From Farm House to the White House - 912 Freedom Library
From Farm House to the White House - 912 Freedom Library
From Farm House to the White House - 912 Freedom Library
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<strong>Farm</strong> <strong>House</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>White</strong> <strong>House</strong>, by William M. Thayer 210<br />
"I can think of nothing," answered Mr. Lear, and <strong>the</strong>n repeated his opinion that he was not so near <strong>the</strong> end.<br />
Smiling, <strong>the</strong> great man responded:<br />
"I am certainly near <strong>the</strong> end, and I look forward <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> hour of dissolution with perfect resignation."<br />
Turning <strong>to</strong> Mrs. Washing<strong>to</strong>n, he said, "Go <strong>to</strong> my desk, and in <strong>the</strong> private drawer you will find two papers;<br />
bring <strong>the</strong>m <strong>to</strong> me."<br />
The papers were brought, when he added, taking one paper in each hand:<br />
"These are my wills. Preserve this one, and burn <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r."<br />
Dr. Craik arrived about ten o'clock, and remained with him until his death. Drs. Brown and Dick were sent<br />
for, and every effort possible made <strong>to</strong> save his life.<br />
"I am much obliged for all your care and attention," he said <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> physicians; "but do not trouble yourselves<br />
any more about me. Let me pass away quietly. I cannot last long."<br />
Later he said <strong>to</strong> Dr. Craik:<br />
"Doc<strong>to</strong>r, I die hard, but I am not afraid <strong>to</strong> go." He was <strong>the</strong>n struggling for breath.<br />
At eight o'clock in <strong>the</strong> evening he appeared unable <strong>to</strong> speak. Mr. Lear says:<br />
"I aided him all in my power, and was gratified in believing he felt it, for he would look upon me with eyes<br />
speaking gratitude, but unable <strong>to</strong> utter a word without great distress."<br />
At ten o'clock he appeared <strong>to</strong> make a desperate effort <strong>to</strong> speak, and at length said <strong>to</strong> Mr. Lear: "I am just<br />
going. Have me decently buried, and do not let my body be put in<strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> vault in less than three days after I am<br />
dead."<br />
Mr. Lear signified his assent by a nod.<br />
As if not satisfied with that, Washing<strong>to</strong>n looked up <strong>to</strong> him again, and said:<br />
"Do you understand me?"<br />
"Yes, sir," Mr. Lear answered distinctly.<br />
"It is well," added <strong>the</strong> dying man--<strong>the</strong> last words he spoke.<br />
Mr. Lear describes <strong>the</strong> closing scene thus:<br />
"About ten minutes before he expired, his breathing became much easier; he lay quietly. He withdrew his<br />
hand from mine and felt his own pulse. I spoke <strong>to</strong> Dr. Craik, who sat by <strong>the</strong> fire; he came <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> bedside. The<br />
general's hand fell from his wrist; I <strong>to</strong>ok it in mine and placed it on my breast. Dr. Craik closed his eyes, and<br />
he expired without groan or struggle."<br />
Mrs. Washing<strong>to</strong>n had been sitting in silent grief all <strong>the</strong> while, at <strong>the</strong> foot of <strong>the</strong> bed; but now she inquired with<br />
calmness: