Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1923-02-21
Col. George Washington Goes ACQUIRING
WHISPERED Sweet N0thingS Into Ears of Pretty Virginia s
Father of His Country Ardent in Love

had read and the society of her
fathers friends.
But her education in home
making was most thorough and
complete. This hnme-making abil-
ity was later displayed in the ex-
cellence of the household manage
ment at Mount Vernon. In every
sense of the word she was a home
maker and could not only direct
culinary pursuits, but could con-
coct tasteful dishes that won her
the crown of womanhood, the
glory of being god cook. Mar
tina cambridge was belle of Will
liamsburg. She took part IN the
social happenings that centered
around the Governors house there.
A description Of this period
shows her as "being rather be-
low the middle size, but extremely
we'll shaped. with an agreeable
dark hazel eyes, and
hair. and those frank, engaging
manners so captivating in Ameri-
can women. She was not q
beauty, but gentle and winning
in her nature, and eminently cor
genial to Washington. During
their long and happy married
life he ever wore her likeness on
his heart"
When about IS, young Daniel
Parke Custis, only son and her
of Colonel John GUSTS, one Of the
Kings councillors for Virginia,
fell madly in love with her. Col
onel GUSTS had other plans, how
ever, for his talented son and de-
sired son and desired an alliance
with the beautiful and accomp-
lished Evelyn, daughter Of Col
onel William Byrd, Of west
over" Colonel Gusts was dis
appointed when young Daniel Sc
lected Martha cambridge instead
and even threatened diSinheri-
lance if his son puersisted in
his own choice. But word
kept coming to him of the grace
and sweetness of Martha Dand-
ridge, and from every lip fell
praises of her good sense ard
amiability. So finally the dough
ty old colonel surrendered and
wrote on a piece of fair whits
paper, Il give my free consent
to the union Of my son with Miss
Martha cambridge"
The happy couple were soon al
terward married, and the fathe'
Of the bridegroom never ceased
10 rejoice in the good fortune O.
his son in marrying such 4 charm
ing girl. They took up the. .
abode at the "White House" on
the bank of the Pamunkey River, I
in New Kent County, and were .
blessed with four children. IN
the summer Of 1851 the husband
died, leaving Martha at the ace
Of p one of the wealthieSt Wild
Owls in Virginia, and with beauty
lnimpaired.
Besides the less of her husband
Martha Gusts suffered severe
blow in the death OF her eldest /
son. unusually endowed with men
tai gifts, and biging promise Of
a bright future.
The young widow administered
her large estates in a capable
manner. The trust her husband
reposed in her was amply justl-
fed and her estates We're anon
the best managed in the country.
They seemed to occupy her entire
attention. together with the care
of her interesting children, and q
second marriage. according to all
accounts, was far from her
thoughts. After a time she be-
gan TO mingle again in Williams
burg society and, while GreaCly
after. her heart appeared
10 be buried in Daniel Parke
Gusts grave.
But she reckoned without Geo.
Washington and his persuasive
powers.
1t was a pleasant day in May /
1883. that a calvacade consisting
of a fine looking young military
officer. dressed in the British scar
let accompanied by a dienifed
black body servant. also on horse
back. crossed Williams ferry or
the Pamunkey, not far from its
junction with the York River. A
Mr.. Chamberlayne, 4 planter of
the neighborhood, came up and
greeted Col. George Washington.
the officer, and invited him to
stop at his plantation to rest and
for dinner.
Colonel Washington declined
and stated that he was Fastening
to williamsburg to lay before the
Governor and Council Of Virginia
matters relating to the march of
the British and colonialS against
Fort Duquesne. Chamberlayne