San Marcos free press. [volume] (San Marcos, Tex.) 1877-1892, 1888-02-23

and he proposed several other suggestions
which proved his forcthought and sagacity,
but they were not accepted by Governor
Dinwiddio, with tho exception Of fortress
at Winchester and some small frontier posts
Washington, as well Us many others who
attain celebrity, had to bear with bitter en-
mites, and he was assailed by torrent Of
abuse and accused of being idle and frivo
lous, partial and selfish, and all his endeavors
were perverted Governor Dinwiddie's or
ders were "dark, doubtful and uncertain; to-
day approved, tomorrow condemned.n At
last no fell III through anxiety and exposure,
and lay In burning fever four long months,
but he resumed his command OH the 1st Of
March, 175S.
William Pitt was now primo minister of
Great Britain, and Governor Dinwiddie was
superseded by the Earl of Loudon, who made
Washington commander in chief OF all tho
Virginia troops, and no was also colonel
Of the First regiment. Early In March he
reached Fort Cumberland from Winchester.
Col. Bouquet was determined TO open
new route through Pennsylvania, which was
against Washington's Judgment. Quite a
large band Of Indians were engaged as allies
by the English, after much difficulty; but
the regulars treated them with such contempt
that finally the most of them went home dis
gusted at their treatment Gen. Forbes, who
was commander in chief, was detained In
Philadelphia, and Col. Bouquet, who was to
command the advance, assembled his corps
of British regulars. There were about $500
American troops and 700 friendly Indians
among them. Washington summoned his
two regiments Of Virginia troops to meet ut
great distress among tho Virginia troops
they at last started toward Fort Cumberland.
At about this period Washington was chosen
by tho electors to be the representative Of
Frederick county to the house of burgesses.
July and August passed. Washington still
encamped at Fort Cumberland, much against
his will, with nothing to do In September
he was ordered to join Col Forbes. The
military road was opened as yet but forty
five miles, where fort of deposit was made,
called Loyal Hannah, and fifty miles yet
were to be traversed. Col. Bouquet sent 800
men on ahead to reconnoiter. The major
was boastful, conceited bravado, and he
along with music, with the idea
that ho could take the fort by surprise, and
after sending tho Americans contemptuously
to the rear with the baggage, saying: "You
and your Americans may remain behind. l
will show you how fort can be taken"
He encamped on an eminence. The result
came near proving most disastrous one.
The signal successes of tho British arms In
Canada cut of supplies and aid from Fort
Duquesne, aud when Washington reached
II there was but the blackened ruin OF a
deserted fort. Tho men had left and do
stroyed 1t behind them, and soon tho French |
were driven out Of the valley and Washing.
ton returned to Virginia with somewhat |
better fame
Washington's courtship, In 1858, Of the wife |
who made him SO happy and sustained tho |
dignity Of his exalted position 30 we'll after
ward-the marriage taking place In the fol-
lowing year--was almost brusque, as history |
tells it, and devoid Of sentiment though a |
more tender story could have been told, |
had tho chroniclers so chosen.
Washington had to cross tho Pamunky !.
liver, where there was no bridge, and he
was carried across In ferryboat, when he
net Mr.. Chamberlain, who urged him to
20 to his house for dinner, at least Wash.
ngton did so, and fell q captive at the feet
If Martha Custis, q widow, young, beautiful
md rich. Washington, who had not wished
% spare the hour for dinner, staid on, and
'efhained finally all night. Tho handsome
7oung widow had many suitors, but in spite
# them Washington gained her consent to q
marriage as soon as the campaign against
Fort Duqucsne was at an end Therefore on
ian. II, 1850, his marriage with Mrs. Custis
ook place at the BRIDES beautiful home with
,reat splcndor. An old negro servant Of
dis. Custis household spoke afterward of
Washington: "Never seed his like, sir.
Never, though I've seen many In my day--so
all, so straight. And then, sir, he sat ON a
orse and rode with such an airi All, sir, he
vas like no one else. Many Of the grandest
entlemen in gold lace were ut the wedding,
ut none looked like tho man himself"
Many Of the Virginia planters were de-
oted to pleasure alone. They lived high,
amblod, hunted and left the management of
heir estates very much to overseers. WASH
ngton was model planter. Hccarried into
he administration Of his estate all tho sa-
acity, integrity, punctuality and industry
,hich had thus far characterized him In
ublic affairs. He WINS his own boolskecper,
nd his accounts were kept with methodical ,
xactness His integrity was such that IL Is ,
hid that any barrel Of flour which bore his
rand was exempted In the West India ports ,
rom tho ordinary inspection.
Mount Vernon was always crowded with
uests. Even the most profuse hospitality
'as no burden to the princely proprietor. !
In tho season Washington would,
iree times in q week, engage in these hunt 1
lg expeditions with his guests. Ho could ,
lount them all superbly from his own Z
ablos. The Fairfaxes were constant COM
anions on those festive occasions. These 7
lgh bred and opulent gentlemen would often
realIfast at one mansion and dine at another. {
Is said that Washington, notwithstanding !
Is natural stateliness Of character, greatly :
ijoyed these convivial repastA q
Washington was, however, by no means I
igrossed In those pleasures in which he .
,ught frequent recreation. Tho care Of his I
lst estates demanded much Of his time.
is superior abilities and his established In
gritty led him TO be in demand for public
rviceS He was appointed judge OF tho
,unty court, and, being a member Of the
1use Of burgcscs, was frequently called -
ON home by public duties Whatever trust .
'ashington assumed, was discharged with
10 utmost fidelity. Tho diary which be
lrefully kept was headed by those words,
Where and how spend my time" n