son of Mrs. Washington; Colonel Meade inquired if he should find the General at the house, or if he was out on the farm. Mr. Custis not knowing Colonel Meade, replied that the General was out; and giving directions as to the part of the farm on which he would probably be found, added, "You will meet, sir, with an old gentleman, riding alone, in plain drab clothes, a broad brimmed white hat, a hickory switch in his hand, and carrying an unbrella, with a long staff, which is attached to his saddle-bow, that, sir, is General Washington!" The old friend of Washington replied, "Thank you, thank you, young gentleman; I think, if I fall in with the General, I shall be apt to know him."

HIS

CHAPTER XII.

DISINTERESTEDNESS.

IN proportion to the many evils confessedly flowing from a selfish principle, are the numerous blessings arising from the influence of a large and liberal spirit. While the first aims at private good alone, unmindful of the interests or weal of others; the last looks upon the general welfare with a generous concern, and seeks to promote the same, by willing efforts, labours, and sacrifices. "No man liveth to himself." The good of the whole claims a common concern among all the members of the social body; and he who does not thus respect his relative obligations, violates a sacred law of Heaven, and subjects himself to a condemnation, as severe as the offence is injurious. On the other hand the faithful and conscientious observer of this claim, will find a high reward in the approbation of God; and, in the gratitude and applause of the virtuous among men.

Of this excellent principle of action, we have a high example in the immortal subject of our present work. Through life, it was one of his distinguishing characteristics.

It controlled him alike in war and peace. It

was always one of the most vigorous springs by which his conduct was actuated. It is impossible to study his character without seeing that, in all his labours and sacrifices, he was governed by an unfeigned concern for the happiness of others, without regard to his own personal convenience or comfort.

Let us turn to his writings again for the evidences of this valuable trait.

Writing to John Robinson, Speaker of the House of Delegates, under date of "Mount Vernon, 20th April, 1755," he says:—

"I little expected, when I wrote you last, that I should so soon engage in another campaign; but in doing it, I may be allowed to claim some merit, if it is considered that the sole motive which invites me to the field, is, the laudable desire of serving my country, not the gratification of any ambitious or lucrative plans. This, I flatter myself, will manifestly appear by my going as a volunteer, without expectation of reward, or prospect of obtaining a command, as I am confidently assured it is not in General Braddock's power to give me a commission that I would accept. Perhaps, by many others, the above declarations might be construed into self-applause, which, unwilling to lose, I proclaim myself. But, by you, sir, I expect it will be viewed in a different light, because you have sympathized in my disappointments, and lent your friendly aid to reinstate me in a suitable command; the recollection of which can never be lost upon a mind that is not insensible of obligations, but always ready to acknowledge them.

"This is the reason why I am so much more unreserved in the expression of my sentiments to you, than

I should be to the world, whose censures and criticisms often place good designs in a bad light. But to be ingenuous, I must confess that I have other intentions in writing this letter; for if there is any merit in my case, İ am unwilling to hazard it among my friends, without this exposition of facts, as they might conceive that some advantageous offers had engaged my services, when, in reality, it is otherwise; for I expect to be a considerable loser in my private affairs by going."

Soon after Braddock's defeat, and the return of Washington from that disastrous campaign, he wrote to his brother, Augustine Washington, then in Williamsburg, as a member of the Assembly, the date, "Mount Vernon, 2d August, 1755.

"I am not able, were I ever so willing, to meet you in town, for I assure you, it is with some difficulty, and much fatigue, that I visit my plantations; so much has a sickness of five weeks' continuance reduced me. But. so little am I dispirited at what has happened, that I assure you, I am always ready, and always willing, to render my country any services that I am capable of, but never upon the terms I have done; having suffered much in my private fortune, besides impairing one of the best of constitutions.

"I was employed to go a journey in the winter, when, I believe, few or none would have undertaken it—and what did I get by it? My expenses borne! I then was appointed, with trifling pay, to conduct a handful of men to the Ohio. What did I get by that? Why, after putting myself to a considerable expense, in equipping and providing necessaries for the campaign, I went out, was soundly beaten, and lost them all!-came in,

and had my commission taken from me, or in other words, my command reduced, under pretence of an order from home. I then went out a volunteer with General Braddock, and lost all my horses, and many other things. But this being a voluntary act, I ought not to have mentioned it: nor should I have done it, were it not to show, that I have been upon the losing order ever since I entered the service, which is now nearly two years. So that I think I cannot be blamed, should I, if I leave my family again, endeavour to do it upon such terms, as to prevent my suffering; to gain by it being the least of my expectations."

In accepting the command of the American Army in June, 1775, he delivered the following address, in answer to one from the President of Congress, giving him official notice of his appointment.

"Mr. President,-Though I am truly sensible of the high honour done to me in this appointment, yet I feel great distress, from a consciousness that my abilities and military experience may not be equal to the extensive and important trust. However, as the Congress desire it, I will enter upon the momentous duty, and exert every power I possess in their service, and for the support of the glorious cause. I beg they will accept my most cordial thanks for this distinguished testimony of their approbation.

"But lest some unlucky event should happen, unfavourable to my reputation, I beg it may be remembered by every gentleman in the room, that I this day declare with the utmost sincerity, I do not think myself equal to the command I am honoured with.

"As to pay, sir, 1 beg leave to assure the Con