The Osceola times., 1882-07-22
THE LAST TO GO.
A Woman with an Interesting Recollection
of Washington.

remarkable woman has just died at
Richmond, Va. She was perhaps the
last living human being who had seen
and talked with Washington, notwith-
standing the number Of struggling pre-
tenders who occasionally appear before
the public as claimants for this honor.
Mrs. Young the person to whom refer
ence is made, was the last surviving
child OF Gen. Washington's steward, An.
derson, the honest and frugal Scotchman
Who for SO many years had control of his
domestic affairs a. Mount Vernon. Her
maiden sister, Miss Nellie Anderson,
died in Richmond more than Fl teen
years ago, at the advanced age f95, and
now the venerable survivor departs this
life after having lived exactly the same
length of time. She was born at Mount
Vernon in 1887. For more than sixty
years she has resided in Richmond, re.
spected by the entire community and
beloved by all whose privilege it was to
enjoy her acquaintance. She was l3
years of age when the head of the te-
reaved household and the nation died,
and, of course, could recall many Incl
dents Of her childhood. The account she
gave of what she insisted was the real
cause of Washington death differs much
from that given by historians generally.
Although all agree that the attack which
carried off the illnstrious man was
brought on by his exposure on cold
December day while taking his usual
ride on horseback, yet even this might
have been avertad had not the incl
dent occurred which is now given as it
cane from the lips of Mrs Young: "The
general had returned from his ride cold
and shivering, had retired to the house
and was about TO take his dinner when a
message came TO him from boatwripht
whom he had employed, and who desired
immediate instructions before he could
finish boat upon which he was at work.
Washington, probably somewhat fretted
at the untimely interference, hurried
down to the river bank without hat or
overcoat, and stood exposed to the chill
ing blasts that blew over the Potomac.
His anxiety to finish the business kept
him there too long. The consequence
was violent accession to the cold he
had already taken, which during the
following night eliminated in the attack
which so soon proved fatal.
Mrs. Young always took great pleasure
in dwelling upon the goodness and uni
form kindness of Gen. and Mrs Wash
ington to all connected with their es-
tablshment. 1t must be remembered
that at that time the relative social posi-
tions Of dependents, domestics and the
great proprietors were strongly contrast
ed. The aristocratic sentiment prevail.
ed, and about the great house" as il
was called, more than ordinary scene
of awe prevailed. With this were con.
nected the strictest rules OF decorun
against which it was more than treason
to err. Notwithstanding this the child
rem of all the adjoining households were
free TO go and come; and Mrs Young and
her sister often romped on the porticos
and through the halls of the stately
mansion with the children Of the Fair
faxes, Curtises and Lewises, some o.
whom were constant guests OF Gen. ant
Mrs. Washington. Indeed, she has told
the writer that she and her Sister were
rarely permitted TO leave the presence
of Mrs. Washington before having re
ceived some token of kindness in tht
way Of fruit, cake and such like, ant