After a short repose From the tumultuous Vicissitudes Of a sanguinary War, The astounding Energies of WASHINGTON Were again destined to a New Course Of Glory and Usefulness.

The Civic Wreath Was spontaneously placed By the Gratitude of the Nation On the Brow of the DELIVERER of his COUNTRY. He was twice solemnly invested With the POWERS of Supreme Magistracy, By the Unanimous Voice of A Free People; And in his EXALTED and ARDUOUS Station, His Wisdom in the Cabinet Transcended the Glories of the Field.

The Destinies of Washington Were now complete. Having passed the Meridian of a Devoted Life, Having founded on the Pillars Of NATIONAL INDEPENDENCE The Splendid Fabric Of a GREAT REPUBLIC, And having firmly Established The Empire of the West, He solemnly deposited on the Altar of his Country His Laurels and his Sword, And retired to the Shades Of PRIVATE LIFE. A Spectacle so New and so Sublime, Was contemplated by Mankind With the Profoundest Admiration; And the Name of WASHINGTON, Adding new Lustre to Humanity, Resounded To the remotest Regions of the Earth.

Magnanimous in Youth, Glorious through Life, Great in Death, His highest Ambition The Happiness of Mankind, His noblest Victory The Conquest of Himself. Bequeathing to America The Inheritance of his Fame, And building his Monument In the Hearts of his Countrymen, He Lived, The Ornament of the Eighteenth Century; He Died, LAMENTED BY A MOURNING WORLD.

FOOTNOTES:

[151] Essays, Biographical and Critical; or, Studies of Character. By Henry T. Tuckerman.



CHAPTER XLIV.

WASHINGTON'S HABITS AND PERSONAL APPEARANCE.

Washington, as we have observed in the earlier portion of this work, was passionately fond of field-sports; and during the first years of his married life, and even to the kindling of the Revolution, he frequently indulged in the pleasures of the chase. He was an admirable equestrian, but was not a successful sportsman. He engaged in the chase more for the pleasure produced by the excitement, than for the honors of success. He had quite a large kennel of hounds, and a fine stud of horses. Of these he kept, with his own hand, a careful register, in which might be found the names, ages, and marks of each. With these, his companions of the chase, he was as carefully punctual in his attentions as to any other business of his life. Among the names of his horses were those of Chinkling, Valiant, Ajax, Magnolia, Blueskin, etc. Magnolia was a full-blooded Arabian, and was used for the saddle upon the road. Among the names of his hounds were Vulcan, Ringwood, Singer, Truelove, Music, Sweetlips, Forester, Rockwood, etc. It was his pride (and a proof of his skill in hunting) to have his pack so critically drafted, as to speed and bottom, that in running, if one leading dog should lose the scent, another was at hand immediately to recover it; and thus, when in full cry, to use a racing-phrase, you might "cover the pack with a blanket."

Mr. Custis, in his Recollections of Washington, has given some interesting incidents of his life as a sportsman. "During the season," he says, "Mount Vernon had many sporting guests from the neighborhood, from Maryland, and elsewhere. Their visits were not of days, but weeks; and they were entertained in the good old style of Virginia's ancient hospitality. Washington, always superbly mounted, in true sporting costume, of blue coat, scarlet waistcoat, buckskin breeches, top-boots, velvet cap, and whip with long thong, took the field at daybreak, with his huntsman, Will Lee, his friends and neighbors." They usually hunted three times a week, if the weather was favorable.

On the hunting-mornings, breakfast was served at candlelight. Washington seldom partook of anything but Indian-corn cakes and milk. At dawn the whole cavalcade would leave Mount Vernon, and frequently before sunrise the dogs would be in full cry after a fox, Washington usually rode a horse named Blueskin, a fiery animal, of great endurance, and of a dark, iron-gray color. Billy (who was Washington's body-servant during the war) always kept with the hounds; "and, mounted on Chinkling," says Custis, "a French horn at his back, throwing himself almost at length on the animal, with his spurs in flank, this fearless horseman would rush at full speed, through brake and tangled wood, in a style at which modern huntsmen would stand aghast." When the chase was ended, the party would return to Mount Vernon to dinner, where other than sporting guests were frequently assembled to greet them. The table was always furnished generously; and the expensive style in which Washington kept up his establishment before the Revolution may be inferred from an entry in his diary, in 1768, in which he says, "Would any one believe that, with a hundred and one cows, actually reported at a late enumeration of the cattle, I should still be obliged to buy butter for my family?" During the war, these pleasures were suspended, nor was the sporting establishment ever revived, to any great extent. Lafayette sent Washington some hounds in 1785, but increasing private and public duties caused the master of Mount Vernon to neglect the pleasures in which he once took such delight.

It must not be supposed that, during those years of social enjoyment, Washington neglected any duties. As a member of the Virginia house of burgesses, he was assiduous, punctual, and faithful. As a farmer, he was careful, prudent, and skilful; and he managed his estate of eight thousand acres with such signal industry and ability, that he was considered a model agriculturist. He did not leave his farms to the entire care of his overseers. He continually exercised a general supervision of his affairs, except when absent on public business; and even then, through weekly reports, which he required his manager to transmit to him regularly, he had a perfect knowledge of all operations, and sometimes gave lengthy and minute directions.

While Washington's table was always bountifully supplied for his guests, he seldom partook of those preparations of the cook which specially please the appetite. He was very abstemious, and never indulged to excess in eating or drinking. His breakfast-hour was seven o'clock in summer, and eight in winter. He usually made a frugal meal of Indian cakes, honey, and tea or coffee, then mounted his horse and visited every part of his estate, where the current operations seemed to require his presence, leaving his guests to enjoy themselves with books and papers, or otherwise, according to their choice. He rode upon his farms entirely unattended, opening the gates, pulling down and putting up the "bars," and inspecting with careful eye every agricultural operation. Sometimes the tour of his farms in the course of the morning might average, in distance, twelve or fifteen miles. The late Mr. Custis has left on record a description of his appearance on one of these occasions, in the latter years of his life, which he gave to a gentleman who was out in search of Washington. "You will meet, sir" said young Custis to the inquirer, "with an old gentleman riding alone, in plain drab clothes, a broad-brimmed white hat, a hickory switch in his hand, and carrying an umbrella with a long staff, which is attached to his saddle-bow—that person, sir, is General Washington."

He dined at three o'clock, when he always ate heartily, but of simple food. His usual beverage was small-beer and cider, and Madeira wine. Of the latter he often drank several small glasses at a sitting. He took tea and toast, or a little well-baked bread, early in the evening; conversed with or read to his family when there were no guests; and usually, whether there was company or not, retired for the night at about nine o'clock. He was an early riser, and might be found in his library from one to two hours before daylight in winter, and at dawn in summer. His toilet, plain and simple, was soon made. A single servant prepared his clothes, and laid them in a proper place at night, for use in the morning. He always dressed and shaved himself, and a servant combed and tied his hair. Always neat in his dress and appearance, yet he never wasted precious moments upon his toilet; for he regarded time, not as a gift, but a loan, for which he must account to the Great Master.

The economy practised at Mount Vernon was always exercised by Washington while in public office. He had engaged Samuel Fraunces, the noted innkeeper in New York, as the steward of his household when he was president of the United States. "We are happy to inform our readers," said Fenno's Gazette, "that the president is determined to pursue that system of regularity and economy in his household which has always marked his public and private life. As a proof of this, we learn that the steward is obliged, by his articles of agreement, to exhibit weekly a fair statement of the receipts and expenditures of moneys by him, for and on account of the president's household, to such person as the president may appoint to inspect the same; together with the several bills and receipts of payment for those articles which may be purchased by him, when such bills and receipts can be obtained. And it is likewise strongly inculcated on the steward to guard against any waste or extravagance that might be committed by the servants of the family."[152]

The late Reverend Ashbel Green has left on record the following personal reminiscences of Washington during his residence in Philadelphia as chief magistrate of the nation: "After a great deal of talking, and writing, and controversy, about the permanent seat of Congress, under the present constitution, it was determined that Philadelphia should be honored with its presence for ten years, and that afterward its permanent location should be in the city of Washington, where it now is. In the meantime, the federal city was in building; and the legislature of Pennsylvania voted a sum of money to build a house for the president—perhaps with some hope that this might help to keep the seat of the general government in the capital, for Philadelphia was then considered as the capital of the state. What was lately the University of Pennsylvania, was the structure erected for this purpose. But as soon as General Washington saw its dimensions, and a good while before it was finished, he let it be known that he would not occupy it—that he should certainly not go to the expense of purchasing suitable furniture for such a dwelling; for it is to be understood, in those days of stern republicanism, nobody thought of Congress furnishing the president's house; or, if perchance such a thought did enter into some aristocratic head, it was too unpopular to be uttered.

"President Washington, therefore, rented a house of Mr. Robert Morris, in Market street, between Fifth and Sixth streets, on the south side, and furnished it handsomely, but not gorgeously. There he lived, with Mrs. Washington; Mr. Lear (his private secretary) and his wife, and Mrs. Washington's grandchildren, making a part of the family. Young Custis had a private tutor, employed by the president, who was engaged to attend on his pupil one hour in the winter mornings, before breakfast; and who, then, commonly breakfasted with the president and his family. The president ate Indian-cakes for breakfast, after the Virginia fashion, although buckwheat-cakes were generally on the table. Washington's dining parties were entertained in a very handsome style. His weekly dining-day, for company, was Thursday, and his dining-hour was always four o'clock in the afternoon. His rule was, to allow five minutes for the variation of clocks and watches, and then go to the table, be present or absent whoever might. He kept his own clock in the hall, just within the outward door, and always exactly regulated. When lagging members of Congress came in, as they often did, after the guests had sat down to dinner, the president's only apology was, 'Gentlemen (or sir), we are too punctual for you. I have a cook who never asks whether the company has come, but whether the hour has come,' The company usually assembled in the drawing-room, about fifteen or twenty minutes before dinner, and the president spoke to every guest personally on entering the room.

"He was always dressed in a suit of black, his hair powdered and tied in a black queue behind, with a very elegant dress-sword, which he wore with inimitable grace. Mrs. Washington often, but not always, dined with the company, sat at the head of the table, and if, as was occasionally the case, there were other ladies present, they sat each side of her. The private secretary sat at the foot of the table, and was expected to be quietly attentive to all the guests. The president himself sat half way from the head to the foot of the table, and on that side he would place Mrs. Washington, though distant from him, on his right hand. He always, unless a clergyman was present, at his own table, asked a blessing, in a standing posture. If a clergyman were present, he was requested both to ask a blessing, and to return thanks after dinner. The centre of the table contained five or six large silver or plated waiters, those of the ends circular or rather oval on one side, so as to make the arrangement correspond with the oval shape of the table. The waiters between the end-pieces were in the form of parallelograms, the ends about one third part of the length of the sides; and the whole of these waiters were filled with alabaster figures, taken from the ancient mythology, but none of them such as to offend, in the smallest degree, against delicacy. On the outside of the oval, formed by the waiters, were placed the various dishes, always without covers; and outside the dishes were the plates. A small roll of bread, enclosed in a napkin, was laid by the side of each plate. The president, it is believed, generally dined on one dish, and that of a very simple-kind. If offered something, either in the first or second course, which was very rich, his usual reply was, 'That is too good for me.' He had a silver pint cup or mug of beer placed by his plate, which he drank while dining. He took one glass of wine during dinner, and commonly one after. He then retired (the ladies having gone a little before him), and left his secretary to superintend the table till the wine-bibbers of Congress had satisfied themselves with drinking. His wines were always the best that could be obtained. Nothing could exceed the order with which his table was served. Every servant knew what he was to do, and did it in the most quiet and yet rapid manner. The dishes and plates were removed and changed with a silence and speed that seemed like enchantment."

Washington's personal appearance, and deportment in public and private life, have often been the theme of description. In the year 1790, an English gentleman, of intelligence and culture, was a guest at the presidential mansion, in New York, after Washington had left Franklin square, and taken up his abode in "M'Comb's house," on the west side of Broadway, near Trinity church. The following account of that visit, supposed to be from the pen of Hazlitt, appeared in the London New Monthly Magazine: "I remember my father telling me he was introduced to Washington, in 1790, by an American friend. A servant, well looking and well dressed, received the visitants at the door, and by him they were delivered over to an officer of the United States service, who ushered them into the drawing-room, in which Mrs. Washington and several ladies were seated. There was nothing remarkable in the person of the lady of the president; she was matronly and kind, with perfect good breeding. She at once entered into easy conversation, asked how long he had been in America, how he liked the country, and such other familiar but general questions. In a few minutes the general was in the room. It was not necessary to announce his name, for his peculiar appearance, his firm forehead, Roman nose, and a projection of the lower jaw, his height and figure, could not be mistaken by any one who had seen a full-length picture of him, and yet no picture accurately resembled him in the minute traits of his person. His features, however, were so marked by prominent characteristics, which appear in all likenesses of him, that a stranger could not be mistaken in the man. He was remarkably dignified in his manners, and had an air of benignity over his features which his visitant did not expect, being rather prepared for sternness of countenance.

"After an introduction by Mrs. Washington, without more form than common good manners prescribes, 'he requested me,' said my father, 'to be seated; and, taking a chair himself, entered at once into conversation. His manner was full of affability. He asked how I liked the country, the city of New York; talked of the infant institutions of America, and the advantages she offered, by her intercourse, for benefiting other nations. He was grave in manner, but perfectly easy. His dress was of purple satin. There was a commanding air in his appearance which excited respect, and forbade too great a freedom toward him, independently of that species of awe which is always felt in the moral influence of a great character. In every movement, too, there was a polite gracefulness equal to any met with in the most polished individuals in Europe, and his smile was extraordinarily attractive. It was observed to me that there was an expression in Washington's face that no painter had succeeded in taking. It struck me no man could be better formed for command. A stature of six feet, a robust but well-proportioned frame, calculated to sustain fatigue, without that heaviness which generally attends great muscular strength and abates active exertion, displayed bodily power of no mean standard. A light eye and full—the very eye of genius and reflection, rather than of blind, passionate impulse. His nose appeared thick, and, though it befitted his other features, was too coarsely and strongly formed to be the handsomest of its class. His mouth was like no other that I ever saw; the lips firm, and the under jaw seeming to grasp the upper with force, as if its muscles were in full action when he sat still. Neither with the general nor with Mrs. Washington was there the slightest restraint of ceremony. There was less of it than I ever recollect to have met with where perfect good breeding and manners were at the same time observed. To many remarks Washington assented with a smile or inclination of the head, as if he were by nature sparing in his conversation, and I am inclined to think this was the case. An allusion was made to a serious fit of illness he had recently suffered; but he took no notice of it. I could not help remarking that America must have looked with anxiety to the termination of his indisposition. He made no reply to my compliment but by an inclination of the head. His bow at my taking leave I shall never forget. It was the last movement which I saw that illustrious character make, as my eyes took their leave of him for ever, and it hangs a perfect picture upon my recollection. The house of Washington was in the Broadway, and the street front was handsome. The drawing-room in which I sat was lofty and spacious; but the furniture was not beyond that found in dwellings of opulent Americans in general, and might be called plain for its situation. The upper end of the room had glass doors, which opened upon a balcony, commanding an extensive view of the Hudson river, interspersed with islands, and the Jersey shore on the opposite side. A grandson and daughter resided constantly in the house with the general, and a nephew of the general's, married to a niece of Mrs. Washington, resided at Mount Vernon, the general's family-seat in Virginia; his residence, as president, keeping him at the seat of government.' The levees held by Washington, as president, were generally crowded, and held on Tuesday, between three and four o'clock. The president stood, and received the bow of the person presented, who retired to make way for another. At the drawing-room, Mrs. Washington received the ladies, who courtesied, and passed aside without exchanging a word. Tea and coffee, with refreshments of all kinds, were laid in one part of the rooms; and, before the individuals of the company retired, each lady was a second time led up to the lady-president, made her second silent obeisance, and departed. Nothing could be more simple, yet it was enough."

The late Mr. Custis, in his Recollections of Washington, says: "With all its developments of muscular power, the form of Washington had no appearance of bulkiness; and so harmonious were its proportions, that he did not appear so passing tall as his portraits have represented. He was rather spare than full during his whole life; this is readily ascertained from his weight. The last time he weighed was in the summer of 1799, when, having made the tour of his farms, accompanied by an English gentleman, he called at his mill and was weighed. The writer placed the weight in the scales. The Englishman, not so tall, but stout, square built, and fleshy, weighed heavily, and expressed much surprise that the general had not outweighed him, when Washington observed that the best weight of his best days never exceeded from two hundred and ten to two hundred and twenty pounds. In the instance alluded to, he weighed a little rising two hundred and ten. In the prime of life, Washington stood six feet two inches, and measured precisely six feet when attired for the grave.

"The power of Washington's arm was displayed in several memorable instances: in his throwing a stone from the bed of the stream to the top of the Natural Bridge; another over the Palisades into the Hudson; and yet another across the Rappahannock, at Fredericksburg. Of the article with which he spanned this noble and navigable stream, there are various accounts. We are assured that it was a piece of slate, fashioned to about the size and shape of a dollar, and which, sent by an arm so strong, not only spanned the river, but took the ground at least thirty yards on the other side. Numbers have since tried this feat, but none have cleared the water. 'Tis the 'Douglas cast,' made in the days when Virginia's men were strong, as her maids are fair; when the hardy sports of the gymnasium prepared the body to answer the 'trumpet-call to war,' and gave vigor and elevation to the mind; while our modern habits would rather fit the youth 'to caper nimbly in a lady's chamber.'

"While the late and venerable Charles Willson Peale was at Mount Vernon, in 1772, engaged in painting the portrait of the provincial colonel, some young men were contending in the exercise of pitching the bar. Washington looked on for a time, then grasping the missile in his master-hand, whirled the iron through the air, which took the ground far, very far, beyond any of its former limits; the colonel observing, with a smile, 'You perceive, young gentlemen, that my arm yet retains some portion of the vigor of my earlier days.' He was then in his fortieth year, and probably in the full meridian of his physical powers; but those powers became rather mellowed than decayed by time, for 'his age was like a lusty winter, frosty yet kindly;' and, up to his sixty-eighth year, he mounted a horse with surprising agility, and rode with the ease and gracefulness of his better days. His personal prowess, that elicited the admiration of a people who have nearly all passed from the stage of life, still serves as a model for the manhood of modern times.

"In the various exhibitions of Washington's great physical powers, they were apparently attended by scarcely any effort. On one occasion, when quite a young man, he was present while others were trying their strength in wrestling. He had retired to the shade of a tree, intent upon the perusal of a favorite volume; and it was only when the champion of the games strode through the ring, calling for nobler competitors, and taunting the student with the reproach that it was the fear of encountering so redoubted an antagonist that kept him from the ring, that Washington closed his book, and, without divesting himself of his coat, calmly walked into the arena, observing that fear formed no part of his being. Then, grappling with the champion, the struggle was fierce, but momentary, 'for,' said the vanquished hero of the arena, 'in Washington's lion-like grasp, I became powerless, and was hurled to the ground with a force that seemed to jar the very marrow in my bones;' while the victor, regardless of the shouts that proclaimed his triumph, leisurely retired to his shade, and the enjoyment of his favorite volume.

"Washington's powers were chiefly in his limbs: they were long, large, and sinewy. His frame was of equal breadth from the shoulders to the hips. His chest, though broad and expansive, was not prominent, but rather hollowed in the centre. He had suffered from a pulmonary affection in early life, from which he never entirely recovered. His frame showed an extraordinary development of bone and muscle; his joints were large, as were his feet; and could a cast have been preserved of his hand, to be exhibited in these degenerate days, it would be said to have belonged to the being of a fabulous age. During Lafayette's visit to Mount Vernon in 1825, he said to the writer: 'I never saw so large a hand on any human being, as the general's. It was in this portico, in 1784, that you were introduced to me by the general. You were a very little gentleman, with a feather in your hat, and holding fast to one finger of the good general's remarkable hand, which was all you could do, my dear sir, at that time.'"

A late anonymous writer says: "I saw this remarkable man four times. It was in the month of November, 1798, I first beheld the Father of his Country. It was very cold, the northwest wind blowing hard down the Potomac, at Georgetown, D. C. A troop of light-horse, from Alexandria, escorted him to the western bank of the river. The waves ran high, and the boat which brought him over seemed to labor considerably. Several thousand people greeted his arrival with swelling hearts and joyful countenances. The military were drawn up in a long line to receive him; the officers, pressed in regimentals, did him homage. I was so fortunate as to walk by his side, and had a full view of him. Although only about ten years of age, the impression his person and manner then made on me is now perfectly revived. He was six feet and one inch high, broad and athletic, with very large limbs, entirely erect, and without the slightest tendency to stooping; his hair was white, and tied with a silk string; his countenance lofty, masculine, and contemplative; his eye light gray. He was dressed in the clothes of a citizen, and over these a blue surtout of the finest cloth. His weight must have been two hundred and thirty pounds, with no superfluous flesh; all was bone and sinew; and he walked like a soldier. Whoever has seen, in the patent-office at Washington, the dress he wore when resigning his commission as commander-in-chief, in December, 1783, at once perceives how large and magnificent was his frame. During the parade, something at a distance suddenly attracted his attention; his eye was instantaneously lighted up as with the lightning's flash. At this moment I see its marvellous animation, its glowing fire, exhibiting strong passion, controlled by deliberate reason.

"In the summer of 1799, I again saw the chief. He rode a purely white horse, seventeen hands high, well proportioned, of high spirit: he almost seemed conscious that he bore on his back the Father of his Country. He reminded me of the war-horse whose 'neck is clothed with thunder.' I have seen some highly-accomplished riders, but not one of them approached Washington; he was perfect in this respect. Behind him, at the distance of perhaps forty yards, came Billy Lee, his body-servant, who had perilled his life in many a field, beginning on the heights of Boston, in 1775, and ending in 1781, when Cornwallis surrendered, and the captive army, with inexpressible chagrin, laid down their arms at Yorktown. Billy rode a cream-colored horse, of the finest form; and his old Revolutionary cocked hat indicated that its owner had often heard the roar of cannon and small-arms, and had encountered many trying scenes. Billy was a dark mulatto. His master speaks highly of him in his will, and provides for his support.

"Some time during this year, perhaps, I saw him at Seeme's tavern, in Georgetown. The steps, porch, and street, were crowded with persons desirous of beholding the man. I viewed him through a window. The most venerable, dignified, and wealthy men of the town were there, some conversing with him. Washington seemed almost a different being from any of them, and, indeed, from any other person ever reared in this country. His countenance was not so animated as when I first saw him, for then his complexion was as ruddy as if he were only twenty years old.

"A few months before his death, I beheld this extraordinary man for the last time. He stopped at the tavern opposite the Presbyterian church, in Bridge street, Georgetown. At that time, a regiment of soldiers was stationed in their tents, on the banks of Rock creek, and frequently attended Doctor Balch's church, dressed in their costume, and powdered after the Revolutionary fashion. I attended their parade almost every day; and, on one of these occasions, I recognised Washington riding on horseback, unaccompanied by any one. He was going out to see his houses on Capitol hill, as I supposed. They were burnt by the British, in 1814. My youthful eye was riveted on him until he disappeared, and that for ever. I was surprised that he did not once look at the parade, so far as I could discover; on the contrary, he appeared indifferent to the whole scene."

"Of the remarkable degree of awe and reverence that the presence of Washington always inspired," says Mr. Custis, "we shall give one out of a thousand instances. During the cantonment of the American army at the Valley Forge, some officers of the fourth Pennsylvania regiment were engaged in a game of 'fives.' In the midst of their sport, they discovered the commander-in-chief leaning upon the enclosure, and beholding the game with evident satisfaction. In a moment, all things were changed. The ball was suffered to roll idly away; the gay laugh and joyous shout of excitement were hushed into a profound silence, and the officers were gravely grouped together. It was in vain the chief begged of the players that they would proceed with their game; declared the pleasure he had experienced from witnessing their skill; spoke of a proficiency in the manly exercise that he himself could have boasted of in other days. All would not do. Not a man could be induced to move, till the general, finding that his presence hindered the officers from continuing the amusement, bowed, and, wishing them good sport, retired."

A writer in the National Intelligencer, a few years ago, gave the following sketch of the personal appearance of Washington:—

"The description given by 'R' [a correspondent of the Intelligencer] of Washington's approach to the hall of Congress in Philadelphia, has freshly awakened my own reminiscences of the same scene. Its vivid truth can not be surpassed. I stood with him on that same stone platform, before the door of the hall, elevated by a few steps from the pavement, when the carriage of the president drew up. It was, as he describes it, white, or rather of a light cream-color, painted on the panels with beautiful groups, by Cipriani, representing the four seasons. The horses, according to my recollection, were white, in unison with the carriage, 'R.' says they were bays; perhaps he is more correct. As he alighted, and, ascending the steps, paused upon the platform, looking over his shoulder, in an attitude that would have furnished an admirable subject for the pencil, he was preceded by two gentlemen bearing long white wands, who kept back the eager crowd that pressed on every side to get a nearer view. At that moment I stood so near, that I might have touched his clothes; but I should as soon have thought of touching an electric battery. I was penetrated with a veneration amounting to the deepest awe. Nor was this the feeling of a schoolboy only; it pervaded, I believe, every human being that approached Washington; and I have been told that, even in his social and convivial hours, this feeling in those who were honored to share them never suffered intermission. I saw him a hundred times afterward, but never with any other than that same feeling. The Almighty, who raised up for our hour of need a man so peculiarly prepared for its whole dread responsibility, seems to have put an impress of sacredness upon his own instrument. The first sight of the man struck the heart with involuntary homage, and prepared everything around him to obey, When he 'addressed himself to speak,' there was an unconscious suspension of the breath, while every eye was raised in expectation.

"At the time I speak of, he stood in profound silence, and had that statue-like air which mental greatness alone can bestow. As he turned to enter the building, and was ascending the staircase leading to the Congressional hall, I glided along unperceived, almost tinder cover of the skirts of his dress, and entered instantly after him into the lobby of the house, which was of course in session to receive him. On either hand, from the entrance, stood a large cast-iron stove; and, resolved to secure the unhoped-for privilege I had so unexpectedly obtained, I clambered, boy-like, on this stove (fortunately then not much heated), and from that favorable elevation enjoyed, for the first time (what I have since so many thousands of times witnessed with comparative indifference), an uninterrupted view of the American Congress in full session, every member in his place. Shall I be pardoned for saying its aspect was very different from what we now witness? There was an air of decorum, of composure, of reflection, of gentlemanly and polished dignity, which has fled, or lingers only with here and there a 'relic of the olden time.'

"The house seemed then as composed as the senate now is when an impressive speech is in the act of delivery. On Washington's entrance, the most profound and death-like stillness prevailed. House, lobbies, gallery, all were wrapped in the deepest attention; and the souls of that entire assemblage seemed peering from their eyes on the noble figure which deliberately, and with an unaffected but surpassing majesty, advanced up the broad aisle of the hall between ranks of standing senators and members, and slowly ascended the steps leading to the speaker's chair. I well remember, standing at the head of the senate, the tall, square, somewhat gaunt form of Mr. Jefferson; conspicuous from his scarlet waistcoat, bright blue coat, with broad, bright buttons, as well as by his quick and penetrating air, and high-boned, Scottish cast of features. There, too, stood General Knox, then secretary of war, in all the sleek rotundity of his low stature, with a bold and florid face, open, firm, and manly, in its expression. But I recollect that my boyish eye was caught by the appearance of De Yrujo, the Spanish embassador. He stood in the rear of the chair, a little on one side, covered with a splendid diplomatic dress, decorated with orders, and carrying under his arm an immense chapeau-bras, edged with white ostrich-feathers. He was a man totally different in his air and manner from all around him, and the very antipode especially of the man on whom all eyes but his seemed fixed as by a spell. I saw many other very striking figures grouped about and behind the speaker's chair, but I did not know their names, and had no one to ask: besides, I dared not open my lips.

"The president, having seated himself, remained in silence, serenely contemplating the legislature before him, whose members now resumed their seats, waiting for the speech. No house of worship, in the most solemn pauses of devotion, was ever more profoundly still than that large and crowded chamber.

"Washington was dressed precisely as Stuart has painted him in Lord Lansdowne's full-length portrait—in a full suit of the richest black velvet, with diamond knee-buckles, and square silver buckles set upon shoes japanned with the most scrupulous neatness, black silk stockings, his shirt ruffled at the breast and wrists, a light dress-sword, his hair profusely powdered, fully dressed, so as to project at the sides, and gathered behind in a silk bag, ornamented with a large rose of black ribbon. He held his cocked hat, which had a large black cockade on one side of it, in his hand, as he advanced toward the chair, and, when seated, laid it on the table.

"At length, thrusting his hand within the side of his coat, he drew forth a roll of manuscript, which he opened, and rising, held it in his hand, while in a rich, deep, full, sonorous voice, he read his opening address to Congress. His enunciation was deliberate, justly emphasized, very distinct, and accompanied with an air of deep solemnity, as being the utterance of a mind profoundly impressed with the dignity of the act in which it was occupied, conscious of the whole responsibility of its position and action, but not oppressed by it. There was ever about the man something which impressed the observer with a conviction that he was exactly and fully equal to what he had to do. He was never hurried; never negligent; but seemed ever prepared for the occasion, be it what it might. If I could express his character in one word, it would be appropriateness. In his study, in his parlor, at a levee, before Congress, at the head of the army, he seemed ever to be just what the situation required him to be. He possessed, in a degree never equalled by any human being I ever saw, the strongest, most ever-present sense of propriety. It never forsook him, and deeply and involuntarily impressed itself upon every beholder. His address was of moderate length. The topics I have, of course, forgotten; indeed, I was not of an age to appreciate them: but the air, the manner, the tones, have never left my mental vision, and even now seem to vibrate on my ear.

"A scene like this, once beheld, though in earliest youth, is never to be forgotten. It must be now fifty years ago, but I could this moment sit down and sketch the chamber, the assembly, and the man.

"Having closed the reading, he laid down the scroll, and, after a brief pause, retired, as he had entered; when the manuscript was handed, for a second reading, to Mr. Beckley, then clerk of the house, whose gentlemanly manner, clear and silver voice, and sharp articulation, I shall ever associate with the scene. When shall we again behold such a Congress and such a president?"

To make the picture of the personal appearance of Washington more complete, the following, from Sullivan's Familiar Letters, is added:

"The following are recollections of Washington, derived from repeated opportunities of seeing him during the last three years of his public life. He was over six feet in stature; of strong, bony, muscular frame, without fullness of covering, well formed and straight. He was a man of most extraordinary physical strength. In his own house, his action was calm, deliberate, and dignified, without pretension to gracefulness or peculiar manner, but merely natural, and such as one would think it should be in such a man. His habitual motions had been formed before he took command of the American armies, in the wars of the interior, and in the surveying of wilderness lands, employments in which grace and elegance were not likely to be acquired. At the age of sixty-five, time had done nothing toward bending him out of his natural erectness. His deportment was invariably grave; it was sobriety that stopped short of sadness. His presence inspired a veneration and a feeling of awe rarely experienced in the presence of any man. His mode of speaking was slow and deliberate, not as though he was in search of fine words, but that he might utter those only adapted to his purpose. It was the usage of all persons in good society to attend Mrs. Washington's levee every Friday evening. He was always present. The young ladies used to throng around him, and engage him in conversation. There were some of the well-remembered belles of that day who imagined themselves to be favorites with him. As these were the only opportunities which they had of conversing with him, they were disposed to use them. One would think that a gentleman and a gallant soldier, if he could ever laugh or dress his countenance in smiles, would do so when surrounded by young and admiring beauties. But this was never so: the countenance of Washington never softened, nor changed its habitual gravity. One, who had lived always in his family, said that his manner in public life was always the same. Being asked whether Washington could laugh, this person said this was a rare occurrence, but one instance was remembered when he laughed most heartily at her narration of an incident in which she was a party concerned, and in which he applauded her agency. The late General Cobb, who was long a member of his family during the war, and who enjoyed a laugh as much as any man could, said that he never saw Washington laugh, excepting when Colonel Scammel (if this was the person) came to dine at headquarters. Scammel had a fund of ludicrous anecdotes, and a manner of telling them, which relaxed even the gravity of the commander-in-chief.

"General Cobb also said that the forms of proceeding at headquarters were exact and precise, orderly and punctual. At the appointed moment, Washington appeared at the breakfast-table. He expected to find all the members of his family (Cobb, Hamilton, Humphreys, were among them) awaiting him. He came dressed for the day, and brought with him the letters and despatches of the preceding day, and a short memoranda of the answers to be made; also the substance of orders to be issued. When breakfast was over, these papers were distributed among his aids, to be put into form. Soon afterward he mounted his horse to visit the troops, and expected to find on his return, before noon, all the papers prepared for his inspection and signature. There was no familiarity in his presence; it was all sobriety and business. His mode of life was abstemious and temperate. He had a decided preference for certain sorts of food, probably from early associations. Throughout the war, as it was understood in his military family, he gave a part of every day to private prayer and devotion.

"While he lived in Philadelphia, as president, he rose at four in the morning; and the general rule of his house was, that the fires should be covered and the lights extinguished at a certain hour: whether this was nine or ten is not recollected.

"In the early part of his administration, great complaints were made by the opposition of the aristocratic and royal demeanor of the president. Mr. Jefferson makes some commentaries on this subject, which do no credit to his heart or his head. These are too little to be transcribed from the works of this 'great and good man.' Doctor Stuart, of Virginia, wrote to him of the dissatisfaction which prevailed on this subject in Virginia. In the fifth volume of Marshall, page 164, will be found an extract of Washington's vindication of his conduct, and a most satisfactory one, which shows the proper character of Mr. Jefferson's 'Anas.' These complaints related, in particular, to the manner of receiving such visitors as came from respect or from curiosity, of which there were multitudes. The purpose of Washington was, that such visitors should accomplish their objects without a sacrifice of time, which he considered indispensable to the performance of his public duties.

"He devoted one hour every other Tuesday, from three to four, to these visits. He understood himself to be visited as the president of the United States, and not on his own account. He was then to be seen by anybody and everybody; but required that every one who came should be introduced by his secretary, or by some gentleman whom he knew himself. He lived on the south side of Chestnut street, just below Sixth. The place of reception was the dining-room in the rear, twenty-five or thirty feet in length, including the bow projecting into the garden. Mrs. Washington received visitors in the two rooms on the second floor, from front to rear.

"At three o'clock, or at any time within a quarter of an hour afterward, the visitor was conducted to this dining-room, from which all seats had been removed for the time. On entering, he saw the tall figure of Washington, clad in black velvet; his hair in full dress, powdered and gathered behind in a large silk bag; yellow gloves on his hands; holding a cocked hat, with a cockade in it, and the edges adorned with a black feather about an inch deep. He wore knee and shoe buckles; and a long sword, with a finely-wrought and polished steel hilt, which appeared at the left hip; the coat worn over the blade, and appearing from under the folds behind. The scabbard was white polished leather.

"He stood always in front of the fireplace, with his face toward the door of entrance. The visitor was conducted to him, and he required to have the name so distinctly pronounced, that he could hear it. He had the very uncommon faculty of associating a man's name and personal appearance so durably in his memory as to be able to call any one by name who made him a second visit. He received his visitor with a dignified bow, while his hands were so disposed as to indicate that the salutation was not to be accompanied with shaking hands. This ceremony never occurred in these visits, even with the most near friends, that no distinctions might be made.

"As visitors came in, they formed a circle around the room. At a quarter past three the door was closed, and the circle was formed for that day. He then began on the right, and spoke to each visitor, calling him by name, and exchanging a few words with him. When he had completed his circuit, he resumed his first position, and the visitors approached him in succession, bowed, and retired. By four o'clock this ceremony was over.

"On the evenings when Mrs. Washington received visitors, he did not consider himself as visited. He was then as a private gentleman, dressed usually in some colored coat (the only one recollected was brown, with bright buttons), and black on his lower limbs. He had then neither hat nor sword; he moved about among the company, conversing with one and another. He had, once a fortnight, an official dinner, and select companies on other days. He sat, it is said, at the side, in a central position; Mrs. Washington opposite; the two ends were occupied by members of his family, or by his personal friends."

FOOTNOTES:

[152] Fraunces was a man of taste in his profession, and was fond of display, regardless of expense. On this account the president had frequent occasion to reprove him. He desired to live conformably to his high station, but he naturally abhorred waste and extravagance, and insisted that his household should be conducted with due regard to economy and usefulness. An illustrative anecdote is given. The first shad of the season was bought by Fraunces for the table of Washington, who was very fond of fish. It was served for breakfast in the best style, and set before the president, who asked the steward, "What kind of fish is this?"—"A fine shad," replied Fraunces. "It is very early in the season for shad," said the president; "how much did you pay for it?"—"Two dollars," responded the steward. "Two dollars!" exclaimed the president. "I can never encourage this extravagance at my table; take it away—I will not touch it." The shad was removed; and the steward, who felt no repugnance to the fish on account of its cost, made of it a hearty breakfast for himself.



WASHINGTON MEMORIALS.

In the Doric Hall of the Massachusetts State House, in Boston, near Chantrey's statue of Washington, may be seen two stones with inscriptions commemorative of the father and uncle of the two Washingtons who emigrated to America in 1657, as mentioned on page 20 of Volume I. The history of these stones is revealed in the following correspondence:

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, COUNCIL CHAMBER, BOSTON, March 15, 1861. To the Honorable House of Representatives:

I have the honor to present to the General Court, as a gift to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts from one of its citizens, certain memorials of great historic interest.

The home and resting-place of the ancestors of GEORGE WASHINGTON were until recently unvisited by and unknown to Americans. In the genealogical table appended to the "Life of Washington" by our distinguished fellow-citizen, Mr. Jared Sparks, it is stated that Lawrence Washington, the father of John Washington (who emigrated to Virginia in 1657), was buried at Brington; but though both Mr. Sparks and Washington Irving visited Sulgrave, an earlier home of the Washingtons, neither of these learned biographers appear by their works to have repaired to this quiet parish in Northamptonshire.

Our fellow-citizen, the Honorable Charles Sumner, on a recent visit to England, identified certain inscriptions in the parish church of Brington, near Althorp, as being those of the father and uncle of John Washington, the emigrant to Virginia, who was the great-grandfather of the Father of his Country.

Earl Spencer, the proprietor of Althorp, so honorably known as an early advocate of parliamentary reform, sought out the quarry from which, more than two centuries ago, these votive tablets were taken, and caused others to be made which are exact facsimiles of the originals. These he has presented to Mr. Sumner, who has expressed the desire that memorials so interesting to all Americans may be placed where they may be seen by the public, and has authorized me to offer them to the Commonwealth, if it be the pleasure of the Legislature to order them to be preserved in some public part of the State House.

I send with this a letter addressed to myself by the learned historian of Washington, bearing testimony to the great interest of these memorials, and expressing the desire that they may (Mr. Sumner assenting) be placed in the Capitol.

A letter from Mr. Sumner to Mr. Sparks also accompanies this Message, describing the church at Brington, and some of the associations which cluster around the resting-place of the ancestors of our Washington.

JOHN A. ANDREW.

* * * * *

MR. SPARKS TO THE GOVERNOR.

CAMBRIDGE, February 22, 1861.

DEAR SIR: I enclose a copy of a highly interesting letter from Mr. Charles Sumner, describing the church at Brington, near Althorp, in Northamptonshire. In this church were deposited the remains of Lawrence Washington, who was the father of John and Lawrence Washington, the emigrants to America, and who was therefore the last English ancestor of George Washington. A copy of the inscription on the stone which covers the grave of Lawrence Washington, and also of another inscription over the grave of his brother Robert Washington, who was buried in the same church, are given with exactness in Mr. Sumner's letter. As far as I am aware, these inscriptions are now for the first time made known in this country.

The Earl Spencer has sent to Mr. Sumner two stones, being from the same quarry, and having the same form and dimensions as the originals, and containing a facsimile of the inscriptions. It has been suggested that these stones ought to be placed in the State House, where they may be accessible to the public, and my opinion on the subject has been asked. As they are unquestionably genuine memorials of the Washington family, and possess on this account a singular historical interest, I cannot imagine that a more appropriate disposition of them could be made. I understand that Mr. Sumner would cheerfully assent to such an arrangement, and I cannot doubt that your Excellency will be well inclined to take such measures as may effectually aid in attaining so desirable an object.

I am, Sir, Very respectfully yours,

JARED SPARKS. His Excellency John A. Andrew, Governor of Massachusetts.

* * * * *

MR. SUMNER TO MR. SPARKS.

BOSTON, November 22, 1860.

MY DEAR SIR: Since our last conversation, the Earl Spencer has kindly sent to me precise copies of the two "Memorial Stones" of the English family of George Washington, which I have already described to you as harmonizing exactly with the pedigree which has the sanction of your authority. These are of the same stone and of the same size with the originals, and have the original inscriptions—being in all respects facsimiles. They will, therefore, give you an exact idea of these most interesting memorials in the parish church of Brington, near Althorp, in Northamptonshire.

The largest is of Lawrence Washington, the father of John Washington, who emigrated to America. It is a slab of bluish-gray sandstone, and measures five feet and nine inches long, and two feet and seven inches broad. Here is the inscription:

HERE LIETH THE BODI OF LAVRENCE WASHINGTON SONNE AND HEIRE OF ROBERT WASHINGTON OF SOVLGRAVE IN THE COUNTIE OF NORTHAMPTON ESQUIER WHO MARRIED MARGARET THE ELDEST DAUGHTER OF WILLIAM BUTLER OF TEES IN THE COUNTIE OF SUSSEXE ESQUIER, WHO HAD ISSU BY HER 8 SONNS AND 9 DAUGHTERS WHICH LAVRENCE DECESSED THE 13 OF DECEMBER A. DNI 1616.

THOU THAT BY CHANCE OR CHOYCE OF THIS HAST SIGHT KNOW LIFE TO DEATH RESIGNES AS DAYE TO NIGHT; BUT AS THE SUNNS RETORNE REVIVES THE DAY SO CHRIST SHALL US THOUGH TURNDE TO DUST & CLAY.

Above the inscription, carved in the stone, are the arms of the Washingtons, with an additional quartering of another family.

The other is of Robert Washington, and of Elizabeth his wife. Robert was the uncle of the emigrant. This is a slab of the same sandstone, and measures three feet and five inches long, and two feet and six inches broad. The inscription is on a small brass plate set into the stone, and is as follows:



HERE LIES INTERRED Y^E BODIES OF ELIZAB. WASHINGTON WIDDOWE WHO CHANGED THIS LIFE FOR IMORTALITIE Y^E 19^TH OF MARCH 1622. AS ALSO Y^E BODY OF ROBERT WASHINGTON GENT. HER LATE HUSBAND SECOND SONNE OF ROBERT WASHINGTON OF SOLGRAVE IN Y^E COUNTY OF NORTH. ESQ^R. WHO DEPTED THIS LIFE Y^E 10^TH OF MARCH 1622. AFTER THEY LIVED LOVINGLY TOGETHER MANY YEARS IN THIS PARISH.

On a separate brass, beneath the inscription, are the arms of the Washingtons without any addition. These, as you are well aware, have the combination of stars and stripes, and are sometimes supposed to have suggested our national flag. In heraldic language, there are bars of gules and argent, with three mullets, or stars.

I:1616

THOV.THAT.BY.CHANCE.OR.CHOYCE OF.THIS.HAST.SIGHT KNOW.LIFE.TO.DEATH.RESIGNES AS.DAYE.TO.NIGHT BVT.AS.THE.SVNNS.RETORNE REVIVES.THE.DAYE SO.CHRIST.SHALL.VS THOVGH.TVRNDE.TO.DVST.&.CLAY]

In the interesting chapter on the "Origin and Genealogy of the Washington Family," which you give in the Appendix to your "Life of Washington," it appears that Lawrence, the father of the emigrant, died 13th December, and was buried at Brington, 15th December, 1616. But the genealogical tables, which you followed, gave no indication of the locality of this church. Had it appeared that it was the parish church of the Spencer family in Northamptonshire, the locality, which I believe has not been heretofore known in our country, would have been precisely fixed.

In point of fact, the slab which covers Lawrence Washington is in the chancel of the church, by the side of the monuments of the Spencer family. These are all in admirable preservation, with full-length effigies, busts, or other sculptural work, and exhibit an interesting and connected series of sepulchral memorials from the reign of Henry VIII. to the present time. Among them is a monument of the early English sculptor, Nicholas Stone; another from Nollekins from a design by Cipriani, and another by Flaxman, with exquisitely beautiful personifications of Faith and Charity. Beneath repose the successive representatives of this illustrious family, which has added to its aristocratic claims by services to the state, and also by the unique and world-famous library collected by one of its members. In this companionship will be found the last English ancestor of our Washington.

The other slab, covering Robert, the uncle of the emigrant, is in one of the aisles of the nave, where it is scraped by the feet of all who pass.

The parish of Brington is between seven and eight miles from the town of Northampton, not far from the centre of England. It is written in Domesday Book "Brinintone" and also "Brintone." It contains about 2,210 acres, of which about 1,490 acres belong to Earl Spencer, about 326 acres to the rector in right of the church, and about 130 acres to other persons. The soil is in general a dark-colored loam, with a small trace of clay towards the north. Nearly four-fifths of the whole is pasture and feeding land.

In the village still stands the house said to have been occupied by the Washingtons when the emigrant brother left them. You will see a vignette of it on the title-page of the recent English work entitled "The Washingtons." Over the door are carved the words, "The Lord giveth; the Lord taketh away. Blessed be the name of the Lord;" while the Parish Register gives a pathetic commentary by showing that, in the very year when this house was built, a child had been born and another had died in this family.

The church, originally dedicated to the Virgin, stands at the northeast angle of the village, and consists of an embattled tower with five bells, a nave, north and south aisles, a chancel, a chapel, and a modern porch; the tower is flanked by buttresses of two stages. The present fabric goes back in its origin to the beginning of the 14th century, nearly two hundred years before the discovery of America. The chancel and chapel, where repose the Spencers and Lawrence Washington, were rebuilt by Sir John Spencer, the purchaser of the estate, at the beginning of the 16th century. They afford one of the latest specimens of the Tudor style of architecture. The church is beautifully situated on the summit of the highest ground of Brington, and is surrounded by a stone wall flanked on the inside by trees. Dibdin says that a more complete picture of a country churchyard is rarely seen. A well-trimmed walk encircles the whole of the interior, while the fine Gothic windows at the end of the chancel fill the scene with picturesque beauty.

The Register of the Parish, which is still preserved, commences in 1560. From this it appears that Wm. Proctor was the rector from 1601 to 1627, covering the period of the last of the Washingtons there. The following further entries occur relating to this family:

1616. "Mr. Lawrence Washington was buried XVth day of December."

1620. "Mr. Philip Curtis & Mis Amy Washington were married August 8."

1622. "Mr. Robert Washington was buried March ye 11th."

—— "Mrs. Elizabeth Washington, widow, was buried March ye 20th."

Of one of the ministers in this church we have an interesting glimpse in Evelyn's "Memoirs" (vol. i. p. 612), where the following entry will be found, under date of July, 1688: "Dr. Jeffreys, the minister of Althorp, who was my lord's chaplain when Embassador in France, preached the shortest discourse I ever heard; but what was defective in the amplitude of his sermon, he had supplied in the largeness and convenience of the parsonage-house."

At a short distance—less than a mile—is Althorp, the seat of the Spencers, surrounded by a park of five hundred acres, of which one of the gates opens near the church. There are oak-trees bordering on the churchyard, which were growing at the time of the purchase of the estate in the reign of Henry VII. Evelyn was often here a delighted visitor. On one occasion he speaks of "the house or rather palace at Althorp" (vol. i. p. 612). In another place he describes it as "placed in a pretty open bottom, very finely watered, and flanked with stately woods and groves in a park" (vol. i. p. 451). Let me add that there is an engraving of Althorp at this time, by the younger Vosterman, a Dutch artist.



There is one feature of the park which excited the admiration of Evelyn, and at a later day of Mrs. Jameson, who gives to it some beautiful pages in her "Visits and Sketches at Home and Abroad." It is the record of the time when different plantations of trees was begun. While recommending this practice in his "Sylva," Evelyn remarks, "The only instance I know of the like in our country, is in the park at Althorp." There are six of these commemorative stones. The first records a wood planted by Sir John Spencer, in 1567 and 1568; the second, a wood planted by Sir John Spencer, son of the former, in 1589; the third, a wood planted by Robert, Lord Spencer, in 1602 and 1603; the fourth, a wood planted by Sir William Spencer, Knight of the Bath, afterwards Lord Spencer, in 1624. The latter stone is ornamented with the arms of the Spencers, and on the back is inscribed, "Up and bee doing, and God will prosper." It was in this scenery and amidst these associations that the Washingtons lived. When the emigrant left in 1657, these woods must have been well-grown. It was not long afterwards that they arrested the attention of Evelyn.

The Household Books at Althorp show that for many years the Washingtons were frequent guests there. The hospitality of this seat has been renowned. The Queen of James I. and the Prince Henry, on their way to London, in 1603, were welcomed there in an entertainment, memorable for a masque from the vigorous muse of Ben Jonson (Ben Jonson's Works, vol. vi. p. 475). Charles I. was at Althorp, in 1647, when he received the first intelligence of the approach of those pursuers from whom he never escaped until his life had been laid down upon the scaffold. In 1698, King William was there for a week, and, according to Evelyn, was "mightily entertained" (vol. ii. p. 50). At least one of the members of this family was famous for hospitality of a different character. Evelyn records that he used to dine with the Countess of Sunderland—the title then borne by the Spencers—"when she invited fire-eaters, stone-eaters, and opera-singers, after the fashion of the day" (vol. i. pp. 458, 483, 579).

The family was early and constantly associated with literature. Spencer, the poet, belonged to it, and to one of its members he has dedicated his "Tears of the Muses." It was for Alice Spencer that Milton is said to have written his "Arcades," and Sir John Harrington has celebrated her memory by an epigram. The Sacharissa of Waller was the Lady Dorothy Sidney, wife of the first Earl of Sunderland, the third Lord Spencer, who perished fighting for King Charles I. at Newbury. I do not dwell on the other associations of a later day, as my object is simply to allude to those which existed in the time of the Washingtons.

"The nobility of the Spencers has been illustrated and enriched by the trophies of Marlborough; but I exhort them to consider the 'Fairy Queen' as the most precious jewel of their coronet." Thus wrote Gibbon in his memoirs, and all must feel the beauty of the passage. Perhaps it is not too much to say that this nobility may claim another illustration from its ties of friendship and neighborhood with the family of Washington. It cannot doubt that hereafter the parish church of Brington will be often visited by our countrymen, who will look with reverence upon a spot so closely associated with American history.

I trust that this little sketch, suggested by what I saw at Althorp, during a brief visit last autumn, will not seem irrelevant. Besides my own personal impressions, and the volumes quoted, I have relied upon Dibdin's "AEdes Althorpianae," so interesting to all bibliographical students, and especially upon Baker's "History of Northamptonshire"—one of those magnificent local works which illustrate English history—to which you refer in your Appendix, but which was not completed till some time after the "Life of Washington" appeared.

Of course, the Memorial Stones which I have received from Lord Spencer are of much historic value, and I think that I shall best carry out the generous idea of the giver by taking care that they are permanently placed where they can be seen by the public; perhaps at the State House, near Chantrey's beautiful statue of Washington—if this should be agreeable to the Commonwealth.

Pray pardon this long letter, and believe me, my dear Sir, with much regard,

Ever sincerely yours,

CHARLES SUMNER.

JARED SPARKS, Esq.

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, by its Representatives, thanked Mr. Sumner, and directed the Memorial Stones to be placed where they now are.



ANALYTICAL INDEX.

A.

Abercrombie, Major-General, letter of Dinwiddie to, recommending Washington for promotion into the royal army, i. 216; on unity in the colonies, i. 230; dilatory movements of—haughtiness of, toward the provincials, i. 231; Lord Loudoun superseded by, in 1758, i. 252; his expedition against Ticonderoga and Crown Point, i. 262; cowardice of, at Ticonderoga, i. 265; Fort George erected by, i. 266; the calumniator of Americans in England, i. 267.

Academy, military, establishment of one urged on Congress by Washington, iii. 455; Washington's letter to Hamilton in relation to, iii. 549.

Acadia, early history of, i. 178; removal of the population of, i. 179.

Acadians, cruelties perpetrated by, on the English frontier settlers, i. 180.

Accounts of Washington, i. 307, 318, iii. 34.

Ackland, Lady, visit of, to the American camp at Bemis's heights, ii. 534; biographical notice of (note), ii. 535.

Ackland, Major, wounded at Hubbardton, ii. 467; death of, at Saratoga (note), ii. 535.

Adams, John, prediction of, in 1755, i. 70; extract from the Autobiography of (note), i. 432; his account of the choice, by Congress, of a commander-in-chief, i. 533; his admiration of Washington, i. 538; movements of Washington on the Schuylkill criticised by, ii. 516; treaty of peace signed by, in 1782, iii. 15; liberal commercial offer made by, to the British government, iii. 101; opinions of, on presidential etiquette, iii. 106; his "Discourses on Davila," iii. 188; elected vice-president in 1792, iii. 222; a candidate for the presidency in 1796, iii. 451; letters of, to his wife, on learning his election to the presidency, iii. 468; inauguration of, iii. 472; jealous of the popularity of Washington, iii. 475; special session of Congress convened by, in 1798, iii. 494; letter of, to Washington, anticipating war with France, iii. 509; advice of Washington to, respecting the choice of generals, iii. 511; Washington nominated by, as commander-in-chief, in 1798, iii. 512; inclination of, to reverse Washington's arrangement of the major-generals, iii. 522; anxiety of, to avert a war with France, iii. 528; feud between, and his cabinet, iii. 530; message of, to Congress, in relation to Mrs. Washington and funeral honors to her husband, iii. 565.

Adams, John Quincy, appointed minister to the Hague in 1794, iii. 301.

Adams, Mrs. John, lament of, for the death of Warren, i. 571; remarks of, on the personal appearance of Washington, i. 586; her description of the cannonade of Boston, ii. 63.

Adams, Samuel, integrity of, i. 345; active in throwing the tea overboard in Boston harbor, i. 388; noble sentiments expressed by, i. 437; outlawed by a proclamation of General Gage, i. 552; not concerned in Conway's Cabal (note), ii. 589; part taken by, in celebrating the French victories in Holland, iii. 237.

Addresses of the second continental Congress to the people of Great Britain and Ireland, i. 606, 610.

Address, Washington's Farewell, iii. 427.

Adet, M., colors of France presented to Washington by, iii. 385; reply of Washington to the speech of, iii. 386; attempts of, to influence the American people, iii. 451; extraordinary letter addressed by, to the Aurora and to the state department, iii. 452; pamphlet issued by, from the press of the Aurora, iii. 463.

Agriculture, Congress urged by Washington to foster, iii. 455.

Aix-la-Chapelle, boundaries in America left unsettled by the treaty of, i. 59; violation of the treaty of, by the French, i. 176.

Albany, congress of delegates from the colonies assembled at, in 1754, i. 127.

Alexandria, Washington stationed at, in 1754, i. 94; Washington introduced to the assembled governors at, in 1755, i. 145; bequest of Washington to the academy in, iii. 536; lots owned by Washington in, at the time of his death, iii. 543.

Algiers, attention of Congress called by Washington to relations with—Colonel Humphreys appointed to treat with the dey of, iii. 293; payment of tribute to, advocated in Congress in 1794, iii. 294; treaty adjusted with, in 1795, iii. 379.

Aliquippa, Queen, interview of Washington with, i. 91.

Allen, Colonel Ethan, expedition of, against Ticonderoga, i. 524; disappointed in his desire to invade Canada, i. 531; retreat of, from St. John on the Sorel, i. 647; letter of, to the provincial congress of New York, urging the invasion of Canada, i. 650; an outlaw by act of the New York legislature—admitted to the floor of the provincial congress of New York, i. 653; letter of thanks from, to the provincial congress of New York, i. 654; letter of, to Governor Trumbull, in relation to the invasion of Canada—disappointment of, at his rejection by the Green Mountain Boys, i. 658; remark of Montgomery respecting, i. 659; body of Canadians raised by—unauthorized attempt upon Montreal made by, i. 672; defeated and made prisoner, i. 673; brutal treatment of, by Prescott, i. 674; his letter of remonstrance to Prescott, i. 675; subsequent history of (note), i. 675; Schuyler and Washington on the insubordination of, i. 675, 676; letter of Washington to Howe, in relation to the harsh treatment of—lenient treatment of, in England, ii. 28.

"American Association," articles of, i. 441; the signers of (note), i. 445; the Quakers adverse to, i. 457; measures for the enforcement of, adopted in all the colonies in 1775, i. 464; popularity of, in New York, i. 515.

"American Continental Army" constituted, i. 531.

Ames, Fisher, letter of, in relation to the Congressional debates on Jay's treaty, iii. 393; speech of, in the house of representatives, on the subject of Jay's treaty, iii. 405; extracts from the speech of, iii. 405-416; powerful impression produced by the speech of, iii 416.

Amherst, Major-General Sir Jeffery, expedition of, against Louisburg, in 1758, i. 260; biographical notice of (note), i. 262; appointed to the chief command in America in 1759, i. 290; Ticonderoga taken possession of by, i. 292; fortifications built at Crown Point by, i. 292.

Ancestry of Washington traceable for six hundred years, i. 18.

Anderson, Captain Ephraim, fire-ships constructed by, ii. 236.

Anderson, James, Washington's farm manager, letter of Washington to, iii. 548.

Andre, Major John, among the prisoners taken at St. John on the Sorel, i. 680; correspondence of Mrs. Arnold with, ii. 689; sent by Sir Henry Clinton to confer with Arnold—arrest of, at Tarrytown, ii. 690; condemned to the death of a spy, ii. 693; execution of, ii 694; names of the captors of, ii. 695.

Annapolis, Irving's description of fashionable society in, before the Revolution, i. 307; first theatrical performance in America at, in 1752, i. 308; journey of Washington to, from New York, in 1783—ball given at, in honor of Washington, iii. 35; short stay of young Custis at the college at (note), iii. 533.

Anthrax, malignant, Washington attacked by, in 1789, iii. 116.

Appearance, personal, of Washington, i. 46, iii. 584, 590, 595, 597, 601.

Arbuthnot, Admiral, arrival of, in New York, with troops, ii. 661; fleet of, damaged off Cape Hatteras, ii. 671; French blockaded by, in Newport, ii. 681.

Armstrong, Colonel John, Kittanning destroyed by, in 1756, i. 226; medal presented to, i. 227.

Armstrong, Major John, addresses to the continental army written by, in 1783, iii. 16, 18.

Arnold, Benedict, expedition undertaken by, against Ticonderoga—disappointment of, at finding Allen in the field before him, i. 524; a volunteer in Allen's expedition, i. 525; protest sent by, to the provincial congress of Massachusetts, i. 526; St. John on the Sorel captured and afterward abandoned by, i. 646; experience of, at sea in early life, i. 647; proposition of, to the continental Congress, for the invasion of Canada, i. 648; dislike of, for Allen (notes), i. 648, 652; commission thrown up by, i. 649; friendly reception of, by Washington, i. 682; letter of General Gates to, at Watertown (note), i. 682; expedition against Quebec intrusted to, i. 683; instructions of Washington to, on his departure for Quebec, i. 683; address of, to the inhabitants of Canada (note), i. 684; private letter of Washington to, i. 687; departure of, from Newburyport, i. 688; army of, reduced by sickness and desertion, i. 689; treachery of Indian messengers of, i. 690; desertion of, by Colonel Enos, with his whole division—unparalleled hardships endured by the troops of, i. 692; encampment of, on the eastern shore of Lake Megantic, i. 693; destruction of vessels of, while descending the Chaudiere—message of, to Montgomery, carried by young Aaron Burr, i. 694; joined at Sertignan by Norridgewock Indians, i. 695; friendly reception of, by the habitans of the valley of the Chaudiere—approach of, known in Quebec through Indian treachery—fears excited in Quebec by the arrival of the troops of, at Point Levi, i. 696; names of men in the expedition of, afterward distinguished, i. 697; operations of, at Quebec, delayed by a snowstorm—Heights of Abraham scaled by, i. 701; reliance of, on the friendliness of the people of Quebec, i. 702; retirement of, from before Quebec—communication of, with Montgomery, i. 703; commendation of, by Washington for his conduct in the Quebec expedition, i. 713; wounded in the attempt to storm the fortifications of Quebec, i. 720; withdrawal of, to an entrenched camp—attempts of, to cut off supplies from the garrison of Quebec, i. 723; made brigadier-general, ii. 95; his urgent request of reinforcements from Wooster—letter of, to Congress, urging further efforts for the conquest of Canada, ii. 98; sorties from Quebec repelled by—compelled to resort to continental money for the purchase of supplies, ii. 99; ineffective fire opened by, upon Quebec—small-pox in the camp of—arrival of General Wooster at the camp of—departure of, for Montreal, ii. 100; letter of Schuyler to, expressing regret at the conduct of Wooster, ii. 101; efforts of, to obtain a surrender of prisoners, from Captain Forster, ii. 149; warning given to, at Montreal, of the approach of the British, ii. 164; goods of Montreal merchants seized by (note), ii. 165; retreat of, from Montreal, ii. 165; narrow escape of, from the British at Longueuil, ii. 166; the last man that left the shores of Canada, ii. 167; flotilla constructed by, at Ticonderoga—post taken by, with his flotilla, at Isle-aux-Tetes, ii. 255; great intrepidity displayed by, in a naval engagement on Lake Champlain, ii. 334; destruction of the vessels of—Crown Point abandoned by, ii. 336; complaints of, ii. 403; Washington's concern at the neglect of, by Congress, ii. 429; letter of, to Washington, in relation to his claims to promotion, ii. 480; wonderful escape of, while harassing Tryon's retreat from Danbury, ii. 436, 437; made major-general by Congress—appointed by Washington to the command at Peekskill, ii. 438; recommended by Washington to take the place of St. Clair, ii. 470; boldness and activity of, at Bemis's Heights, ii. 524; jealousy of General Gates excited against, ii. 526; deprived of his command by Gates, ii. 527; letters of, to Gates, urging him to attack Burgoyne, ii. 528, 529; activity of, at the second battle near Bemis's Heights, ii. 531; wounded at Bemis's Heights in the leg maimed at Quebec, ii. 533; Philadelphia taken possession of by, on the departure of Clinton, ii. 618; expensive habits of, in Philadelphia—marriage of, to Miss Shippen—charges preferred against, by the people of Philadelphia—sentenced by a court-martial to a reprimand, ii. 688; cautious advances made by, to Clinton, ii. 689; command at West Point solicited by, ii. 689; price of the treason of, ii. 690; letter of Jameson received by, while at breakfast—escape of, from West Point, ii. 692; attempt to abduct, made by Sergeant Champe, ii. 694; hated and despised by the British, ii. 695; persons suspected of complicity with, ii. 697; predatory excursion of, to Virginia—efforts of, to capture Governor Jefferson, ii. 711; ravaging expedition of, on the shores of Connecticut, ii. 727.

Arnold, Mrs., early correspondence of, with Major Andre, ii. 689, 695; ordered by the executive council of Pennsylvania to leave the state, ii. 695.

Articles of Confederation, adoption of, ii. 710; substance of (note), ii. 710; considered defective by Washington as a system of government—letter of Washington to James Warren, in relation to, iii. 54; letters of Washington and Jay in relation to a revision of, iii. 56; convention to amend, proposed by commissioners at Annapolis, iii. 59.

Asgill, Captain, selected by lot for execution—sympathies of Washington excited for, iii. 14.

Ashe, General, surprised by Prevost, at Brier creek, ii. 651.

Asses, sent to Washington by the king of Spain and by Lafayette, iii. 51.

Atlee, Colonel Samuel J., made prisoner at the battle of Long Island—biographical notice of (note), ii. 274.

Aurora, abstract of Jay's treaty sent to the editor of, by Senator Mason, iii. 347; libel of Washington published in, iii. 369; confidential questions of Washington to his cabinet relating to the reception of Genet, published in, iii. 420; extraordinary letter of Adet addressed to, in 1796, iii. 452; malignant language of, in 1796, in relation to Washington—malignant letter of Paine to Washington issued from the press of, iii 461; a pamphlet issued from the press of, by Adet, iii. 463; virulent attacks upon the character of Washington, published in, in 1797, iii. 477; public indignation excited against—editor of, severely beaten, iii. 478; American government criminated by, in defence of France, iii. 505.

Awe, inspired by the presence of Washington, iii. 597, 598.

B.

Bache, editor of the Aurora, Washington's opinion of his journal, iii. 268; severely beaten, iii. 478.

Baker, Captain Remember, prisoners made by, i. 645.

Baird, Sir James, his brutal treatment of General Woodhull when a prisoner (note), ii. 277.

Ball in honor of Washington's inauguration, iii. 109; in celebration of the birthday of Washington in 1797, iii. 469.

Baltimore, effect of the news of the battle of Lexington at, i. 517; Continental Congress adjourned to, ii. 362; reception of Washington at, on his way to Mount Vernon, in 1797, iii. 480.

Bank, national, advocated by Hamilton, iii. 171; popularity of Hamilton's plan for—opposition of Jefferson to, iii. 172; bill creating, signed by Washington, iii. 173.

Barbados, visit of Lawrence and George Washington to, in 1751, i. 62.

Barbary powers, impunity of their piracies in 1789, iii. 100.

Bard, Doctor, assiduous attention of, to Washington, during his illness in 1789, iii. 116.

Barney, Commodore, bad conduct of, in the West Indies, iii. 467.

Barnsfare, Captain, death of Montgomery in the attempt to surprise the battery of, i. 718.

Barre, Isaac, Wolfe's adjutant-general at Quebec, i. 293; "conciliatory bill" of Lord North denounced by, i. 498.

Barren Hill, escape of Lafayette from the British at, ii. 615.

Barrett, Colonel, militia assembled under, at Concord, i. 506.

Barry, William T., placed at the head of the post-office department in 1829, iii. 123.

Barton, Lieutenant-Colonel William, General Prescott made prisoner by, ii. 474.

Baskingridge, surprise and capture of General Lee at, ii. 358.

Bassett, Colonel, death of J. P. Custis at the house of, at Eltham, iii. 5.

Bastile, in France, destruction of, iii. 136; key of, sent to Washington by Lafayette, iii. 163.

Bath, buildings owned by Washington in, at the time of his death, iii. 543.

Baume, Colonel, sent by Burgoyne to seize provisions at Bennington, ii. 486; death of, at the battle of Bennington, ii. 487.

Baylor, Colonel, party of horse under, surprised by General Grey, ii. 643.

Beckwith, Major, mission of, to the United States, in 1790, iii. 158; Washington's opinion of the mission of—action of Washington's cabinet with regard to, iii. 159.

Bedell, Colonel, fort at Chamblee captured by a party under the command of, i. 677; stationed at the Cedars with New Hampshire troops, ii. 148; cowardice of, ii. 148, 149.

Beekman, James, headquarters of General Howe in New York, at the house of, ii. 297.

Belvoir, seat of Honorable William Fairfax, i. 43; mansion of, destroyed by fire, i. 454; regret of Washington for the destruction of, iii. 490.

Bellamy, Mr., agent of Talleyrand in the attempt to extort money from American envoys, iii. 502; astonishment of, at the boldness of the envoys, iii. 503.

Beman, Nathan, Ethan Allen's guide at Ticonderoga, surviving in 1846 (note), i. 525.

Bemis's Heights, entrenched camp established on, by Gates, by the advice of Kosciuszko, ii. 522; force and position of the army of Gates at—arrival of Burgoyne in the neighborhood of, ii. 523; inactivity of Gates at, ii. 524; anxiety of Arnold to renew the battle at—comparative loss of the British and Americans in the battle at, ii. 525; retirement of Burgoyne from, ii. 526; second battle near, begun by Morgan and his riflemen, ii. 530.

Bennington, Colonel Baume sent by Burgoyne to seize provisions at, ii. 486; disastrous consequences to Burgoyne, of Colonel Baume's defeat at, ii. 487.

Bequests left by Washington to various persons as mementoes, iii. 539.

Bernard, Governor, attempts of, to bribe the leading men of Boston, i. 345; petitioned by the Massachusetts assembly to remove the troops from Boston—departure of, for England, in 1769, i. 367.

Beverage of Washington, iii. 586.

Beverly, skirmish of the Nautilus with a privateer at, i. 732.

Bigelow, Major, mountain ascended by, in expectation of a distant view of Quebec, i. 691.

Billy, body-servant of Washington, spurious letters of Washington alleged to have been found in the possession of, iii. 448.

Bingham, Mr., Jay's treaty burned in front of the house of, in Philadelphia, iii. 353.

Binney, Horace, conclusions arrived at by, respecting the authorship of Washington's Farewell Address (note), iii. 434.

Birthday of Washington, acrimonious debate in Congress respecting the celebration of, in 1793, iii. 322; celebration of, in 1797, iii. 469.

Birthplace of Washington, i. 17, 23.

Bishop, the body-servant of Washington, transferred to him by Braddock, i. 277.

Blair, John, appointed associate judge of the supreme court in 1789, iii. 122.

"Blockade of Boston," a farce composed by the British officers during the siege—not written by Burgoyne (note), ii. 49; turned into a tragedy by Knowlton's attack on Charlestown, ii. 50.

Blount, resolutions offered in Congress by, respecting the treaty-making power, iii. 397; resolutions of, adopted, iii. 398.

Board of Trade and Plantations, attempts of, to control the colonies, i. 314.

Bonaparte, Napoleon, treaty concluded by, with the American envoys, iii. 530; honors paid to the memory of Washington by, iii. 570.

Bond, British charge, threat and complaint of, in relation to Jay's treaty, iii. 401.

Boquet, Colonel, letter of Washington to, in relation to a proposed new road to Fort Duquesne, i. 271.

Boscawen, Alcide and Lys taken by, i. 177; at the siege of Louisburg in 1758—biographical notice of (note), i. 260.

Boston, reception of Washington in, in 1756—population of, in 1756, i. 200; troops landed at, in 1768, under cover of cannon from the ships-of-war, i. 346; "massacre" at, i. 366; troops removed from, after the "massacre"—vengeance threatened against, for the destruction of tea in the harbor, i. 388; port of, closed by act of Parliament, i. 389; sympathy with, in Virginia, i. 392, 395; money sent from London to assist the suffering poor of, i. 397; the only spot in Massachusetts in 1774 where the king's government was obeyed, i. 417; rumored bombardment of, i. 426; removal of troops from, advocated by Lord Chatham, i. 489; intercourse of, with the country, cut off by General Gage, i. 514; position of the British and American forces at the siege of, i. 619; scarcity and sickness in the British army in, i. 636; sufferings of the patriots in, during the siege, i. 637; a portion of the inhabitants of, sent away by General Gage—number of residents and troops in, during the siege (note), i. 638; question as to the bombardment of, submitted by Washington to the committee of Congress, i. 736; desecration of churches in, by British troops during the siege, i. 745; oppressive measures of General Howe toward the people of, i. 746; secret expedition fitted out by General Howe in the harbor of, ii. 29; anxiety of Washington to drive the British out of, ii. 29, 32, 47; the small-pox in the British army in—ammunition expended by the British in the defence of (note), ii. 48; anxiety of Washington for a direct assault upon—council of war adverse to an attack upon, ii. 53; cannonade and bombardment of, in anticipation of the attempt upon Dorchester Heights—cannonade of, heard at the distance of a hundred miles, ii. 62; resolution of General Howe to evacuate, ii. 67; consternation of the tories of, at Howe's preparations for departure from, ii. 68; spared by General Howe on condition of his being allowed to depart unmolested, ii. 69; outrages committed by Howe's troops at the evacuation of, ii. 70; scene presented at the evacuation of—prizes taken at sea by the Americans during the siege of (note), ii. 71: sorrow of the tories on leaving—troops glad to get away from, ii. 72; entrance of the Americans into, ii. 73; visitors prohibited from entering without passes, ii. 74; damage done to buildings in—"Liberty-tree" at, cut down (note), ii. 75; large amount of property left behind by Howe at the evacuation of—efforts of Washington to establish order in, ii. 76; address of the selectmen of, to Washington—congratulatory letters, in relation to the evacuation of, addressed to Washington (note), ii. 77; measures of Washington for the defence of, ii. 81; apprehensions of the people of, of the return of Howe—operations for the defence of, carried on by Colonel Gridley, ii. 82; plan of General Lincoln for driving the British fleet from the harbor of—British store-ships captured in the harbor of, ii. 83; effect in England of the news of the flight of the army from, ii. 84; speech of the duke of Manchester on the abandonment of, ii. 86; the ministry attacked by Barre and Burke in relation to the abandonment of, ii. 86; reception of Washington in, on his tour in 1789—dispute between the selectmen of, and Governor Hancock, in relation to the reception of Washington, iii. 127; influenza prevalent at, a few days after Washington's visit (note), iii. 128; reminiscences of Samuel Breck, of Washington's visit to, in 1789 (note), iii. 130; letter of Washington to the selectmen of, in relation to Jay's treaty, iii. 356.