New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1860-03-03
NEW PUBLICATIONS.
PERSONAL TRAITS OF WASHINGTON.

ter Kpd Illustrative and W plsnaory NoeeA " DANsVN'
LossrSs. svo., PIP Ga Derby Jackson
po.;aa ,ha miscellaneous "reminiscences of Mr.
Custs. concerning his ilustricus relative, this
volume comprises the correspondence between
washington and his adopted son, during the college
o,u,se of the latter, q correspondence between
W,.bipstou and the father of the author Of the
4 Ree.llections" during the Revolution, memoir
ID Mr.. Gusts by bis daughter, Mrs. Mary Custis
lee, variety of valuable explanatory notes by
Mr. LOssipg, AID several papers connected with
tie man subject of the work 10 an appendix.
george Washington Parke Gusts was the son of
Jihn Parke Custis whose father was the first hus-
bsno Of Martha DandIidge, who subsequently be-
csme the wife of Washington. Upon the death OF
J,sn Parke Custis, which took place after the
slege Of yorktown, while be was aid-de-csmp to
G,n Wa hiDgtop, young Gusts was adopted by the
latter sDd became an inmate Of the family at
Mount Vernon. During his long life, which wss
pr,trsc,ed to the age of rs, he was widely known
,,r BIZ, intimate relations to the Fatter of his COuu
try ard was never weary in relating in the private
circle ana through the public press the recOlecti
OF Washington, with VIII CD his memory was richly
stored. Many of the details in this volume ac-
eor0Dgly have already been somewhat extensively
circulated although in their present collective form
they PIT sent much of the reshness and interest of
~ original parrat,ye. A condensed summary of a
D, ttion of the salient personal habits and traits
Washington, as represented by Mr. Gusts, cannO
fsil to prove attractive TO our readers.
Soon after his marriage with Mrs. Custis, Wash
il gtOn took up his abode at Mount Vernon, wder
he presented conspicuous example of he pursuits,
manners and tastes of the Virginia planter of that
day. He had already acquired high reputation
for military talents which, less than his personal
endowments, made him subject of much interest
to the Europeans, who we're frequent visitors to
Williamsburg and Annapolis then the centers of
polished and brilliant society as well as the capitals
of their respective colonies. On his first removal to
Mount Vernon, both the mansiOn-house aud the
tate were uncomfortable. All the embellishments
Of tho house and grounds were accomplished under
his personal supervisor. He was always an early
rscr. HIS toilette was soon made. A servant pre-
pared his clothes and laid them in readiness, and
also cOmbed and tied his hair, which, according to
the fashion Of those days was left to grow long, and
gathered up in queue This dress was remark
stIe for its nestness and prOpriety, of the best,
Il ough painest materials and of oldfashioned cut.
From tie time OF his marriage until his death, he
wore The miniature portrait Of his wife, suspended
ly gold chain from his neck, and resting on hs
bc,om. After suurse he invariably visited and in
spected his stables He was very fond of horses,
and bis equipages were always Of superior order.
This isit, and short time spent in the library,
occupied the morning til lie hour of breakfast.
The utmost simplicity prevailed at this meal, con-
traIy to the prevailing custom of that time in Viz
ginis, where the breakfast table was spread with
ioOst fowls, ham, venison, game, and Other sub
stantial Injuries Washington never changed his
temperate repast of Indian cakes, honey, and tea.
After breakfast, books and papers were offered to
heguests for the amusement; they were request
cd TO entertain themselves; while the hostprOceeaed
to the daily routine of his agricultural concerns.
He rode upon bis farms, without attendance, open
iIg his gates pulrgdown and putting up his fences
as be passed, visiting his abOrers at their work,
snd exercising rigid scrutiny into all the details Of
tie establishment. At quarter before three pre-
csely, the industrious farmer always returned
changed his dress, aud dned at 3 O'Clock. He at
heartily at this meal with no decided taste for any
particular kiud of food, with the exception of fish,
VI hulCu nc was rACceblNci. lOuu. hc
sparipgiy of dessert, drank home made beverage
and four or five glasses of Madeira wine. After the
removal Of the CLOTH he drank TO thehealh of every
person present, and then gave HE only toast 4" AL
oar fiepds."
The afternoon was usually devoted to the library.
Al night be would joic his family and friends at
tie tea table, and eDj y their society till edtme
which was usually at the early hour of nine. When
no company was present, he frequently read to his
family extracts fiom the new publications of the
day, snd on Sunday, sermons and other religious
works. lie read with distinctness and precision,
though lis voice had been somewhat impaired BY
early pulmonary affection. He frequently appeared
absent minded, when sitting with his family; his
lips would move; be would raise his hand evidently
under the influence of thoughts which had no con-
rectiOn with the quiet scene around him. In Win
ter, when the weather prevented him from taking
his usual exercise, he was in the habit of walking
for an hour in the eastern pOrtcO of hiS mansion,
before retiring to rest making circuit of several
miles He was always strict and exemplary
observer of the Sabbath, and failed to attend
Divine service once a day, when within reach of
place Of worship.
During the interval between 1859 and IVA, the
time which Washington could spare from his build
ing ard agricultural improvements was devoted, in
great measure, to the pleasures Of the chase He