Life of General Washington

Front matter

'bV^ ry^-

LIFE

GENERAL WASHINGTON

Preface

The author of this unpretending volume, -while endeavoring so to shape the course of the narrative that Washington as a man and a Christian should not be overshadovv'cd by the military hero, has also attempted, within a brief space, to record all the prominent events of his life, and to present a biography which shall at once be interesting and improving to readers of every class.

In preparing himself for so difficult a task, he has been a diligent reader of the histories and biographies which others have published, and his w'ork has been that of arrangement and condensation rather than of collecting new facts, where the mass of materials was already so abundant.

The valuable Life of Washington, by Chief-justice Marshall, will never be superseded by any other ; and the crowning glory of Irving's talent will secure him a warm place in the hearts of his countrymen.

GREENOUGH'S STATUE OF WASHINGTON.

The quarry whence thy form majestic sprung

Has peopled earth with grace, Heroes and gods that elder bards have sung,

A bright and peerless race ; But from its sleeping veins ne'er rose before

A shape of loftier name Than his, who glory's wreath with meekness wore,

The noblest son of fame.

Shealhed is the sword that passion never slaiu'd ;

Ilis gaze around is cast,—

As if the joys of Freedom, newly gain'd.

Before his vision pass'd ; As if a nation's shout of love and pride

With music fill'd the air, And his calm soul was lifted on the tide

Of deep and grateful prayer ; As if the crystal mirror of his life

To fancy sweetly came, With scenes of patient toil and noble strife,

Undimm'd by doubt or shame ;

As if the lofty purpose of his soul

Expression would betray — The high resolve ambition to control,

And thrust her crown away I Oh, it was well in marble firm and white

To carve our hero's form, Whose angel guidance was our strength in fight,

Our star amid (he storm I Whose matchless truth has made his name divine,

And human freedom sure.

His country great, his tomb earth's dearest shrine.

While man and lime endure I And it is well to place his image there,

Upon the soil he bless'd : Let meaner spirits, who our councils share,

Revere that silent guest 1 X,et us go up with high and sacred love

To look on his pure brow.

And as, with solemn grace, he points above.

Henuy T. Tuckebmak.

Chapter First

What an Irish orator once said about ■Washington— The old farm-house on Bridge's Creelt — Somelhiiig concerning the Washington family — Birth of a hero — Devout parents — George's IJaptism — Saying the catecliism — A lesson, taught about sellif-hness— Story of the cherry-tree—"! can't tell a lie" — Something more than morality taught — The name George Washington grows up in letters fresh and green— The boy's amazement— An explanation songht for — The power and goodness of the Almighty as seen in His manifold works 21

Chapter Second

Mr. Washington removes to Stafford Countj- — Plainness and simplicity — A. mothei's hopes for her eldest sou— The old chaise — Lawrence Washington goes to Kngland, to school— " Old Hobby" — George's education begun— The ciphering -book — Poetical extracts- " Rules of behavior" — An old book Avhich liarl much to do in the formation of a great character — "My son, neglect not ihe duty of secret prayer"— Playing soldier — Sham fights— Ijawrence Washington becomes a captain — Mr. Washington dies, and his elder sons marry and settle in life— Gaorge sent; to a higher school— Taste for athletic exercises— "I think I can beat that, yet" 31

Chapter Third

Visits to Mount Vernon— The old Virginia aristocracy— Lord Fairfax— Influen-/ ces which are helping to form ihe diameter of George Washington— Dinner-table chat about miliiary affairs — A midsliipmau's warrant secured— Almost afloat — i;heerfnl obedience to a mother's wishes — Two years more at school — The old chinch at Fredericksburg — Lord Fairfax determines to have his wild lands surveyed— Washington sets out on his journey— No pleasure excursion —Hardships and dangers— Advantages derived from these three years' labors .—Something which Lord Fairfax did not dream of— Disputes between tba

CONTENTS.

1 French and English-A young adjutant-general-A domestic duty which interrupts his military studies-Goes to the West Indies with his brother- Death of Lawrence Washington-Mount Vernon changes owners 40

CHAPTEE FOUKTH.

The French and Indians become more bold and insolent-A messenger sent out to discover their designs- Ambitious schemes of the enemy-A difficult task assigned to Washington-Prompt obedience-Perils of the wilderness-Meet- H,g of the Half.King, and too much speech-making-Guides secured, and their journey resumed-Arrival at Venango-Gracions reception by tlie French commandant-Business begun-Making good use of one's eyes-Reiraeing steps- Voyage in bark canoes-A tramp on foot-The treacherous savages-An anxious night-Incident of the whirling raft-Safe arrival at Williamsburg-The plans of the French discovered-Washington's report published, in spite of his modest reluctance to appear as an author 50

Chapter Fifth

The Colonists not very anxious for war -Washington appointed Lieutenant-colonel-Difficnlties in raising and equipping troops-Marching west-Making roads across the mountains-French aggressions on the Ohio-The En-lish taken by surprise-Perilous position-Alarming reports-Attractions of a ruffled shirt-Warning message from the Half-King-Skirmishing and bloodshed-Providential supply of food for a starving camp-The Indian allies take their departure, when they are most needed-Dr. James Craik-An independent company from South Carolina-Retreat to the Great Meadows-Public worship in the camp-The enemy make their appearance-Requestinc^ a parey--A Dutchman trying to translate French-Terms of capitulation ngreed to-Prom,ses poorly kept-Fatiguing march-Arrival at Will's Creek-Washingtoa hastens to WiUiamsburg-A vote of thanks-Unpromising be°in-

CHAPTEE SIXTH.

Too much boasting-Governor Dinwiddle forms plans to wipe away dis-race from the English arms-Washington's opinion not very agreeable to him-The Colonial officers badly treated- Washington retires to Mount Vernon-Agricultural pursuits-The British government arouses itself to action-An extensive campaign proposed-General Braddock invites Washington to join the army-'- 1 do wish George would stay at home I"-The army contractors fail to keep then- promises-Benjamin Franklin lends his aid in an emergency- Line of march-Weighed down with bnggnge-Braddock obliged to lay aside some of his dignity-Advice given and accepted-The fashio;iable officers still insist on carrying their trunks-Washington's illness-Uis impatience to recover before the attack on the Fort yj

Chapter Seventh

A grand military display— Passage of the Monongahela— Marching through a dangerous pass — The general takes his own heed, and is not the better for it —The firing begins— Savage yells which cause the rocks to re-echo— Panic of the troops — Braddock storms and raves — No lack of bravery — The officers cut down one by one— The whole English line surrounded — Braddock disdains to yield— The drums sound a retreat — The general receives a mortal wound— Refuses to be carried from the field— Washington tries to collect the scattered troops, and lead them off in safety — Death of Braddock — A solemn burial — Washington attributes his marvellous preservation to the right source — " I expected every moment to see him fall"— A curious circumstance— The favorite of Heaven, who could not be killed in battle 80

Chapter Eighth

Washington s«eks for repose at Mount Vernon — Business become tangled by neglect — The French and Indians rejoicing at their unexpected victory — The whole country in consternation — Washington appointed commander-in-chief of all the forces in Virginia— Preparation for a new campaign— Excitement at Winchester— Three drunken soldiers produce a great sensation— Lack of money and supplies — Progress of the war at the North— Washington sent to Boston, and the style in which he travelled — General Shirley settles the question in dispute— Stirring letter to the governor— The militia ordered out — Petty annoyances — A chain of forts to be established— Unsatisfactory correspondence with Governor Dinwiddle — Visit to Lord Loudoun— Standing up for one's rights — Never the ofiScer of any king 89

Chapter Ninth

Washington protecting the frontier settlements— Governor Dinwiddie not more friendly than before— Another spell of sickness — The Governor returns to England- Washington once more at the post of duty — A fresh expedition planned against Fort Duquesne— The young officer chosen a member of the House of Burgesses — A horseback ride from Winchester to Williamsburg, and something important which grew out of it — A young and blooming widow — Dark hazel eyes and hair— An afternoon passing like a dream— Courtship finished in a brief space— Difficulties about the road — Six weeks wasted — Washington's advice discovered to be the best— Major Grant's party surprised and driven back — More prudent arrangements made— Fort Duquesne found deserted— The ruins strengthened and the name changed— Washington resigns his commission— A grand wedding , 99

CHAPTEE TENTH.

Almost a life of seclusion— " Sit down, Mr. Washington"— A quiet member of the House— The mansion at Mount Vernon— An indulgent master— The plantation producing every thing within itself— Handsome style of living— Chariot and four— Multitude of visitors— A compliment paid to rigid honesty— Mrs. Washington's domestic duties— A hundred and one cows— Sending to London for articles of elegance and luxury — John Parke Custis and his sister Patsey — Washington a vestryman of two parishes— Regular attendance at church— The children provided with Bibles and Prayer-books — Devout behavior at church— Pohlck Church— A new one to be built— Quiet way of settling a difficulty — A modern tourist visits the sacred place— Christ's Church, Alexandria — Attention to the duty of private devotion — " We are not entirely graceless at Mount Vernon' ' 108

Chapter Eleventh

The lordly style in which the Virginia planters lived— Washington's personal habits — Early rising— Frugal breakfast and a morning ride— Nothing of an epicure—Temperance lecture for his overseer— Drawing the seine for Potomac herrings— Canvas-back ducks— More sportsmen than were desired— Summary punishment of a bold offender- Scheme for draining the Great Dismal Swamp — Settling the accounts of the French and Indian war— Washington makes a special journey to the Ohio— Revisiting a familiar spot — One of Braddock's old soldiers well provided for — Fighting his battles over again — A sad event- Washington's earnest prayers— Death of Miss Custis — A kind husband's attentions—The consolation which true religion alone can give 118

Chapter Twelfth

A great change in the feelings of the Colonies towards the mother country- Plans for refilling his majesty's purse— Respectful remonstrances— Patrick Henry's clarion notes— The Stamp-act, and the feelings of indignation which it aroused— Washington appointed a delegate to the first Congress—" What is it we are contending against?" — Congress meets at Philadelphia— A very dignified assembly— Proceedings kept secret— The first prayer in Congress— "It seems as if Heaven had ordained that psalm to be read on that morning" — A solemn pause— Business begins in earnest — The greatest man in Congress — John Parke Custis grows weary of study, and proposes to visit Europe — His stepfather sets him to work again— A delicate caso to manage — The young man at last has his way— Premature marriage 125

CHAPTER THIRTEENTH.

Move English troops landed at Boston — The Colonists not yet prepared to declare their independence— Washington's opinion in his own words — Lending his aid in the formation of independent companies — The second general Congress — Blood spilled— General Gage's soldiers are glad to escape from the wrath of the despised rebels— No more humble petitions to his majesty— Congress gives some important orders— A commander-in-chief to be chosen— Mr. Adams ntters something like a compliment, iind the gentleman referred to dMts into another room— A wise choice — Washington's acceptance — No pay for services — Letter to one who will be startled by the tidings— Reliance on Divine Providence— Drawing up a will— Just on the wing 138

CHAPTER FOURTEENTH.

General Washington sets out for Cambridge — Great curiosity to see him — Tidings from Bunker Hill— Only four barrels of powder in New York City—" The liberties of the country are safe !"— Not puffed up by honors and attentions — Arrival at Cambridge in a cloud of dust— Draws his sword as commander-in-chief— Examining the country about Boston— Disappointment at the size of the army — Trying to bring order out of confusion — Washington's first general order — All distinctions of Colonies to be laid aside— No profane swearing or drunkenness allowed — Punctual attendance on Divine service required — Bird's-eye view of the camp— The English forces hemmed in— Provisions becoming scarce— An alarm about powder— American prisoners badly treated — Washington expostulates with General Gage, who returns an insolent answer —Severity in appearance only— The rebels not to be despised 147

CHAPTER FIFTEENTH.

Affairs at Mount Vernon— What the British cruisers might easily have done — Mrs. Washington quite composed — General Washington receives regular reports of the condition of his plantation— Ever mindful of the wants of the poor — A corn-house filled for their use— Free access to the fisheries — Mrs. Washington goes to Cambridge in her coach and four— The camp brightens Up at her arrival — An amusement which is not common in our days— Expedition to Canada, and the result — The siege of Boston continues, and both parties become very tired of it — An introduction to several distinguished generals— Fitting up a theatre—" The Blockade of Boston" — A drama of real life which puts a sudden end to sport — " Officers, to your alarm-posts 1" — Disheartening circumstances— The evil of short enlistments keenly felt— Letter to Joseph Reed— A most undesirable position— Private prayer and public worship never neglected 156 r^ in

and at

CHAPTER SIXTEENTH.

A stir in Boston Harbor— Tlie British fleet takes its departure— Washington's anxiety about New York— General Lee sent to raise troops for its defence — The quiet of Sunday disturbed by the arrival of the enemy — Only a short visit to a friend— Washington growing impatient— Fifty cannon and plenty of powder- Taking possession of Dorchester Heights— General Howe opens his eyes iu amazement—" Remember, this is the fifth of March"— Both sides disappointed — The British propose to abandon Boston— Their hasty departure — Praises showered upon Washington— " Where is the fleet going f"—Alexandri alarm—" I am packing up your china"— Washington takes the comman New York — A conspiracy for seizing him— Everybody becoming suspicious — The British troops landed on Staten Island— Signing of the Declaration of Independence—No room for indecision left 166

CHAPTER SEVENTEENTH.

Both sides preparing for the future— The forces of General Howe multiplying— Arrival of a powerful fleet — A letter for which it was hard to find an owner — Military titles— The rebels declining to be pardoned— Fears excited by the English ships- Hessian soldiers— Painful suspense — The enemy land on Long Island— All doubts at an end — An unfortunate battle — "What brave fellows I must this day lose 1" — A night of cruel anxiety — Council of war — A hard night's work— The British ships ventm-e nearer to the city — Washington attending divine service in New York— A very loyal servant of the king gives his account of it— Day of public fasting and prayer— The same church adapted to the wants of all, no matter what their political opinions may be 177

CHAPTER EIGHTEENTH.

Lord Howe still hopes for an amicable settlement of difiaculties— He sends a message to Congress— A committee aj^ointed to meet him— The result far different from what he had expected— The enemy's plans begin to develope themselves— Washington reduced to one mode of warfare— His army wasting away— New Y'ork abandoned — The British fire upon the guard at Kip's Bay — Disgraceful flight — Washington loses his presence of mind — "Are these the men with whom I am to defend America ?"— His letter to Congress— Good officers indispensable— The practice of plundering to be checked— Thoroughly discouraged and perplexed— Congress becomes rather wiser than before— Troops to be enlisted for the war— Dread of the power of armies and generals —Washington's true character not then fully understood 187

CHAPTEE NINETEENTH.

The American encampment at King's Bridge— Redoubts and intrenchments— The British land at Throg's Neck — A serious question, which required a prompt answer — Washington removes his head-quarters to White Plains — "The British are in the camp, sir 1"— Dread of light-horse— The enemy change their plan — Both sides sufiFer loss, and neither gains much — Breastworls of corn-stallis— An insolent letter which paints a melancholy picture — Poor pay and hard living— The American army retires to North Castle— General Howe withdraws to the Hudson — Various suppositions as to what he was •bout to do— Washington's opinion proves to be correct— Attack on the Fort —Weeping like a child— The army crosses into New Jersey, followed by the British— Fruitless appeals for help— Too many Tories in New Jersey— The gloomiest period of the war — A fresh proclamation of pardon — Washington firm in the midst of trials— What he proposed to do in the last emergency — Certainty of final success 196

CHAPTEE TWENTIETH.

New trials— A loved and trusted friend behaves very shabbily— General Lee's jealousy— Plans for his own advancement— Enduring enough in silence— Colonel Reed writes a most improper letter — An accident reveals the treachery to the one most nearly concerned— Repenting of errors, with many tears— Lee's inglorious capture — His character and aims — A bold stroke — Crossing the Delaware on a stormy night— Nine weary miles — The enemy surprised— " Their flags are struck, sir !"— The spoils of victory— Failure in a part of the plan — Visit of sympathy to a dying soldier — Triumphal entry into Philadelphia—Difficulty in persuading the troops to re-enlist — Hard money needed — Robert Morris applied to— He borrows it from an unexpected quarter— The campaign of 1776 closes gloomily 206

CHAPTEE TWENTY-EIEST.

Morristown— Small-pox breaks out— Attachment of the army for their general— Letter-writing— The question about the bad treatment of prisoners revived- Disputes about rank among the officers— Foreigners applying for commissions — A noble Pole — "Try me" — General Howe is in no hurry to quit his snug quarters — A new chain stretched across the Hudson— Colonel Reed sends an humble apology for his conduct— Washington's magnanimous reply— Alexander Hamilton— Sir William Howe leaves New Jersey— Gloomy tidings from Ticonderoga— Lafayette introduced to the Commander-in-chief— His first sight of the American army — " It is to learn, and not to instruct, that I came here" —The army marches through Philadelphia in grand style— Washington's head-quarters at Wilmington 217

CHAPTEE TWENTY-SECOND.

The British make a landing in Maryland— Light troops sent to remove some stores beyond their reach—" Now is the time to reap the fruit of our trials"— Battle of Brandy wine— Alarm in Philadelphia— Congress retires to Yorktown— The British keep themselves quiet for two days— Gaining courage in the midst of defeat— The enemy enter Philadelphia in triumph— Making the best of circumstances— Engagement at Germantown— How the news of these things affected the French court— Tidings from the North, both bad and good —General Gates, and the unwarrantable course which his vanity led him to take— Forgiving injuries again— Skirmishes at Whitemarsh— Winter sets in- Sad and dreary march to Valley Forge— Building huts and log-houses 228

Chapter Twenty-thied

Little of romance at Valley Forge— Washington encouraging the soldiers in their architectural labors — "Fighting will be far preferable to starving" — A dangerous meeting checked — "Not a single hoof to slaughter"— Patience giving ■,yay— Seeking directions from above—" Our cause is lost"— Washington on his knees— Forming a new system for the army— Little less than a famine— The British faring sumptuously in Philadelphia — What one of their own historians says— Mrs. Washington at Valley Forge— Her labors of love— Baron Steuben— Acts as drill-master to the army— The British government becomes still more uneasy— Fresh proposals for reconciliation— Pleasant tidings from France— A day of rejoicing at Valley Forge 239

Chapter Twenty-fourth

Sir William Howe recalled to England— His successor displays more energy— The British leave Philadelphia — Washington in pursuit— Battle of Monmouth —Very unaccountable conduct of General Lee— Sharp words— "I expected my orders to be obeyed"— Washington stops the retreat, and begins the fight in earnest—" Follow your general"— Welcome repose— Lee brought to trial— The end of his military career— The French fleet arrives— Several plans proposed, which did not succeed well— Great disappointment— Jealousies and disputes— Washington as a peace-maker— Count d'Estaing— Letter to Lafayette— No more battles at present— The English fleet engaged in rather dishonorable pursuits— The American army retires into winter-quarters 249

Chapter Twenty-fifth

Lafayette returns to France— His scheme for the invasion of Canada— Washington disapproves of it— Five anxious weeks at Philadelphia— Perilous condition of public affairs— Letter to Colonel Harrison— Advises that abler men be sent to Congress — No flowery path— Confiding in an crv^erruling Providence — Fortypaper dollars for one of silver— Small things proposed for the next campaign —Sir Henry Clinton's complaint— General Sullivan sen^gainst the Indians— The two armies remove to the shores of the Hudson — Capture of Stony Point — General praise well deserved — Washington not kept informed of the state of public affairs— The style of living at head-quarters — Two beef-steak pies, and tin plates— Grace and ceremony — "Light-horse Harry" — Attack on the fort at Paulas Hook 262

Chapter Twenty-sixth

British and Americans both anxious to know what the French fleet would do- Washington's quarters once more— Hard times — New Jersey does her part — Intense cold — Arnold tried and reprimanded — The Southern States in danger — The condition of the army becomes desperate— A mutiny breaks out— Lafayette returns to America— Another French fleet arrives— White and black cockades— Gates' defeat at Camden— Arnold begins to contrive evil things against his country — Fifteen Months' secret correspondence with the enemy — Major Andr6 comes to West Point to see him— All arrangements made — The British spy sets out on his return— His capture — Colonel Jameson's strange blunder — A surprise at the breakfast-table— The traitor saves his neck —"Whom can we trust now I"— Washington's kindness to Mrs. Arnold 272

Chapter Twenty-seventh

Sensation at New York at the news of Andre's capture— The prisoner carried to Tappan— Court-martial— His manly confession— Feelings contending with judgment — Sentence of the court— Efforts to secure a pardon — An indirect proposal which might have done it — Hung as a spy— His remains removed to Westminster Abbey—"! know General Arnold, and abominate traitors"— Letter from Washington— General Greene sent to the South— Enlistment of soldiers for the war — Securing a loan of money from France — A serious mutiny — Washington's circular-letter to the Governors— Great forbearance exercised—The mutiny extends to the New Jersey troops — More decided measures taken, and with good results 285

Chapter Twenty-eighth

Why Arnold did not receive a higher position in the British army— The meaning of brevet— Lafayette sent to Virginia— Difficulty between Washington and Hamilton — "You treat me with disrespect"— The younger of the two sbows himself rather too unyielding— Friendship restored— General Greene in Carolina,— Lord Cornwallis gets to Virginia—" That boy cannot escape me" —

2*

Washington's overseer too kind to the enemy— Slow work at recruiting- Preparation for a descent on New York— The plan reluctantly given up— The combined armies hasten to the South— Washington borrows money at Philadelphia — A hurried visit to Mount Vernon — Lord Cornwallis shut in at Yorktown— The siege begins—" We can't spare you yet !"— His lordship attempts to escape — Concludes to surrender— Graphic description by an eye-witness— "Ground arms"— Public thanksgiving— The captured colors and guns appropriately disposed of 295

Chapter Twenty-ninth

Washington forms a plan which he was reluctantly forced to abandon— Death of his stepson— Lafayette returns home— Trying to prevent Congress from becoming too inactive— Proposals for making a king — His indignant reply — Discontent among the soldiers— A great deal of mischief prevented— Treaty of peace signed— The soldiers returning to their homes— The " Society of Cfncinnati" — Washington's address to the governors of the States— Visit to some memorable spots— The army disbanded — Washington and his troops enter New York— His officers take their leave of him— Settling accounts for the war— A triumphal journey towards the South— Arrival at Annapolis— Resigns his commission to Congress — Retires to Mount Vernon — Happy Christmas eve 309

CHAPTER THIRTIETH.

A quiet life appears strange enough— Wealth impaired somewhat— Transplanting trees— Houseful of company — Liberal allowance of visiting — Guests made

to feel themselves at home— How Washington spent his time— Morning ride

Dressing for dinner— His only toast— Honoring the Lord's day— Moments of abstraction— Lafayette's last visit— A touching incident in the note— Testimony of his private secretary— Elkanah Watson's interesting reminiscences — Home-pictures- No disposition to fight his battles over again by speaking of them in conversation— A bowl of hot tea for a cold— Taking a model of his face for a bust — Fondness for cheerful society — General Putnam, and the female prisoner — Awkward plight of the two judges — Washington enjoys a hearty laugh 320

CHAPTER THIRTY-FIRST.

Unpromising condition of the government— Fears which true patriots entertained—A convention to form a Constitution— Washington prepares himself to discharge his duties as a delegate— Gratifying result of four months' labor— The Constitution adopted and a President chosen— Washington's unwillingness to return to public life— His wishes overruled— Triumphal journey to

CONTEin'S. 19

New York— The ceremony of Inanguration— " Long live George Washington !"— Solemn services in St. Paul's Church— Modest estimate of his own capacity for the Presidency — Overrun with company— Hours and forms of reception established — The President's house — Style of living — Levees and dinners — Severe illness — " I am in the hands of a good Providence" — Visit to the Eastern States— Observance of Sunday— The "Speaker's bell"— Dr. Griffith, bishop elect of Tirginia— Washington's mother departs this life— Her last blessing — A beautiful letter — An example for American youth- The Divine promise made good 329

CHAPTER THIETY-SECOXD.

Washington selects his cabinet— The appointing power gives him much trouble —The Church recovering from the effects of the war— The General Convention sends an address to the President— Bishops Provoost and White— Hamilton's plan for paying the debt of the United States— The seat of government removed to Philadelphia for ten years — District of Columbia — Washington visits Rhode Island—" There comes Washington !''—Fault-finders— Rather a sharp letter— The President describes his levees— Joshua and Washington compared — Graver matters which occasion some concern — The President worships at Christ Church, Philadelphia— His intimacy with Bishop White— Party spirit running high— Federalists and Democrats— One hopeful sign 3i3

CHAPTEE THIETY-THIED.

Tour through the Southern States — Washington's care for his horses— A stirrup-leather used for improving a bad memory — More troubles with the Indians — The first minister sent from the United Slates to Great Britain— A portrait which Sir Joshua Reyuolds did not have to paint — Washington's correspondence with Lafayette— Party spirit increases in bitterness — Jefferson and Hamilton become unfriendly — Washington re-elected President — A bloody revolution in France — Sympathies excited in this cotmtry— President takes a decided stand— Mr. Genet comes over, and behaves rather impudently —He is recalled at Washington's request— Troubles with England— Mr. Jay sent over as an envoy of peace— More troubles— Washington's Farewell Address —A dinner-party which ends in tears- Washington meets the two Houses of Congress for the last time — A touching scene 353

CHAPTEE THIETY-FOUETH,

A base forgery which was skilfully contrived, but which did little harm— An important record— The inauguration of a new President- A silent benediction —Departure for Mount Vernon— Former course of life resumed— Letter to Secretary Wolcott— Rural pursuits— The sixty-fifth year of life— Picture of every-day doings— An assistant called in to help in entertaining visitors— A young gentleman gains a good wife in this way— Preparations for war with France— Washington appointed commander-in-chief— Goes to Philadelphia to attend to important business— A new system of warfare to be adopted— The French government begins to hesitate— Washington's last concern for the army 367

CHAPTER THIETY-FIFTH.

Winter weather— Washington continues his daily rides, and his in-door employments—Arrangements for a new vault— A complete system for the management of his estate—" A large circle round the moon"— Writes his last letter— A ride in the rain— More thoughtful for a servant than himself— Sitting by the cheerful parlor-fire, reading the newspapers—" I never take any thing for a cold"— An alarm in the night— Dr. Craik sent for— An unfortunate bleeding— The two wills— " I find I am going"— Consideration for others— "I am not afraid to go"— Wishes to be alone— Directions about his burial— A last effort worthy of himself— The death-chamber— A note worth reading— Touching evidence of affection— Why Washington did not communicate in his last hours- Proofs of a gracious state 375

CHAPTER THIRTY-SIXTH.

Opening the old family vault— The crowd begins to gather to do honor to the illustrious dead— Order of the procession— The burial-service — The Rev. Thomas Davis— Honors paid to the memory of Washington throughout the nation— England and France show their respect for real worth— Traits of character as sketched by Chief-justice Marshall— Washington's opinions concerning profane swearing and duelling — Teaching the army to reverence the name of the Most High— " I thought that we all supposed ourselves gentlemen !"— A home-thrust which was felt long afterwards— Washington shows his heroism by making an apology— -His interference prevents Lafayette from fighting a duel— The hope of the nation— Our only safeguards— The majestic march of Washington 386