heartily sphroring Of q plan for a