The National tribune., 1899-12-07

OLD TOMB AT Mt. VERNON WHERE
In July he executed his last will and testa-
ment. 1t was written entirely by himself.
and at the bottom of each page of manu-
script he signed his natoe During the
Autumn he digeSted Il complete system
of management for his estate for several
succeeding years. IN which Were tables
designating the rotation of crops. The
document occupied b folio pages. all
written in his peculiar clear and style. 1t
was completed only four days before. his
death. and was accompanied by a letter.
dated Dec. 10. 1893, TO his manager or
steward. giving him special directions
as il the master was about TO depart OH
journey.
AT this time Washington was in full
health and vigor, and the beautiful days
of serene old age We're promised him.
He had once said: Il am of Il shortlived
family, and can not expect 10 remain very
long upon the earth" yet now, at the age of
almost IS, he appeared 10 have full cX-
pectations Of octogenarian honors.
Only few days before his death, he had
walked out, on a cold, frosty morning,
with his nephew, Maj. Lewis, and pointed
out his anticipated improvements, es-
pecially showing him the spot where he
intended to build a new family vault.
This change" he said. Il shall make the
first of all, for | may require it before the
rest"
when 1 parted from him." said Maj.
Lewis, to James h. Paulding, "he stood
on the steps of the front door, where he
took leave of myself and another. He had
taken his usual ride, and the clear, healthy
flush on his cheek and his sprightly man
ner brought the remark from both Of us
that We had never seen the General look
so well. / have sometimes thought him
decidedly the handsomest man l ever
saw; ami when Iii a lively mood, SO full
OF pleasantly, SO agreeable to all with
h., \
that he was the same Washington whose
dignity awed all who approached him."
On the 11th of December Washington
noted in his diary that there was wind and
rain, and 'at night a large circle round
the moon" This portent of snow was
began 10 fall. 1t soon changed 10 hail aud
then 10 rain.
Washington had been out on horse
back. as usual since 10 O'Clock iii the
morning, and returned only in time for late
dinner. Mr. Lear. vino W:ss5 again residing
at Mount Venom. as Washington'S secrc-
1ary aud business manager. carried some
letters To him 10 frank. when he observed
snow hanging to the Generals hair about
his neck. and expressed a fear that he was
wei. No" Washington replied. my great
coat has kept me dry; and after franking
the letters and observing that the storm
was too heavy to send a servant to the post
Office t1at evening. he sat down TO dinner
without changing his damp clothes.
On the following day Friday, the 13th)
the sn5w was three inches deep upon the
ground, and still falling. Washington
complained of a sore throat, and the storm
continuing, he omitted his usual ride. At
noon the clouds broke, the sun came out
clear and warm, and he occupied himself
before dinner in marking some trees be-
tween the mansion and the river that were
TO be cut down. and with compass and
chain defining lines for improvements.
After dinner his hoarSeness grew worse.
yet he regarded ii as nothing serious. He
rHs very cheerful during the evening and
sat in the parIor with IS. Washington
and Mr. Lear, amusing himself with the
newspapers. which were brought in at
O'Clock, occasionally reading aloud some
thing that pleased him. or asking, sir.
Lear 10 do so, his hoarseness sometimes
depriving him of his voice Among other
things, Mr. Lear read to him the report Of
debates IN the Virginia Assembly, and
Washington made comments, as well as
ms hoarseness would permit.
About o'clock Mrs. Washington left the
pa1ior, and went 10 the chamber of Mrs.