Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1906-02-16

lnet MS tate. He was riding on horse
pack from Mount Vernon to Williams
burg with important dispatches In
crossing ford of the Pamunkey he
fell in with Mr. Chamberlyne, who
IVed IN the neighborhocd. With true
Nrglnlan hospitality he prevailed up
on Washington to take dinner at his
mouse, making the arrangement with
dlflculty, however, since the soldier
was impatient to get to Williamsburg
Once inside the Colonial house,
whose hospitable halls breathed well
come, his impotence, and even the
errand itself, were well-nigh forgot
ten. A negro servant led his horse
up and down the graveled walk in
front OF the house; the servant grew
tired, the horse paved and shifted
with mpatience-and Washington lin
g'ered.
A petite, hazel-eyed woman-she
who was once Patsy Danridge. but
now the widow of Daniel Parke Gus
tis-was delaying important affairs.
At nightfall the distracted warrior re-
membered his mission, and made a
hasty adieu. Mr. Chamberlyne, meet
Ing him at the door, laid restraining
hand upon his arm. mo guest ever
leaves my house after sunset he
said.
The horse was put up, the servant
given his liberty, and Washington re-
NAMED until the next morning, when
with new happiness in his heart, he
dashed on to Williamsburg.
She was tWentysiX some three
months younger than Washington;
wealthy and had two chlaren. MI.
Custis was much older tnssn his 'Pat-
sy," for she was married when she
was but seventeen. He was a faith
full and affectionate husband, but he
had not appealed to her imagination,
and it was doubtless through her I'M
agination that the big Virginia Colonel
won her heart.
She left Mr. Chamberlyne's and
went to her home-the white House
near Williams Ferry. The story is
that when Washington came from
williamsburg he was met at the ferry
by one of Mrs. GUSTS slaves. rs
your mistress at homer" he inquired
Of the negro who was rowing him
across the river.
Yes, sab" replied the darky; then
added, slyly, 81 reckon you am de man
what am expected"
It was late III the afternoon of the
next day when Washington took his
departure, but he had her promise,
and was happy A ring was ordered
from Philadelphia, and is duly set
down in his accounts, zone engage
ment ring, two pounds sixteen snll-
lings"
On the sixth Of the following Janu-
airy they were married in the little
Church Of st. Peter. Once again the
Rev. Mr. Mossum in full canonicals,
married Patsy" Danridg'e to the man
of her choice. The bridegroom wore
blue cloth coat lined with red SILK
and ornamented with silver trim
mings. His vest was of embroldereo
white satin, his shoe and knee DUO
kles were of solid geld, his hair was
powdered, and a crossword hung at
his side. The bride was attlred III
heavy brocaded white silk, inWoven,
with silver thread She wore Whlte
satin quilted petticoat with heavy
corded white silk oyerskirt, and high
heeled shoes Of white satin, with
buckles Of brilliants. She had ruf1ies
of rich point-lace, pearl necklace, ear
rings and bracelets, and was attend
ed by three bridesmaids.
There was no seer to predict tlla'
some time the little lady in white sat
in would spend long hours knitting
stockings for the men of her nus
bands army, and that night after
night would find her, in long sI2y
cloak. at the side of the wounded,
hearing from stiffening lips the husky
whisper. God bless you, Lady WASH
ington!"
All through the troublous tunes
which followed Washington was 1ne
lover as we'll as the husband. He TOOK
fathers place with the little emil
dron treating them with affection, yet
never swerying from the path OF ao-
solute Justice. With the fondness OF
a lover he ordered fine clothes TOR her
from London.