CONTENTS OF THE LIFE OF MARTHA WASHINGTON. CHAPTER I. PAGE THE Subject of our Memoir, a Belle, in her early Years, in the Capital of Virginia-Her Disposition and Appearance-Maiden Name-Place and Date of her Birth-Descent-Education-Mental EndowmentsHer early Matrimonial Engagement-Opposition of Col. Custis' Father-The Marriage of Miss Dandridge-Removal to the Plantation of her Husband-Name and Situation of the Residence of Col. Custis -Character and Hospitality of Col. Custis-Mrs. Custis an American Matron-Becomes a Mother-Her Domestic Happiness-The Death of her Eldest Son-Death of Col. Custis-Anecdote-Strength of Mind displayed by Mrs. Custis-Her two remaining Children-Her Religious Principle-Business Abilities of Mrs. Custis-Active Attention to her Children . 97 CHAPTER II. Mrs. Custis a beautiful and fascinating Widow-The White House again the Seat of Hospitality-Mrs. Custis for some time not tempted to remarry-Meets Col. Washington-His undisguised Admiration of the fair Widow-Their Engagement-The War-Steed and Servant of the Soldier the Victims of Cupid's arts-Preparations for the WeddingThe Distinguished Character of the Assemblage-The "Pride, Pomp and Circumstance" of the Occasion 105 CHAPTER III. PAGE Date of the Marriage of Col. and Mrs. Washington-They remove from the White House to Mount Vernon-Origin of the Name of Washington's Plantation-Washington's desire to render his Home worthy of its Mistress-Memoranda of Articles ordered from London-Peculiar Characteristics of Domestic Life in the Colonies-Mrs. Washington assumes her new Duties-Washington relieves her from the Charge of her Pecuniary Affairs-Mrs. Washington conducts the Education of her Children-Again the Wife of a Virginia Planter-Anecdote of Washington-Mrs. Washington's Journeys from Home-Her Friendships and Hospitalities-Distinguished Visitors at Mount VernonMrs. Washington's Charity, conscientious Care of Dependants, Piety, and Domestic Contentment-Her Pleasure as her Daughter advances towards Womanhood-The Death of Miss Custis-Grief of the Family-Date of Miss Custis' Death-Signs of approaching War-Washington leaves Home to attend the First Congress 113 CHAPTER IV. Mrs. Washington does not accompany her Husband to PhiladelphiaWashington is appointed Commander-in-Chief of the American Army-This Intelligence first communicated to Mrs. Washington in a Letter from her Husband-The LETTER-Mrs. Washington determines to repair to the Seat of War-LETTER from Washington to his Brother-Mrs. Washington's supposed Danger at Mount VernonPublic Reception at Philadelphia-She is invited to a Ball-Annoying Proof of Popular Disaffection-Leaves Philadelphia-LETTER from Washington to Joseph Reed, Esq.-Mrs. Washington's Accommodations at Cambridge-LETTER from Washington to Joseph Reed, Esq. -Mrs. Washington's Piety and Serenity of Mind-She gains the Regards of all about her, and the Appellation of "Lady Washington”— She takes Leave of her Husband and Son and returns to Mount Vernon 128 CHAPTER V. Mrs. Washington establishes a Domestic System suited to the TimesHer Success in Domestic Manufactures-Mrs. Washington's peculiar interest in Public Affairs-Her Indignation at the Treachery meditated towards the Commander-in-Chief, and her Delight when informed of the successful Passage of the Delaware 142 CHAPTER VI. PAGE Washington goes into Winter Quarters-Mrs. Washington joins him in the Camp-Her Husband's Care and Attention during her Yearly Journeys-Mrs. Washington travels in her own Carriage, attended by a Military Escort-The Example of Mrs. Washington generally followed by the Wives of the principal Officers of the Army-Mrs. Washington the Favorite of the Army-Anecdote-The Cheerfulness and Equanimity of Mrs. Washington, while residing in the Camp-Her Society highly valued by the Commander-in-Chief-Anecdote-Mrs. Washington devotes herself to the care of the Sick and Suffering-She forms many agreeable Friendships-Her Correspondence at this Time -EXTRACT FROM A Letter-Mrs. Washington's intimate Asso.iation with the Heroes of the Revolution 147 CHAPTER VII. Mrs. Washington's return to Mount Vernon, in the Spring of 1777—Reassumes the personal Charge of Family Affairs-Supplies the Place of her Husband at Home-Ready to return to Camp in the Autumn -The Army at Valley Forge-Passage from one of Mrs. Washington's LETTERS-Christian Faith and Fortitude of Mrs. Washington -Spring brings cheering Tidings from France-Active Movements in the Camp-Mrs. Washington again repairs to her Home-Mrs. Washington's Winter at Valley Forge a Type of many successive SeasonsThe Location of Head-Quarters-The Marquis de Chastelleux the Guest of Gen. and Mrs. Washington, in the Camp-EXTRACT-Mrs. Washington neglected by the Philadelphia Ladies-She is hospitably received elsewhere-Mrs. Washington visits Mrs. Barry, of New Jersey-A Ball given in Honor of her Arrival-The Equipage, Attendants and Dress of Mrs. Washington at this time-The Commanderin-Chief dances at the Ball-The Anniversary of the National Alliance with France celebrated by a Ball, at which Mrs. Washington is present-The Respect entertained for Mrs. Washington in EuropeReported Present from the Queen of France-The Marriage of Mrs. Washington's Son, Col. Custis-Her Daughter-in-law resides at Mount Vernon-Repeated Illness of the Commander-in-Chief-Mrs. Washington's Health impaired-She is Inoculated for the Small-pox -Mrs. Washington's Appearance at this Period of her Life-Grandchildren claim the Care and Affection of Mrs. Washington-Her Oc cupations and Amusements-Prospects of Peace-Mrs. Washington's Anticipations of Domestic Felicity-She is summoned to the Death. bed of her Son-Particulars respecting Col. Custis' Public Career, Ill ness and Death-Washington's Grief on this Occasion-His Sym pathy with Mrs. Washington 159 CHAPTER VIII. PAGA Date of Col. Custis' Death-Mrs. Washington devotes herself more entirely to the Charge of her Grand-children-She remains at Mount Vernon-Her Hospitality and Benevolence-Her Husband returns to Mount Vernon-Passage from one of Washington's LETTERS to the Marchioness de La Fayette-Proposed Enlargement and Improvement of the Mansion and Grounds of Mount Vernon-The manifold Occupations of Mrs. Washington-Her Industry, Method, Domestic Discipline, Personal Neatness, Courtesy and Conversation at Table, Regular Devotional Exercises-Mrs. Washington a Lady of the "Old School"-Complimentary Testimony of the Marquis de Chastelleux -The Grand-children of Mrs. Washington the Favorites of Mount Vernon-Numerous Visitors at Mount Vernon-Mrs. C. Maccauley Graham-The Marquis de La Fayette the Guest of Gen. and Mrs. Washington-Expectations of a Visit from the Marchioness-LETTER from Washington to Madame de La Fayette-The Marquis returns to Mount Vernon before leaving the Country-Proofs of the continued Friendship cherished by the distinguished Military Companions of the Commander-in-Chief-Her Husband continually associates Mrs. Washington with himself in his Correspondence with his Friends— Few present traces of Mrs. Washington's Letters--Illustrative Extract-Devotion of Gen. and Mrs. Washington to the Practical Duties of their Station-Their Self-Denial-Order for Plate countermanded-Donation to a Literary Institution-Mrs. Washington's Pleasure at the Adoption of the Federal Constitution by her Native State-Public Rejoicings in the City of Alexandria-Mrs. Washington's Patriotism and Philanthropy . 177 CHAPTER IX. Election of Washington to the Presidency-Mrs. Washington's Reluc tance to leave Home-LETTER from Mrs. Washington to a Female Friend-Journey from Mount Vernon to the City of New YorkThe Bridge at Trenton and the Inauguration-Mrs. Washington in High Station-Propriety of State and Ceremony in the Presidential Establishment-Mrs. Washington's Domestic Arrangements-Her Levees-The Levees and Dinners of the President-State Dress of the President-Particular Ceremonies of the National Fête DaysDistinguishing Attention paid to Mrs. Montgomery and to Mrs. Green-Respect paid to the Sabbath by the President and Mrs. Washington-The Revolutionary Soldiers always welcomed to the Presidential Mansion-Mrs. Washington receives the Attention due to her exalted Position with proper Self-Respect-She never converses in Public upon Political Subjects-Mr. Washington passes a |