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 51<br />
career of her eldest son, till, by his own rare merits, he was raised <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> head of a nation, and applauded and<br />
revered by <strong>the</strong> whole world. It has been said that <strong>the</strong>re never was a great man, <strong>the</strong> elements of whose greatness<br />
might not be traced <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> original characteristics or early influence of his mo<strong>the</strong>r. If this be true, how much do<br />
mankind owe <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> mo<strong>the</strong>r of Washing<strong>to</strong>n?"<br />
Irving said: "She proved herself worthy of <strong>the</strong> trust. Endowed with plain, direct, good sense, thorough<br />
conscientiousness, and prompt decision, she governed her family strictly, but kindly, exacting deference while<br />
she inspired affection. George, being her eldest son, was thought <strong>to</strong> be her favorite, yet she never gave him<br />
undue preference; and <strong>the</strong> implicit deference exacted from him in childhood continued <strong>to</strong> be habitually<br />
observed by him <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> day of her death. He inherited from her a high temper and a spirit of command, but her<br />
early precepts and example taught him <strong>to</strong> restrain and govern that temper, and <strong>to</strong> square his conduct on <strong>the</strong><br />
exact principles of equity and justice.<br />
"Tradition gives an interesting picture of <strong>the</strong> widow, with her little flock ga<strong>the</strong>red round her, as was her daily<br />
wont, reading <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong>m lessons of religion and morality out of some standard work. Her favorite volume was<br />
Sir Mat<strong>the</strong>w Hale's 'Contemplations, Moral and Divine.' The admirable maxims <strong>the</strong>rein contained for outward<br />
actions, as well as for self-government, sank deep in<strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> mind of George, and doubtless had a great<br />
influence in forming his character. They certainly were exemplified in his conduct throughout life. This<br />
mo<strong>the</strong>r's manual, bearing his mo<strong>the</strong>r's name, Mary Washing<strong>to</strong>n, written with her own hand, was ever<br />
preserved by him with filial care, and may still be seen in <strong>the</strong> archives of Mount Vernon."<br />
When her son first engaged in <strong>the</strong> war against <strong>the</strong> French and Indians, she appeared <strong>to</strong> be indifferent <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
honor conferred upon him.<br />
"You must go at <strong>the</strong> call of your country, but I regret that it is necessary, George," she said, when he paid her<br />
his farewell visit. "May <strong>the</strong> Lord go with you, and preserve you and <strong>the</strong> country!"<br />
"And may He preserve and bless you, whe<strong>the</strong>r He preserves me or not!" answered her son. "The perils of war<br />
render my return uncertain, <strong>to</strong> say <strong>the</strong> least; and it is always wise <strong>to</strong> be prepared for <strong>the</strong> worst."<br />
"I trust that I am prepared for anything that Providence orders," responded Mrs. Washing<strong>to</strong>n, "though it is<br />
with pain that I approach this separation. These trying times require great sacrifices of all, and we must make<br />
<strong>the</strong>m cheerfully."<br />
"Vic<strong>to</strong>ry would not be far away if all possessed that spirit," answered <strong>the</strong> young commander. "If <strong>the</strong>re is<br />
patriotism enough in <strong>the</strong> country <strong>to</strong> defend our cause, <strong>the</strong> country will be saved."<br />
That Washing<strong>to</strong>n himself was deeply affected by this interview, his own tears, when he bade his mo<strong>the</strong>r final<br />
adieu, bore unmistakable witness.<br />
When <strong>the</strong> news of his crossing <strong>the</strong> Delaware, at a time of great peril and gloom in <strong>the</strong> land, was brought <strong>to</strong><br />
her, she exclaimed, raising her hand heavenward, "Thank God! thank God for <strong>the</strong> success!"<br />
There appeared <strong>to</strong> be no recognition of peculiar wisdom and skill on <strong>the</strong> part of her son, though <strong>the</strong> friends<br />
ga<strong>the</strong>red were full of his praise.<br />
"The country is profoundly grateful <strong>to</strong> your son for his achievements," suggested one; "and <strong>the</strong> praise of his<br />
countrymen knows no bounds."<br />
"I have no doubt that George deserves well of his country," Mrs. Washing<strong>to</strong>n replied, "but, my good sir, here<br />
is <strong>to</strong>o much flattery."