spirit of so affectionate and so discerning a parent, amid trials thus peculiar and severe, we see this heroic woman resigning herself with the same tranquil submission, and the same unaffected cheerfulness, by which her life had hitherto been distinguished, to the decrees of an overruling and inscrutable Destiny.

Before his departure from his native State, to assume the command of the patriots assembled at Cambridge, the American Commander-in Chief, ever mindful of his Mother's comfort and happiness, even when most burdened by public cares and obligations, assisted in effecting her removal from her country residence in its vicinity, to Fredericksburg.

Mrs. Washington was remunerated for thus renouncing a home hallowed by many tender and time-honored associations, the peaceful asylum of her youthful family in the days of her early bereavement, the scene of their innocent sports, their juvenile education, and of her own strenuous exertions and self-sacrificing devotion during so many years of her life, by being placed in much nearer proximity to her friends and relatives, and in a position more secure from danger than any precaution could have rendered an isolated,

rural abode. And as she preferred to maintain an individual establishment, even after her home ceased to be the permanent residence of any of her children, this arrangement was peculiarly. suitable and desirable.

Bestowing on him the more than ægis-shield of her blessing and her prayers, the patriotic mother bade adieu to her Son, for a period, the duration and events of which no mortal vision could even faintly discern.

Long familiar with the most effectual means of escape from the dominion of too-anxious thought, she hastened, after this painful parting, to busy herself with the arrangement and care of her new home, and sought in active usefulness and industry, not only the solace of her own "private griefs" and apprehensions, but the high pleasure that springs from the consciousness of doing good.

Ever possessed of far too much genuine selfrespect and enlightenment to regard the necessity of homely toil as degrading or unfortunate, her practical ingenuity and personal efforts now supplied, in a good degree, the many deficiencies and deprivations arising from the pressing exigencies of the times, and materially assisted, not only in

providing for the wants of her own househol, but in furnishing the means of that liberal charity which she had always exercised, however limited her resources, and which was not remitted when increasing occasion had arisen for its continu

ance.

"Whoso in pomp of proud estate, quoth she,
Does swim, and bathes himself in courtly bliss,
Does waste his daies in dark obscuritie,

And in oblivion buried is.

Where ease abounds 'yts eath to doe amis,
But who his limbs with labor, and his mynd
Behaves with cares, cannot so easy mis."

Though long past the meridian of life, her equanimity, her healthful habits, and the systematic uniformity of her daily existence, still gave this exemplary matron the physical power essential for carrying into effect her plans of selfdependence and benevolent usefulness.

It was, at this time, her almost daily custom, seated in an old-fashioned, open chaise, to visit her little farm in the vicinity of the town, and while there, to drive about the fields giving directions and personally superintending their execution.

Mrs. Washington is said to have required from

those about her a prompt and literal obedience, somewhat resembling that demanded by proper military subordination; a habit doubtless arising, in some degree, from a consciousness of the mental power that enabled her rightly to judge, and wisely to direct.

On one occasion, as we are told, she reproved an agent, who, relying upon his own judgment, had disobeyed her orders, saying, "I command you, there is nothing left for you but to obey!”

Thus, while occupied in her favorite pursuits, and preserved from all sense of loneliness, by the frequent and interesting visits of her children and grand-children, who were invariably most assiduous and affectionate in their endeavors to contribute to her happiness, several years rolled away.

Nor, as may well be supposed, did Mrs. Washington, in the meanwhile, look with an unobservant or unsympathizing eye, upon the changing and momentous aspect of public affairs. Her residence in Fredericksburg enabled her early to obtain the most important intelligence of the day, and we may believe the respectful attention of her Son, speedily and constantly supplied her with information denied to those possessing less claim upon his confidence and regard.

If not always as sanguine of the ultimate triumph of the American arms, as more youthful and ardent spectators of the Revolutionary contest, she watched the progress of national affairs, with patient and tranquil expectation. Frequently raising her thoughtful gaze from the painful contemplation of her country's struggles, towards the Omnipotent Friend who aids the sacred cause of Liberty and Right, she gained a firm and hopeful constancy that shielded her noble spirit, alike from unfounded enthusiasm, and desponding distrust; and that rendered her an example, worthy of all honor, to those mothers, who, like herself, had resigned their sons to their country, in the hour of her greatest need.

When the glorious and heart-warming intelligence of the successful passage of the Delaware,* by Washington and his brave companions in arms, was communicated to his Mother, by the numerous friends who hastened to rejoice with, and to felicitate her upon so auspicious and important an occurrence, she received the tidings with placid self-possession, and expressed her pleasure at the brightening prospects of her native land.

* Dec. 1776.