New-York tribune., 1912-02-18
SUNDAY MAGAZINE FOX FEBRUARY lS' 1912

Of Fredericksburg Virginia TO her father, Washington
addressed letter asking permission to propose marriage
in "he hope Of revocation OF former Cruel sentence,
and see if ! cannot find an alteration IN my favor.
Twice therefore, was Miss BeSey given the privilege OF
eecting his ardent suit 1t said that when Washington
nassed through Williamsburg after the surrender OF
CORVALLIS at Yorktown the former Miss Faunteroy,
then widow, was standing by an open window watch
ing The General saw her, raised his sword, and Sa-
Iufed whereupon she fell fanting TO the floor
Washington soon transferred his affections from Miss
Fauntleroy to Miss Mary Phlipse the daughter OF a
prominent Englishman Of West Point After a few
weeks acquaintance, he proposed marriage: but the
lady of his choice unwilling to share her lot with
his and later married Captain Roger Morris 1t IS
interesting TO note that Benedict Arnold was residing
at the Phpsc home when he betrayed his country, ana
ESCAPED from their grounds to the British lines when his
treachery became known. During the Revolution, Miss
Phlipsc remained loyal to the Crown. Her nome. tne
famous Iumel mansion on the outskirts OF New YORK,
was subsequently used by Washington as his head
quarters.
TWO years after the Philipse affair, when crossing
Williams Ferry en- route to Williamsburg upon
his return from Fort Duqucsne, Washington made the
acquaintance of genial old gentleman, Mr.. Chamber
layn who recognized him and Hospitality invited the
Young Colonel to his home nearby. At first Washington
declined urging important business duties for the Gov
crnment that required his immediate attention How
ever upon being informed Of the gay party then as
scmbed at the Chamberlain residence, he consented
to stay dinner Here he became much interested IN
4 ana beautiful WIDOW, NldIlld DdlL4llNSC Ou9-
It's Not onlv did he stay to dinner but he whled away
the afternoon and remained the night, and soon as
his duties were transacted he returned again for several
DAYS.
Thus began the romance in the lives of George and
Martha Washington There are many suppositonS
that attempt to explain the reason for Washington
failure to win the hearts OF his many ladyloVeS Some
attribute it to his modesty and diffdenCe others say
that he was too poor in early youth; and the least
plausible that he had not received university edu-
cation in England. But be the reasons what they may.
in the Widow Gusts Washington found a true and
oval mate: and much has been written OF his sodiery
wooing Thackcray wcaveS the love story in his novel,
The NirginanS.
Six months after their meeting January Il, ll59-
the couple married at ST. Peter Church, at WI
Iamsbirg The ceremony was followed by an elaborate
reception at the Custis home and many Of the noabcs
Of the day graccd the event by their presence:
There is pretty story that after Mrs. GUSTS had
accepted Washington she planted yeW tree IN the
garden Of her famous "siX-chmney house at lIiams
burg as a symbol Of devotion and constancy.
At the close Of the session Of the House OF BurgeSse
held at williamsburg then the capital OF Virginia Of
which Washington was member, he removed with
his wife and two stcpchildren to Mount Vernon. The
fine fiber of the man is shown in his devotion TO these
children Patsy and Nellie Custis, who interested him
from the first. The unSatStcd yearning Tor chIdTen
Of his own often revealed in his diaries and letters 10
friends.
DEAL love and happinessLad now come to him at
IN Mount Vernon, and the simple words with Whicn
he declined friends invitation TO visit England few
months after his marriage perhaps more than anything
else express his complacent attitude:
am now believe fixed at this seat with an agreeable
consor for life And hope find more happiness in re-
trcment than ever experienced amid wild and busting
world
In the early years of married life the WaSnlngtons
entered freely into the social activities Of the country
side His diaries record visits TO the homes OF his
ncghbors and frequently dinners at his fiesta!
board-so much that, although he was the owner OF
over hundred COWS. he was obliged 70 DuN
butter.
A. ,,, Ios, ,f tho ror so many rerSOnagcS Of note