Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1889-04-27

him, and made formal speech. stating that
the object of his visit was TO accompany the
general to New York for Inauguration Wash
ington had not sought the honor thus con-
ferred on him. and. indeed. had had Quite an
extended correspondence with several gentle
men prominent in the affairs of the new gov
eminent in regard TO his acceptance OF the
election. He earnestly desired season of rest
at his beautiful home on the banks OF the Po-
tomac after his long and arduous service dur
ing the struggle for independence AZ COM
mander-in-chief of the continental armies. lie
felt that he had given the best years of his life
to the service of his country and that he might
be freed from further participation in public
affairs. In a letter to Samuel Hanson he said:
''The first wish of my life is to spend the
evening of my days as private citizen upon
nv farm" He also considered his age too far
advanced for an undertaking that involved such
tireless application and energy, though this
seems rather unreasonable. inasmuch as Wash
ington at this time had just reached his fifty
seventh year and was of a very hearty physical
soundness. But, with his customary cOmpli-
anee TO every public desire, he overcame his
scrupies and prepared to meet the nations re-
quest.
WASHINGTON ACCEPTS.
He was not unprepared for the summons
which Mr.. Thomson brought, and at once re-
piled, accepting the appointment saying:
Il am SO much affected by this fresh proof
silence can best express my gratitude. While
realize the arduous nature of the task which
is imposed upon me ana feel my own inability
to perform 1t. L wish that there may not be
reason for regretting the choice: for. indeed,
all / can promise is only 10 accomplish that
which can be done by an honest zeal.
Upon considering how long tlrae some of the
gentlemen Of both Houses of Congress have
been at New York. how anXioasly DESTROYS they
must be TO proceed TO business, and how deeply
the public mind appears to be impressed with
the necessity of doing it speedily, / cannot find
myself at liberty to delay my journey. / shall.
therefore, be III readiness 10 set out the day
after tomorrow. and shall be happy in the
pleasure OF your company; for you Will permit
me to say that it is peculiar qualification TO
have received this communication from you.
HIS VISIT TO MS MOTHER.
That the first President was not in affluent
circumstances at the time of his election is evil
dent from the statement that he borrowed
$500 from a gentleman in Alexandria 20 dis
charge all his personal debts. and another hum
dred pounds to help defray 1.-THE expenses of
his journey to New York" He also went TO
Fredericksburg to bid goodbye TO his aged
mother, and it is recorded that after
greeting her he said: The people madam,
have been pleased with the mos: iattering
unanimity. to elect me to the Chief Magistracv
of the United States. but before | can assume
the functions of that Office | have come to bid
you an affectionate farewell. So soon as the
public business which must necessarily be en-
countered in arranging new government can
be disposed of. | shall hasten to Virginia.
and -" The proud but sorrowing mother