WASHINGTON.

The name, which this truly great and good man rendered for ever

illustrious and venerable, is of thoroughly English origin, and

was assumed, from a manor in the county of Durham, by one of the

proprietors, during the dynasty of the Plantagenets. The family

continued, for successive centuries, to produce men distinguished

in their day and generation as knights, divines, lawyers, and

agriculturists; and during the Protectorate two of its cadets, more

adventurous than their predecessors, fared forth from a hereditary

grange in Northamptonshire, took shipping for Virginia, sailed into

the bay of Chesapeake, and settled, in the midst of silk grass and

wild fruit, under the shade of the tall, bulky trees on the banks of

the Potomac.

The grandson of one of these emigrants, a colonist of industry,

enterprise, and repute, flourished in the earlier part of the

eighteenth century. He seems to have been fully alive to the

inconvenience, and steeled against the temptations of celibacy; for

he was twice married, and blessed with several children, of whom

George Washington――the eldest son by the second wife――was born on the

22d of February, 1732. Shortly after this joyous event, the worthy

and prosperous planter removed to an estate he possessed in Stafford

county; and there, on the east side of the Rappahannoc river, the

childhood of the future general and statesman was passed. He soon gave

indications of a natural disposition to lead and govern; and showed an

innate inclination for military pursuits and athletic exercises. When

at play, he took infinite delight in forming his youthful comrades

into companies, which he drilled, marched, and paraded with due order

and formality. Sometimes they were divided into two armies, and fought

mimic battles――he acting as captain-general of one party. Then, as in

maturer years, he was much given to such feats as running, leaping,

wrestling, throwing bars, and others of a similar character. Moreover,

he was held in great respect by his more volatile companions, who

looked up to him as an extraordinary lad; and thus he was often

privileged to arbitrate on and settle their casual disputes, always, it

is stated, to the satisfaction of the parties concerned.

[Illustration: YOUNG WASHINGTON’S MILITARY ASPIRATIONS.]

It has been remarked that, in general, persons attain with credit, and

fill with dignity, the positions which might have been anticipated from

their juvenile indications. Some, indeed, afterward display talents

of which, in their first stages, they gave no sign, and others put

forth a blossom not destined to bring forth the promised fruits: but

most frequently the man is such as might have been predicted from the

characteristics exhibited in early years. Washington can hardly be

regarded as an exception to the general rule; though it is unnecessary

to add, that he more than realized any hopes that could reasonably

have been entertained from his puerile performances. The seminary at

which he received his very scanty education was by no means of the

highest class. The pupils were not even initiated into the rudiments

of classical learning. Enough was taught the urchins to fit them for

conducting the practical business of a planter――at that time the

pursuit of nearly all gentlemen whose progenitors had left the comfort

and security of merry England to encounter the toils and hardship of a

colonial life. The teachers seem to have acted rigidly on the precept

of a Spartan king, that the boy should be instructed in the arts likely

to be useful to the man. If, on leaving school, the hopeful youths

could read with decent correctness, write a tolerable hand, and keep

accounts intelligibly, what more was wanting to capacitate them for

growing tobacco and shipping it, to be disposed of by the commercial

magnates who, arrayed in scarlet cloaks and flowing periwigs, paced,

with haughty step and unvailed pride, the arched Exchange of Glasgow?

Young men destined for learned professions were, it is true, generally

sent to be educated in England; for others a private tutor was

sometimes engaged; but in most cases the juvenile Virginians shouldered

their satchels, and, picking up the wild grapes in their path, marched

to the nearest hamlet to make the best of such tuition as it boasted

of. Such, at all events, was the fortune of Washington. Under these

disadvantageous circumstances, he pursued his simple studies with

unusual vigor and exemplary diligence. At the age of thirteen, he

strangely occupied much of his attention with the dry forms used in

mercantile transactions. He practiced his skill in the writing of

bonds, indentures, bills of exchange, and other deeds, compiled for

his own use and guidance a code of rules for behavior in company and

conversation, and transcribed such pieces of poetry as touched and

charmed his fancy. From a boy, he was peculiarly careful to polish

his manners, to cherish the heart’s best affections, to do to others

as he would be done to, and to exercise such a habitual control over

himself, that he might restrain his constitutional ardor and hold his

natural susceptibility in check. His early compositions were not, from

the imperfect nature of his education, distinguished by grammatical

correctness; but, by reading and perseverance, he gradually overcame

these defects, and learned to express himself with force, clearness,

and propriety. He had a decided turn for mathematical studies; and

the last years of his school career were devoted to the mysteries of

geometry, trigonometry, and surveying. For the last he felt a singular

partiality; and he gratified the taste by measuring the neighboring

fields and plantations, entering all the details and particulars in

his note-books. This was done with systematic precision; he used his

pen with the most scrupulous care, and acquired habits which were of

inestimable value when he ascended to posts of peril and responsibility.

Meantime, his father had been cut off in the prime of life; but this

early deprivation was, in Washington’s case, almost counteracted by

the character of his surviving parent, who, being a woman of sense,

tenderness, vigilance, a strong mind, and prudent management, reared

her family with the utmost discretion and success. She had the

satisfaction of living to witness the splendid position to which the

abilities, conduct, and energy of her son ultimately elevated him.

Washington went no longer to school after his sixteenth year. His

relations had previously entertained the intention of entering him

as a midshipman in the navy; and with this view had successfully

exerted their influence to procure him a warrant. It appears that the

future hero of a continent joyfully acquiesced in this scheme for his

advancement in life; and had it been persisted in, he would no doubt

have borne himself with credit and distinction. This was unquestionably

a critical juncture in his career, and in the history of America; but

it was terminated, imprudently in the opinion of his friends, by the

interference of his widowed mother, who little relished the thought

of her darling being sent “to rough it out at sea.” She therefore

authoritatively forbade his departure. Perhaps the incipient hero was

not altogether disconsolate at the maternal veto being thus exercised;

for about this date he proved himself not insensible to the magic power

of female grace, and became vehemently enamored of some rural beauty.

He celebrated her perfections in love-ditties, and confessed his pangs

in letters to a confident; but, with a modesty surely rare under such

circumstances, he ventured not to reveal the state of his agitated

heart to the fair being whose image was stamped on its tablets.

At this period, Washington was fortunate enough to go on a visit to

his eldest brother, Lawrence. That gentleman was intelligent and

accomplished. He had served with honor in the expedition made, in

1740, against Carthagena; and secured the esteem and intimacy of the

high-spirited Admiral Vernon. On returning home he had, in compliment

to that gallant officer, named his property Mount Vernon; and they

still continued in friendly communication. He had, moreover, become a

member of the Colonial legislature, and connected himself by marriage

with Lord Fairfax, who, having in earlier days proved his capacity

by writing papers in the “Spectator,” had just crossed the Atlantic

to explore and examine the immense tract of land that belonged to

him in the New World. Thus the company in which the elder Washington

moved was by no means deficient in literary culture or patrician

refinement; and his sagacious brother, in mixing with it, had opened

up to his view aspects of society with which he might otherwise have

remained unacquainted. He was too wise not to avail himself of the

advantage in this way presented to his opening mind. Slow to speak,

ready to hear, and anxious to understand, he used it to counterpoise

the partial training his mental faculties had undergone, and thus laid

the foundation of the mild dignity and scrupulous politeness which, in

other days, made Sir Robert Liston declare, that he had never conversed

with a better-bred sovereign in any court of Europe.

Lord Fairfax, on reaching his wild and uncultivated possessions, found

that settlers were quietly making their way up the rivers, selecting

the most valuable spots, and occupying them without leave or license.

It was, therefore, deemed necessary that his seignorial rights should

be asserted; and with that object he determined on having the lands

properly lotted and measured, preparatory to claiming rents and

giving titles. The destined victor in the War of Independence had

already been presented to this clever, but eccentric, representative

of the renowned Parliamentary general; a favorable opinion had, in

consequence, been formed of the youth’s merits and ability; and

Washington being intrusted with the responsible duty, and attended by a

kinsman of his lordship, sallied forth on his first surveying excursion

in the beginning of 1748. The task was arduous and fatiguing; he

was frequently obliged to pass whole nights under the cold sky, or

in tents which afforded little shelter against the wintery wind and

rain: but the expedition was not without beneficial results. He became

conversant with localities then little known, but afterward the field

of his military operations; he saw something of Indian life, witnessed

an Indian war-dance, and acquired some acquaintance with the habits of

the race upon which the spirit of civilization was bearing so hard.

Besides, he executed his task with so much success, as not only to

give complete satisfaction to his noble employer, but to establish

his character as an excellent surveyor; a matter of considerable

consequence, as there were then few in the district, and the emoluments

were temptingly high. He therefore procured a commission, which gave

authority to his operations, and entitled him to have their results

entered in the provincial registers. By activity and diligence his

occupation was rendered very lucrative; and on attaining the age of

nineteen he had achieved so enviable a place in public esteem, that

a most honorable military appointment was bestowed upon him by the

Government on the approach of danger.

His taste for martial affairs had, indeed, been adhered to with

resolution, and cultivated with assiduity. Since acting as a surveyor,

he had resided chiefly with his brother, whose house was more

conveniently situated for his exertions than was the home of his

infancy; and he had, from this cause, been brought more into contact,

than he would otherwise have been, with men versed in military matters.

Under their instruction he had industriously practiced himself in sword

exercise, and become not inexpert. Besides, he had eagerly studied

books treating of the art of war. The early aspirations of great men

are generally met with ridicule. “_Obsta principiis_” is too often the

motto of jealous dunces. When the author of “Marmion” proposed in youth

to compose his “War-Song of the Edinburgh Light Dragoons,” the idea of

his attempting such a thing raised coarse laughter, and was regarded

as a piece of absurdity; and, in like manner, it is not difficult

to imagine the brisk tittering excited by the efforts of the young

colonial surveyor to initiate himself into handling the weapons and

understanding the theory of war.

But however that may have been, it came to pass that, in 1751, when

there appeared a prospect of encroachment on the part of the French,

and it was deemed prudent to embody the militia to defend and protect

the frontiers, Washington received a commission as Adjutant-General of

one of the districts into which Virginia was divided. This entitled

him to rank as major; and his duty was to assemble and exercise the

local troops, inspect their arms, and maintain fitting discipline;

no unworthy training for that military genius which subsequently

accomplished so much for the land of his nativity. Then, as afterward,

candor, sincerity, and straightforwardness were the characteristics

of his noble mind. He had been eminently endowed by Nature with the

qualities which form a ruler of men; and perhaps the training which

he now underwent was, in reality, more favorable than any of a more

regular and systematic kind would have been to the working out of his

peculiar destiny.

About this period, Washington was withdrawn for a brief season from

the sphere of his new duties. The health of his brother became so

precarious, that medical advisers recommended an excursion to a

different climate; and the company of some kind friend being required

to cheer and sustain the invalid on his voyage, the fraternal affection

of the boy-major prompted him to undertake the office. The atmosphere

of a West India island being considered most likely to act as a

restorative, Barbadoes was fixed upon. During the voyage thither,

Washington busily occupied himself with making observations and

increasing his knowledge; and on an October day they arrived at their

destination.

Hardly could any prospect be more pleasing than that which arrested

the eyes of the travelers, as, after being confined for five tedious

weeks to the narrow limits of a trader, they anchored in the bay,

the stillness of whose waters was only broken by the sailing of the

dreaded shark, or by the tropical breeze which played lightly around,

and gratefully modified the warmth of the sun, as it descended with

merciless glow upon their strawy head-pieces. Before them lay the

chief town, circling around the silver strand, and shrouded in palm

trees that fringed the blue waters of the ocean. In the background,

fields of the sugar-cane, planters’ airy mansions, the tall windmills,

and the negro-huts bosomed in the evergreen and luxuriant foliage of

the tropics――having the appearance of scattered villages――presented

a scene, picturesque, attractive, and promising delightful journeys

to the curious stranger. Nor was Washington disappointed in that

respect. Every thing came under his notice, and enlisted his sagacious

reflection. The soil, methods of culture, and the agricultural

productions, engaged his attention no less than the manners of the

inhabitants, their military force, their form of government, and their

municipal institutions. While thus profitably employed he was laid

prostrate by a sharp attack of small-pox, which confined him to the

house for weeks; but with skillful medical treatment he was released

from this doubly-dull durance, and enabled to resume his habits of

gaining experience and collecting information.

Meantime the health of his brother had, at first, improved rapidly.

Change of air and novelty of scene had produced a salutary impression;

they invigorated his frame and revived his spirits: but the symptoms of

decay speedily re-appearing he proceeded to Bermuda. Washington then

embarked for Virginia, to execute the kindly duty of conducting his

sister-in-law to her expiring husband; but ere arrangements could be

made for that purpose, the latter was on the sea, and he soon after

breathed his last under his own roof. The melancholy task of attending

to the affairs of a departed relative, so near and dear, now devolved

upon Washington, and for months he applied to the estate the sound

sense and accurate investigation which ever characterized the great

self-taught soldier and statesman in dealing with weightier affairs.

In the interval the sphere of his public duties had been enlarged and

extended. The colony had, for purposes of defense, been divided into

four grand districts; Washington’s commission was then renewed, and

the northern portion was confided to his steady care and untiring

vigilance. This included several counties, each of which he had to

visit periodically. The duties were quite in harmony with his taste and

temper, and he discharged them with an energy and an enthusiasm which

were not lost on those over whom he was appointed to exercise control,

and among whom he had to insure discipline. Still he had not arrived

even at that time of life when the generality of mortals are charitably

supposed to have reached “years of discretion.”

Events were now speeding to a crisis. Intelligence arrived that the

French had crossed the lakes from Canada, and were preparing to

establish posts and fortifications on the Ohio river. On receiving

these alarming reports, the Virginian governor, having resolved

to send an officer commissioned to inquire by what right they thus

intruded on the English dominions, selected Washington, as peculiarly

fitted to execute the duty with faith, discretion, and delicacy.

Accordingly, about the close of 1753, he departed with suitable

credentials and the requisite powers from Williamsburg, the seat of

government; and with a retinue of eight persons, two of whom were to

act as interpreters, he, after much toil and trouble, arrived at the

French head-quarters. There he was courteously received and entertained

by the commandant, a Knight of the Order of St. Louis. Immediate

attention was promised to the subject of his mission, and in due time

an answer, indicative of firmness and hostility, was granted to the

remonstrance of his excellency the governor. Washington then retraced

his steps, through trackless forests, over rugged mountains, and by

swollen floods; making several hair-breadth escapes by land and water.

During the expedition he had found frequent opportunities of extending

his knowledge of Indian manners and customs; and he had been escorted

to the French camp by an influential personage, bearing the title of

“Half King.” While returning, his journey was agreeably diversified

by a visit to Queen Alliquippa, an Indian princess; no doubt, like

the charming but hapless Yarico, appareled in beautiful shells, and

possessed of wild graces. She maintained her state at the junction of

two rivers, and had expressed her displeasure at the representative

of the British king having failed to show her any proper mark of

respect on his way out; but a polite apology and a substantial present

soothed her wounded pride and ruffled dignity, and secured the young

envoy a gracious dismissal. Twelve months later the dusky sovereign

lady was under the necessity of placing herself and her son under his

protection, when driven from her royal residence by the French troops.

After an absence of three months, Washington presented himself to the

governor, and reported the result of his mission. In order to fire the

patriotic enthusiasm of the colonists, the journal of his adventures

was forthwith published. It appeared in all the provincial papers, and

was reprinted in England by order of the government.

War was now imminent, and preparations were imperative upon the

authorities. The governor was a wary Caledonian, and surrounded by a

knot of his countrymen, who took care that in his appointments he did

full justice to their claims; but, at the same time, he exhibited much

zeal for the honor of the vice-regal office, and becoming ardor for the

dignity of the British Crown. His schemes were, however, subject to

be provokingly thwarted by the members of the local legislature, who

manifested a republican spirit by no means agreeable to his loyal and

patriotic sentiments. Hence he found considerable difficulty in making

such arrangements for defense as he deemed necessary for the safety of

English interests. Nevertheless, he succeeded in embodying a force to

repel the invaders; and Washington having already, by his high courage

and admirable conduct, proved his rare capacity for military business,

was promoted to the rank of lieutenant-colonel, and nominated second

in command. He immediately marched, with his new authority, to the

Alleghany Mountains, and being joined by parties of those Indians who

were favorable to the English, he commenced skirmishing with the enemy.

In one sharp fray the leader of the hostile party was killed, and his

men forced to yield. But in another encounter, at a place known as

the Great Meadows, where he had thrown up an intrenchment, and called

it Fort Necessity, Washington was, after a conflict of nine hours,

obliged to capitulate. Then marching out, with flying colors and drums

beating, he retreated to Williamsburg. His praiseworthy conduct during

the campaign elicited high applause from the governor, and was rewarded

with public thanks, conveyed through the House of Assembly. Next year

he found himself in a somewhat awkward predicament. The forces being

organized on a new system, he had to choose between being reduced to

the rank of captain, and placed under officers whom he had previously

commanded, or leaving the army. Without hesitation he resigned his

commission, and spent the winter in retirement.

Early in the spring, however, he emerged from his retreat, and

consented, while retaining his former rank, to accompany General

Braddock as a volunteer. He was received with flattering respect,

and prepared to take part in the expedition against Fort Duquesne;

when, unfortunately, he was prostrated by a fever, which rendered his

consignment to the baggage-wagon and the physician’s care a matter

of necessity: but he was sufficiently recovered in a fortnight to

bear arms in the bloody battle of the Monongahela. Beautiful and

impressive was the array of British troops on that memorable morning

as the little army marched in order, with high hopes and ardent

anticipations, the sun gleaming on their burnished arms. On one side

was a flowing river, and on the other a shadowy forest. Suddenly, at

noon, ere the rear had well crossed at a ford, they were attacked

with fatal dexterity――the foe firing at a distance from behind trees,

and practicing all the stratagems of Indian warfare. The general,

disdaining to imitate such tactics, was mortally wounded; his two

aides-de-camp were disabled; sixty-three out of eighty-six officers

were killed and wounded; seven hundred private soldiers met with

similar fates: but Washington seemed to have a charmed life. He rode

about in all directions, and exerted himself with the utmost courage.

He was a conspicuous mark for the enemy’s sharp-shooters, and four

bullets went through his coat; yet, though his companions fell in heaps

around, he escaped unhurt. The nut-brown riflemen, old and young,

singled him out; but with as little effect as, at Torquilstone, the

arrows of the English archers had on the Milan steel of the bold leader

of free lances. The idea of preternatural protection occurred to their

superstitious imaginations; and as the Scottish Covenanters believed

that General Dalziel possessed a diabolical charm against steel, and

that Claverhouse was guaranteed against lead by the enemy of mankind,

so the Indian warriors concluded that Washington was under the especial

guardianship of the Great Spirit, and they ceased their efforts to slay

him. Thus, although the day was most disastrous, he gained much praise

by the valor, energy, and resolution he had exhibited throughout. He

was instanced, even in pulpits, as preserved by a wise Providence

to confer some signal benefit on his country; his public reputation

rose high; the Legislature voted him a sum of money for his services;

and when the local regiment was increased to sixteen companies, he

was nominated their commander-in-chief. Being now intrusted with

responsible functions, he devoted himself to the fulfillment of them

with much care and foresight; and he procured the passing of a law to

insure proper regularity and discipline. While thus gravely occupied,

he had a dispute concerning precedence with an officer holding King

George’s commission; and in order to solve the difficulty, which was

at once vexatious and perplexing, he had to undertake a journey to

Boston, to obtain the opinion of General Shirley, commander of His

Majesty’s forces in America, who unhesitatingly decided the point

in Washington’s favor, and held serious and important conversation

with him as to the plan of operations for the next campaign. Much

curiosity was evinced, in the places through which he passed, to see

the individual who had, at the early age of twenty-three, won so much

renown for his bravery, and who was regarded as remarkable for the

escape he had recently made. And there he was――a gallant and dignified

cavalier, rather more than six feet in height, with long limbs, and

a slender but erect and well-proportioned form――making an equestrian

excursion of five hundred miles in the depth of winter, with two trusty

comrades. He remained for some time at New York; and while there he had

to encounter in a family circle――the most perilous of all arenas――a

blooming damsel, whose charms, more effectual than the bullets of

Indians, penetrated to his heart, and made so deep an impression that,

after going to Boston, he returned and lingered till called away by the

stern voice of duty. Doubtless reciprocal emotions fluttered in the

gentle breast of the attractive nymph; but, as usual, the course of his

love did not run quite smoothly: his hopes blossomed but to die. In a

few months he was informed that a formidable rival was in the field,

and the citadel in the utmost danger. Besides, it was intimated that,

if he wished to save the coveted prize, he must make his appearance

forthwith. Washington, absorbed with “the harsh duties of severe

renown,” or despairing of success, failed to comply with this friendly

suggestion; the fair lady――a “cynosure of neighboring eyes”――did not,

perhaps, excessively relish his apparent coolness; and his lucky

competitor, being thus in undisputed possession of the ground, marched

onward, with flying colors, to a connubial triumph.

Our hero, however, was not idle. If, like the rival of young Lochinvar,

he had been “a laggard in love,” he was no “dastard in war.” The army

had, on his return, received a considerable augmentation; and though

the nature of his operations was unfavorable to the acquisition of

much martial glory, he excited respect and admiration by the signal

ability and ingenious resource he constantly displayed. Yet in modern,

no less than in ancient times, abuse and calumny are essential parts of

triumph; and they were now busy with the character and career of the

successful young soldier. Some vituperative rumors were, it is stated,

finally traced to the intrigues of the wily Scots, who clustered in

ambitious expectancy, and in a “dark impenetrable ring,” around their

consanguineous governor. The excellent qualities of Washington’s heart,

his sensible modesty and honest frankness, were the best antidotes to

the poison; but the labors attaching to his office were so arduous,

that his health gave way; his physician insisted on a temporary

retirement; and betaking himself to his estate, he underwent a feverish

illness, which preyed upon him for months.

On recovering his strength, Washington resumed his military career.

The accession of Mr. Pitt, afterward the great Earl of Chatham, to the

English ministry, had inspired life and vigor into the struggle; a new

expedition against Fort Duquesne was planned; and the place falling

into the hands of the British troops, was named Fort Pitt, in honor of

the mighty War Minister. When this happened, Washington resigned his

command and returned to Virginia, as he had previously resolved to do

in case of the enterprise being crowned with victory.

His affections, twice baffled in their objects, were now to find

the peace and repose not seldom, even in the case of men of strong

minds, essential to the achievement of great and memorable actions.

Mrs. Custis, a widow lady, at this time resided in the vicinity of

the provincial capital. She was still in the bloom of youth, gayety,

and beauty, distinguished by wealth, affability, and attractions, and

dignified with the maternity of two children. Besides, she possessed

in rare perfection the domestic graces and accomplishments which,

in the opinion of persons whom experience has divested of glowing

romance, constitute the true fascination of woman. This flower of the

female sex was, indeed, a being too captivating not to have wooers;

and amidst social life and festive enjoyments few, perhaps, could have

perused her various charms without admiration. Washington’s noble

bearing and sage conversation could hardly fail to make an impression

on the gentle heart which her fair form enshrined. He came, saw, and

conquered; and, in the beginning of 1759, they were happily united.

Being now in possession of quiet leisure, Washington, with his matronly

bride, settled at Mount Vernon, to which he had succeeded since the

decease of his brother. The tranquil mansion-house was a most agreeable

residence. In front was a spacious lawn, bounded by blossoming orchards

and pleasant gardens, which reposed in the shade of thriving trees, and

were watered by the broad and deep Potomac. The domestic habits of the

owner of the domain were uniform, and characterized by a regularity

from which he seldom deviated. He rose with the sun, and retired early

to rest. His attention was chiefly given to agriculture, in which,

in accordance with a strong natural inclination, he had always taken

a lively interest. His land was devoted, for the most part, to the

growth of tobacco, which he exported to be sold in the English markets.

The life of an ordinary Virginia planter was, at that date, somewhat

monotonous. He lived during the whole year on his own land, which, in

most cases, lay so near some of the large rivers that ships sailed

almost to his door, and received the produce of his farm to swell the

imports into distant emporiums. In practicing hospitality, he was

generally so profuse that inns were utterly useless. Weary wayfarers,

even without introduction, had only to call at the nearest proprietor’s

house, with the certainty of being heartily welcomed and cheerfully

entertained. He might not indeed be, and seldom was, rolling in wealth;

but that point the guest would soon hear explained with emphasis.

Every colonist availed himself of his privilege as a British subject

to complain loudly that British merchants, by some process or other,

contrived to appropriate the better part of his just profits; and even

Washington, however different from his neighbors in other respects,

scrutinized accounts with a sharpness which shows that he was not

altogether without his suspicions.

The hospitality of the great colonial soldier was displayed on a scale

of magnificence which must have tended to relieve the dullness; and

when at home, he seldom allowed a day to pass without having visitors

of intelligence and distinction. Moreover, he had a keen relish for

field-sports. He hunted, at the proper season, twice or thrice a-week;

was fond of the excitement and recreation which a fox-chase afforded;

was familiar with the use of his fowling-piece; signalized his

expertness against the game which abounded in his preserved grounds,

and fought as courageously in an affray with poachers as he had ever

done in a battle with the French. He was always eager to be useful,

and took a particular interest in the affairs of his parish. He was

recognized by the people in his neighborhood as a man of extraordinary

candor and judgment; insomuch that when they became involved in

quarrels, which there appeared no prospect of otherwise settling

amicably, they were in the habit of resorting to him as a last appeal,

and submitting the case to his reason, justice, and decision, just as

his school-fellows had done in other days:

“His doom contending neighbors sought――

Content with equity unbought.”

Indeed, his wish to act without fear, favor, or affection, when thus

consulted, and to promote peace and concord, was so evident, that few

uttered an audible murmur against his arbitration.

On relinquishing his military employment, he had been returned as a

member of the House of Burgesses, and for a period of fifteen years

was successful at each election. It was a rule with him through life

to execute with unflinching diligence any duty he undertook; and as

a representative his attendance was punctual and exemplary in the

extreme. He seldom spoke; he had no longing for oratorical conflict,

and altogether refrained from entering into stormy discussions; but his

acute perception, earnest judgment, and sage prescience, gave him an

influence in the assembly which his wordy, brawling, and disputatious

compeers struggled and strove for in vain. He was in the habit of

studying attentively, and forming opinions with scrupulous impartiality

on the chief subjects under deliberation. In this respect, _Nunquam

non paratus_ might have been his motto. Thus, when the Stamp Act was

imposed on the colonies by Mr. Grenville, he at once assumed a position

of antagonism to the infliction, and concurred with firmness and

determination in the measures of opposition adopted by America. From

this, and his high reputation, he was chosen to command the independent

companies of militia which the colonists had hitherto been privileged

and encouraged to raise; he was sent as a delegate to the Virginia

Convention, and afterward elected as a member of the general Congress,

in whose proceedings he acted a prominent and influential part.

When the second Congress assembled, in 1775, it presented an array

of “fierce faces threatening war.” Blood had already been shed; at

Lexington had commenced that contest which, with few intermissions,

lasted for eight years. The English crown was, at a perilous crisis,

found without competent advisers; Wisdom cried aloud in public

places, without being regarded; and American senators openly and

boisterously invoked the God of battles. Civil strife, fierce and

bloody, was inevitable; and in this emergency Washington was chosen

Commander-in-chief of the forces raised to carry on the momentous

struggle. Yet it can not be supposed that this great man contemplated a

separation from the mother-country without a pang. Even Jefferson, at

this date, declared that in the whole empire there was no individual

who more cordially loved the union with Great Britain than himself;

and hardly any one competent to form an opinion on such a subject can

conceive that Washington, who had given such tokens of patriotism, was

less loyal in his sentiments. His forefathers had fought on famous

fields, and in walled cities, for the crown of England; he himself had

won his laurels under her lion-flag against her hereditary enemies; and

he was, moreover, a man of faith, breeding, and refinement. With such

a person, considerations of such a nature are not readily banished or

suppressed, and there can be little doubt that his patriot soul was

often tossed with contending emotions; like the Saxon nobles whom the

Conqueror, with fire and sword, drove into the Scottish territory, who

felt no respect for the Norman line of kings, but whose hearts lingered

about the scenes where their progenitors had held sway and created

civilization. The tastes and associations of Washington might well

have led him, had an option been granted, to side with the imperial

cause. But the course pursued by Lord North, who, as a statesman, ever

displayed more wit than wisdom, and whom neither the sagacious warnings

of Burke nor the vehement declamation of Chatham could awaken from

a sleepy stupidity, left him no choice. He believed that his native

plains must either be drenched in blood or inhabited by slaves; he

regarded it as a sad alternative: but he did not falter or hesitate in

his course. With engaging diffidence in his own powers he accepted the

responsible position offered; and repairing to Cambridge, where the

insurgent army lay, he proceeded to remodel and improve it to the best

of his ability. In the interval Bunker’s Hill had been fought. The

victory remained with the Loyalists; but the engagement had convinced

them that the foe was not to be despised. Subsequent events fully

confirmed this opinion; and General Howe being under the necessity of

abandoning Boston, Washington was received by the inhabitants with

significant enthusiasm.

Soon after, the Declaration of Independence was published; but events

inauspicious to the cause of the colonists now came onward in rapid

succession. The defeat at Long Island filled their ranks with such

dismay and consternation as put their general’s invincible resolution

to a severe test. New York was straightway relinquished by them, with

considerable loss; a defeat was sustained at Chatterton’s Hill; Fort

Washington was lost; and General Lee was taken prisoner. This was a

period to try the souls of those who had taken up arms against taxation

without representation. Their operations had proved unexpectedly

disastrous; their army had melted away till it seemed but a shadow

of its former self; pardon had been proclaimed in the King’s name to

all who would return to their allegiance. Many persons of wealth,

consideration, and respectability, especially yeomen of strength

and substance, had accepted it on the offered terms; but Washington

remained firm and decided. His fortitude might not inaptly be compared

to that house against which the waves beat, and the rain came, and the

winds blew, but which fell not, for it was founded on a rock. He calmly

represented to Congress the plight to which he was reduced; and the

crisis being such as to silence all querulous opposition, neither the

whisper of envy nor the voice of discontent was heard. Even timidity

was overcome by fear. Indeed the members appear to have been animated

by views similar to those which the elder consul, “an ancient man and

wise,” is made to express when the thirty armies are described as on

their way to Rome:

“In seasons of great peril

’Tis good that one bear sway;

Then choose we a Dictator,

Whom all men shall obey.”

And, accordingly, Washington was wisely invested with supreme authority

and dictatorial powers. The army was completely reorganized; and

its dauntless, but firm and prudent leader, resolved to cross the

Delaware, and attack the foes on their own ground. On a December night

he assailed and defeated them at Trenton; and pursuing his advantage,

he gained an important victory at Princeton. Next year, however, the

fortune of war again changed, and Washington fought unsuccessfully at

the fords of the Brandywine and at the village of Germantown. In the

former of these actions Lafayette, inspired with burning zeal for the

American cause, displayed his courage as a volunteer, and was wounded

in the leg while dismounting to rally the retreating troops by his

voice and example.

Ere long the French king recognized the independence of the United

States by a formal treaty; a battle was fought at Monmouth with partial

success; and a French squadron arrived to aid the new allies of the

Bourbons. Nevertheless, an assault made by the combined forces on Rhode

Island proved a failure; and a projected expedition against Canada came

to naught. An intended attack on New York had a similar termination,

and a mutiny among the troops filled the public mind with alarm and

consternation. Still the clear spirit of Washington rose superior to

adversity, and his deep determination was not to be shaken by disaster.

Affairs, indeed, seemed now to be hastening to a crisis; but as the

year 1781 advanced, they began to wear a more favorable aspect. The

cheering news was brought by a French frigate that powerful assistance

might be calculated on; and a combined attack was planned against New

York, but relinquished owing to intelligence in regard to the sailing

of the promised auxiliaries from St. Domingo. When they at length

arrived, York Town, in Virginia, was besieged by the allied forces, and

Lord Cornwallis obliged to surrender.

It now became evident that the unhappy war was approaching its

termination; and the American army, with a prospect of being disbanded,

began to complain of grievances. Besides, many of the officers looked

with so little favor on republican institutions, that, wishing for some

more vigorous form of government, they deputed one of their number to

convey to Washington the suggestion, that they were not averse to his

thoughtful brow being begirt with a diadem. He rebuked the idea with

stern indignation, and requested that it might never again be alluded

to.

In the spring of 1783, intelligence arrived that a treaty of peace had

been signed at Paris, and that the independence of the United States

had been acknowledged by the British Government. Shortly afterward, a

cessation of hostilities was announced, and arrangements were made for

the evacuation of New York. On a November morning, the English troops

finally embarked; a long procession, with Washington at its head, made

formal entry and took possession of the city. At his side――followed by

the provincial functionaries, officers, senators, and citizens――rode

the governor, who closed the proceedings of the memorable day with

a costly banquet. Yet, however flattering to their pride as a new

nation, the ceremony was not altogether unsuggestive of melancholy

considerations. The chief, the greatest, the most conspicuous actor

in it, must have been conscious of mixed feelings; and it was natural

that, a few days later, when parting with his warlike associates,

his emotion should have been visible. He had conducted a great civil

war; he had triumphed where the most sanguine might, without reproach

have despaired; and he had throughout, without an interval, exhibited

high mental dignity. He had earned the position of a prince, and the

proud title of “Father of his country;” won for himself glorious

renown, and achieved national independence for millions. But it was

impossible to look for a moment to the future, enveloped as it then was

in uncertainty, without recollecting――perhaps not without a sigh――that

America was no longer a portion of that mighty empire on which the sun

never sets; reared by Saxon sagacity, and sustained by Norman valor;

constituted by the toil of the wise, and consecrated by the blood of

the brave; and to whose immemorial institutions he had lately been as

much attached as the inhabitants of Kent or Northumberland.

When Washington resigned the command of that army with which he had

outmanœuvred the tactics of successive generals, and brought a war

with the most powerful nation in the world to a triumphant issue,

he was still in his fifty-first year; but he had a right to believe

that his long and continuous services entitled him to repose. He had

affluence and station; he did not covet power; and he looked forward

to the enjoyment of calm, contemplative retirement, till, in God’s

appointed time, he should sleep with his fathers. He therefore went to

Mount Vernon, devised schemes of internal navigation for developing

the resources and extending the commerce of the country, and seems

even to have indulged in prophetic visions of that vast trade which

has since crowded the docks of Liverpool and stocked the warehouses of

Manchester. It was then that he had the satisfaction of welcoming the

visit of Lafayette, whose friendship he highly esteemed, and whose

former services he duly appreciated. They parted with mutual regret;

never to meet again.

While planting his grounds, pruning his fruit-trees, improving

his property, receiving complimentary visits, answering courteous

congratulations, and preparing peacefully to descend the pathway of

life, under the shadow of his own vine and fig-tree――envious of none,

and determined to be pleased with all――Washington became painfully

aware that the system of government then existing did not meet the

wishes and requirements of the American public. Indeed, some were so

apprehensive of fatal consequences, that they were gradually inspired

with the desire of receiving, from among the royal families of Europe,

a prince who should wear a crown, exercise sovereign sway, and control

the conflicting elements then making themselves felt for evil. To pour

oil on the troubled waters, a Convention was appointed to devise a

form of government calculated to give general satisfaction. Washington

was chosen chairman; and, as such, affixed his name to the new

constitution, which, though not coming up to the perfection of ideal

theories, was ratified by the States and adopted by the people.

This scheme――in regard to which Franklin said, “I consent to it,

because I expect no better, and because I am not sure it is not the

best; the opinions I have of its errors I sacrifice to the public

good”――provided for the election of a President. On this being known,

all eyes were turned toward Washington, as the personage in every

respect best qualified, by rank, station, and dignity, to occupy the

eminence. His mind was, indeed, so tinged with the old leaven of

aristocracy, that, in respect to military officers, he had requested

that none but gentlemen should be considered qualified; but experience

had taught him confidence in the aspirations of a free people. Every

thing conspired to fit him to appear as the representative of various

parties, to check the prevalence of extreme opinions, and to “stay the

plague both ways.” When the day appointed for the important business

arrived, he was unanimously elected; and yielding with unfeigned

reluctance to the public voice, he became the first President of the

United States. In this trying situation, his singleness of purpose and

stainless integrity shone forth with unparalleled lustre. He ruled in

truth and sincerity――not to aggrandize himself, but to benefit his

country. Though ungifted with the brilliant qualities which dazzle

an ambitious people, and disdaining the demagogic arts too often

employed to mislead them――his sound judgment, steady mind, and powerful

understanding, enabled him to deal with the difficulties he had to

encounter, and avoid or remove the obstacles that came in his way. He

piloted the vessel he had launched through troublous times. With a firm

hand and a bold heart he maintained the balance between the contending

factions, exhibited a resolution not to be overcome or overawed, and

in 1796 retired from the position to which he had imparted dignity

with the respect, sympathy, and veneration of all parties and all

nations.

This great, intrepid, and admirable man, went down to his grave in

peace and honor in the year 1799, leaving to his country and mankind

a glorious heritage, in a name unsullied by crime or rapacity, and

an example to be held in everlasting remembrance by all future

generations.