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 55<br />
Lafayette proceeded <strong>to</strong> rehearse <strong>the</strong> patriotic deeds of Washing<strong>to</strong>n for his country, growing more and more<br />
enthusiastic in his praise as he continued, until finally Mrs. Washing<strong>to</strong>n remarked:<br />
"I am not surprised at what George has done, for he was always a good boy."<br />
Washing<strong>to</strong>n retired <strong>to</strong> his home at Mount Vernon at <strong>the</strong> close of <strong>the</strong> war, and earnestly entreated his mo<strong>the</strong>r <strong>to</strong><br />
take up her abode with him.<br />
"You are <strong>to</strong>o aged and infirm <strong>to</strong> live alone," he said, "and I can have no greater pleasure than <strong>to</strong> have you in<br />
my family."<br />
"I feel truly grateful for your kindness, George, but I enjoy my mode of life," she answered. "I think it is<br />
according <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> direction of Providence."<br />
"It would not be in opposition <strong>to</strong> Providence if you should come <strong>to</strong> live with me," responded Washing<strong>to</strong>n with<br />
a smile.<br />
"Never<strong>the</strong>less, I must decline. I thank you from <strong>the</strong> bot<strong>to</strong>m of my heart for your interest and love, but I feel<br />
fully competent <strong>to</strong> take care of myself."<br />
That settled <strong>the</strong> question, and she remained at Fredericksburg.<br />
When Washing<strong>to</strong>n was elected President of <strong>the</strong> United States, he paid a farewell visit <strong>to</strong> his mo<strong>the</strong>r. He was<br />
about <strong>to</strong> depart for <strong>the</strong> seat of government, which was in New York City.<br />
"I would gladly have avoided this responsibility for your sake, as well as mine," remarked Washing<strong>to</strong>n; "but<br />
Providence seemed <strong>to</strong> leave me no way of escape, and I have come <strong>to</strong> bid you an affectionate farewell."<br />
"You are in <strong>the</strong> way of duty, George, and I have no desire <strong>to</strong> interpose," his mo<strong>the</strong>r answered. "My race is<br />
almost run, and I shall never see you again in <strong>the</strong> flesh."<br />
"I hope we shall meet again; though at your great age, and with such a serious disease upon you, <strong>the</strong> end<br />
cannot be far away," replied <strong>the</strong> son.<br />
Mrs. Washing<strong>to</strong>n was <strong>the</strong>n eighty-three years of age, and was suffering from a cancer in <strong>the</strong> breast.<br />
"Yes, I am old and feeble, and growing more so every day," continued his mo<strong>the</strong>r; "and I wait <strong>the</strong> summons of<br />
<strong>the</strong> Master without fear or anxiety."<br />
Pausing a moment, as if <strong>to</strong> control emotion, she added, "Go, George, and fulfil <strong>the</strong> high destiny <strong>to</strong> which<br />
Providence calls you; and may God continue <strong>to</strong> guide and bless you!"<br />
At this point let Mr. Custis speak:<br />
"Washing<strong>to</strong>n was deeply affected. His head rested upon <strong>the</strong> shoulder of his parent, whose aged arm feebly, yet<br />
fondly, encircled his neck. That brow, on which fame had wrea<strong>the</strong>d <strong>the</strong> purest laurel virtue ever gave <strong>to</strong><br />
created man, relaxed from its lofty bearing. That look, which would have awed a Roman senate in its<br />
Fabrician day, was bent in filial tenderness upon <strong>the</strong> time-worn features of <strong>the</strong> aged matron. He wept. A<br />
thousand recollections crowded upon his mind, as memory, retracing scenes long passed, carried him back <strong>to</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> maternal mansion and <strong>the</strong> days of juvenility, where he beheld that mo<strong>the</strong>r, whose care, education, and<br />
discipline caused him <strong>to</strong> reach <strong>the</strong> <strong>to</strong>pmost height of laudable ambition. Yet, how were his glories forgotten<br />
while he gazed upon her whom, wasted by time and malady, he should part with <strong>to</strong> meet no more!"