Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1872-07-05
ALEyA. GAZETTE & VIRGINIA ADVERTISER


lJCOTHC A!lTtu 1OHuSCuu III SHlSaSO ihioA''S'l !
On Tuesday morning the fourteenth OF
April, 1889, a venerable old gentleman with
fine eyes, an amiabe countcnance, and long,
white locks, rode into the lawn OF Mount Yer
non, coming from Alexandria. Two gentle
men Of the latter town accompanied him. 1t
was between ten and eleven clock. negro
man sailed out to take the nags, and the old
gentleman. entering the mansion, was received
By Mrs. Washington.
"Why. Mr.. Thompson" said the good lady
''whcrc are you trom, and how are your peo-
plr?"
From New York madame,' answered the
old man. Il come to Mount Vernon upon a
good errand-tor the country at least. The
General has been elected President OF the
United States under the new constitution, and
| am the bearer of the happy tidiugs III let
ter from John 1Iaugdon, President OF the Sen
ate.
The General was out visiting his farm, how
ever and the guests were entertained Tor two
or three hours as we take care OF our visitors
in the country nowadays. \ glass OF the Gen
erals tavorite Madeira, imported III the cases.
was probably not the worst provision made for
them, and the cheerful gossip OF Mrs. Wash
ineton. who had known Mr. Thompson and Wis
tied his house in Philadelphia, helped to emil.
ven the time. This grave aud respected OLD
man was the link between the new government
at New York and the new magistrate at Mount
Vernon. Charles Thompson had tecn the Sc
crctarv through all its cyentful career, of the
Continental Congress which had directed the
cause of the colonies from deSutory revolt 10
independence and union, and now he had rid
den over the long and difficult roads TO appralse
the first President of the republic Of the wishes
Of his countrymen.
at cne 0 clock General Washington rode in
TO the lawn of Mount Vernon, in appearance
what Custis, his adopted son, has described
An old gentleman, riding alone, IN plain drab
clothes, broad brimmed white hat hickory
switch IN his hand, and carrying an umbrella
with long staff, which is attached to his sad
die bow The umbrella was used to shelter
him trom the sun, tor his skin was tender and
easily affected by its rays Washington greet
ed Mr. Thompson with grave cordiality,
was his wont, iuquiring Tor his family, and,
divining already the object Of his visit, broke
the seal of John Langdou' official letter. Din
ner followed aud, while the visitors retired to
converse or stroll about the grounds, the Presl-
dent elect wrote letter to the President Of
the Senate and sent it forthwith to the post
office at Alexandria by servant.
The letter was as follows
MOUNT ' ERNON 1ttn ApTli, 1909.
SIR: had the honor to receive your official
communication by the hand Of Mr.. Secretary
Thompson about o'clock this day, Having
concluded to obey the important and fattering
call of my country, and having been impressed
with the idea OF the expedieDcy of my being
with Congress at as early period as possible,
| propose to commence my journey on Thurs
day morning, which will be the day after to-
morrow.
This done the rest of the day passed in con-
fereuces between Washington aud his wife, In
the preparation of his baggage for the not un.
expected journey, while, meantime, the dis
tinguished guest was amused by the young Of
fetal household in the library and grounds
There was another female dear to the newly
elected President, aud he kept her in hlial re-
membrauce at the very moment OF his greatest
promotion.
1t was growing late iu the evening Of the day
on which our chapter opens, when Washington
mounted his horse, and followed by his mau
Billy, rode off into the woods Of Virginia with
speed. His destination was Fredericksburg,
nearly forty miles away, with two teres be-
tweeu--oue at the Occoquan, the other at the
Rappahannock. His purpose was to see his
old mother now about eighty years of age and
drawing near the grave. 1t had been long since
he had visited her. bu. he could not feel equal
to the responsibilities Of his great office until he
should receive her blessing. Few candidates
for the Presidency in our day would leave a
warm mansion filled with congratulating friends,
to ride all night through the chilly April mists,
to say adcu to a very old woman.
But thus piousy the administration Of Wash
ington began. He passed old Puhick church,
OF which he was a Vcstryman-soon to tumble
to ruins-crossed the roaring Occoquan, and by
Its deep aud picturesque gorge, where passed
rb,, ,,t' bn t,tn bl,,I,. Rpi1 Ru, al
by night he saw the old churches of Aqua
and Potomac rise against the sky; he saw the
dccaying seaport Of Dumiries. ln the mornng
he was at Frederick burg, and his mother was
III his arms. Marches, peris, victories, hon.
ors, power surrendered in that look of helpless
love, too deep for pride to show through its
tears, and the President Of the new State was
a. be newborn babe again no dcarcr, no
greater.
lie was Just in time, for she had but the
short season OF summer TO live, aud, like mauy
dying mothers, life seemed upheld at four
score and five, by waiting in love until he should
come History is ccremouious as to what pass
cd between them, but the parting was. solemn
and touching, like the event. y gu will see me
no more, she said, my great age and dis
case warn me that | shall not be long III this
world. But go, George, to fulfill the destiny
which Heaven appears to ASST ign you. (ro, my
son, and may Heavens and your mother 5
blessing be with you always. +"
Passing from that dear, pathetic presence,
the President elect perhaps, did not hear the
p!audts of the people in the streets Of Freder-
lcksburs., He road all day by the road he had
come, and reached Mount Vernon before even.
ing, having exhibited his power of endurance
at the age of tiity.srven by riding eighty miles
in twenty-tour hours. His good wife had made
all ready: the equipagc aud baggage were at
the door next morning, and, leaving Mrs Wash
inston and most OF the household behind, he
set out for New York at 10 clock on Thurs
day, the sixteenth of April, accompanied by
Thompson and Humphreys. The new State