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diff --git a/old/11926-h.zip b/old/11926-h.zip Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..cbbc8b0 --- /dev/null +++ b/old/11926-h.zip diff --git a/old/11926-h/11926-h.htm b/old/11926-h/11926-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..e2ec159 --- /dev/null +++ b/old/11926-h/11926-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,1930 @@ +<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN"> + +<html> +<head> + <meta name="generator" content= + "HTML Tidy for Windows (vers 1st February 2004), see www.w3.org"> + <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content= + "text/html; charset=us-ascii"> + + <title>The Project Gutenberg eBook of Washington In Domestic + Life, by RICHARD RUSH.</title> + <style type="text/css"> + /*<![CDATA[ XML blockout */ + <!-- + P { margin-top: .75em; + text-align: justify; + margin-bottom: .75em; + } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { + text-align: center; /* all headings centered */ + } + HR { width: 33%; + margin-top: 1em; + margin-bottom: 1em; + } + BODY{margin-left: 10%; + margin-right: 10%; + } + .linenum {position: absolute; top: auto; left: 4%;} /* poetry number */ + .note {margin-left: 2em; margin-right: 2em; margin-bottom: 1em;} /* footnote */ + .blkquot {margin-left: 4em; margin-right: 4em;} /* block indent */ + .pagenum {position: absolute; left: 92%; font-size: smaller; justify: right;} /* page numbers */ + .sidenote {width: 20%; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-left: 1em; font-size: smaller; float: right; clear: right;} + + .poem {margin-left:10%; margin-right:10%; text-align: left;} + .poem .stanza {margin: 1em 0em 1em 0em;} + .poem p {margin: 0; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} + .poem p.i2 {margin-left: 2em;} + .poem p.i4 {margin-left: 4em;} + .poem .caesura {vertical-align: -200%;} + // --> + /* XML end ]]>*/ + </style> +</head> + +<body> + + +<pre> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Washington in Domestic Life, by Richard Rush + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Washington in Domestic Life + +Author: Richard Rush + +Release Date: April 6, 2004 [EBook #11926] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK WASHINGTON IN DOMESTIC LIFE *** + + + + +Produced by Garrett Alley and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team. + + + + + +</pre> + + <!-- End Autogenerated TOC. --> + + <h1>WASHINGTON IN DOMESTIC LIFE.</h1> + + <h2>From Original Letters and Manuscripts. By Richard + Rush.</h2><br> + <br> + + <center> + 1857. + </center> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + + <p>GENTLEMEN:—</p> + + <p>In confiding to your house the publication of this brief paper + on some points in the character of Washington, I beg leave to + say, that for any deficiency in the cost of publishing, after all + your charges in having it fitly done are defrayed, I will be + responsible.</p> + + <p>And in the very remote probability of the sale of a production + so limited as this, in the face of a thousand better things on + Washington's character already before the world, ever yielding + anything in the way of profit after your proper expenditures are + all satisfied, it will go, however small, to the Washington + Monument Fund, existing in the metropolis of our + country.</p><span style="margin-left: 1em;">I am, + gentlemen,</span><br> + <br> + <span style="margin-left: 5em;">Your very faithful</span><br> + <br> + <span style="margin-left: 9em;">And obedient servant,</span><br> + <br> + <span style="margin-left: 13em;">RICHARD RUSH.</span><br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + + <p>SYDENHAM, NEAR PHILADELPHIA, February 28, 1857.</p><br> + + <p>To MESSRS.</p> + + <p>J.B. LIPPINCOTT AND CO.,</p> + + <p>PUBLISHERS,</p> + + <p>PHILADELPHIA.</p> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + + <center> + TO + </center> + + <center> + CHARLES J. INGERSOLL. + </center> + <hr style="width: 45%;"> + + <p>This literary trifle is hardly worth a dedication; yet it has + dared to touch, though with incompetent hands, a high subject, + and, trifle as it is, I dedicate it to you. At an agreeable + little dinner at your table lately, where we had the new + Vice-President, Mr. Breckenridge, whose maternal stock, the + Stanhope Smiths and Witherspoons, so rich in intellect, we knew + at Princeton, you said we had been friends for upwards of sixty + years. You were right, for we were merry boys together in + Philadelphia before our college days at Princeton; and I may here + add, that our friendship never has been interrupted.</p> + + <p>RICHARD RUSH.</p> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <a name="INTRODUCTORY_EXPLANATION"></a> + + <h2>INTRODUCTORY EXPLANATION.</h2> + + <p>The manuscript or paper here published was prepared from a + collection of original letters from General Washington on + matters, for the most part, purely domestic and personal, + addressed to Colonel Tobias Lear, his private Secretary for a + part of the time he was President; and then, and during periods + much longer, his confidential friend. They came into my hands + through the voluntary kindness of Mrs. Lear, of the city of + Washington, the estimable relict of Colonel Lear, and niece of + Mrs. Washington, whose friendship it was my good lot and that of + my family to enjoy; as we did that of Colonel Lear while he + lived. The latter died in Washington in 1816. Mrs. Lear first + informed me of these letters ten or twelve years ago when in + Washington, and offered them to my perusal and examination, + telling me to take them home and retain them as long as I chose, + and use them as I thought best, for she knew I would not abuse + this privilege. I brought them home as requested, being then too + much engaged in the business of the Smithsonian Institution as + one of the Regents on its first organization, to examine them + while in Washington. She afterwards read, approved, and for some + time had in her hands the paper I drew up from them.</p> + + <p>It consisted of notices of, and extracts from these original + letters, the matter being abridged, connecting links used, and + omissions made where the great author himself marked them private + or from parts otherwise not necessary to go before the world. So + guarded and prepared, and with a commentary interwoven, Mrs. Lear + left its publication to my discretion. I returned the original + letters, in number more than thirty, in the state I received them + from her. I never allowed any one of them to be copied; but gave + one away, or two, for I am not at this day certain which, to Mr. + Polk while he was President of the United States, having first + asked and obtained Mrs. Lear's consent for that purpose. She also + gave me two of them not very long before her decease, which I + prize the more as her gift. I have other original letters from + the same immortal source, the valued donation in 1830, of the son + of Colonel Lear, Lincoln Lear, Esquire.</p> + + <p>This excellent lady, who long honored me with her friendship + and confidence in the above and other ways, after surviving + Colonel Lear forty years, died last December in Washington. There + she had continued to live as his widow; being all this time in + possession of, and as I supposed owning, these original letters. + There she lived, beloved as a pattern of the Christian virtues, + and enjoying the esteem of the circle around her as an + interesting relict of days becoming historical; but ever + elevating in the associations they recall. Now that she is gone, + I am induced to give to the public the paper in question. In + doing so I have the best grounds for believing that I perform an + act that would have been grateful to her were she living. She was + fully informed of my intention to publish it and could not but be + sensible that the long respect and affectionate attachment of + General Washington which her husband enjoyed, as so indelibly + stamped upon these letters, is a record of his probity, capacity, + and sterling worth, than which none could ever be more precious, + or be likely to endure longer. This consideration it might be + thought affects only the descendants of Colonel Lear or others + devoted to his memory; but I have ventured to think that the + publication may not be wholly unacceptable on broader grounds. + Nothing, indeed, in authentic connection with Washington's great + name can ever be unwelcome to the American people; and although + it may have happened that some few of these letters have + heretofore found their way into print in whole or in part, the + number, as far as was known to Mrs. Lear, is believed to be very + small. Hence the publication need not be forborne on that + account; more especially if it should be found to carry with it + the slightest general interest in the form now presented.</p> + + <p>In regard to the narrative of Arnold's treason as given by the + great Chief at his table at Mount Vernon and afterwards written + down by Colonel Lear, which I have appended to the synopsis of + the letters, it was not within Mrs. Lear's knowledge, nor is it + within mine at present, that it has ever been in print + before.</p> + + <p>RICHARD RUSH.</p> + + <p>SYDENHAM, NEAR PHILADELPHIA, February, 1857.</p> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <a name="WASHINGTON_IN_DOMESTIC_LIFE"></a> + + <h2>WASHINGTON IN DOMESTIC LIFE.</h2><br> + + <p>When first I opened and cursorily read the original letters + from General Washington, mentioned in the foregoing introductory + explanation, and noticed the domestic topics which ran so largely + through them, they struck me as possessing peculiar interest. + They were of value as coming from that venerated source, and + doubly so, considering how little is known, through his own + correspondence, of his domestic life; scarcely, in fact, any of + its details. Reading the letters again, I found the matter to be + somewhat more varied than my first eager inspection of them, as + hastily unfolded, had led me to suppose; but they were desultory, + and much broken as to dates. The occasional mixture of other + matter, especially public matter, with the domestic topics, did + not diminish the interest of the letters, but the contrary. In + this publication I follow the order of the dates. Where wide + chasms occur, I have merely supplied a link in the chain by an + explanatory remark here and there, in aid of the reader, not + hazarding other remarks until all the letters are mentioned. Thus + much as to the plan. I proceed to speak of the letters + themselves.</p> + + <p>The first in date is of the fifth of September, 1790. It is + written in Philadelphia, where Washington had just then arrived + from New York, Mr. Lear, as may be inferred from it, being in New + York. He states that he would proceed onward to Mount Vernon on + the day following if Mrs. Washington's health would permit, as + she had been indisposed since their arrival in Philadelphia; that + before he arrived, the city corporation had taken the house of + Mr. Robert Morris for his residence, but that it would not be + sufficiently commodious without additions.</p> + + <div class="blkquot"> + <p>[This house was in Market Street on the south side near + Sixth Street. The market house buildings then stopped at Fourth + Street; the town in this street extended westward scarcely as + far as Ninth Street; good private dwellings were seen above + Fifth Street; Mr. Morris's was perhaps the best; the garden was + well inclosed by a wall.]</p> + </div> + + <p>He describes the house, remarking that even with the proposed + additions the gentlemen of his family would have to go into the + third story, where also Mr. Lear and Mrs. Lear would have to go; + and that there would be no place for his own study and + dressing-room but in the back building; there are good stables, + and the coach-house would hold his carriages; but his coachmen + and postilions would have to sleep over the stable where there + was no fireplace, though the room might be warmed by a stove. The + other servants could sleep in the house, he adds, if, in addition + to the present accommodations, a servants' hall were built with + one or two lodging-rooms over it. These are samples of the + particularity with which he writes. He tells Mr. Lear that he had + left his coach and harness with the coachmaker, Mr. Clarke, in + Philadelphia, for repairs, and requests him to see that they are + well done and at the time appointed. The residue of the letter + relates to the bringing on of his servants from New York. It + begins "Dear Sir," and after saying that Mrs. Washington joins + with him in best wishes to Mrs. Lear, concludes, "I am sincerely + and affectionately yours, Geo. Washington." The letter fills the + four pages of a sheet of letter paper in his compact but bold and + legible hand, with a few interlineations made very + distinctly.</p> + + <p>The next letter is dated Mount Vernon, September 20, 1790. + After saying a few words about Mr. Morris's house, he reverts to + the subject of bringing his servants from New York to + Philadelphia, naming several of them, but doubting the expediency + of bringing all by sea, especially the upper servants. The + steward and his wife are mentioned as perhaps best not to be + brought at all; he has no wish to part with them: first, because + he does not like to be changing; and secondly, because he did not + know how to supply their places, but was much mistaken if the + expenses of the second table, where the steward presided, had not + greatly exceeded the proper mark; he suspected there was nothing + brought to his own table of liquors, fruit, or other things, that + had not been used as profusely at the steward's; that if his + suspicions were unfounded he should be sorry for having + entertained them; and if not, it was at least questionable + whether any successor of ****** might not do the same thing, in + which case there might be a change without a benefit. He leaves + it with Mr. Lear whether to retain him or not, provided he + thought him honest, of which he would be better able to judge on + comparing his accounts with those of his former steward, which he + (the General) had not done. He concludes, "with sincere regard + and affection, I am yours, Geo. Washington."</p> + + <div class="blkquot"> + <p>[At this epoch, the seat of government had just been removed + from New York to Philadelphia, making it necessary for General + Washington to establish himself in the latter city, which leads + him into the details given and to follow.]</p> + </div> + + <p>The third letter is from Mount Vernon, September 27, 1790. It + begins by saying that since his last, the date of which is not + recollected, as he kept no copies of these letters, two had been + received from Mr. Lear, of which he gives the dates. He approves + of his mode of removing the furniture, and asks, "How have you + disposed of the Pagoda? It is a delicate piece of stuff, and will + require to be handled tenderly."</p> + + <p>Alluding to the house in which he had lived in New York, the + lease of which was unexpired, he says that he expected ***** + would endeavor to impose his own terms when he found he could not + get it off his hands; we are in his power and he must do what he + pleases with us. As the "Lustre" is paid for and securely packed + up, and may suit the largest drawing-room at Mr. Morris's house + in Philadelphia, he does not incline to part with it; there is a + mangle in the kitchen, which Mrs. Morris proposes to leave, + taking his mangle instead; [a mangle was a machine for washing or + pressing, then in use, and a fixture, I think;] he would not + object provided his was as good, but not if he would be the + gainer by exchanging. He concludes, Mrs. Washington and all the + family joining in best wishes to Mrs. Lear and himself, "I am + your sincere friend and affectionate servant," signing his name + as before.</p> + + <p>The next is dated Mount Vernon, October 3, 1790. In this + letter he refers to the declaration of the ministers of Britain + and Spain as published in the newspapers,<a name= + "FNanchor_A_1"></a><a href="#Footnote_A_1"><sup>[A]</sup></a> and + requests Mr. Lear to give him the earliest information of these + or any other interesting matters, beyond what the newspapers say; + remarking that Mr. Jefferson's absence from New York [Mr. + Jefferson was then Secretary of State] might be the means of + delaying the receipt of official advices to him longer than + usual. He requests Mr. Lear to use his endeavors for ascertaining + the best schools in Philadelphia with a view to placing + Washington Custis, Mrs. Washington's grandson, at the best. If + the college is under good regulations, and they have proper + tutors to prepare boys of his standing for the higher branches of + education, he makes a quaere if it would not be better to put him + there at once, the presumption being that a system may prevail + there by which the gradations are better connected than in + schools which have no correspondence with each other. Adverting + again to his servants, he reminds Mr. Lear that no mention had + been made of John's wife, and asks what he understands to be her + plans. He incloses a letter from John to her, and another from + James to his "del Toboso." [These were four of his black + servants.] He requests him when able to get at Count d'Estaing's + letters to send him a transcript of what he says of a bust he had + sent him of Neckar, together with a number of prints of Neckar, + and of the Marquis la Fayette; and concludes in the same cordial + and affectionate style as before.</p> + + <p>Mount Vernon, October 10, 1790. This is next in date. The + early parts of this letter have reference to the steps for + removing his furniture and servants from New York; to the getting + rid of the house still upon his hands there, and to the proper + care and instruction of his niece, Miss Harriet Washington, when + he should be established in Philadelphia. Referring again to + Washington Custis's education, whom he had adopted as a son and + in whom he appears to have taken great interest,<a name= + "FNanchor_B_2"></a><a href="#Footnote_B_2"><sup>[B]</sup></a> he + wishes inquiry to be made as to the higher branches taught at the + college with a view to placing his nephews, George and Lawrence + Washington, at that Institution in Philadelphia. He speaks very + kindly of these nephews, and of their desire for improvement. + Having left the languages, they are engaged, he adds, under Mr. + Harrow, in Alexandria, in the study of the mathematics and + learning French. Concludes as usual.</p> + + <p>Next comes one from Mount Vernon of October 27, 1790. He tells + Mr. Lear that on his return from a twelve days' excursion up the + Potomac, he finds three letters from him, which he acknowledges + under their dates, and is very glad to learn that he had arrived + in Philadelphia, and that the servants and furniture had got + safely there. It is equally agreeable to him that the steward and + his wife had come. He leaves to Mr. L. the arrangement of the + furniture, with remarks of his own as to its disposition in some + of the rooms; and wishes the rent of Mr. Morris's house to be + fixed before the day of his going into it. He desired to pay a + just value; more he had no idea would be asked; but intimates his + fears that the committee [of the city councils of Philadelphia is + probably meant] were holding back under an intention that the + rent should be paid by the public, to which he would not consent. + It would be best, he thinks, if all the servants could be + accommodated without using the loft over the stable, as no orders + he could give them would prevent their carrying lights there, if + they were to use it as lodgers. By return of the hand that takes + this and other letters from him to the Alexandria post-office, he + hopes to receive later dates from Mr. Lear, and, possibly, + something more indicative of peace or war between Spain and + England; and concludes, "I am your affectionate friend, Geo. + Washington."</p> + + <p>Mount Vernon, October 31, 1790, is the next date. After + expressing concern lest his house in Philadelphia should not be + ready in time, and pointing out arrangements for his journey to + Philadelphia, he speaks again of his carriage at the coachmaker's + in Philadelphia. He thinks that a wreath round the crests on the + panels would be more correspondent with the Seasons [allegorical + paintings probably in medallion], which were to remain there, + than the motto; and that the motto might be put on the plates of + the harness, but leaves it to Mr. Lear and the coachmaker to + adopt which they thought best when the whole was looked at, as he + could not himself see it as a whole. He speaks of the boarding + schools in Philadelphia, and is anxious that full and careful + inquiry be made with a view to securing proper advantages in the + education of his niece, but to be made in a way not to give any + expectation of a preference between rival seminaries, as he had + come to no decision in regard to his niece. As his family on + removing to Philadelphia will have new connections to form with + tradespeople, he requests Mr. Lear to find out those in each + branch who stand highest for skill and fair dealing, saying it is + better to be slow in choosing than be under any necessity of + changing. Concludes "with affectionate regards I am your sincere + friend, G.W."</p> + + <p>Mount Vernon, November 7, 1790. A letter full of minute + details. It sets out with expressing his renewed anxiety + respecting the education of his adopted son Washington Custis, + remarking that if the <i>schools</i> in the college are under + good masters, and are as fit for boys of his age [he was probably + about eight at this time, for we were schoolmates in Philadelphia + at the dates of the earliest of these letters] as a private + school would be, he is still of opinion he had better be placed + there in the first instance; but the propriety of the step will + depend: 1. Upon the character and ability of the masters; 2. Upon + the police and discipline of the school; and thirdly, upon the + number of the pupils. If there be too many pupils, justice cannot + be done to them whatever the ability of the masters, adding that + what ought to be the due proportion is in some measure matter of + opinion, but that an extreme must be obvious to all. He leaves it + with Mr. Lear to decide that point if nothing else should be + finally resolved upon by himself before he reaches Philadelphia. + He next incloses a letter from Mr. Gouverneur Morris, then in + Paris [but not our minister at the French court at that time] + with the bill of charges for certain articles which he had + requested him to send from Paris. The plated ware far exceeds in + price the utmost bounds of his calculation; but as he is + persuaded Mr. Morris had only done what he thought right, he + requests Mr. Lear to make immediate payment in manner as he + points out. Among the articles of this plated ware, were wine + coolers, for holding four decanters of cut glass, also sent by + Mr. Morris; and he seems as little satisfied with the size and + fashion of these coolers, from the description he has received of + them, as with their unexpected cost. He thinks more appropriate + ones of real silver might be made, the pattern being different + and work lighter, giving his own ideas of a pattern, and a little + draft of it, and requesting Mr. Lear to talk to a silversmith on + the matter, remarking that perhaps those sent by Mr. Morris might + give hints for the pattern; which, if not found too heavy, as he + had not yet seen them, might after all answer. He approves of the + Pagoda's standing in the smallest drawing-room where Mr. Lear had + placed it. Whether the <i>green</i> curtain or a new + <i>yellow</i> one is to be used for the staircase window in the + hall, may depend on his getting an exact match in color for the + former; in things of this sort one would not regard a small + additional expense, to save the eye from bad contrasts. He + expresses the hope that his study will be in readiness by the + time he arrives, and that the rubbish and other litter made by + those "men of mortar and the carpenters," will be removed so that + the yard may be made and kept as clean as the parlor. This, he + says, is essential, as, by the alterations made in the house, the + back rooms had become the best and there was an uninterrupted + view from them into the yard, especially from the dining-room. He + concludes by saying that as Mrs. Washington writes to Mrs. Lear, + he would only add his best wishes for her and affectionate + regards for himself, "being your sincere friend, G.W."</p> + + <p>Mount Vernon, November 12, 1790. This letter is a duplicate + written to inform Mr. Lear that he depended upon P****'s coach, + horses, and driver, for taking on the children to Philadelphia. + His reasons for writing the duplicate was, that Giles (one of his + servants), who was sent on Wednesday to Alexandria with his first + letter with directions that if the stage had gone to pursue it to + Georgetown so as to overtake the mail, had put the letter into + the hands of a passenger, who "all but forced it from him," so + anxious was this passenger to do an obliging thing, as he "knew + General Washington." This passenger told his name, but it was "so + comical," he could not recollect it. This was Giles's story; and + the General adds that as he knew what little dependence was to be + placed on the punctual conveyance of letters by a private hand, + he writes this duplicate by post to repeat his request that Mr. + Lear will inform him, by return of post, what he has to expect + with <i>certainty</i> as to the coach hired for taking on a part + of his family to Philadelphia. His house is full of company, he + adds, and concludes as usual.</p> + + <p>Mount Vernon, November 14, 1790. This letter manifests his + concern about the house in Philadelphia; for, besides that it is + still unfinished, the rent, he says, has not yet been fixed, + though he has long since wished it; he is at a loss to understand + it all. He hopes that the additions and alterations made on his + account whilst neat, have not been in an extravagant style. The + latter would not only be contrary to his wishes but repugnant to + his interest and convenience, as it would be the means of keeping + him from the use and comforts of the house until a later day; and + because the furniture and everything else must then be in + accordance with its expensive finish, which would not agree with + his present furniture, and he had no wish to be taxed to suit the + taste of others. The letter is of more length than usual and + marked "private;" being, with one other, the only ones in the + collection so marked. I will, therefore, notice its contents no + further than barely to add, that in a part where he alludes to + the still possible intention of making the public in Philadelphia + pay his rent, his terms of dissent become very emphatic. In + reference to his coach, he would rather have heard that, as + repaired, it was "<i>plain</i> and elegant" than "<i>rich</i> and + elegant." Conclusion as usual.</p> + + <p>Mount Vernon, Nov. 17, 1790. This, he says, is a very bad day. + He is just setting off for Alexandria to a dinner given to him by + the citizens of that place. The caps (jockey caps) of Giles and + Paris (two of his postilions) being so much worn that they will + be unfit for use by the time he has completed his journey to + Philadelphia, he requests that new ones may be made, the tassels + to be of better quality than the old ones; and that a new set of + harness may be made for the leaders, with a postilion saddle; the + saddle-cloth of which to be like the hammer-cloth, that all may + be of a piece when necessary to use six horses. [This he + sometimes did in travelling.] The letter concludes as usual.</p> + + <p>"Spurriers," November 23, 1790.</p> + + <div class="blkquot"> + <p>[He is now on his journey to Philadelphia in his own + travelling carriage with Mrs. Washington; the children, and the + servants in attendance on the children, being in the + stage-coach hired for the occasion.]</p> + </div> + + <p>He dates from this tavern twelve or fourteen miles south of + Baltimore. The roads, he says, are in-famous—no hope of + reaching Baltimore that night, as they had not yet gone to dinner + but were waiting for it. The letter is only of a few lines, and + evidently written in haste, though he never makes apologies on + that account.</p> + + <p>Georgetown, March 28, 1791.</p> + + <div class="blkquot"> + <p>[The General and family arrived in Philadelphia and took + possession of Mr. Morris's house. The session of Congress + passed over. It was the short session. He was now on his return + to Mount Vernon, having reached the above town on the Maryland + side of the Potomac, from which he dates.]</p> + </div> + + <p>This letter is on his private affairs. He expresses + dissatisfaction at the conduct of ****** one of his agents in the + State of——, in letting out his property and receiving + his rents; he is too well acquainted, he says, with facts that + bear upon the case to be imposed upon by the tale he tells; and + even his own letter proves him to be what he would not call + him.</p> + + <p>Mount Vernon, April 3, 1791. This letter is also in part on + his private affairs. It contains further complaints of this + agent. In the closing parts of it [there being at this time + growing apprehensions of trouble with the Indians] he makes the + remark, that until we could restrain the turbulence and + disorderly conduct of our own borderers, it would be in vain he + feared to expect peace with the Indians; or that they would + govern their own people better than we did ours.</p> + + <div class="blkquot"> + <p>[It was in the following autumn that General St. Clair's + army was defeated by them in the neighborhood of the Miami + Villages.]</p> + </div> + + <p>Mount Vernon, April 6, 1791. A short letter. It mentions his + intention of continuing his journey southward the next day; his + horses being well recruited, he hopes they will go on better than + they have come from Philadelphia. He incloses Mr. Lear, who + remains in Philadelphia, some letters to be put on file, and + requests him to pay a man who had been working in the garden.</p> + + <div class="blkquot"> + <p>[The journey southward next day was the commencement of his + tour to the Southern States, having made one into the Northern + States before he became President. Having completed his tour, + he passed several days in Georgetown to execute the powers + vested in him for fixing on a place for the permanent seat of + government for the United States under the new + constitution.]</p> + </div> + + <p>Richmond, April 12, 1791. This is a letter of four closely + written pages, mainly, though not exclusively, about his servants + and the difficulties with them under the non-slavery laws of + Philadelphia; but as he requests that the knowledge of its + contents and the sentiments he expresses may be confined to Mrs. + Lear and Mrs. Washington, I notice no more of it.</p> + + <p>Savannah, May 13, 1791. He here says that the continual hurry + into which he was thrown by entertainments, visits, and + ceremonies in the course of his southern tour, left him scarcely + a moment he could call his own. He gives directions as to where + his letters are to be sent that they may strike him at the proper + points whilst travelling; his horses are much worn down, he says, + by the bad roads, especially the two he bought just before + leaving Philadelphia, "and my old white horse."</p> + + <p>Fredericksburg, Virginia, June 12, 1791. He informs Mr. Lear + that he had reached this place the day preceding, and expected to + get back to Mount Vernon the day following. He would remain there + until the 27th, which was the day appointed for him to meet the + commissioners at Georgetown to fix on the spot for the public + buildings to be erected in the new Federal City, and writes to + give Mr. Lear this foreknowledge of his movements.</p> + + <p>Mount Vernon, June 15, 1791. The early part of this letter + relates to certain blank commissions signed and left with Mr. + Lear to be filled up under the direction and advice of the + Secretary of the Treasury. He next adverts to a vacancy in one of + the United States judgeships—that of the district of + Pennsylvania—by the death of the late incumbent. Some have + applied, he says, for the appointment, and others will. In + reference to this and other offices that will be vacant (naming + them), he wishes Mr. Lear to get the best information he can as + to those who it is thought would fill them "with the greatest + ability and integrity." Several meritorious persons, he adds, + have already been brought to his view.</p> + + <p>He is glad to hear that the affairs of his household in + Philadelphia go on so well, and tells Mr. Lear it might not be + improper for him to hint how foolish it would be in the servants + left there to enter into any combinations for supplanting those + in authority [meaning the upper servants]. The attempt would be + futile, and must recoil upon themselves; and next, admitting that + they were to make the lives of the present steward and + housekeeper so uneasy as to induce them to quit, others would be + got, and such, too, as would be equally if not more rigid in + exacting the duty required of the servants below them; the + steward and housekeeper were indispensably necessary in taking + trouble off of Mrs. Washington's hands and his own, and would be + supported in the line of their duty, whilst any attempt to + counteract them would be considered as the strongest evidence the + other servants could give of their unworthiness. A good and + faithful servant, he adds, was never afraid of having his conduct + looked into, but the reverse.</p> + + <p>Mount Vernon, June 19, 1791. He acknowledges the receipt of + several letters from Mr. Lear, and approves what he has done. He + tells him that in the fall he shall want blankets for his + servants and people<a name="FNanchor_C_3"></a><a href= + "#Footnote_C_3"><sup>[C]</sup></a> at Mount Vernon; and the + summer being the best time for buying them, he wishes inquiry to + be made on this subject, saying he should want about two hundred. + He wants to see Paine's answer to Burke's pamphlet on the French + Revolution, and requests it may be sent to him. He says that + "Paris" has grown to be so lazy and self-willed that John, the + coachman, says he has no sort of government of him, as he did + nothing that he was told to do, and everything he was not. The + General adds that his incapacity as a postilion was such that he + had determined to leave him behind when returning to + Philadelphia, which would make one or two boys necessary in his + stable at that place, as assistants, and asks whether it might + not be possible to find emigrant Germans to answer the purpose. + He concludes, "Be assured of the esteem and regard of yours + affectionately, G.W."</p> + + <p>Mount Vernon, September 26, 1791. He refers to the house in + Philadelphia; says that he never expressed any dissatisfaction at + want of accommodation in it since he got rid of the workmen; and + that that supposition must <i>not</i> be adduced as a motive for + causing a <i>public edifice</i> to be built for his use or + occupancy; that he has no intention of interfering with the + politics of Pennsylvania, or the household accommodations of his + successors in the Presidency; but that, for himself, personally, + he had wholly declined living in any public building. This + subject appears to have engaged some of his sensibility, and he + tells Mr. Lear he is glad to learn he has put in writing his + views in regard to it, as that will protect him against + misconception on any point.</p> + + <p>Mount Vernon, October 7, 1791. He writes again about the + blankets; some have been offered to him in Alexandria, but he + likes neither the size nor price, and speaks of those to be had + in Philadelphia as intolerably narrow. He cannot think of being + disappointed in his supply, as his people would suffer in the + ensuing winter. He wants one hundred of the largest size and best + quality, and one hundred of the middle size but <i>good</i> in + quality. I recollect asking you if among my pamphlets you had + seen the journal of my tour to the French (the word + <i>position</i> was probably omitted here) on <i>La beauf</i> in + the year 1753. I understood you no; but Mrs. Washington thinks + you said yes. Pray decide the point for us—I have searched + in vain for it here.</p> + + <p>Mount Vernon, October 14, 1791. In this letter he begins by + saying he is glad of the intimation given of the intentions of + the minister of France [not stated what they are], and pleased + though distressed at the information that the 24th instant is the + day for the meeting of Congress. He had supposed it to be the + 31st, and intended to spend Monday and possibly Tuesday in + Georgetown; but now he would endeavor to reach Bladensburg on + Monday night and lose no time afterwards in pursuing his journey + onward to Philadelphia, as scarce any time would be left to him + for preparing his communications when the session opened, if the + members were punctual in attending. This makes it the more + necessary, he says, that Mr. Lear should look with accuracy, and + without delay, into his speeches and the laws of the past + sessions; that all might be at hand for his own review and + consideration. And he requests Mr. Lear, should anything else + have occurred to him as fit for recommendation or communication + in his speech to Congress, to note it, that it might be ready for + his consideration in case it should not be among his own + memorandums. The conclusion is in his usually cordial way.</p> + + <p>This session of Congress passed over. It was the long one, and + ran into May 1792. I find in the collection only three letters to + Mr. Lear dated in that year. The first is from Mount Vernon, July + 30, '92, soon after he had left Philadelphia, and is familiarly + descriptive of his journey homewards. His horses plagued him a + good deal, he says, and the sick mare, owing to a dose of physic + administered the night he reached Chester, was so much weakened + as to be unable to carry Austin [one of the postilions] further + than the Susquehannah; had to be led thence to Hartford, where + she was left, and two days afterwards, "gave up the ghost." As he + travelled on, he heard great complaints of the Hessian fly, and + of rust or mildew in the wheat, and believed that the damage + would be great in some places; but that more was said than the + case warranted, and on the whole the crops would be abundant. On + arriving in Georgetown, he found many well-conceived plans for + the public buildings in the new city, and remarks that it was a + pleasure to him to find in our new country so much architectural + ability displayed. Concludes, "I am your affectionate friend, + G.W."</p> + + <p>The second is dated Mount Vernon, September 21, '92. He tells + Mr. Lear that he had written him but one letter since arriving at + Mount Vernon, but was on the eve of writing a second when his of + the 5th of August got to hand, with such information of his + movements (Mr. Lear having been away from Philadelphia) as might + now enable him to direct a letter to him without danger of its + "reverberating back." He thanks him for the information afforded + in his letter of the 5th of August and in another of the 21st of + July; says he has nothing agreeable of a domestic nature to + relate. Poor George [the General is here supposed to allude to + Mr. George Lewis, one of his nephews, then staying at Mount + Vernon], he fears, is not far from that place whence no traveller + returns; he is but the shadow of what he was; has not been out of + his room, scarcely out of his bed, for six weeks; has intervals + of ease which flatter us a little, but he, the General, has + little hope of his surviving the winter. It is so he writes of + this nephew, adding that the subject gives him much distress. + Concludes, "with sincere and affectionate regard I am always your + friend, G.W."</p> + + <p>The third is dated Mount Vernon, October 1, '92. In the + expectation that this letter will find Mr. Lear again in + Philadelphia, he wishes him to begin in time to compare all his + former speeches to Congress with the subsequent acts of that body + that he might see what parts of them passed altogether unnoticed + or had been only partially noticed, that thus he might be enabled + to judge whether any and what parts should be brought forward + again. He requests him also, as before, to note everything that + may occur to him as fit to be noticed in his communication to + Congress this year, as he desires to have all the materials + collected for his consideration in preparing his speech. He + speaks again of the illness of "poor George," and says that + others of his family are unwell. Concludes in his usually kind + and affection manner.</p> + + <p>[This session of Congress—the short session—came + to its regular close on the 3d of March, 1793.] The General is + again at Mount Vernon in April, and writes to Mr. Lear on the 8th + of that month on some of his private affairs. He tells him that + his letter of the 3d had been received transmitting Mr. ******'s + rental, and Mr. *****'s profession of his inability to discharge + his bond. The latter he thinks more candid than the former, but + supposes that he must be satisfied with both, knowing he will + never get better terms from either. He intimates that before + doing anything with respect to the lands the latter had from him, + he wishes Mr. Lear to have some conversation with * * * * on a + point he (the General) did not clearly understand, as he would + not "put it in the power of malice itself to charge him with any + agency in measures that could be tortured into impropriety in + this matter." In regard to the former person [the same mentioned + in his letters of March 28 and April 3, '91, as having the charge + of some of his property], he requests Mr. Lear to endeavor to + find out through members of Congress, if he can, the name of some + individual in the State in question who would be likely to make + him a faithful agent, as it would not do to leave his concerns in + the hands of ***** any longer; he was too dependent, he feared + (besides other objections to him), for his election to the + legislature to fix his rents at a just medium, or collect them in + the manner he ought to do. The conclusion of this letter has + reference to the will of his deceased nephew, Mr. George Lewis, + who had died at Mount Vernon.</p> + + <p>Mr. Lear had now ceased to be his private Secretary; but the + most intimate correspondence was still kept up with him. On the + 21st of June, 1793, there is a letter to him from Philadelphia + [Mr. L. then being in Georgetown], which the General writes on + purpose to say that he considers it a very kind and friendly act + in him to go to Mount Vernon. The letter finishes with a few + lines of allusion to his private affairs.</p> + + <p>Philadelphia, May 6, 1794. This is a letter written to Mr. + Lear when the latter was in England. It treats of private + matters, and expresses his pleasure at the reception he had from + the Earl of Buchan, Sir John Sinclair, and others in England to + whom General Washington had given him letters. He tells him he + was much obliged to him for the several communications in his + letters, and placed great reliance on them; that the + opportunities he derived from mixing with people in different + walks, high and low, and of different political sentiments, must + have afforded him an extensive range for observation and + comparison; more so by far than could fall to the lot of a + stationary person always revolving in a particular circle. The + General then touches on our home affairs. [He was still + President, it will be remembered.] He says that to tell him the + British order in council of the 8th of June last respecting + neutral vessels had given much discontent in the United States; + and that that of the 6th of November had thrown the people into a + flame, could hardly be new to him. In reference to all the + existing difficulties with England he tells him that many + measures had been moved in Congress, some of which had passed + into acts, and others were pending; that among the former was a + law for fortifying our principal seaports, and another for + raising an additional corps of eight hundred artillery-men for + the defence of them and other purposes; and that the bills + pending were: 1st. One to complete our present military + establishment; 2d. One to raise an army of twenty-five thousand + men in addition to it; and 3d. A bill to organize, put in + training, and hold in readiness at a minute's warning a select + corps of eighty thousand militia. He seemed to think that the + first and last would pass, but that the result of the second + could not be so well predicted. He mentions the appointment of + Mr. Jay as special minister to England in the hope of settling + all our difficulties in a temperate way by fair and firm + negotiation, and that he would sail in a few days, with Mr. John + Trumbell as his private Secretary; tells him also of Mr. + Randolph's appointment as Secretary of State, and that Mr. + Bradford, of Pennsylvania, was made Attorney General in Mr. + Randolph's place. In conclusion, he alludes to "little Lincoln" + [Mr. Lear's son] and his "lottery tickets," which, "poor little + fellow!" he exclaims, will never be likely to build him a + baby-house even; the whole Washington lottery business having + turned out a bed of thorns rather than roses. He terminates the + letter by telling him that his public avocations will not admit + of more than a flying trip to Mount Vernon this summer, and that + this not suiting Mrs. Washington he has taken a house in + Germantown [the vicinity of Philadelphia] to avoid the heat of + Philadelphia in July and August, and that Mrs. Washington, Nelly + [one of the Miss Custi's], and the rest of the family united with + him in every good wish for his health, prosperity, and safe + return; and he begs him to be "assured of the sincerity with + which he was and always should be his affectionate friend, + G.W."</p> + + <p>Mount Vernon, August 5, 1795. Mr. Lear had got back from + England and was now residing in Georgetown or its neighborhood. + The present letter incloses him a power of attorney to vote on + the General's shares in the Potomac Company at a meeting of its + stockholders to be held on the day following, in Georgetown. He + says he would be there himself to vote in person if possible; but + that having sent to the post-office in Alexandria every day since + Friday for letters without receiving any from any of the officers + of the government, he might probably receive a great accumulation + of them on the day following [which was again Friday, and a post + day], to which he would have to give his attention and prepare + answers. It was therefore that he sent the power of attorney to + meet the contingency of his not being present. This power of + attorney was in his own handwriting.</p> + + <p>Philadelphia, March 13, 1796. There are brief letters since + the above that touch on private business. In this of the 13th of + March, 1796, alluding to his pecuniary affairs, he says, that for + the few years he has to remain here, the enjoyment of less, with + more ease and certainty, will be more convenient to him, and more + desirable; had his resources been adequate to it, he would have + purchased the lot and houses in Alexandria which Mr. Lear pointed + out; but that as his resources depended on contingencies that + might baffle his calculations, he chose to tread on sure ground + in all his engagements, being as unwilling to embarrass others by + uncertain contracts as to be deceived himself in his + expectations.</p> + + <p>Philadelphia, April 29, 1796. This is one of a few lines in + which he requests Mr. Lear's acceptance of some garden seeds for + his garden and farm. They were portions of some sent to him from + England to be planted at Mount Vernon.</p> + + <p>Philadelphia, November 16, 1796. This relates to the sale of + some of his agricultural produce, and to the disappointments he + had experienced in payments promised to him.</p> + + <p>Mount Vernon, March 25, 1797. The General is now relieved from + all public duties and cares. On the 3d of March of this year he + ceased to be President by voluntarily retiring from the post + after writing that farewell address which a British + historian<a name="FNanchor_D_4"></a><a href= + "#Footnote_D_4"><sup>[D]</sup></a> has pronounced unequalled by + any composition of uninspired wisdom. He is now a private citizen + returned to his country estate at Mount Vernon on the banks of + the Potomac. Mr. Lear is in Georgetown. In this letter to him of + the 25th of March '97, he speaks of plans for repairing and + refitting his ancient and loved home; but adds that in that rural + vicinity he finds difficulty in getting proper workmen, and + requests Mr. Lear's aid in procuring some from Georgetown, or the + new "Federal City," [as Washington at that day was usually + called.] Skill and dispatch would be necessary qualifications, + and he thinks that his "<i>Old Sergeant Cornelius</i>" might do + for one of the workmen. It seems that this person had been heard + of in those parts, and he adds that he would give him the + preference as knowing his temper and industry.</p> + + <p>Not long, however, is he permitted to remain a private citizen + reposing at Mount Vernon amidst all its endearments. The next + succeeding year finds him again summoned by his country to her + service. At the eager solicitation of the government, the elder + Adams then being President, and Mr. Adams' own desire being + seconded by the nation's voice, he was prevailed upon to accept + the supreme command of the Army during the difficulties and even + quasi-war that had risen up with our old ally, France. He + accepted on condition of receiving no pay or emolument until + actually called into the field. Nevertheless this conditional + acceptance threw upon him burdensome duties. It exposed him to + "many official calls, to a heavy correspondence, and to a flow of + company." It is so he expresses himself. In this conjuncture he + writes to his attached friend and faithful secretary Mr. Lear. + Under date of August the second, 1798, from Mount Vernon, he + describes to him those fresh duties as hindrances to putting his + private affairs in that order so necessary before he embarked in + new scenes; it being his desire, before quitting the scene of + human action, to leave his concerns in such a condition as to + give as little trouble as possible to those who would have the + management of them afterwards. Under this view of his situation + he had written to the Secretary of War to be informed whether he + was at liberty to appoint his secretary, who should be entitled + to the usual and proper allowances; and concludes with asking Mr. + Lear if he would join him in that capacity if the Secretary of + War answered in the affirmative. Mr. Lear assents.</p> + + <p>This is the last letter in the series. I learn from Mrs. Lear + that others not in this collection, bespeaking a high degree of + intimacy and confidence, were written to her husband by the same + hand. This may well be conceived when it is known that Mr. Lear's + connection with this illustrious man began prior to the year '86, + and continued until his death in '99; that he was at his bedside + when he died, and drew up the authentic narrative, which was + verified by the physicians, of his last illness, from its + commencement to the closing scene. This was published at that + time to meet the anxious feelings of his mourning countrymen, + struck down at first by his death as by a shock that went through + every heart.</p> + + <p>From one of the letters there dropped out, as I unfolded it, a + slip in Mr. Lear's handwriting, dated May the first, 1791, + containing the copy of a message to General Washington from Lord + Cornwallis, of which Captain Truxton had been the bearer from the + East Indies. His lordship, whom Captain Truxton had seen there, + being then Governor General of India. "congratulated General + Washington on the establishment of a happy government in his + country, and congratulated the country on the accession of + General Washington to its Chief Magistracy." The message wished + "General Washington a long enjoyment of tranquillity and + happiness," adding that, for himself (Lord C.), he "continued in + troubled waters."</p> + + <p>I have thus noticed succinctly, perhaps I might more + appropriately say described, these letters. In abridging and + connecting the train of them, Washington's language is used to + the extent that will be seen. The style is different from that of + his official productions and other letters of his voluminous + correspondence. He naturally stepped into one more familiar when + writing to a confidential friend on family matters relating to + his home at Mount Vernon, or as it was to be arranged in + Philadelphia while he was President. But the style has the + directness and sincerity of all his writings. It is apparent that + the letters are written without reserve. With two or three + exceptions, no copies appear to have been kept; yet everything is + frank and straight-forward. Understanding human nature thoroughly + under all its phases, he deals wisely with men in small things as + in great; but he does no one injustice. When others are acting + disingenuously towards him, though seeing through it, he is + considerate and forbearing, not taking steps hastily, but ready + to make allowances where they could be made. Dishonesty or + suspicion of it he never overlooks. In the second letter he + suspects his steward of extravagance in spending too much for + supplies of the table kept for his upper servants; yet he + authorizes Mr. Lear to retain him, if, on looking into his + accounts, he finds him honest; intimating that any successor to + him might act in the same way, and a dismissal might be only a + change without a benefit. His reprobation of all dishonesty is + seen in more than one of the letters, as well as his restrained + modes of dealing with it whilst affecting only his own + interests.</p> + + <p>As regards the minutiae seen in the letters; the details + respecting his house, furniture, servants, carriages, horses, + postilions, and so on, these will be read with curiosity and + interest. They suggest a new test by which to try Washington, and + let him be tried by it. We have not before had such details from + himself. It is for the first time the curtain has been so + lifted.</p> + + <p>All great men, the very greatest, Caesar, Cromwell, Napoleon, + Frederick, Peter the Great, Marlborough, Alexander, all on the + long list of towering names, have had contact with small things. + No pinnacle in station, no supremacy in excellence or intellect, + can exempt man from this portion of his lot. It is a human + necessity. Washington goes into this sphere with a propriety and + seemliness not always observable in others of his high cast, but + often signally the reverse. In dealing with small things, he + shows no undue tenacity of opinion; no selfishness; no petulance; + no misplaced excitements. He never plays the petty tyrant. He + does not forget himself; he does not forget others; he assumes + nothing from any exaltation in himself, but is reasonable and + provident in all his domestic and household arrangements.</p> + + <p>Shall we seek for comparisons, or rather contrasts? With as + much of Washington's domestic portraiture before us as these + letters hold up, shall we turn to look at others? There is no + difficulty, but in selecting from the vast heap.</p> + + <p>Frederick thought coffee too expensive an indulgence for + common use in his kingdom, saying he was himself reared on beer + soup, which was surely good enough for peasants and common + fellows, as he called his people. He wrote directions to his + different cooks with his own hand the better to pamper his + appetite with every variety of the dishes and sauces he liked + best. He stinted Voltaire in sugar while a guest in his palace, + or gave it to him cheap and bad. He praised him face to face, and + ridiculed him behind his back. Napoleon played blind-man's buff + at St. Helena. He lost his temper at his coronation on perceiving + that some of the princesses of his family who were to act as + trainbearers were not in their right places. Caesar was versed in + all the ceremonials of State. It was said that he would even have + been a perfect Roman gentleman but for a habit of putting one of + his fingers in his hair. Yet such a master of forms gave grave + offence to the Roman Senate by not rising when they intended him + a compliment; so unwise was he in small things. Cromwell in a + frolic threw a cushion at Ludlow, who in turn threw one at him. + He bedaubed with ink the face of one of the justices, who, with + Cromwell himself, had just been condemning Charles to the block. + Peter the Great travelled about with a pet monkey, which + unceremoniously jumped upon the King of England's shoulder when + the latter visited the Czar in London. Some great men have played + leap-frog; some practised this affectation, some that. The book + of history records too amply the child-like diversions among + those who have flourished on the summits of renown. We hear of + none of this in Washington; no idle whimsies, no studied or + foolish eccentricities; none of the buffoonery of ripe years. + They were not in him; or if they were, self-discipline extirpated + them, as it did the bad ambition and moral callousness that have + disfigured too many of the great names of the earth, ancient and + modern; whilst his matchless purity and deathless deeds raise him + above them all. This verdict is already more than half pronounced + by the most enlightened and scrutinizing portions of mankind, and + time is silently extending its domain as he is longer tried by + the parallels of history, and by the philosophy of greatness + itself.</p> + + <p>Before his fame, steadily ascending from its adamantine + foundation, gave signs that it was to encircle the globe, some + imagined him too prudent. Some thought him devoid of sensibility; + a cold, colossal mass, intrenched in taciturnity, or enfolded in + a mantle of dignity. The sequel disclosed that his complete + mastery over passion, moving in harmony with his other powers and + faculties, lent its essential aid towards his unrivalled name. + Opinion and passion were strong in him. The latter existed in + vehemence; but he put the curb upon it, turning it into right + directions, and excluding it otherwise from influence upon his + conduct. He stifled his dislikes; he was silent under sneers and + disparaging innuendoes lest inopportune speech might work injury + to the great cause confided to him. To the success of that cause + he looked steadily and exclusively. It absorbed his whole soul, + and he determined to concentrate upon it all his forbearance as + well as energy. The complicated dangers which encompassed it he + knew, from his position, sooner and better than others; but he + would not make them public, lest the foe might hear them, or + others whose prepossessions were unfriendly; preferring that + temporary odium should rest upon himself. Therefore his reserve; + and thus it was that the grand results of his life came out in + manifold blessings to his country; thus it was that some at first + distrustful, and others long distrustful, of his superiority, + came to admit it in the end. Be it added, that his native good + sense teaching him the value of social restraint, and his + knowledge of the world, its approved observances in intercourse, + the tone of the gentleman on its best models ever also graced his + public glory.</p> + + <p>An anecdote I derived from Colonel Lear shortly before his + death in 1816, may here be related, showing the height to which + his passion would rise yet be controlled. It belongs to his + domestic life which I am dealing with, having occurred under his + own roof, whilst it marks public feeling the most intense, and + points to the moral of his life. I give it in Colonel Lear's + words as nearly as I can, having made a note of them at the + time.</p> + + <p>Towards the close of a winter's day in 1791, an officer in + uniform was seen to dismount in front of the President's in + Philadelphia, and, giving the bridle to his servant, knock at the + door of his mansion. Learning from the porter that the President + was at dinner, he said he was on public business and had + dispatches for the President. A servant was sent into the + dining-room to give the information to Mr. Lear, who left the + table and went into the hall where the officer repeated what he + had said. Mr. Lear replied that, as the President's Secretary, he + would take charge of the dispatches and deliver them at the + proper time. The officer made answer that he had just arrived + from the western army, and his orders were to deliver them with + all promptitude, and to the President in person; but that he + would wait his directions. Mr. Lear returned, and in a whisper + imparted to the President what had passed. General Washington + rose from the table, and went to the officer. He was back in a + short time, made a word of apology for his absence, but no + allusion to the cause of it. He had company that day. Everything + went on as usual. Dinner over, the gentlemen passed to the + drawing-room of Mrs. Washington, which was open in the evening. + The General spoke courteously to every lady in the room, as was + his custom. His hours were early, and by ten o'clock all the + company had gone. Mrs. Washington and Mr. Lear remained. Soon + Mrs. Washington left the room.</p> + + <p>The General now walked backward and forward slowly for some + minutes without speaking. Then he sat down on a sofa by the fire, + telling Mr. Lear to sit down. To this moment there had been no + change in his manner since his interruption at table. Mr. Lear + now perceived emotion. This rising in him, he broke out suddenly, + "<i>It's all over—St. Clair's + defeated—routed;—the officers nearly all killed, the + men by wholesale; the route complete—too shocking to think + of—and a surprise into the bargain</i>!"</p> + + <p>He uttered all this with great vehemence. Then he paused, got + up from the sofa and walked about the room several times, + agitated but saying nothing. Near the door he stopped short and + stood still a few seconds, when his wrath became terrible.</p> + + <p>"<i>Yes</i>," he burst forth, "HERE <i>on this very spot, I + took leave of him; I wished him success and honor; you have your + instructions, I said, from the Secretary of War, I had a strict + eye to them, and will add but one word</i>—BEWARE OF A + SURPRISE. <i>I repeat it</i>, BEWARE OF A SURPRISE—<i>you + know how the Indians fight us. He went off with that as my last + solemn warning thrown into his ears. And yet!! to suffer that + army to be cut to pieces, hack'd, butchered, tomahawk'd, by a + surprise—the very thing I guarded him against!! O God, O + God, he's worse than a murderer! how can he answer it to his + country;—the blood of the slain is upon him—the curse + of widows and orphans—the curse of Heaven</i>!"</p> + + <p>This torrent came out in tones appalling. His very frame + shook. It was awful, said Mr. Lear. More than once he threw his + hands up as he hurled imprecations upon St. Clair. Mr. Lear + remained speechless; awed into breathless silence.</p> + + <p>The roused Chief sat down on the sofa once more. He seemed + conscious of his passion, and uncomfortable. He was silent. His + warmth beginning to subside, he at length said in an altered + voice: "<i>This must not go beyond this room</i>." Another pause + followed—a longer one—when he said in a tone quite + low, "<i>General St. Clair shall have justice; I looked hastily + through the dispatches, saw the whole disaster but not all the + particulars; I will receive him without displeasure; I will hear + him without prejudice; he shall have full justice</i>."</p> + + <p>He was now, said Mr. Lear, perfectly calm. Half an hour had + gone by. The storm was over; and no sign of it was afterwards + seen in his conduct or heard in his conversation. The result is + known. The whole case was investigated by Congress. St. Clair was + exculpated and regained the confidence Washington had in him when + appointing him to that command. He had put himself into the + thickest of the fight and escaped unhurt, though so ill as to be + carried on a litter, and unable to mount his horse without + help.</p> + + <p>A passage from one of Mr. Jefferson's letters which the + historian Sparks records, may here be given, as its spirit covers + the private as well as public life of Washington. Mr. Jefferson + withdrew his services as Secretary of State from the + administration of Washington towards the close of his first term + in the Presidency. His retirement from that post took place when + party spirit was violent and bitter in the extreme; never was it + more so in the annals of our country; and it was known that he + had differed from Washington on political questions of the + greatest importance. Nevertheless, writing of him at a later + period Mr. Jefferson says: "His integrity was most pure; his + justice the most inflexible I have ever known; no motives of + interest or consanguinity, of friendship or hatred, being able to + bias his decision. He was, indeed, in every sense of the word, a + wise, a good, and a great man."</p> + + <p>I return to his letters to Mr. Lear. In superintending his + domestic affairs, these letters exhibit him as the head of a + well-ordered family, himself the regulator of it all under maxims + that best conduce to order because not too rigid. We see that he + was truly hospitable; kind; devoted to his kindred whom he + gathers around him, interesting himself in their education and + welfare; cheering them with a welcome at Mount Vernon, and + soothing them in sickness and sorrow. The kindred of Mrs. + Washington alike share his solicitudes, paternal care, and + constant kindness. All this is discernible from the facts that + drop out in these letters. They point to a heart affectionately + alive to the best social and family feelings. We see his + attention to the comfort of his servants, slaves, and others. His + government of them, upper and subordinate, appears to have been + perfect by his union of discipline with liberality. He knew that + his postilions, if they slept over the stable, would carry lights + there whether he forbade it or not, for they would do it when he + knew nothing about it and not tell on each other. He therefore + allowed no sleeping there at all.</p> + + <p>I could not avoid remarking, as characteristic throughout the + whole of this correspondence, that there is never any complaining + of his labors. Letter-writing alone would have been a heavy labor + to him but for his system and industry. Promptitude in using his + pen there must necessarily have been, or he could not have + written so much. The history of the times will show that when he + wrote these letters he was simultaneously writing others on + public business, which, as the world knows, he never neglected in + any jot or tittle no matter what else he might be doing. The + domestic letters must therefore have been struck off with great + facility. Let us call to mind also the more than two hundred + volumes of folio manuscript of his public correspondence which + Congress purchased, and then remember that the sum of all he + wrote is as nothing to what he <i>did</i> in his long career of + activity in his country's service, military and civil.</p> + + <p>Next I remark, as a new corroboration of the modesty ever so + prominent in him, that not once throughout the whole of this + correspondence does he make any, the slightest, allusion to + himself in connection with the Revolutionary War, comparatively + recent as it then was. Besides that the general tenor of the + correspondence might have supplied occasions for such allusions, + special opportunities were at hand while skirting the + battlegrounds and other localities of his military operations in + the war, even in his journeys between Mount Vernon and + Philadelphia; yet they are never once made. The casual mention of + his "<i>Old Sergeant Cornelius</i>," whom he happened to want as + a workman about his grounds at Mount Vernon, is the sole + reference that could wake up the mind to his having had anything + to do with the Revolution. He had helped to pave the way for that + great event by the influence of his high character thrown into + the scale when the early questions of resistance or submission + were in agitation; he had helped it on by his attachment to + constitutional liberty at that epoch though his fortune was at + stake, and friendships among the highborn and cultivated from the + parent State then among his associates in Virginia—could a + bosom like his have been swayed by such thoughts; he had helped + it on by the special weight of name he had won in arms fighting + side by side with the proud generals and troops of Britain + confident of victory, but saved from annihilation by his inborn + fearlessness and superiority, when death was all around him and + dismay everywhere in Braddock's disastrous fight—their + silent homage crowning the head of their deliverer; his + triumphant sword at Yorktown put the crowning hand to the + immortal work—the work that founded this great nation; yet + we could never infer from a word or hint in the course of these + letters, from first to last, that he had anything to do with the + work, except as the name of "<i>Sergeant Cornelius</i>" + incidentally falls from his pen with only a rural object. What a + lesson! Some extol themselves openly. Some do it under cover of + self-humiliation, called by a French writer the pomp of modesty. + Washington is simply silent; he will slide into no allusions to + the great and glorious work of his life in the midst of + temptations to it.</p> + + <p>Finally: the charm of these letters is in their being so + familiar, so out of the sphere of his correspondence generally, + and therefore holding him up in lights that seem new. Mankind, + long familiar with the external attributes and grandeur of his + character, looking up to his vast fame as hero and statesman + uncertain which predominates, have known less of him at home with + his family, his relations and his friends. The inner parts of his + character, the kindlier impulses of his nature, his sympathies + with those dear to him, dependent on him, or looking to him for + the solace of his kindness, seem to have remained less publicly + known. Mr. Sparks, in his preface to his "Life and Writings," + remarks that "it must be kept in mind that much the larger + portion of his life passed on a conspicuous public theatre, and + that no account of it can be written which will not assume + essentially the air of history." He adds, that while in his work + "anecdotes are interwoven and such incidents of a private and + personal nature as are known, they are more rare than could be + desired."</p> + + <p>The synopsis of the letters which I have given may perhaps + tend in some small degree to supply this desideratum in his + illustrious life alongside of the more copious anecdotes and + reminiscences supplied by the patriotic and filial devotion of + Mr. Custis. This is my humble hope.</p> + + <p>Since the foregoing Letters were received from Mrs. Lear, she + has favored me with the perusal of other manuscripts introducing + us to the domestic hours of General Washington. Among them is a + Diary kept by Mr. Lear at Mount Vernon in 1786, anterior + therefore to the time when Washington became President. From this + document I am permitted to copy a passage entire. It is dated the + 23d of October, '86. Mr. Drayton and Mr. Izard, gentlemen of + South Carolina, had been spending the day at Mount Vernon. After + dinner, the company still round the table, Washington was led to + speak of Arnold's treason, and Mr. Lear wrote down his account of + it in his Diary of that day. Although history has made us + familiar with that whole transaction in its essential facts, to + hear it under such circumstances from the lips of Washington, + seems to impart to it new interest. We listen with revived + curiosity and attention when such a narrator speaks. The copy + from Mr. Lear's Diary, in which is recorded this interesting + dinner-table narrative, is in the words following:—</p><br> + <br> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">"MOUNT VERNON,</span><br> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">Monday, October 23d, + 1786.</span><br> + + <p>"Mrs. Washington went to Arlington with the two children. Sent + a letter directed to Mr. Samuel Storer to the post-office by + Charles, who went up to town (Alexandria) with Master Thompson + and Lawrence Washington, who had spent their vacation here. Mr. + Drayton and Mr. Izard here all day. After dinner General + Washington was, in the course of conversation, led to speak of + Arnold's treachery, when he gave the following account of it, + which I shall put in his own words, thus: 'I confess I had a good + opinion of Arnold before his treachery was brought to light; had + that not been the case, I should have had some reason to suspect + him sooner, for when he commanded in Philadelphia, the Marquis la + Fayette brought accounts from France of the armament which was to + be sent to co-operate with us in the ensuing campaign. Soon after + this was known, Arnold pretended to have some private business to + transact in Connecticut, and on his way there he called at my + quarters; and in the course of conversation expressed a desire of + quitting Philadelphia and joining the army the ensuing campaign. + I told him that it was probable we should have a very active one, + and that if his wound and state of health would permit, I should + be extremely glad of his services with the army. He replied that + he did not think his wound would permit him to take a very active + part; but still he persisted in his desire of being with the + army. He went on to Connecticut, and on his return called again + upon me. He renewed his request of being with me next campaign, + and I made him the same answer I had done before. He again + repeated that he did not think his wound would permit him to do + active duty, and intimated a desire to have the command at West + Point. I told him I did not think that would suit him, as I + should leave none in the garrison but invalids, because it would + be entirely covered by the main army. The subject was dropt at + that time, and he returned to Philadelphia. It then appeared + somewhat strange to me, that a man of Arnold's known activity and + enterprise, should be desirous of taking so inactive a part. I + however thought no more of the matter. When the French troops + arrived at Rhode Island, I had intelligence from New York that + General Clinton intended to make an attack upon them before they + could get themselves settled and fortified. In consequence of + that, I was determined to attack New York, which would be left + much exposed by his drawing off the British troops; and + accordingly formed my line of battle, and moved down with the + whole army to King's ferry, which we passed. Arnold came to camp + at that time, and having no command, and consequently no quarters + (all the houses thereabouts being occupied by the army), he was + obliged to seek lodgings at some distance from the camp. While + the army was crossing at King's ferry, I was going to see the + last detachment over, and met Arnold, who asked me if I had + thought of anything for him. I told him that he was to have the + command of the light troops, which was a post of honor, and which + his rank indeed entitled him to. Upon this information his + countenance changed, and he appeared to be quite fallen; and + instead of thanking me, or expressing any pleasure at the + appointment, never opened his mouth. I desired him to go on to my + quarters and get something to refresh himself, and I would meet + him there soon. He did so. Upon his arrival there, he found Col. + Tilghman, whom he took a one side, and mentioning what I had told + him, seemed to express great uneasiness at it—as his leg, + he said, would not permit him to be long on horse-back; and + intimated a great desire to have the command at West Point. When + I returned to my quarters, Col. Tilghman informed me of what had + passed. I made no reply to it—but his behavior struck me as + strange and unaccountable. In the course of that night, however, + I received information from New York that General Clinton had + altered his plan and was debarking his troops. This information + obliged me likewise to alter my disposition and return to my + former station, where I could better cover the country. I then + determined to comply with Arnold's desire, and accordingly gave + him the command of the garrison at West Point. Things remained in + this situation about a fortnight, when I wrote to the Count + Rochambeau desiring to meet him at some intermediate place (as we + could neither of us be long enough from our respective commands + to visit the other), in order to lay the plan for the siege of + Yorktown, and proposed Hartford, where I accordingly went and met + the Count. On my return I met the Chevalier Luzerne towards + evening within about 15 miles of West Point (on his way to join + the Count at Rhode Island), which I intended to reach that night, + but he insisted upon turning back with me to the next public + house; where, in politeness to him, I could not but stay all + night, determining, however, to get to West Point to breakfast + very early. I sent off my baggage, and desired Colonel Hamilton + to go forward and inform General Arnold that I would breakfast + with him. Soon after he arrived at Arnold's quarters, a letter + was delivered to Arnold which threw him into the greatest + confusion. He told Colonel Hamilton that something required his + immediate attendance at the garrison which was on the opposite + side of the river to his quarters; and immediately ordered a + horse, to take him to the river; and the barge, which he kept to + cross, to be ready; and desired Major Franks, his Aid, to inform + me when I should arrive, that he was gone over the river and + would return immediately. When I got to his quarters and did not + find him there, I desired Major Franks to order me some + breakfast; and as I intended to visit the fortifications I would + see General Arnold there. After I had breakfasted, I went over + the river, and inquiring for Arnold, the commanding officer told + me that he had not been there. I likewise inquired at the several + redoubts, but no one could give me any information where he was. + The impropriety of his conduct when he knew I was to be there, + struck me very forcibly, and my mind misgave me; but I had not + the least idea of the real cause. When I returned to Arnold's + quarters about two hours after, and told Colonel Hamilton that I + had not seen him, he gave me a packet which had just arrived for + me from Col. Jemmison, which immediately brought the matter to + light. I ordered Colonel Hamilton to mount his horse and proceed + with the greatest despatch to a post on the river about eight + miles below, in order to stop the barge if she had not passed; + but it was too late. It seems that the letter which Arnold + received which threw him in such confusion was from Col. + Jemmison, informing him that Andre was taken and that the papers + found upon him were in his possession. Col. Jemmison, when Andre + was taken with these papers, could not believe that Arnold was a + traitor, but rather thought it was an imposition of the British + in order to destroy our confidence in Arnold. He, however, + immediately on their being taken, despatched an express after me, + ordering him to ride night and day till he came up with me. The + express went the lower road, which was the road by which I had + gone to Connecticut, expecting that I would return by the same + route, and that he would meet me; but before he had proceeded + far, he was informed that I was returning by the upper road. He + then cut across the country and followed in my track till I + arrived at West Point. He arrived about two hours after, and + brought the above packet. When Arnold got down to the barge, he + ordered his men, who were very clever fellows and some of the + better sort of soldiery, to proceed immediately on board the + Vulture sloop of war, as a flag, which was lying down the river; + saying that they must be very expeditious, as he must return in a + short time to meet me, and promised them two gallons of rum if + they would exert themselves. They did, accordingly; but when they + got on board the Vulture, instead of their two gallons of rum, he + ordered the coxswain to be called down into the cabin and + informed him that he and the men must consider themselves as + prisoners. The coxswain was very much astonished, and told him + that they came on board under the sanction of a flag. He answered + that that was nothing to the purpose; they were prisoners. But + the Captain of the Vulture had more generosity than this pitiful + scoundrel, and told the coxswain that he would take his parole + for going on shore to get clothes, and whatever else was wanted + for himself and his companions. He accordingly came, got his + clothes and returned on board. When they got to New York, General + Clinton, ashamed of so low and mean an action, set them all at + liberty."</p> + + <p>This closes the account. It terminates also the use I have + been permitted, through the valued friendship of Mrs. Lear, to + make of these manuscripts.</p> + + <p>R.R.</p><br> + + <p>FOOTNOTES:</p><a name="Footnote_A_1"></a><a href= + "#FNanchor_A_1">[A]</a> + + <div class="note"> + <p>Alluding probably to the Nootka Sound controversy then + pending between these courts.</p> + </div><a name="Footnote_B_2"></a><a href="#FNanchor_B_2">[B]</a> + + <div class="note"> + <p>The affectionate interest General Washington took in this + adopted son is well known. Mr. Custis still lives (1856) and + still dispenses the hospitalities of Arlington, his estate and + home in Virginia near the city of Washington; which it + overlooks from its beautiful heights. His house exhibits + paintings, illustrative of our revolutionary annals, the work + of his amateur pencil; whilst the productions of his patriotic + pen have charmed the public by the anecdotes they record in + attractive ways of the personal, rural, and other habits of the + great Chief.</p> + </div><a name="Footnote_C_3"></a><a href="#FNanchor_C_3">[C]</a> + + <div class="note"> + <p>The latter mean his slaves.</p> + </div><a name="Footnote_D_4"></a><a href="#FNanchor_D_4">[D]</a> + + <div class="note"> + <p>Alison</p> + </div> + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's Washington in Domestic Life, by Richard Rush + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK WASHINGTON IN DOMESTIC LIFE *** + +***** This file should be named 11926-h.htm or 11926-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/1/1/9/2/11926/ + +Produced by Garrett Alley and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team. + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Washington in Domestic Life + +Author: Richard Rush + +Release Date: April 6, 2004 [EBook #11926] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK WASHINGTON IN DOMESTIC LIFE *** + + + + +Produced by Garrett Alley and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team. + + + + +WASHINGTON IN DOMESTIC LIFE. + +From Original Letters and Manuscripts. By Richard Rush. + +1857. + + + + +GENTLEMEN:-- + +In confiding to your house the publication of this brief paper on some +points in the character of Washington, I beg leave to say, that for any +deficiency in the cost of publishing, after all your charges in having +it fitly done are defrayed, I will be responsible. + +And in the very remote probability of the sale of a production so +limited as this, in the face of a thousand better things on Washington's +character already before the world, ever yielding anything in the way of +profit after your proper expenditures are all satisfied, it will go, +however small, to the Washington Monument Fund, existing in the +metropolis of our country. + + I am, gentlemen, + + Your very faithful + + And obedient servant, + + RICHARD RUSH. + + +SYDENHAM, NEAR PHILADELPHIA, February 28, 1857. + + +To MESSRS. + +J.B. LIPPINCOTT AND CO., + +PUBLISHERS, + +PHILADELPHIA. + + + + +TO + +CHARLES J. INGERSOLL. + + * * * * * + +This literary trifle is hardly worth a dedication; yet it has dared to +touch, though with incompetent hands, a high subject, and, trifle as it +is, I dedicate it to you. At an agreeable little dinner at your table +lately, where we had the new Vice-President, Mr. Breckenridge, whose +maternal stock, the Stanhope Smiths and Witherspoons, so rich in +intellect, we knew at Princeton, you said we had been friends for +upwards of sixty years. You were right, for we were merry boys together +in Philadelphia before our college days at Princeton; and I may here +add, that our friendship never has been interrupted. + +RICHARD RUSH. + + + + +INTRODUCTORY EXPLANATION. + +The manuscript or paper here published was prepared from a collection of +original letters from General Washington on matters, for the most part, +purely domestic and personal, addressed to Colonel Tobias Lear, his +private Secretary for a part of the time he was President; and then, and +during periods much longer, his confidential friend. They came into my +hands through the voluntary kindness of Mrs. Lear, of the city of +Washington, the estimable relict of Colonel Lear, and niece of Mrs. +Washington, whose friendship it was my good lot and that of my family to +enjoy; as we did that of Colonel Lear while he lived. The latter died in +Washington in 1816. Mrs. Lear first informed me of these letters ten or +twelve years ago when in Washington, and offered them to my perusal and +examination, telling me to take them home and retain them as long as I +chose, and use them as I thought best, for she knew I would not abuse +this privilege. I brought them home as requested, being then too much +engaged in the business of the Smithsonian Institution as one of the +Regents on its first organization, to examine them while in Washington. +She afterwards read, approved, and for some time had in her hands the +paper I drew up from them. + +It consisted of notices of, and extracts from these original letters, +the matter being abridged, connecting links used, and omissions made +where the great author himself marked them private or from parts +otherwise not necessary to go before the world. So guarded and prepared, +and with a commentary interwoven, Mrs. Lear left its publication to my +discretion. I returned the original letters, in number more than thirty, +in the state I received them from her. I never allowed any one of them +to be copied; but gave one away, or two, for I am not at this day +certain which, to Mr. Polk while he was President of the United States, +having first asked and obtained Mrs. Lear's consent for that purpose. +She also gave me two of them not very long before her decease, which I +prize the more as her gift. I have other original letters from the same +immortal source, the valued donation in 1830, of the son of Colonel +Lear, Lincoln Lear, Esquire. + +This excellent lady, who long honored me with her friendship and +confidence in the above and other ways, after surviving Colonel Lear +forty years, died last December in Washington. There she had continued +to live as his widow; being all this time in possession of, and as I +supposed owning, these original letters. There she lived, beloved as a +pattern of the Christian virtues, and enjoying the esteem of the circle +around her as an interesting relict of days becoming historical; but +ever elevating in the associations they recall. Now that she is gone, I +am induced to give to the public the paper in question. In doing so I +have the best grounds for believing that I perform an act that would +have been grateful to her were she living. She was fully informed of my +intention to publish it and could not but be sensible that the long +respect and affectionate attachment of General Washington which her +husband enjoyed, as so indelibly stamped upon these letters, is a record +of his probity, capacity, and sterling worth, than which none could ever +be more precious, or be likely to endure longer. This consideration it +might be thought affects only the descendants of Colonel Lear or others +devoted to his memory; but I have ventured to think that the publication +may not be wholly unacceptable on broader grounds. Nothing, indeed, in +authentic connection with Washington's great name can ever be unwelcome +to the American people; and although it may have happened that some few +of these letters have heretofore found their way into print in whole or +in part, the number, as far as was known to Mrs. Lear, is believed to be +very small. Hence the publication need not be forborne on that account; +more especially if it should be found to carry with it the slightest +general interest in the form now presented. + +In regard to the narrative of Arnold's treason as given by the great +Chief at his table at Mount Vernon and afterwards written down by +Colonel Lear, which I have appended to the synopsis of the letters, it +was not within Mrs. Lear's knowledge, nor is it within mine at present, +that it has ever been in print before. + +RICHARD RUSH. + +SYDENHAM, NEAR PHILADELPHIA, February, 1857. + + + + +WASHINGTON IN DOMESTIC LIFE. + + +When first I opened and cursorily read the original letters from General +Washington, mentioned in the foregoing introductory explanation, and +noticed the domestic topics which ran so largely through them, they +struck me as possessing peculiar interest. They were of value as coming +from that venerated source, and doubly so, considering how little is +known, through his own correspondence, of his domestic life; scarcely, +in fact, any of its details. Reading the letters again, I found the +matter to be somewhat more varied than my first eager inspection of +them, as hastily unfolded, had led me to suppose; but they were +desultory, and much broken as to dates. The occasional mixture of other +matter, especially public matter, with the domestic topics, did not +diminish the interest of the letters, but the contrary. In this +publication I follow the order of the dates. Where wide chasms occur, I +have merely supplied a link in the chain by an explanatory remark here +and there, in aid of the reader, not hazarding other remarks until all +the letters are mentioned. Thus much as to the plan. I proceed to speak +of the letters themselves. + +The first in date is of the fifth of September, 1790. It is written in +Philadelphia, where Washington had just then arrived from New York, Mr. +Lear, as may be inferred from it, being in New York. He states that he +would proceed onward to Mount Vernon on the day following if Mrs. +Washington's health would permit, as she had been indisposed since their +arrival in Philadelphia; that before he arrived, the city corporation +had taken the house of Mr. Robert Morris for his residence, but that it +would not be sufficiently commodious without additions. + + [This house was in Market Street on the south side near + Sixth Street. The market house buildings then stopped at + Fourth Street; the town in this street extended westward + scarcely as far as Ninth Street; good private dwellings were + seen above Fifth Street; Mr. Morris's was perhaps the best; + the garden was well inclosed by a wall.] + +He describes the house, remarking that even with the proposed additions +the gentlemen of his family would have to go into the third story, where +also Mr. Lear and Mrs. Lear would have to go; and that there would be no +place for his own study and dressing-room but in the back building; +there are good stables, and the coach-house would hold his carriages; +but his coachmen and postilions would have to sleep over the stable +where there was no fireplace, though the room might be warmed by a +stove. The other servants could sleep in the house, he adds, if, in +addition to the present accommodations, a servants' hall were built with +one or two lodging-rooms over it. These are samples of the particularity +with which he writes. He tells Mr. Lear that he had left his coach and +harness with the coachmaker, Mr. Clarke, in Philadelphia, for repairs, +and requests him to see that they are well done and at the time +appointed. The residue of the letter relates to the bringing on of his +servants from New York. It begins "Dear Sir," and after saying that Mrs. +Washington joins with him in best wishes to Mrs. Lear, concludes, "I am +sincerely and affectionately yours, Geo. Washington." The letter fills +the four pages of a sheet of letter paper in his compact but bold and +legible hand, with a few interlineations made very distinctly. + +The next letter is dated Mount Vernon, September 20, 1790. After saying +a few words about Mr. Morris's house, he reverts to the subject of +bringing his servants from New York to Philadelphia, naming several of +them, but doubting the expediency of bringing all by sea, especially the +upper servants. The steward and his wife are mentioned as perhaps best +not to be brought at all; he has no wish to part with them: first, +because he does not like to be changing; and secondly, because he did +not know how to supply their places, but was much mistaken if the +expenses of the second table, where the steward presided, had not +greatly exceeded the proper mark; he suspected there was nothing brought +to his own table of liquors, fruit, or other things, that had not been +used as profusely at the steward's; that if his suspicions were +unfounded he should be sorry for having entertained them; and if not, it +was at least questionable whether any successor of ****** might not do +the same thing, in which case there might be a change without a benefit. +He leaves it with Mr. Lear whether to retain him or not, provided he +thought him honest, of which he would be better able to judge on +comparing his accounts with those of his former steward, which he (the +General) had not done. He concludes, "with sincere regard and affection, +I am yours, Geo. Washington." + + [At this epoch, the seat of government had just been removed + from New York to Philadelphia, making it necessary for + General Washington to establish himself in the latter city, + which leads him into the details given and to follow.] + +The third letter is from Mount Vernon, September 27, 1790. It begins by +saying that since his last, the date of which is not recollected, as he +kept no copies of these letters, two had been received from Mr. Lear, of +which he gives the dates. He approves of his mode of removing the +furniture, and asks, "How have you disposed of the Pagoda? It is a +delicate piece of stuff, and will require to be handled tenderly." + +Alluding to the house in which he had lived in New York, the lease of +which was unexpired, he says that he expected ***** would endeavor to +impose his own terms when he found he could not get it off his hands; we +are in his power and he must do what he pleases with us. As the "Lustre" +is paid for and securely packed up, and may suit the largest +drawing-room at Mr. Morris's house in Philadelphia, he does not incline +to part with it; there is a mangle in the kitchen, which Mrs. Morris +proposes to leave, taking his mangle instead; [a mangle was a machine +for washing or pressing, then in use, and a fixture, I think;] he would +not object provided his was as good, but not if he would be the gainer +by exchanging. He concludes, Mrs. Washington and all the family joining +in best wishes to Mrs. Lear and himself, "I am your sincere friend and +affectionate servant," signing his name as before. + +The next is dated Mount Vernon, October 3, 1790. In this letter he +refers to the declaration of the ministers of Britain and Spain as +published in the newspapers,[A] and requests Mr. Lear to give him the +earliest information of these or any other interesting matters, beyond +what the newspapers say; remarking that Mr. Jefferson's absence from New +York [Mr. Jefferson was then Secretary of State] might be the means of +delaying the receipt of official advices to him longer than usual. He +requests Mr. Lear to use his endeavors for ascertaining the best schools +in Philadelphia with a view to placing Washington Custis, Mrs. +Washington's grandson, at the best. If the college is under good +regulations, and they have proper tutors to prepare boys of his standing +for the higher branches of education, he makes a quaere if it would not +be better to put him there at once, the presumption being that a system +may prevail there by which the gradations are better connected than in +schools which have no correspondence with each other. Adverting again to +his servants, he reminds Mr. Lear that no mention had been made of +John's wife, and asks what he understands to be her plans. He incloses a +letter from John to her, and another from James to his "del Toboso." +[These were four of his black servants.] He requests him when able to +get at Count d'Estaing's letters to send him a transcript of what he +says of a bust he had sent him of Neckar, together with a number of +prints of Neckar, and of the Marquis la Fayette; and concludes in the +same cordial and affectionate style as before. + +Mount Vernon, October 10, 1790. This is next in date. The early parts of +this letter have reference to the steps for removing his furniture and +servants from New York; to the getting rid of the house still upon his +hands there, and to the proper care and instruction of his niece, Miss +Harriet Washington, when he should be established in Philadelphia. +Referring again to Washington Custis's education, whom he had adopted as +a son and in whom he appears to have taken great interest,[B] he wishes +inquiry to be made as to the higher branches taught at the college with +a view to placing his nephews, George and Lawrence Washington, at that +Institution in Philadelphia. He speaks very kindly of these nephews, and +of their desire for improvement. Having left the languages, they are +engaged, he adds, under Mr. Harrow, in Alexandria, in the study of the +mathematics and learning French. Concludes as usual. + +Next comes one from Mount Vernon of October 27, 1790. He tells Mr. Lear +that on his return from a twelve days' excursion up the Potomac, he +finds three letters from him, which he acknowledges under their dates, +and is very glad to learn that he had arrived in Philadelphia, and that +the servants and furniture had got safely there. It is equally agreeable +to him that the steward and his wife had come. He leaves to Mr. L. the +arrangement of the furniture, with remarks of his own as to its +disposition in some of the rooms; and wishes the rent of Mr. Morris's +house to be fixed before the day of his going into it. He desired to pay +a just value; more he had no idea would be asked; but intimates his +fears that the committee [of the city councils of Philadelphia is +probably meant] were holding back under an intention that the rent +should be paid by the public, to which he would not consent. It would be +best, he thinks, if all the servants could be accommodated without using +the loft over the stable, as no orders he could give them would prevent +their carrying lights there, if they were to use it as lodgers. By +return of the hand that takes this and other letters from him to the +Alexandria post-office, he hopes to receive later dates from Mr. Lear, +and, possibly, something more indicative of peace or war between Spain +and England; and concludes, "I am your affectionate friend, Geo. +Washington." + +Mount Vernon, October 31, 1790, is the next date. After expressing +concern lest his house in Philadelphia should not be ready in time, and +pointing out arrangements for his journey to Philadelphia, he speaks +again of his carriage at the coachmaker's in Philadelphia. He thinks +that a wreath round the crests on the panels would be more correspondent +with the Seasons [allegorical paintings probably in medallion], which +were to remain there, than the motto; and that the motto might be put on +the plates of the harness, but leaves it to Mr. Lear and the coachmaker +to adopt which they thought best when the whole was looked at, as he +could not himself see it as a whole. He speaks of the boarding schools +in Philadelphia, and is anxious that full and careful inquiry be made +with a view to securing proper advantages in the education of his +niece, but to be made in a way not to give any expectation of a +preference between rival seminaries, as he had come to no decision in +regard to his niece. As his family on removing to Philadelphia will have +new connections to form with tradespeople, he requests Mr. Lear to find +out those in each branch who stand highest for skill and fair dealing, +saying it is better to be slow in choosing than be under any necessity +of changing. Concludes "with affectionate regards I am your sincere +friend, G.W." + +Mount Vernon, November 7, 1790. A letter full of minute details. It sets +out with expressing his renewed anxiety respecting the education of his +adopted son Washington Custis, remarking that if the _schools_ in the +college are under good masters, and are as fit for boys of his age [he +was probably about eight at this time, for we were schoolmates in +Philadelphia at the dates of the earliest of these letters] as a private +school would be, he is still of opinion he had better be placed there +in the first instance; but the propriety of the step will depend: 1. +Upon the character and ability of the masters; 2. Upon the police and +discipline of the school; and thirdly, upon the number of the pupils. If +there be too many pupils, justice cannot be done to them whatever the +ability of the masters, adding that what ought to be the due proportion +is in some measure matter of opinion, but that an extreme must be +obvious to all. He leaves it with Mr. Lear to decide that point if +nothing else should be finally resolved upon by himself before he +reaches Philadelphia. He next incloses a letter from Mr. Gouverneur +Morris, then in Paris [but not our minister at the French court at that +time] with the bill of charges for certain articles which he had +requested him to send from Paris. The plated ware far exceeds in price +the utmost bounds of his calculation; but as he is persuaded Mr. Morris +had only done what he thought right, he requests Mr. Lear to make +immediate payment in manner as he points out. Among the articles of +this plated ware, were wine coolers, for holding four decanters of cut +glass, also sent by Mr. Morris; and he seems as little satisfied with +the size and fashion of these coolers, from the description he has +received of them, as with their unexpected cost. He thinks more +appropriate ones of real silver might be made, the pattern being +different and work lighter, giving his own ideas of a pattern, and a +little draft of it, and requesting Mr. Lear to talk to a silversmith on +the matter, remarking that perhaps those sent by Mr. Morris might give +hints for the pattern; which, if not found too heavy, as he had not yet +seen them, might after all answer. He approves of the Pagoda's standing +in the smallest drawing-room where Mr. Lear had placed it. Whether the +_green_ curtain or a new _yellow_ one is to be used for the staircase +window in the hall, may depend on his getting an exact match in color +for the former; in things of this sort one would not regard a small +additional expense, to save the eye from bad contrasts. He expresses +the hope that his study will be in readiness by the time he arrives, and +that the rubbish and other litter made by those "men of mortar and the +carpenters," will be removed so that the yard may be made and kept as +clean as the parlor. This, he says, is essential, as, by the alterations +made in the house, the back rooms had become the best and there was an +uninterrupted view from them into the yard, especially from the +dining-room. He concludes by saying that as Mrs. Washington writes to +Mrs. Lear, he would only add his best wishes for her and affectionate +regards for himself, "being your sincere friend, G.W." + +Mount Vernon, November 12, 1790. This letter is a duplicate written to +inform Mr. Lear that he depended upon P****'s coach, horses, and driver, +for taking on the children to Philadelphia. His reasons for writing the +duplicate was, that Giles (one of his servants), who was sent on +Wednesday to Alexandria with his first letter with directions that if +the stage had gone to pursue it to Georgetown so as to overtake the +mail, had put the letter into the hands of a passenger, who "all but +forced it from him," so anxious was this passenger to do an obliging +thing, as he "knew General Washington." This passenger told his name, +but it was "so comical," he could not recollect it. This was Giles's +story; and the General adds that as he knew what little dependence was +to be placed on the punctual conveyance of letters by a private hand, he +writes this duplicate by post to repeat his request that Mr. Lear will +inform him, by return of post, what he has to expect with _certainty_ as +to the coach hired for taking on a part of his family to Philadelphia. +His house is full of company, he adds, and concludes as usual. + +Mount Vernon, November 14, 1790. This letter manifests his concern about +the house in Philadelphia; for, besides that it is still unfinished, the +rent, he says, has not yet been fixed, though he has long since wished +it; he is at a loss to understand it all. He hopes that the additions +and alterations made on his account whilst neat, have not been in an +extravagant style. The latter would not only be contrary to his wishes +but repugnant to his interest and convenience, as it would be the means +of keeping him from the use and comforts of the house until a later day; +and because the furniture and everything else must then be in accordance +with its expensive finish, which would not agree with his present +furniture, and he had no wish to be taxed to suit the taste of others. +The letter is of more length than usual and marked "private;" being, +with one other, the only ones in the collection so marked. I will, +therefore, notice its contents no further than barely to add, that in a +part where he alludes to the still possible intention of making the +public in Philadelphia pay his rent, his terms of dissent become very +emphatic. In reference to his coach, he would rather have heard that, as +repaired, it was "_plain_ and elegant" than "_rich_ and elegant." +Conclusion as usual. + +Mount Vernon, Nov. 17, 1790. This, he says, is a very bad day. He is +just setting off for Alexandria to a dinner given to him by the citizens +of that place. The caps (jockey caps) of Giles and Paris (two of his +postilions) being so much worn that they will be unfit for use by the +time he has completed his journey to Philadelphia, he requests that new +ones may be made, the tassels to be of better quality than the old ones; +and that a new set of harness may be made for the leaders, with a +postilion saddle; the saddle-cloth of which to be like the hammer-cloth, +that all may be of a piece when necessary to use six horses. [This he +sometimes did in travelling.] The letter concludes as usual. + +"Spurriers," November 23, 1790. + + [He is now on his journey to Philadelphia in his own + travelling carriage with Mrs. Washington; the children, and + the servants in attendance on the children, being in the + stage-coach hired for the occasion.] + +He dates from this tavern twelve or fourteen miles south of Baltimore. +The roads, he says, are in-famous--no hope of reaching Baltimore that +night, as they had not yet gone to dinner but were waiting for it. The +letter is only of a few lines, and evidently written in haste, though he +never makes apologies on that account. + +Georgetown, March 28, 1791. + + [The General and family arrived in Philadelphia and took + possession of Mr. Morris's house. The session of Congress + passed over. It was the short session. He was now on his + return to Mount Vernon, having reached the above town on the + Maryland side of the Potomac, from which he dates.] + +This letter is on his private affairs. He expresses dissatisfaction at +the conduct of ****** one of his agents in the State of----, in letting +out his property and receiving his rents; he is too well acquainted, he +says, with facts that bear upon the case to be imposed upon by the tale +he tells; and even his own letter proves him to be what he would not +call him. + +Mount Vernon, April 3, 1791. This letter is also in part on his private +affairs. It contains further complaints of this agent. In the closing +parts of it [there being at this time growing apprehensions of trouble +with the Indians] he makes the remark, that until we could restrain the +turbulence and disorderly conduct of our own borderers, it would be in +vain he feared to expect peace with the Indians; or that they would +govern their own people better than we did ours. + + [It was in the following autumn that General St. Clair's + army was defeated by them in the neighborhood of the Miami + Villages.] + +Mount Vernon, April 6, 1791. A short letter. It mentions his intention +of continuing his journey southward the next day; his horses being well +recruited, he hopes they will go on better than they have come from +Philadelphia. He incloses Mr. Lear, who remains in Philadelphia, some +letters to be put on file, and requests him to pay a man who had been +working in the garden. + + [The journey southward next day was the commencement of his + tour to the Southern States, having made one into the + Northern States before he became President. Having completed + his tour, he passed several days in Georgetown to execute + the powers vested in him for fixing on a place for the + permanent seat of government for the United States under the + new constitution.] + +Richmond, April 12, 1791. This is a letter of four closely written +pages, mainly, though not exclusively, about his servants and the +difficulties with them under the non-slavery laws of Philadelphia; but +as he requests that the knowledge of its contents and the sentiments he +expresses may be confined to Mrs. Lear and Mrs. Washington, I notice no +more of it. + +Savannah, May 13, 1791. He here says that the continual hurry into which +he was thrown by entertainments, visits, and ceremonies in the course of +his southern tour, left him scarcely a moment he could call his own. He +gives directions as to where his letters are to be sent that they may +strike him at the proper points whilst travelling; his horses are much +worn down, he says, by the bad roads, especially the two he bought just +before leaving Philadelphia, "and my old white horse." + +Fredericksburg, Virginia, June 12, 1791. He informs Mr. Lear that he had +reached this place the day preceding, and expected to get back to Mount +Vernon the day following. He would remain there until the 27th, which +was the day appointed for him to meet the commissioners at Georgetown to +fix on the spot for the public buildings to be erected in the new +Federal City, and writes to give Mr. Lear this foreknowledge of his +movements. + +Mount Vernon, June 15, 1791. The early part of this letter relates to +certain blank commissions signed and left with Mr. Lear to be filled up +under the direction and advice of the Secretary of the Treasury. He next +adverts to a vacancy in one of the United States judgeships--that of the +district of Pennsylvania--by the death of the late incumbent. Some have +applied, he says, for the appointment, and others will. In reference to +this and other offices that will be vacant (naming them), he wishes Mr. +Lear to get the best information he can as to those who it is thought +would fill them "with the greatest ability and integrity." Several +meritorious persons, he adds, have already been brought to his view. + +He is glad to hear that the affairs of his household in Philadelphia go +on so well, and tells Mr. Lear it might not be improper for him to hint +how foolish it would be in the servants left there to enter into any +combinations for supplanting those in authority [meaning the upper +servants]. The attempt would be futile, and must recoil upon themselves; +and next, admitting that they were to make the lives of the present +steward and housekeeper so uneasy as to induce them to quit, others +would be got, and such, too, as would be equally if not more rigid in +exacting the duty required of the servants below them; the steward and +housekeeper were indispensably necessary in taking trouble off of Mrs. +Washington's hands and his own, and would be supported in the line of +their duty, whilst any attempt to counteract them would be considered as +the strongest evidence the other servants could give of their +unworthiness. A good and faithful servant, he adds, was never afraid of +having his conduct looked into, but the reverse. + +Mount Vernon, June 19, 1791. He acknowledges the receipt of several +letters from Mr. Lear, and approves what he has done. He tells him that +in the fall he shall want blankets for his servants and people[C] at +Mount Vernon; and the summer being the best time for buying them, he +wishes inquiry to be made on this subject, saying he should want about +two hundred. He wants to see Paine's answer to Burke's pamphlet on the +French Revolution, and requests it may be sent to him. He says that +"Paris" has grown to be so lazy and self-willed that John, the coachman, +says he has no sort of government of him, as he did nothing that he was +told to do, and everything he was not. The General adds that his +incapacity as a postilion was such that he had determined to leave him +behind when returning to Philadelphia, which would make one or two boys +necessary in his stable at that place, as assistants, and asks whether +it might not be possible to find emigrant Germans to answer the purpose. +He concludes, "Be assured of the esteem and regard of yours +affectionately, G.W." + +Mount Vernon, September 26, 1791. He refers to the house in +Philadelphia; says that he never expressed any dissatisfaction at want +of accommodation in it since he got rid of the workmen; and that that +supposition must _not_ be adduced as a motive for causing a _public +edifice_ to be built for his use or occupancy; that he has no intention +of interfering with the politics of Pennsylvania, or the household +accommodations of his successors in the Presidency; but that, for +himself, personally, he had wholly declined living in any public +building. This subject appears to have engaged some of his sensibility, +and he tells Mr. Lear he is glad to learn he has put in writing his +views in regard to it, as that will protect him against misconception on +any point. + +Mount Vernon, October 7, 1791. He writes again about the blankets; some +have been offered to him in Alexandria, but he likes neither the size +nor price, and speaks of those to be had in Philadelphia as intolerably +narrow. He cannot think of being disappointed in his supply, as his +people would suffer in the ensuing winter. He wants one hundred of the +largest size and best quality, and one hundred of the middle size but +_good_ in quality. I recollect asking you if among my pamphlets you had +seen the journal of my tour to the French (the word _position_ was +probably omitted here) on _La beauf_ in the year 1753. I understood you +no; but Mrs. Washington thinks you said yes. Pray decide the point for +us--I have searched in vain for it here. + +Mount Vernon, October 14, 1791. In this letter he begins by saying he is +glad of the intimation given of the intentions of the minister of France +[not stated what they are], and pleased though distressed at the +information that the 24th instant is the day for the meeting of +Congress. He had supposed it to be the 31st, and intended to spend +Monday and possibly Tuesday in Georgetown; but now he would endeavor to +reach Bladensburg on Monday night and lose no time afterwards in +pursuing his journey onward to Philadelphia, as scarce any time would be +left to him for preparing his communications when the session opened, if +the members were punctual in attending. This makes it the more +necessary, he says, that Mr. Lear should look with accuracy, and without +delay, into his speeches and the laws of the past sessions; that all +might be at hand for his own review and consideration. And he requests +Mr. Lear, should anything else have occurred to him as fit for +recommendation or communication in his speech to Congress, to note it, +that it might be ready for his consideration in case it should not be +among his own memorandums. The conclusion is in his usually cordial way. + +This session of Congress passed over. It was the long one, and ran into +May 1792. I find in the collection only three letters to Mr. Lear dated +in that year. The first is from Mount Vernon, July 30, '92, soon after +he had left Philadelphia, and is familiarly descriptive of his journey +homewards. His horses plagued him a good deal, he says, and the sick +mare, owing to a dose of physic administered the night he reached +Chester, was so much weakened as to be unable to carry Austin [one of +the postilions] further than the Susquehannah; had to be led thence to +Hartford, where she was left, and two days afterwards, "gave up the +ghost." As he travelled on, he heard great complaints of the Hessian +fly, and of rust or mildew in the wheat, and believed that the damage +would be great in some places; but that more was said than the case +warranted, and on the whole the crops would be abundant. On arriving in +Georgetown, he found many well-conceived plans for the public buildings +in the new city, and remarks that it was a pleasure to him to find in +our new country so much architectural ability displayed. Concludes, "I +am your affectionate friend, G.W." + +The second is dated Mount Vernon, September 21, '92. He tells Mr. Lear +that he had written him but one letter since arriving at Mount Vernon, +but was on the eve of writing a second when his of the 5th of August got +to hand, with such information of his movements (Mr. Lear having been +away from Philadelphia) as might now enable him to direct a letter to +him without danger of its "reverberating back." He thanks him for the +information afforded in his letter of the 5th of August and in another +of the 21st of July; says he has nothing agreeable of a domestic nature +to relate. Poor George [the General is here supposed to allude to Mr. +George Lewis, one of his nephews, then staying at Mount Vernon], he +fears, is not far from that place whence no traveller returns; he is but +the shadow of what he was; has not been out of his room, scarcely out of +his bed, for six weeks; has intervals of ease which flatter us a little, +but he, the General, has little hope of his surviving the winter. It is +so he writes of this nephew, adding that the subject gives him much +distress. Concludes, "with sincere and affectionate regard I am always +your friend, G.W." + +The third is dated Mount Vernon, October 1, '92. In the expectation +that this letter will find Mr. Lear again in Philadelphia, he wishes him +to begin in time to compare all his former speeches to Congress with the +subsequent acts of that body that he might see what parts of them passed +altogether unnoticed or had been only partially noticed, that thus he +might be enabled to judge whether any and what parts should be brought +forward again. He requests him also, as before, to note everything that +may occur to him as fit to be noticed in his communication to Congress +this year, as he desires to have all the materials collected for his +consideration in preparing his speech. He speaks again of the illness of +"poor George," and says that others of his family are unwell. Concludes +in his usually kind and affection manner. + +[This session of Congress--the short session--came to its regular close +on the 3d of March, 1793.] The General is again at Mount Vernon in +April, and writes to Mr. Lear on the 8th of that month on some of his +private affairs. He tells him that his letter of the 3d had been +received transmitting Mr. ******'s rental, and Mr. *****'s profession of +his inability to discharge his bond. The latter he thinks more candid +than the former, but supposes that he must be satisfied with both, +knowing he will never get better terms from either. He intimates that +before doing anything with respect to the lands the latter had from him, +he wishes Mr. Lear to have some conversation with * * * * on a point he +(the General) did not clearly understand, as he would not "put it in the +power of malice itself to charge him with any agency in measures that +could be tortured into impropriety in this matter." In regard to the +former person [the same mentioned in his letters of March 28 and April +3, '91, as having the charge of some of his property], he requests Mr. +Lear to endeavor to find out through members of Congress, if he can, the +name of some individual in the State in question who would be likely to +make him a faithful agent, as it would not do to leave his concerns in +the hands of ***** any longer; he was too dependent, he feared (besides +other objections to him), for his election to the legislature to fix his +rents at a just medium, or collect them in the manner he ought to do. +The conclusion of this letter has reference to the will of his deceased +nephew, Mr. George Lewis, who had died at Mount Vernon. + +Mr. Lear had now ceased to be his private Secretary; but the most +intimate correspondence was still kept up with him. On the 21st of June, +1793, there is a letter to him from Philadelphia [Mr. L. then being in +Georgetown], which the General writes on purpose to say that he +considers it a very kind and friendly act in him to go to Mount Vernon. +The letter finishes with a few lines of allusion to his private affairs. + +Philadelphia, May 6, 1794. This is a letter written to Mr. Lear when the +latter was in England. It treats of private matters, and expresses his +pleasure at the reception he had from the Earl of Buchan, Sir John +Sinclair, and others in England to whom General Washington had given him +letters. He tells him he was much obliged to him for the several +communications in his letters, and placed great reliance on them; that +the opportunities he derived from mixing with people in different walks, +high and low, and of different political sentiments, must have afforded +him an extensive range for observation and comparison; more so by far +than could fall to the lot of a stationary person always revolving in a +particular circle. The General then touches on our home affairs. [He was +still President, it will be remembered.] He says that to tell him the +British order in council of the 8th of June last respecting neutral +vessels had given much discontent in the United States; and that that of +the 6th of November had thrown the people into a flame, could hardly be +new to him. In reference to all the existing difficulties with England +he tells him that many measures had been moved in Congress, some of +which had passed into acts, and others were pending; that among the +former was a law for fortifying our principal seaports, and another for +raising an additional corps of eight hundred artillery-men for the +defence of them and other purposes; and that the bills pending were: +1st. One to complete our present military establishment; 2d. One to +raise an army of twenty-five thousand men in addition to it; and 3d. A +bill to organize, put in training, and hold in readiness at a minute's +warning a select corps of eighty thousand militia. He seemed to think +that the first and last would pass, but that the result of the second +could not be so well predicted. He mentions the appointment of Mr. Jay +as special minister to England in the hope of settling all our +difficulties in a temperate way by fair and firm negotiation, and that +he would sail in a few days, with Mr. John Trumbell as his private +Secretary; tells him also of Mr. Randolph's appointment as Secretary of +State, and that Mr. Bradford, of Pennsylvania, was made Attorney General +in Mr. Randolph's place. In conclusion, he alludes to "little Lincoln" +[Mr. Lear's son] and his "lottery tickets," which, "poor little fellow!" +he exclaims, will never be likely to build him a baby-house even; the +whole Washington lottery business having turned out a bed of thorns +rather than roses. He terminates the letter by telling him that his +public avocations will not admit of more than a flying trip to Mount +Vernon this summer, and that this not suiting Mrs. Washington he has +taken a house in Germantown [the vicinity of Philadelphia] to avoid the +heat of Philadelphia in July and August, and that Mrs. Washington, Nelly +[one of the Miss Custi's], and the rest of the family united with him in +every good wish for his health, prosperity, and safe return; and he begs +him to be "assured of the sincerity with which he was and always should +be his affectionate friend, G.W." + +Mount Vernon, August 5, 1795. Mr. Lear had got back from England and +was now residing in Georgetown or its neighborhood. The present letter +incloses him a power of attorney to vote on the General's shares in the +Potomac Company at a meeting of its stockholders to be held on the day +following, in Georgetown. He says he would be there himself to vote in +person if possible; but that having sent to the post-office in +Alexandria every day since Friday for letters without receiving any from +any of the officers of the government, he might probably receive a great +accumulation of them on the day following [which was again Friday, and a +post day], to which he would have to give his attention and prepare +answers. It was therefore that he sent the power of attorney to meet the +contingency of his not being present. This power of attorney was in his +own handwriting. + +Philadelphia, March 13, 1796. There are brief letters since the above +that touch on private business. In this of the 13th of March, 1796, +alluding to his pecuniary affairs, he says, that for the few years he +has to remain here, the enjoyment of less, with more ease and certainty, +will be more convenient to him, and more desirable; had his resources +been adequate to it, he would have purchased the lot and houses in +Alexandria which Mr. Lear pointed out; but that as his resources +depended on contingencies that might baffle his calculations, he chose +to tread on sure ground in all his engagements, being as unwilling to +embarrass others by uncertain contracts as to be deceived himself in his +expectations. + +Philadelphia, April 29, 1796. This is one of a few lines in which he +requests Mr. Lear's acceptance of some garden seeds for his garden and +farm. They were portions of some sent to him from England to be planted +at Mount Vernon. + +Philadelphia, November 16, 1796. This relates to the sale of some of his +agricultural produce, and to the disappointments he had experienced in +payments promised to him. + +Mount Vernon, March 25, 1797. The General is now relieved from all +public duties and cares. On the 3d of March of this year he ceased to be +President by voluntarily retiring from the post after writing that +farewell address which a British historian[D] has pronounced unequalled +by any composition of uninspired wisdom. He is now a private citizen +returned to his country estate at Mount Vernon on the banks of the +Potomac. Mr. Lear is in Georgetown. In this letter to him of the 25th of +March '97, he speaks of plans for repairing and refitting his ancient +and loved home; but adds that in that rural vicinity he finds difficulty +in getting proper workmen, and requests Mr. Lear's aid in procuring some +from Georgetown, or the new "Federal City," [as Washington at that day +was usually called.] Skill and dispatch would be necessary +qualifications, and he thinks that his "_Old Sergeant Cornelius_" might +do for one of the workmen. It seems that this person had been heard of +in those parts, and he adds that he would give him the preference as +knowing his temper and industry. + +Not long, however, is he permitted to remain a private citizen reposing +at Mount Vernon amidst all its endearments. The next succeeding year +finds him again summoned by his country to her service. At the eager +solicitation of the government, the elder Adams then being President, +and Mr. Adams' own desire being seconded by the nation's voice, he was +prevailed upon to accept the supreme command of the Army during the +difficulties and even quasi-war that had risen up with our old ally, +France. He accepted on condition of receiving no pay or emolument until +actually called into the field. Nevertheless this conditional acceptance +threw upon him burdensome duties. It exposed him to "many official +calls, to a heavy correspondence, and to a flow of company." It is so +he expresses himself. In this conjuncture he writes to his attached +friend and faithful secretary Mr. Lear. Under date of August the second, +1798, from Mount Vernon, he describes to him those fresh duties as +hindrances to putting his private affairs in that order so necessary +before he embarked in new scenes; it being his desire, before quitting +the scene of human action, to leave his concerns in such a condition as +to give as little trouble as possible to those who would have the +management of them afterwards. Under this view of his situation he had +written to the Secretary of War to be informed whether he was at liberty +to appoint his secretary, who should be entitled to the usual and proper +allowances; and concludes with asking Mr. Lear if he would join him in +that capacity if the Secretary of War answered in the affirmative. Mr. +Lear assents. + +This is the last letter in the series. I learn from Mrs. Lear that +others not in this collection, bespeaking a high degree of intimacy and +confidence, were written to her husband by the same hand. This may well +be conceived when it is known that Mr. Lear's connection with this +illustrious man began prior to the year '86, and continued until his +death in '99; that he was at his bedside when he died, and drew up the +authentic narrative, which was verified by the physicians, of his last +illness, from its commencement to the closing scene. This was published +at that time to meet the anxious feelings of his mourning countrymen, +struck down at first by his death as by a shock that went through every +heart. + +From one of the letters there dropped out, as I unfolded it, a slip in +Mr. Lear's handwriting, dated May the first, 1791, containing the copy +of a message to General Washington from Lord Cornwallis, of which +Captain Truxton had been the bearer from the East Indies. His lordship, +whom Captain Truxton had seen there, being then Governor General of +India. "congratulated General Washington on the establishment of a +happy government in his country, and congratulated the country on the +accession of General Washington to its Chief Magistracy." The message +wished "General Washington a long enjoyment of tranquillity and +happiness," adding that, for himself (Lord C.), he "continued in +troubled waters." + +I have thus noticed succinctly, perhaps I might more appropriately say +described, these letters. In abridging and connecting the train of them, +Washington's language is used to the extent that will be seen. The style +is different from that of his official productions and other letters of +his voluminous correspondence. He naturally stepped into one more +familiar when writing to a confidential friend on family matters +relating to his home at Mount Vernon, or as it was to be arranged in +Philadelphia while he was President. But the style has the directness +and sincerity of all his writings. It is apparent that the letters are +written without reserve. With two or three exceptions, no copies appear +to have been kept; yet everything is frank and straight-forward. +Understanding human nature thoroughly under all its phases, he deals +wisely with men in small things as in great; but he does no one +injustice. When others are acting disingenuously towards him, though +seeing through it, he is considerate and forbearing, not taking steps +hastily, but ready to make allowances where they could be made. +Dishonesty or suspicion of it he never overlooks. In the second letter +he suspects his steward of extravagance in spending too much for +supplies of the table kept for his upper servants; yet he authorizes Mr. +Lear to retain him, if, on looking into his accounts, he finds him +honest; intimating that any successor to him might act in the same way, +and a dismissal might be only a change without a benefit. His +reprobation of all dishonesty is seen in more than one of the letters, +as well as his restrained modes of dealing with it whilst affecting only +his own interests. + +As regards the minutiae seen in the letters; the details respecting his +house, furniture, servants, carriages, horses, postilions, and so on, +these will be read with curiosity and interest. They suggest a new test +by which to try Washington, and let him be tried by it. We have not +before had such details from himself. It is for the first time the +curtain has been so lifted. + +All great men, the very greatest, Caesar, Cromwell, Napoleon, Frederick, +Peter the Great, Marlborough, Alexander, all on the long list of +towering names, have had contact with small things. No pinnacle in +station, no supremacy in excellence or intellect, can exempt man from +this portion of his lot. It is a human necessity. Washington goes into +this sphere with a propriety and seemliness not always observable in +others of his high cast, but often signally the reverse. In dealing with +small things, he shows no undue tenacity of opinion; no selfishness; no +petulance; no misplaced excitements. He never plays the petty tyrant. He +does not forget himself; he does not forget others; he assumes nothing +from any exaltation in himself, but is reasonable and provident in all +his domestic and household arrangements. + +Shall we seek for comparisons, or rather contrasts? With as much of +Washington's domestic portraiture before us as these letters hold up, +shall we turn to look at others? There is no difficulty, but in +selecting from the vast heap. + +Frederick thought coffee too expensive an indulgence for common use in +his kingdom, saying he was himself reared on beer soup, which was surely +good enough for peasants and common fellows, as he called his people. He +wrote directions to his different cooks with his own hand the better to +pamper his appetite with every variety of the dishes and sauces he liked +best. He stinted Voltaire in sugar while a guest in his palace, or gave +it to him cheap and bad. He praised him face to face, and ridiculed him +behind his back. Napoleon played blind-man's buff at St. Helena. He lost +his temper at his coronation on perceiving that some of the princesses +of his family who were to act as trainbearers were not in their right +places. Caesar was versed in all the ceremonials of State. It was said +that he would even have been a perfect Roman gentleman but for a habit +of putting one of his fingers in his hair. Yet such a master of forms +gave grave offence to the Roman Senate by not rising when they intended +him a compliment; so unwise was he in small things. Cromwell in a frolic +threw a cushion at Ludlow, who in turn threw one at him. He bedaubed +with ink the face of one of the justices, who, with Cromwell himself, +had just been condemning Charles to the block. Peter the Great travelled +about with a pet monkey, which unceremoniously jumped upon the King of +England's shoulder when the latter visited the Czar in London. Some +great men have played leap-frog; some practised this affectation, some +that. The book of history records too amply the child-like diversions +among those who have flourished on the summits of renown. We hear of +none of this in Washington; no idle whimsies, no studied or foolish +eccentricities; none of the buffoonery of ripe years. They were not in +him; or if they were, self-discipline extirpated them, as it did the bad +ambition and moral callousness that have disfigured too many of the +great names of the earth, ancient and modern; whilst his matchless +purity and deathless deeds raise him above them all. This verdict is +already more than half pronounced by the most enlightened and +scrutinizing portions of mankind, and time is silently extending its +domain as he is longer tried by the parallels of history, and by the +philosophy of greatness itself. + +Before his fame, steadily ascending from its adamantine foundation, gave +signs that it was to encircle the globe, some imagined him too prudent. +Some thought him devoid of sensibility; a cold, colossal mass, +intrenched in taciturnity, or enfolded in a mantle of dignity. The +sequel disclosed that his complete mastery over passion, moving in +harmony with his other powers and faculties, lent its essential aid +towards his unrivalled name. Opinion and passion were strong in him. The +latter existed in vehemence; but he put the curb upon it, turning it +into right directions, and excluding it otherwise from influence upon +his conduct. He stifled his dislikes; he was silent under sneers and +disparaging innuendoes lest inopportune speech might work injury to the +great cause confided to him. To the success of that cause he looked +steadily and exclusively. It absorbed his whole soul, and he determined +to concentrate upon it all his forbearance as well as energy. The +complicated dangers which encompassed it he knew, from his position, +sooner and better than others; but he would not make them public, lest +the foe might hear them, or others whose prepossessions were unfriendly; +preferring that temporary odium should rest upon himself. Therefore his +reserve; and thus it was that the grand results of his life came out in +manifold blessings to his country; thus it was that some at first +distrustful, and others long distrustful, of his superiority, came to +admit it in the end. Be it added, that his native good sense teaching +him the value of social restraint, and his knowledge of the world, its +approved observances in intercourse, the tone of the gentleman on its +best models ever also graced his public glory. + +An anecdote I derived from Colonel Lear shortly before his death in +1816, may here be related, showing the height to which his passion would +rise yet be controlled. It belongs to his domestic life which I am +dealing with, having occurred under his own roof, whilst it marks public +feeling the most intense, and points to the moral of his life. I give it +in Colonel Lear's words as nearly as I can, having made a note of them +at the time. + +Towards the close of a winter's day in 1791, an officer in uniform was +seen to dismount in front of the President's in Philadelphia, and, +giving the bridle to his servant, knock at the door of his mansion. +Learning from the porter that the President was at dinner, he said he +was on public business and had dispatches for the President. A servant +was sent into the dining-room to give the information to Mr. Lear, who +left the table and went into the hall where the officer repeated what +he had said. Mr. Lear replied that, as the President's Secretary, he +would take charge of the dispatches and deliver them at the proper time. +The officer made answer that he had just arrived from the western army, +and his orders were to deliver them with all promptitude, and to the +President in person; but that he would wait his directions. Mr. Lear +returned, and in a whisper imparted to the President what had passed. +General Washington rose from the table, and went to the officer. He was +back in a short time, made a word of apology for his absence, but no +allusion to the cause of it. He had company that day. Everything went on +as usual. Dinner over, the gentlemen passed to the drawing-room of Mrs. +Washington, which was open in the evening. The General spoke courteously +to every lady in the room, as was his custom. His hours were early, and +by ten o'clock all the company had gone. Mrs. Washington and Mr. Lear +remained. Soon Mrs. Washington left the room. + +The General now walked backward and forward slowly for some minutes +without speaking. Then he sat down on a sofa by the fire, telling Mr. +Lear to sit down. To this moment there had been no change in his manner +since his interruption at table. Mr. Lear now perceived emotion. This +rising in him, he broke out suddenly, "_It's all over--St. Clair's +defeated--routed;--the officers nearly all killed, the men by wholesale; +the route complete--too shocking to think of--and a surprise into the +bargain_!" + +He uttered all this with great vehemence. Then he paused, got up from +the sofa and walked about the room several times, agitated but saying +nothing. Near the door he stopped short and stood still a few seconds, +when his wrath became terrible. + +"_Yes_," he burst forth, "HERE _on this very spot, I took leave of him; +I wished him success and honor; you have your instructions, I said, from +the Secretary of War, I had a strict eye to them, and will add but one +word_--BEWARE OF A SURPRISE. _I repeat it_, BEWARE OF A SURPRISE--_you +know how the Indians fight us. He went off with that as my last solemn +warning thrown into his ears. And yet!! to suffer that army to be cut to +pieces, hack'd, butchered, tomahawk'd, by a surprise--the very thing I +guarded him against!! O God, O God, he's worse than a murderer! how can +he answer it to his country;--the blood of the slain is upon him--the +curse of widows and orphans--the curse of Heaven_!" + +This torrent came out in tones appalling. His very frame shook. It was +awful, said Mr. Lear. More than once he threw his hands up as he hurled +imprecations upon St. Clair. Mr. Lear remained speechless; awed into +breathless silence. + +The roused Chief sat down on the sofa once more. He seemed conscious of +his passion, and uncomfortable. He was silent. His warmth beginning to +subside, he at length said in an altered voice: "_This must not go +beyond this room_." Another pause followed--a longer one--when he said +in a tone quite low, "_General St. Clair shall have justice; I looked +hastily through the dispatches, saw the whole disaster but not all the +particulars; I will receive him without displeasure; I will hear him +without prejudice; he shall have full justice_." + +He was now, said Mr. Lear, perfectly calm. Half an hour had gone by. The +storm was over; and no sign of it was afterwards seen in his conduct or +heard in his conversation. The result is known. The whole case was +investigated by Congress. St. Clair was exculpated and regained the +confidence Washington had in him when appointing him to that command. He +had put himself into the thickest of the fight and escaped unhurt, +though so ill as to be carried on a litter, and unable to mount his +horse without help. + +A passage from one of Mr. Jefferson's letters which the historian Sparks +records, may here be given, as its spirit covers the private as well as +public life of Washington. Mr. Jefferson withdrew his services as +Secretary of State from the administration of Washington towards the +close of his first term in the Presidency. His retirement from that +post took place when party spirit was violent and bitter in the extreme; +never was it more so in the annals of our country; and it was known that +he had differed from Washington on political questions of the greatest +importance. Nevertheless, writing of him at a later period Mr. Jefferson +says: "His integrity was most pure; his justice the most inflexible I +have ever known; no motives of interest or consanguinity, of friendship +or hatred, being able to bias his decision. He was, indeed, in every +sense of the word, a wise, a good, and a great man." + +I return to his letters to Mr. Lear. In superintending his domestic +affairs, these letters exhibit him as the head of a well-ordered family, +himself the regulator of it all under maxims that best conduce to order +because not too rigid. We see that he was truly hospitable; kind; +devoted to his kindred whom he gathers around him, interesting himself +in their education and welfare; cheering them with a welcome at Mount +Vernon, and soothing them in sickness and sorrow. The kindred of Mrs. +Washington alike share his solicitudes, paternal care, and constant +kindness. All this is discernible from the facts that drop out in these +letters. They point to a heart affectionately alive to the best social +and family feelings. We see his attention to the comfort of his +servants, slaves, and others. His government of them, upper and +subordinate, appears to have been perfect by his union of discipline +with liberality. He knew that his postilions, if they slept over the +stable, would carry lights there whether he forbade it or not, for they +would do it when he knew nothing about it and not tell on each other. He +therefore allowed no sleeping there at all. + +I could not avoid remarking, as characteristic throughout the whole of +this correspondence, that there is never any complaining of his labors. +Letter-writing alone would have been a heavy labor to him but for his +system and industry. Promptitude in using his pen there must necessarily +have been, or he could not have written so much. The history of the +times will show that when he wrote these letters he was simultaneously +writing others on public business, which, as the world knows, he never +neglected in any jot or tittle no matter what else he might be doing. +The domestic letters must therefore have been struck off with great +facility. Let us call to mind also the more than two hundred volumes of +folio manuscript of his public correspondence which Congress purchased, +and then remember that the sum of all he wrote is as nothing to what he +_did_ in his long career of activity in his country's service, military +and civil. + +Next I remark, as a new corroboration of the modesty ever so prominent +in him, that not once throughout the whole of this correspondence does +he make any, the slightest, allusion to himself in connection with the +Revolutionary War, comparatively recent as it then was. Besides that the +general tenor of the correspondence might have supplied occasions for +such allusions, special opportunities were at hand while skirting the +battlegrounds and other localities of his military operations in the +war, even in his journeys between Mount Vernon and Philadelphia; yet +they are never once made. The casual mention of his "_Old Sergeant +Cornelius_," whom he happened to want as a workman about his grounds at +Mount Vernon, is the sole reference that could wake up the mind to his +having had anything to do with the Revolution. He had helped to pave the +way for that great event by the influence of his high character thrown +into the scale when the early questions of resistance or submission were +in agitation; he had helped it on by his attachment to constitutional +liberty at that epoch though his fortune was at stake, and friendships +among the highborn and cultivated from the parent State then among his +associates in Virginia--could a bosom like his have been swayed by such +thoughts; he had helped it on by the special weight of name he had won +in arms fighting side by side with the proud generals and troops of +Britain confident of victory, but saved from annihilation by his inborn +fearlessness and superiority, when death was all around him and dismay +everywhere in Braddock's disastrous fight--their silent homage crowning +the head of their deliverer; his triumphant sword at Yorktown put the +crowning hand to the immortal work--the work that founded this great +nation; yet we could never infer from a word or hint in the course of +these letters, from first to last, that he had anything to do with the +work, except as the name of "_Sergeant Cornelius_" incidentally falls +from his pen with only a rural object. What a lesson! Some extol +themselves openly. Some do it under cover of self-humiliation, called by +a French writer the pomp of modesty. Washington is simply silent; he +will slide into no allusions to the great and glorious work of his life +in the midst of temptations to it. + +Finally: the charm of these letters is in their being so familiar, so +out of the sphere of his correspondence generally, and therefore holding +him up in lights that seem new. Mankind, long familiar with the external +attributes and grandeur of his character, looking up to his vast fame +as hero and statesman uncertain which predominates, have known less of +him at home with his family, his relations and his friends. The inner +parts of his character, the kindlier impulses of his nature, his +sympathies with those dear to him, dependent on him, or looking to him +for the solace of his kindness, seem to have remained less publicly +known. Mr. Sparks, in his preface to his "Life and Writings," remarks +that "it must be kept in mind that much the larger portion of his life +passed on a conspicuous public theatre, and that no account of it can be +written which will not assume essentially the air of history." He adds, +that while in his work "anecdotes are interwoven and such incidents of a +private and personal nature as are known, they are more rare than could +be desired." + +The synopsis of the letters which I have given may perhaps tend in some +small degree to supply this desideratum in his illustrious life +alongside of the more copious anecdotes and reminiscences supplied by +the patriotic and filial devotion of Mr. Custis. This is my humble hope. + +Since the foregoing Letters were received from Mrs. Lear, she has +favored me with the perusal of other manuscripts introducing us to the +domestic hours of General Washington. Among them is a Diary kept by Mr. +Lear at Mount Vernon in 1786, anterior therefore to the time when +Washington became President. From this document I am permitted to copy a +passage entire. It is dated the 23d of October, '86. Mr. Drayton and Mr. +Izard, gentlemen of South Carolina, had been spending the day at Mount +Vernon. After dinner, the company still round the table, Washington was +led to speak of Arnold's treason, and Mr. Lear wrote down his account of +it in his Diary of that day. Although history has made us familiar with +that whole transaction in its essential facts, to hear it under such +circumstances from the lips of Washington, seems to impart to it new +interest. We listen with revived curiosity and attention when such a +narrator speaks. The copy from Mr. Lear's Diary, in which is recorded +this interesting dinner-table narrative, is in the words following:-- + + + "MOUNT VERNON, + Monday, October 23d, 1786. + +"Mrs. Washington went to Arlington with the two children. Sent a letter +directed to Mr. Samuel Storer to the post-office by Charles, who went up +to town (Alexandria) with Master Thompson and Lawrence Washington, who +had spent their vacation here. Mr. Drayton and Mr. Izard here all day. +After dinner General Washington was, in the course of conversation, led +to speak of Arnold's treachery, when he gave the following account of +it, which I shall put in his own words, thus: 'I confess I had a good +opinion of Arnold before his treachery was brought to light; had that +not been the case, I should have had some reason to suspect him sooner, +for when he commanded in Philadelphia, the Marquis la Fayette brought +accounts from France of the armament which was to be sent to co-operate +with us in the ensuing campaign. Soon after this was known, Arnold +pretended to have some private business to transact in Connecticut, and +on his way there he called at my quarters; and in the course of +conversation expressed a desire of quitting Philadelphia and joining the +army the ensuing campaign. I told him that it was probable we should +have a very active one, and that if his wound and state of health would +permit, I should be extremely glad of his services with the army. He +replied that he did not think his wound would permit him to take a very +active part; but still he persisted in his desire of being with the +army. He went on to Connecticut, and on his return called again upon me. +He renewed his request of being with me next campaign, and I made him +the same answer I had done before. He again repeated that he did not +think his wound would permit him to do active duty, and intimated a +desire to have the command at West Point. I told him I did not think +that would suit him, as I should leave none in the garrison but +invalids, because it would be entirely covered by the main army. The +subject was dropt at that time, and he returned to Philadelphia. It then +appeared somewhat strange to me, that a man of Arnold's known activity +and enterprise, should be desirous of taking so inactive a part. I +however thought no more of the matter. When the French troops arrived at +Rhode Island, I had intelligence from New York that General Clinton +intended to make an attack upon them before they could get themselves +settled and fortified. In consequence of that, I was determined to +attack New York, which would be left much exposed by his drawing off the +British troops; and accordingly formed my line of battle, and moved down +with the whole army to King's ferry, which we passed. Arnold came to +camp at that time, and having no command, and consequently no quarters +(all the houses thereabouts being occupied by the army), he was obliged +to seek lodgings at some distance from the camp. While the army was +crossing at King's ferry, I was going to see the last detachment over, +and met Arnold, who asked me if I had thought of anything for him. I +told him that he was to have the command of the light troops, which was +a post of honor, and which his rank indeed entitled him to. Upon this +information his countenance changed, and he appeared to be quite fallen; +and instead of thanking me, or expressing any pleasure at the +appointment, never opened his mouth. I desired him to go on to my +quarters and get something to refresh himself, and I would meet him +there soon. He did so. Upon his arrival there, he found Col. Tilghman, +whom he took a one side, and mentioning what I had told him, seemed to +express great uneasiness at it--as his leg, he said, would not permit +him to be long on horse-back; and intimated a great desire to have the +command at West Point. When I returned to my quarters, Col. Tilghman +informed me of what had passed. I made no reply to it--but his behavior +struck me as strange and unaccountable. In the course of that night, +however, I received information from New York that General Clinton had +altered his plan and was debarking his troops. This information obliged +me likewise to alter my disposition and return to my former station, +where I could better cover the country. I then determined to comply with +Arnold's desire, and accordingly gave him the command of the garrison at +West Point. Things remained in this situation about a fortnight, when I +wrote to the Count Rochambeau desiring to meet him at some intermediate +place (as we could neither of us be long enough from our respective +commands to visit the other), in order to lay the plan for the siege of +Yorktown, and proposed Hartford, where I accordingly went and met the +Count. On my return I met the Chevalier Luzerne towards evening within +about 15 miles of West Point (on his way to join the Count at Rhode +Island), which I intended to reach that night, but he insisted upon +turning back with me to the next public house; where, in politeness to +him, I could not but stay all night, determining, however, to get to +West Point to breakfast very early. I sent off my baggage, and desired +Colonel Hamilton to go forward and inform General Arnold that I would +breakfast with him. Soon after he arrived at Arnold's quarters, a letter +was delivered to Arnold which threw him into the greatest confusion. He +told Colonel Hamilton that something required his immediate attendance +at the garrison which was on the opposite side of the river to his +quarters; and immediately ordered a horse, to take him to the river; and +the barge, which he kept to cross, to be ready; and desired Major +Franks, his Aid, to inform me when I should arrive, that he was gone +over the river and would return immediately. When I got to his quarters +and did not find him there, I desired Major Franks to order me some +breakfast; and as I intended to visit the fortifications I would see +General Arnold there. After I had breakfasted, I went over the river, +and inquiring for Arnold, the commanding officer told me that he had +not been there. I likewise inquired at the several redoubts, but no one +could give me any information where he was. The impropriety of his +conduct when he knew I was to be there, struck me very forcibly, and my +mind misgave me; but I had not the least idea of the real cause. When I +returned to Arnold's quarters about two hours after, and told Colonel +Hamilton that I had not seen him, he gave me a packet which had just +arrived for me from Col. Jemmison, which immediately brought the matter +to light. I ordered Colonel Hamilton to mount his horse and proceed with +the greatest despatch to a post on the river about eight miles below, in +order to stop the barge if she had not passed; but it was too late. It +seems that the letter which Arnold received which threw him in such +confusion was from Col. Jemmison, informing him that Andre was taken and +that the papers found upon him were in his possession. Col. Jemmison, +when Andre was taken with these papers, could not believe that Arnold +was a traitor, but rather thought it was an imposition of the British +in order to destroy our confidence in Arnold. He, however, immediately +on their being taken, despatched an express after me, ordering him to +ride night and day till he came up with me. The express went the lower +road, which was the road by which I had gone to Connecticut, expecting +that I would return by the same route, and that he would meet me; but +before he had proceeded far, he was informed that I was returning by the +upper road. He then cut across the country and followed in my track till +I arrived at West Point. He arrived about two hours after, and brought +the above packet. When Arnold got down to the barge, he ordered his men, +who were very clever fellows and some of the better sort of soldiery, to +proceed immediately on board the Vulture sloop of war, as a flag, which +was lying down the river; saying that they must be very expeditious, as +he must return in a short time to meet me, and promised them two gallons +of rum if they would exert themselves. They did, accordingly; but when +they got on board the Vulture, instead of their two gallons of rum, he +ordered the coxswain to be called down into the cabin and informed him +that he and the men must consider themselves as prisoners. The coxswain +was very much astonished, and told him that they came on board under the +sanction of a flag. He answered that that was nothing to the purpose; +they were prisoners. But the Captain of the Vulture had more generosity +than this pitiful scoundrel, and told the coxswain that he would take +his parole for going on shore to get clothes, and whatever else was +wanted for himself and his companions. He accordingly came, got his +clothes and returned on board. When they got to New York, General +Clinton, ashamed of so low and mean an action, set them all at liberty." + +This closes the account. It terminates also the use I have been +permitted, through the valued friendship of Mrs. Lear, to make of these +manuscripts. + +R.R. + + +FOOTNOTES: + +[Footnote A: Alluding probably to the Nootka Sound controversy then +pending between these courts.] + +[Footnote B: The affectionate interest General Washington took in this +adopted son is well known. Mr. Custis still lives (1856) and still +dispenses the hospitalities of Arlington, his estate and home in +Virginia near the city of Washington; which it overlooks from its +beautiful heights. His house exhibits paintings, illustrative of our +revolutionary annals, the work of his amateur pencil; whilst the +productions of his patriotic pen have charmed the public by the +anecdotes they record in attractive ways of the personal, rural, and +other habits of the great Chief.] + +[Footnote C: The latter mean his slaves.] + +[Footnote D: Alison] + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's Washington in Domestic Life, by Richard Rush + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK WASHINGTON IN DOMESTIC LIFE *** + +***** This file should be named 11926.txt or 11926.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/1/1/9/2/11926/ + +Produced by Garrett Alley and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team. + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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