Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1910-03-05

was sent by L1eut.-GOV. DlnW1ddle OF
Virginia in 1853 on important bust
ness to the French army in the Ohio
valley. When war broke out the fol-
lowing year, he was promoted to the
rank of lieutenant governor, and in
1855 acted as aide-de-camp to General
Braddock Washington had all the
qualities needed to make successful
commander, and at the battle of Fort
Duquesne, occupying the present site
Of Pittsburg, he showed remarkable
mastery Of military tactics Though
many Of the officers in that battle
were slain or wounded, Washington
returned safely from the disastrous ex-
petition, but in the contest had two
horses shot under him. He left the
army at the close Of the war, and on
January II, 1857, married Martha
GUSTS. rich widow Of Virginia.
Shortly after he returned to Mount
Vernon, that estate having been given
to him by his brother, Lawrence. For
sixteen years he led the life Of plant
er at Mount Vernon, and on his large
estate kept many slaves, who were
emancipated by his will at the death
of his wife. In the meantime he serv-
ed as magistrate. and was delegate
to the first and second congresses
The second continental congress ap-
pointed him ommander-in-chief OF the
army, on June II, 1775, and he hasten
ed to Cambridge, Mass, where he took
command Of the army under the his.
toric elm on July 8. His first military
reform was to reorganize the raw and
ill-equipped troops. and his early sue
cess caused the British to evacuate
boston in the early part of 1776.
The first half Of the year following
the adoption of the declaration of In
dependence was discouraging to the
patriots, but Washington's brilliant
surprise at Trenton. and the victory
at Princeton raised the courage of the
Americans. He continued commander
in-chief of the armies throughout the
war. When victory and peace crown
ed the patriotic endurance of the
Americans. in 1888, he retired to priv
ate life at Mount Vernon. Washington
was delegate to and president of the
national convention which met at Phil
adelphia, Pa, in 1887, and adopted the
constitution. He was the unanimous
choice for president, and was inaugur-
ated at New York, April 80, 1889. At
the end of the first term he was re-
elected. On March 4. 1897. he retired
to private life, having declined third
election to the presidency.
Washington selected Jefferson sec
rotary of state; Knox Of war: Hamil-
ton of the treasury, and Randolph at
torney-general. In 1893 he issued a
neutrality proclamation and made
tours to the north and south, and in
1895 issued his famous farewell adj
dress to the people. When war was
threatened between France and the
U. S.. in 1898, he was again appointed
to the chief command of the army of
the United States. with the rank of
lieutenant general, but died soon after
at Mount Vernon. Washington had no
children. but adopted two grandchil-
dren Of his wife.
Congress adopted resolutions at the
time of his death. their passage be-
ing moved by John Marshall, and in
them occur the following words:
First in war, first in peace. and first
in the hearts Of his countrymen."
Your loving friend,
Henrietta Plaster age II,
sol Main Street,
Abba, Iowa.