From Farm House to the White House - 912 Freedom Library

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Farm House to the White House, by William M. Thayer 52 "No flattery at all, but deserved praise," her friend and neighbor retorted. "Well, I have no fears about George," she replied. "He will not forget the lessons I have taught him; he will not forget himself, though he is the subject of so much praise." After her son had left for Cambridge, Mass., to take charge of the troops, her son-in-law, Mr. Fielding Lewis, offered to lighten her labors by taking care of her property, or some part of it at least. "No, Fielding, it is not necessary; I am competent to attend to it myself," she answered. "I did not question your competency; I only wanted to relieve you of some care," the son-in-law answered. "I understand and appreciate your kindness," she said; "but, nevertheless, I must decline your offer. My friends are all very kind to me, and I feel very grateful, but it is better for me to bear this responsibility as long as I can." After discussing the subject still further, Mrs. Washington yielded in part to his request; she said: "Fielding, you may keep my books in order, as your eyesight is better than mine, but leave the executive management to me." When Cornwallis surrendered at Yorktown, Washington despatched a messenger to convey the glad tidings to his mother at Fredericksburg. At once her friends and neighbors called with great enthusiasm to honor her as the mother of the conqueror of England. "Bless God!" she exclaimed, on receipt of the news. "The war will now be ended, and peace and independence and happiness bless the country." "Your son is the most illustrious general in the world," remarked one. "The nation idolizes him," said another. "The soldiers almost worship him," still another. "The saviour of his country," announced a fourth in jubilant state of mind, desiring, at the same time, to gratify his mother. But none of these lofty tributes to her son afforded her pleasure; they seemed to annoy her by causing her to feel that the divine blessing was overlooked. "We must not forget the great Giver, in our joy over the success of our arms," she said. She had never forgotten Him. During those six long years of conflict, her hope had been inspired, and her comfort found, at the mercy-seat. Daily, during the warm season of the year, she had repaired to a secluded spot near her dwelling to pray for her George and her country. At other seasons of the year she daily remembered them within her quiet home. However gratified she may have been with the honors lavished upon her son, she would not allow herself to honor the creature more than the Creator. As soon as possible after the surrender of Cornwallis, Washington visited his mother at Fredericksburg, attended by his splendid suite. The latter were extremely anxious to behold and honor the aged matron, whom their illustrious chief respected and loved so sincerely.
Farm House to the White House, by William M. Thayer 53 On arriving at Fredericksburg, he quartered his suite comfortably, and then repaired alone and on foot to see his mother, whom he had not seen for over six years. She met him at the door with feelings we cannot conceive, much less describe. In silence and tears they embraced each other, with that tender, mutual pledge of undying love--a kiss. "God has answered my prayers, George, and I praise Him that I see your face again," she said. "Yes, my dear mother, God has indeed heard your prayers, and the thought that you were interceding for me at the throne of grace was always an inspiration to me," answered the son. "How changed, George!" the mother remarked, scanning his face closely, and noticing that he had grown old rapidly. "You bear the marks of war." "True, men grow old fast in war," the son replied; "but my health is good, and rest and peace will soon make me as good as new." "For that I shall devoutly pray," Mrs. Washington responded. For an hour, and more, the conversation continued, the mother making many inquiries concerning his health and future plans, the prospects of peace and prosperity to the country, and kindred subjects; but she did not drop a single word respecting his fame. The inhabitants of Fredericksburg and vicinity immediately arranged for a grand military ball in honor of Gen. Washington and his staff. Such an occasion would furnish a favorable opportunity for the members of Washington's staff to meet his mother. At that time, as now, it was customary for military and civic leaders to allow their joy over happy occasions to ooze out through their heels. We are unable to explain the phenomenon; but the fact remains, that a ball on a grand scale was planned, to which Washington's mother was specially invited. Her reply to the flattering invitation was characteristic. "Although my dancing days are pretty well over, I shall be most happy to contribute what I can to the general festivity." Mrs. Washington was then over seventy years of age. It was the gayest assembly ever convened in Virginia at that time, and perhaps the occasion was the merriest. Gay belles and dignified matrons graced the occasion, arrayed in rich laces and bright brocades, the well preserved relics of scenes when neither national misfortune nor private calamity forbade their use. In addition to Washington's staff, many other military officers were present, all gorgeously dressed, contributing largely to the beauty and grandeur of the scene. "But despite the soul-soothing charm of music," says a writer, "the fascinations of female loveliness, and the flattering devotion of the gallant brave, all was eager suspense and expectation, until there entered, unannounced and unattended, the mother of Washington, leaning on the arm of her son. "The large audience at once paid their respects to the honored guests, the mother of the chief being the central figure of the occasion. Washington presented American and European officers to his mother, who wore the simple but becoming and appropriate costume of the Virginia ladies of the olden time, while the sincere congratulations of the whole assembly were tendered to her."
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