Waterbury evening Democrat., 1908-06-17


 upon them their blessing. Grain was raised, gathered and made into bread to be taken to the army or prison Every visit to the army was accom- panied by words of cheer and com fort and the earnest prayer that the oft-times discouraged and desponden' soldien would never abandon his country's cause.
 .The hard lot of the woman left at home was ever left unpltied Many of their hearts were in camp witil 1 their husbands or lovers, but with all the sufferings endured by them, they met with no reward.
 "The woman upon whom all eyes rested, and who perhaps, did the most for her country in various ways. was Martha Washington She had implicit faith in her husbands judgment and displayed great strength of character. Mrs Washington was first called upon to show her bravery and courage when, in September, 1774, with anx- iety and foreboding, she saw her hus- band preparing to go to the general congress. She, in her large-hearted generous and self-sacrlfcing way stood ready to do anything in her power to aid her husband. By hei ever present cheerfulness, she made all near her cheerful. When the party left, she bade them farewell with the words God be with you, Gentlemen
 After the Boston port bill, Mrs Washington said that her mind was made up and that her heart was in the cause. At all times she was T sympathetic companion to her hus- band. None of the women engaged in the assistance of the soldiers during the revolution gave more than Martha Washington. When the cause demand ed, she gave her only son to the ha- zardous enterprise ill which her hus- band had for so long been engaged.
 General Washington, while in Cam bridge, sent word to Mrs Washington to join him there. She started with out complaint on the dangerous and uncomfortable journey before her, and, with party drove by coach through Maryland and Pennsylvania to Grey's ferry, and on to Philadel- phia, ball was to be given in her honor. Several men formed commit tee to go to her and advise her not to attend the ball. They did this because the times were so dangerous, that it would hardly seem appropriate for her to appear and cast aside the thought of the threatening clouds which hung over her land, even for one nights gayety. Martha Washington, with the sweetness that always marked her replied that its wishes were hers, and that she would not attend the ball. This is but one of the many little sacrifices that she so cheerfully made.
 From Philadelphia, joined by Gen eral Greene's wife and few others, she journeyed to Elizabetntown and Newark under military escort, which remained with them until they reached Trenton. After travelling in slow stages. the party finally arrived at Cambridge. It was fortunate for the commander-in-chi that his wife could come to him at this Hme. The social cares of the general could he relieved only by his wife, whose kind ly hospitality and charming manners made Cragie house the center of many social events. It became the favorlte resort of the young orIicers who al ways found a warm place in her motherly heart. Her benevolenct, kind-heartedness and gentleness. of ten lightencd the burdens and sweet ened the cares of the tired and heart sick soldiers and smoothed the rugged paths of war.
 At one time, when the general was seriously i'll in Virginia, Mrs Washington wrote that If she did not hear soon of his recovery she would set forth to join him, whether conveyance could be obtained for her or not, rather than endure the anxi- ety and uncertainty longer.
 Tt was during Mrs Hashington's army experience that she acquired her habit of knitting. on account ot the great lack of stockings among the soldiers. When Washington sent word to congress that the soldiers did not have proper clothing, Mrs Washington and her companions made their knitting needles ny, and their home supplies of material and food were taxed to their utmost limits. Often during the war the words, God bless Lady Washington, could be heard from the lips of poor soldiers.
 In numberless instances when our great General Washington's heart was weary with his responsibility this plucky faithful little companion came to his side with a helpful word. which. at the time, did more for plr country's welfare through the en- couragement of Washington, than could a fortune in gold
 The work done by Marcia Warren was of an entirely different nature. She was gifted with poetical talent which she used to quite an extent Tn recording her country's afiiction. Many of her poems are remarkable for their patriotic sentiment, rather than for dramatic merit. Mrs War ren devoted her powers to greater objects than chastising the follies of the day-her sympathies were ex- tended to her suffering friends, and her benevoIence went forth eyea among strangers.
 Mrs Warren tells of the work done by women after the Charleston conhagration. They hurried around pouring balm on the wounds of the soldiers. and making broths ard cordials to support their exhausted spirits. Many of the soldiers died, blessing the hand that had given them relief. Another instance show ing Mrs warren's keen observation was at the time of Burgoyne's entry