The Washington herald., 1913-01-17
NO. IL.

But a strange light lies upon the pic
ture.
Early in 175s. ere the summers terror
had come upon the border. and while he
could be spared. Washington took horse
and made his way to Boston to see Gov.
Shirley. now, acting as commander-in-
chief in the colonies, and from him at
first hand obtain settlement of that teas
ing question of rank that had already
driven the young officer once from the
service. He went very bravely right in
proper uniform OF bun and blue, white
and scarlet cloak upon his shoulders, the
sword at his side knotted with red and
gold, his horses fittings engraved with
the Washington arms, and trimmed IN
the best style OF the London saddlers.
With him rode two aids in their uni
forms, and two servants in their white
and scarlet livery.
Curious folk who looked upon the cele-
brated young officer upon the road saw
him fare upon his way with all the pride
of an admirable Virginian gentleman
handsome man, and an admirable horse
mana very gallant figure, no one could
deny. Everywhere he was feted as he
went: eyerywhere he showed himself the
earnest. high-strung. achieving youth he
was
An Amir of the Heart.
In New York he fell into a new am |
bush. from which he did not come on |
without a wound. His friend. Beverly |
Robinson, must needs have Miss Mary |
Phillipse at his house there, a beauty |
and an heiress, and Washington came |
away from her with a sharp rigor at his |
Ntle
desolate frontier at home unprotected to |
stay for a siege upon a lady's heart; he
had recovered from such wounds before.
had before that left pleasure for duty; |
and in proper season was back at his |
post. with papers from Shirley which left |
no doubt who should command In Viz |
ginia.
At last. in lbs. thu end came. when
William Pitt thrust smaller men aside
and became Prime Minister in England.
Amherst took Louisburg. Wolfe came to
Quebec, and Gen. Forbes, that stout and
steady soldier. was sent to Virginia TO
go again against DuQuesne. The advance
was slow to evaporation in the view OF
every ardent man like Washington. and
cautious almost to timidity; but the very
delay redounded to its success at last.
Home for the Winter.
reached The Indians gathered there,
seeing winter come on. had not waited to
meet them. and the French by that time
knew themselves in danger OF being cut
of by the English operations in the
North. When Forbes forces, therefore,
at last entered those fatal woods again.
where Braddocks slaughtered men had
lain to rot. the French had withdrawn
nothing remained but to enter the smok-
Aa.Na
the Kings flag. and rename the post
Fort Pitt; and Washington turned home
ward again TO seek the rest he so much
needed.
Hazardous Feat. L.
II had been almost a bloodless cam
paign. but such danger as it had brought
had shared to the utmost.
The French had not taken themselves on
without at least one trial OF the English
strength. While yet Forbes lay within
the mountains, a large detachment had
come from Duquesne to test and recon-
hotter his force. Col. Mercer. of the yir-
ginian line, had been ordered forward
with a party to meet them. a,
He stayed so long, and the noise of the
firing came back with so doubtful a
meaning to the anxious ears at the camp,
that Washington FASTENED with volun
teers TO his relief. In the dusk the two
bodies OF Englishmen met. mistook each
other for enemies, exchanges deadly
Are, and were checked only because
rushing between their lines,
even while their pieces blazed, cried his
hot commands to stop, and struck up
the smoking muzzles with his sword.
Twas through no prudence OF his he was
not shot
French Power Ends.
For a long time his friends had felt a
deep uneasiness about his health. They
had very earnestly besought him not to
attempt a rev campaign. You will in
al probability bring on a relapse"
George Mason had warned him. land
render yourself incapable OF serving the
public at time when there may be the
utmost occasion. There is nothing more
certain than that a gentleman of your
station owes the care of his health and
his life not only to himself and his
friends, but to his country" But he had
ieemed the nearest duty the most i'm
Derative, and 1t was only after that duty
vas disposed OF that he had turned from
he field to seek home and new pleasures
along with new duties. The winter
brought news from Quebec OF the fall of
he French power in America which
made rest and home and pleasure the
more grateful and full OF zest.
An Accidental Meeting.
On May day in 175s, as he spurred
Ipon the way to Williamsburg. under or
iers from the frontier. Washington rode
straight upon an adventure he had not
ooked for.
He was within few hours ride of the =
little capital; old plantations lay close
ipon the way; neighboriy homes began
o multiply: and so striking a horseman,
iding uniformed and attended. could not :
hereabouts go far unrecogniZed- He was
vaylaid and hailed to dinner. despite ex-
uses and protests of public business
alltng for dispatch There was charm ,
ng woman to be seen at the house, his
riend told him. IL a good dinner was not
rgument enough-and his business could
lot spoil for an hours stay in agreeable
company. And SO. of sudden, under +,
OF Virginian hospitality, he
vas hurried into the presence OF the
Iracious young matron who was at once, a
md as IL of right. to make his heart safe :,
gainst further quest or adventure.
Martha Custis was but six-and-tweenty -
% the charm OF youth and beauty We're
dded that touch Of quiet sweetness and :,
hat winning grace Of self-possession q
Fhich come to a woman wived In her 7
irlhood. and widowed before age or care =,
as checked the first full tide of life. At
eventeen she had married Daniel Parke !,
'ustis. a man more than twenty years I,
er senior: but eight years of quiet love
nd duty as wife and mother had only +