Or radiance ling'ring round the glowing West,
When day serene has gently sunk to rest!

Long may Columbia's Daughters thus portray
The lofty virtue of her earlier day!-

And may the blessings of thy heart and hearth
Change but for those of bright, empyreal birth!

Melrose, January 1st, 1850.

M. C. C.

Mrs. Washington's Birth-Descent-Family Name-Education-Mar-

riage-Position, Character, and Occupation of her Husband-Mr.

Washington's previous Marriage-Date of Mrs. Washington's Mar-

riage Her place of Residence-Birth of her son, George-Mr.

Washington removes from his former Home-Names of Mrs.

Washington's six Children-Death of Augustine Washington-State

of his pecuniary affairs at his Death-Mr. Sparks' statements on this

subject-Mrs. Washington's Practical Abilities called into requisition

-The sole Guide of her Children after the Death of her Husband-

Her system of Domestic Education and Discipline-Her good sense

illustrated in the early Training of her son George-Mrs. Washing-

ton a Christian Matron.

15

CHAPTER II.

The History of Mrs. Washington associated with that of her son George

-His early efforts at Self-Maintenance-His initiatory Military Ad-

ventures a source of Anxiety to his Mother-The Deaths of Mrs.

Washington's two eldest sons-LETTER addressed by Col. Washing-

ton to his Mother, after the Battle of the Monongahela-His Illness

-Appointment to the Chief Command of the Virginia Troops-

LETTER to Mrs. Washington upon this subject-Her clear-sighted

discernment of the practical Objections to this Post-No Minute

Details respecting this portion of Mrs. Washington's Life .

27

CHAPTER III.

The Commencement of the Revolution-Washington's Appointment
as Commander-in-Chief of the American Army-Mrs. Washington's
pious Resignation-Her Removal from her country-seat to Fred-
ericksburg, in Virginia-Bids adieu to her son-Her Remedy for
Mental Anxiety-Her practical Knowledge now peculiarly available
to Herself and others-Mrs. Washington's active Habits-Daily
Practice of driving out to her Farm-Her prompt Discipline in re-
spect to her Subordinates-Anecdote-Constantly receives the Visits
and Attentions of her Children and Grand-children-Mrs. Washing-
ton's Interest in Public Affairs-Her confidence in the ultimate
Triumph of Right-Her Reception of the news of the successful
Passage of the Delaware-Expression of her fervent gratitude to
Heaven, when informed of the Surrender of the British Army at
Yorktown-The Commander-in-Chief hastens to the Presence of
his Mother-Mrs. Washington's Bearing and Conversation on this
Occasion .

PAGD

CHAPTER IV.

Washington's Public Welcome at Fredericksburg-Preparations for a

BALL-Mrs. Washington specially Invited-Accepts the Invitation,

attended by her Son-Her Reception by the Company-Her Dress,

Manners, and Appearance on this public occasion-Astonishment of

the Foreign Officers present-Characteristic Remarks of Mrs. Wash-

ington, upon Retiring-The Commander-in-Chief dances his last

Minuet

50

CHAPTER V.

Mrs. Washington's Children desire her to reside with them-She pre-

fers a separate Establishment-The affectionate Devotion of her

Children and Friends-Continues her habits of diligent Exertion

and Industry-Declines the Assistance of her Son-in-Law in the

Management of her Affairs-Receives a visit from the Ma quis de

La Fayette-Mrs. Washington's celebrated Remark respecting her

son George-The dignified nature of her Sentiments in relation to

him-The Influence she always maintained over his Mind-Wash-

ington's unalterable Reverence for his Mother-His implicit Obe-

dience to her-Mrs. Washington's Devotional Habits-Her single

mental Infirmity-Personal Appearance of Mrs. Washington

55