From Farm House to the White House - 912 Freedom Library

Farm House to the White House, by William M. Thayer 66
"I don't know about taking so much responsibility upon myself," responded George, whose modest estimate of
his own abilities was one of his virtues. "Experience is indispensable for such a position, it seems to me, and I
have not had experience."
"Well, we will see what can be done," added Lawrence. "I have made up my mind to intercede for you as my
successor, as the best qualified of any man I know in this district for the position. I may fail, but I shall try."
Lawrence accomplished his purpose in due time, and George was appointed to the command of the militia in
the district, although he was but nineteen years of age. No difficulty was experienced in securing the position
for him, for his exploits in the role of surveyor were well known. His character and ability had also given him
considerable public notoriety for one of his years.
Lawrence was in feeble health at this time. Pulmonary troubles had been gradually undermining his
constitution for two or three years, although he continued to serve the colony in public relations. Winter was
approaching, and his physician advised a change of climate. The severity of another Virginia winter might
prove too much for him.
"If I go to Barbadoes you must go with me," said Lawrence to George. "It will not be necessary for you to
enter upon your new duties as commander of the district until spring."
"Then your wife will not go," answered George, inferring that his services would be required because hers
could not be had.
"No; she will not be able to go, and I cannot think of going alone."
"Well, I shall be very willing to go," continued George, "and think I shall enjoy the change. That you need to
escape from the Virginia winter is very evident. You are not as well as you were six months ago."
"No one can be so conscious of that as myself," remarked Lawrence, with a degree of sadness that pierced
George's heart. "I have failed very fast within the last three months, and I sometimes doubt whether a change
of climate will do me any good."
"Perhaps your view of the case is too gloomy," suggested George, whom we ought to call Major Washington
now, but will not at present. "I believe that the foreign air will put new life into you."
"That is what I need," responded Lawrence, "for the old life within me is rapidly dying out. I must get new
strength from some source, or my days are numbered."
Lawrence was very much depressed at this time, and he was also peevish and difficult to please. George could
manage him better than any one else, except his wife, for the reason that his confidence in his young brother
was unbounded. The latter knew how to encourage the sick man without concealing from him his true
condition. Lawrence was certainly in a very critical state of health, and his physician had so announced to his
friends. George was alarmed about his brother, although he was confident that a winter in Barbadoes would
put him in the way of complete restoration.
It was settled that they should spend the winter in Barbadoes, and hasty preparations were made for the
voyage. George had accepted his appointment, but, now arranged to enter upon the duties of the office after
his return. He was glad to be able to accompany his brother to a more favorable clime.
We have not space to record their experience abroad in detail. It will answer our purpose to record the fact
that a change of climate did not improve Lawrence Washington. On the whole, he continued to fail, so that he
returned to Virginia late in the spring of 1751, a weaker and less happy man. His sojourn in a warmer country