Evening star., 1938-12-11
Anniversary Becomes
National Memory Day
Records of Scenes Which
Preceded Death Give
Their Own Tribute

His secretary, Mr.. Lear, called his
attention to this, but Washington
said his greatcoat had kept him
dry.
Some letters being brought to
him, he franked them, but would not
let the servant take them to the
Office. as he said the weather was
too bad to send them that eve
ming. Soon thereafter he went to
dinner without changing his damp
clothing.
Upon retiring that night he
seemed to be as well as usual and
showed no indications of impend-
ing illness.
The next day, Friday, he was pre-
vented from getting out early, but a
hoarseness had developed overnight
which was quite noticeable and un-
doubtedly the result of getting wet
the day before. He made rather
light of this, however, and in the
afternoon went out into the grounds
between the mansion and the river
to mark some trees which were to
be cut down by way of improve
ment to the place.
In the evening, when the papers
were brought from the post Office. he
sat with Mrs. Washington and his
secretary reading them until Mrs.
Washington retired about o'clock.
When he retired he seemed very
nhoorfyrl ond vryooy, Mr. S1yn.
gested that he take something for
his cold he replied: mo, you know
I never take anything for cold. Let
it go as it came"
Mrs. Washington, as it would seem,
was not quite so optimistic over
her husbands condition at this time
as he appears to have been, and
had become alarmed at not hearing
the accustomed sound of the library
door as it closed for the night and
which was the signal for rest in the
Well-regulated mansion. She arose
again and continued sitting up, in
much anxiety and suspense. until at
length, we are told, the well-knoWn
step was heard on the stairs, and
upon the generals entering his
chamber, Mrs. Washington kindly
chided him for remaining up so late,
knowing himself to be unWell; to
which Washington made this reply:
Il came as soon as my business was
accomplished. You well know that,
through long life, it has been my
UNMARRIED rule never to put off till the
morrow the duties which should be
performed today"
His adopted son and Mrs. Wash
ington's own grandson, George
Washington Parke Gusts, who built
the Arlington Mansion, who resided
there for so many years and who is
buried there in the cemetery with
his wife, has said:
Having first covered up the fire
with care, the man of mighty labors
at last sought repost, but it came not
as it had long been won't to do, to
comfort and restore, after the many
and earnsht occupations of the we'll
spent day. The night was spent in
feverish restlessness and pain. Tired
natures sweet restorer, balmy sleep,
was destined no more to visit his
couch; yet the manly sufferer ut
tered no complaint"
After the spirit had fled, a signed
statement was made by his secre-
tary, Mr.. Lear, and DR.. Craik giving
the details surrounding his last ILL
ness, and the following is largely
taken from this report.
Between 2 and o'clock on Sat-
urday morning, December IA, he
awoke Mrs. Washington and told
her he was very unwell and that he
has had chill. He then breathed
with considerable difficulty and could
scarcely speak above a whisper.
Mrs. Washington wanted to call q
servant, but the general would not
permit her, for fear that she her.
self might take cold in doing so.
However, as soon as it was daylight
servant was sent for Mr.. Rawlings,
one of the overseers on the place,
to bleed him, practice then gen.
orally followed in illness of this
kind. Another servant was dis
patched for DR.. James Craik in Alex
andria, and in the meantime a mix
ture of molasses, vinegar and bitters
was prepared by those around him.
but he was unable to swallow.
When Rawlings arrived prepara-
tions were soon made for the bleed
ing and Washington's arm was barred
for the purpose, as well as his throat
would permit. Observing Rawlings
nervousness, Washington said to
him, Don't be afraid" and even
insisted upon making the incision
larger. Mrs. Washington, not know
ing whether bleeding was proper
desired that it be stopped, but the
general insisted on continuing the
bleeding, as he said, More, more. u
However, at Mrs. Washington's ur-
ging, it was stopped after about a
pint had been drawn.
His throat was bathed with sal
volatile and a piece of flannel dipped
in the same was put around his
neck. but even this afforded NO
relief.
Before DR.. Craik arrived, at Mrs
Washington's request DR.. Gustavus