The Idaho Springs siftings-news., 1909-02-20

a bearer of messages from the field of war to the
capital, by the Establishments of the future mis-
tress of Mt Vernon.
Washington at this particular time, and prob
ably through the influence of, his iancee, decided
to retire from the army and settle down on his
farm on the Potomac and incidentally enter poll
tics. Upon the force of this declaration he was
chosen member of the colonys house of bur
sesses while he yet in the field, for he was
retained there until the end of 115S and ihs we'd
ding was accordingly greatly delayed.
There is little of the correspondence that
passed between Martha Custis and George WASH
ington in existence for the very good reason that
it was al! burned by the lady after the death OF
her Spouse she holding that it was sacred be-
tween them and should never be made public
One letter is found, however, that may evlnce
something Of the spirit of Washington in wrltlng
to his future wife, it being somewhat OF model
in its way yet less loquacious than might have
been expected He wrote her on July 2, after
they had become engaged, as follows:
We have begun march for Ohio A courier
is starting for Williamsburg and ! embrace the
opportunity to send few words to one "hose
life is now inseparable from mine. Since that
hapny hour when we made pledges to each
Mother my thoughts have been constantly gong 10
kou as another self That allpowerfu Provl-
dence may keep both in safety is the prayer
Of your ever afectionate and faithful friend
Contrasting quite forcefully with this letter is
one written two months later from the field also,
but to Mrs George William Fairfax. the vile OF
a family friend. but despite this the object OF
probably the only infatuation that washington
ever had He says in part:
"'Tis true profess myself votary OF ioNe;
I acknowledge that lady is in the case anu
further l confess that this lady is known 10
you Yes madam as we'll she is to one VINO
is too sensible of her charms to deny the power
whose influence he feels and must ever submit 10.
| feel the force of her amiable beauties IN the
recollection of a thousand tender passages that
could be wise to obliterate, till am bid to revive
them.
You have drawn me, dear madam or rather l
have drawn myself into an honest confession VI
a simple fact Misconstrue not my meanihs'
doubt II not or expose it. The world mas no Dusl-
mesa tn know the object of my love, declared III
this manner to you when I want you to conceal
IT. But adieu to this till happier times
IL 7 ever shall see them The hours at present
are melancholy and dull. l dare to believe you
are aa happy as you say. | wish l was happy
ALSO"
This letter was found in the enects OF MIS-.
Fairfax who died in England at the ripe oio ase
of 82 It is taken to reveal sadness IN tne NE
of the first president and unrequited loVe-or
nv some it is taken as evidence that ne was
something of a gay Lotharo, who might say
many things to fair lady and not mean tnei,i'
There was nothing of sadness about Col. Masi
ington when at the holiday session OF 1907 nc
returned to Williamsport and preparations were
made for the wedding so long delayed Un 1anu
ty 6, .7ss the day was clear and colo' "nen