Evening star., 1945-01-14

counted and Washington was declared
unanimously elected President.
Charles Thomson, previously the Sec
retary of the Continental Congress, and
then the congressional messenger, con-
veyed the official notification to the
father of his country at Mount Vernon.
But even then there was no positive
assurance that Washington would ac-
cept the Office, and Mr.. Thomson was
compelled to point out to him the dan
ger to the interests of the country that
might ensue if he failed to answer the
demand of his fellow citizens.
Washington's Acceptance
The appeal of his country surmounted
all the barriers he had raised, and he
accepted the certificate of election that
Mr.. Thomson had brought with him in
the following words:
II am so much affected by the fresh
proof of my country's esteem and con-
fldence, that silence can best explain
my gratitude. While realize the ardu-
Gus nature of the task which is imposed
upon me and feel my own inability to
perform it, I wish that there may not be
reason for regretting the choice for in
deed all I can promise is only to ac-
complish that which can be done by an
honest zeal. Upon considering how long
time some of the gentlemen of both
Af hau i,,
York, how anxiously desirous they must
be to proceed to business, and how
deeply the public mind appears to be
impressed with the necessity of doing
1t speedily, I cannot find myself at lib
erty to delay my journey. I shall there
after tomorrow, and shall be happy in
the pleasure of your company, for you
will permit me to say that 1t is a pc
culiar qualification to have received this
communication from YOU"
!; Washington began preparations for his
departure, first paying visit to his aged
mother at Fredericksburg. The parting,
according to an account, was an affect
ing one. He assayed, to be jovial and
lighthearted, feelings that were not
characteristic of the great patriot. His
words to his mother were: THE people,
madam, have been pleased with the
most flattering unanimity to elect one
to the Chief Magistracy of the United
States, but before I can assume the
functions of that office I have come to
bid you an affectionate farewell. So
soon as the public business which must
necessarily be encountered in arranging
a new government can be disposed of,
I shall hasten to Virginia and" The
proud but sorrowing mother here in
terrupted her son, saying: You will
see me no more, my great age warns me
that shall not be long for this world
i trust in God am somewhat prepared
for better. But go, George fulfill the
shigh destinies which Heaven appears
to have assigned you. Go, my son, and
may that Heavens and your mothers
blessings be with you always"
5. An entry in Washington's diary, dated
April 16, says: About 10 o'clock I bade
gadieu to Mount Vernon, to private life,
and to domestic felicity; and, with a
mind oppressed with more anxious and
painful sensations than have words
TO express set out for New York, with
the best disposition to render service to
my country in obedience to the call, but
with less hope of answering its expec-
station"
e. Washington returned to Mount Ver-
non, and the next morning he arose
searly and prepared for his departure
He took an affecting adieu of his wife
and two children, who joined him in New
York later. He was accompanied by
Secretary Thomson and a few friends.
His friends and neighbors of Alexandria
we're the first to greet him on his jour-