Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1862-06-30
NUMBER lc4s
Tie White House.

|
| White House, It stood on the side Of the
one IN which Washington was married. From
Gusts Life Of Mrs. Martha Washington, week
tract the account Of his courts}ip and marriage:
| It was in 1853 that Washington at1ired in
military uneress, and attended by body SER
want tail us1yto5re as his chief, crossed the ferry
called Williams over the Pamunkey, branch
Ct the York River On the boat touching the
southern OF New Kent side, the soldiers pro-
grcss was arrested by one Of those personages
who give the beau ideal Of the Virginia gentle
}1cn Of the old regime, the very soul OF kln,s~
ness and hospitality Itwas in vain the sol
der urged his business at Williamsburg, i'm
p0rtant communications to the governor &c
1-Lr. Ciamtarlayne, Oh whose domain the mill
taire had Just landed, would hear OF no excuse.
COL Washington WAS q name and character so
dear to al Virginians that his passing BY, one
Of the castles Of Virginia, without partaklny
Of the hospitahties o1' the host was entirely OUT
Of the question: The Colonel, however did not
surrender at discretion, but stoutly maintained
his ground TIL Chambellayne bringing up
bis reserve. in the intimatlcn that he Woald
introUuc<, his friend to a young and charming
widow, then beneath his roof: the soldier
capitulated on condition that he should dine
only dine-and then: by pressing his, charger
Williamsburg before his cyeoenoy could shake
of his uu,rning slumbers. Orders were ac-
cordingly issued to Bishop, the Colonels body
servant and faithful follower, who, together
with the fine English charger had been be-
queathod by the dying braddock to Major
Washington on the famed and iated field OF
MonongaheIa Bishop, bred IN the school OF
European disc pline raised his hand to his CAP,
az much as to say our orders shall be obeyecs
The Colonel now proceeded to the mansion,
and Was introduced to various guests: (lor when
was Virginia tlomicI Of the olden time with
out gr1ests?) and, above all, to the charming
widow. Tradition relates that they were lnu-
tralIy pleased, on this, their first interview
nor is it remarkable they were Of an age when
impressions were strongest The lady was tair
to behold, Of fascinating manners, and splen-
didly endowed with worldly benefits. The hero
was fresh from his carly fields, redo]ent With
fame and with form OF which ''eyery god did
seem to set his seal to give the world assurance
The emo i.o.nng passed pleasantly away, even;
ing came, with Bishop, true to MS orders and
firm at his post, holding the taVonte charger
with one hand, while the other was waiting to
offer the ready stinup. The sun sunk in the
horizon, and yet the Colonel appeared not
I" Twas strange, twas passing strange; sure
" he was not wont to be single moment be-
hind his experimentation he was the most
punctual Of men. .,
/ Meantime, the host enjoyed the scene Of the
veteran at The gate, while the Colonel was so
agreoaby employed III the parlor, and pro-
claiming that nc visitor ever left his home at
sunset, his military guest was, without much
difficulty persuaded to order Bishop to put up
| the horse for the night The sun rode hlghl III
the heavens the ensuing day, when tn enam-
orcd soldier pressed with his spur his charger
side, and speeded on his way 20 the seat I H q
government, where, having. dlspatcneu nl7
111l,Ic business, he retraced his steps, and, at