The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1915-01-01

seen him in the progress of the Rev
olution, and had correspondent with
him from France, in 81 and '82, this
contemplated him in his private rela-
smile, which seemed to illuminate his
eye; his whole countenance beamed
with intelligence, while it commanded
confidence and respect. The gentle
man who had accompanied me from
Alexandria, left in the evening; and |
remained alone in the enjoyment of
the society of Washington, for two
of the richest days of my life. ....."
To have communed with such man
in the bosom of his family, l shall al
ways regard as one of the highest
privileges and most cherished Incl
dents of my life. l found him kind
and benignant in the domestic circle,
revered and beloved by all around
him; agreeably social without ostenta-
ton; delightful in anecdote and ad-
ventures, without assumption; his do
nestle arrangements, harmonious and
systematic. His servants seemed to
watch his eye, and anticipate his every
wish; hence, a look was equivalent to
a command. His servant Billy. tie
faithful companion of his militar"
career, was always at his side. Smil-
ing content animated and beamed on
every countenance in his presence.
The first evening | spent under
the wing of his hospitality, we sat
full hour at table by ourselves, with
out the least interruption, after the
family had retired. | was extremely
oppressed with a severe cold and ex-
cessive coughing, contracted from ex-
posure of harsh winter journey. He
pressed me to use some remedies, but
declined doing so. AS usual after
retiring, my coughing increased, when
some time had elapsed, the door of
my room was gently opened and on
drawing my bed curtains, to my utter
establishment. | beheld Washington
standing at my bedside, with
a bowl Of hot tea in his hand. | was
mortified and distressed beyond ex-
preston. This llittle incident, oc-
curing in common life with an ordi-
nary men, would not have been no
ticed; but, as trait of the benovo-
lence and private virtue of Washing
ton, it deserves to be recorded"
Yes. indeed, it does. AS an En-
glishman would say, Fancy, a King
of England, or a soldier like Yelling
ton of that day, doing UGH thingw
Yet, | imagine Lord Roberts, (Bobs)
who has just died, might have made
such a ministration
AS lad | had read that story and
been impressed by it. adding to the
reverence ! felt for Washington; and
now, when | stood in the door wa"
OF that guest room in which this Incl
dent very likely had occurred, the
scene wildly passed before me in ina
gination, and new thoughts of the |
real greatness of our Washington
possessed my soul.
| remember very we'll the great eff |
forts of the women of our country |
made in the Sos to raise the money to
purchase Mount Vernon and how Ed |
ward Everett wrote paper each week |
tor year for Bonner'S New York |
.edger for a number of thousands of |
dollars to be given to help buy Wash
ngton's home. to be held as a nation
Il mecca; and does it not seem passing
strange that Congress did not hasten
o buy it for the people; and that. too,
when Congress was dominated BY
Southern men? Washington's own
,eople by birth, for, thanks be to God
Washington, long before his death be-
onged to the whole country; and it
S most pleasing to know that, the
Yankee soldiers that he first met at
Cambridge, when he took command of
he army. and almost most despised
nd despaired of ever making real
oldiers of, were afterwards his re-
lance, and some of them ferried him
cross the Delaware with its floating
&c, and were his right hand.
HOX.