From Farm House to the White House - 912 Freedom Library

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