spoke in the imposing countenance of each, and directed every movement of the majestic pair.

All hastened to approach this august presence; the European officers to be presented to the parent of their beloved Commander, and old friends, neighbors and acquaintances to tender the compliments and congratulations appropriate to the occasion.

Mrs. Washington received these peculiar demonstrations of respect and friendship, with perfect selfpossession and unassuming courtesy. She wore the simple, but becoming and appropriate costume of the Virginia ladies of the olden time, and even

"The cynosure of beauty's sheen"

was, for a time forgotten, while all eyes and all hearts were irresistibly attracted by the winning address and unpretending appearance of the venerable lady.

The European strangers gazed long in wondering amazement, upon this sublime and touching spectacle. Accustomed to the meretricious display of European courts, they regarded with astonishment her unadorned attire, and the mingled simplicity and majesty for which the language and manners of the MOTHER of WASHINGTON were so remarkable.

They spoke of women renowned in classic lore:the names of the celebrated Voluminia, and of the noble mother of the Gracchi, broke involuntarily from their lips; and they spontaneously rendered the tribute of admiration and reverence at the shrine of native Dignity and real Worth.

Having, for sometime, regarded with serene benignity, the brilliant and festive scene, which she had so amiably consented to honor by her presence, Mrs. Washington expressed the cordial hope that the happiness of all might continue undiminished until the hour of general separation should arrive, and quietly adding, that "it was time for old people to be at home," retired as she had entered, leaning on the arm of the Commander-in-Chief.

Perhaps it will interest some of our lady readers to know that the immortal WASHINGTON danced on this occasion for the last time ;-in the stately minuet, so well adapted to the advantageous display of his graceful air, and elegant and imposing form. He is also described as having been inspired with great cheerfulness and animation, while thus momentarily courting the ærial graces. The French gentlemen who participated in the pleasures of the evening, protested that Paris itself could boast nothing more perfect than the dancing of the fair and the gallant Americans assembled at this celebrated Ball.

RE-ESTABLISHED at Mount Vernon, it was the earnest desire of WASHINGTON that his MOTHER should thenceforth reside under his roof.

He had frequently before, urged the same request, and his sister, Mrs. Lewis,* who was always most assiduous in fulfilling the duties imposed by nature and affection, had repeatedly endeavored to persuade her aged parent to live apart from her no longer.

But the venerable matron, notwithstanding the affectionate entreaties of her children, continued to conduct a separate establishment, with the same indefatigable industry and judicious management which she had earlier exhibited. She still obeyed

"The breezy call of incense-breathing morn"

*Mrs. Fletcher Lewis, of Fredericsburg, the only sister of Washington, whom she so closely resembled, that when she was arrayed in his usual head-dress, her features were undistinguishable from bis.

with as much alacrity as of yore, and still gave her attention to the most minute details of domestic affairs.

In this tranquil retreat she long continued to receive the frequent and fondly-respectful visits of her many old and attached friends as well as of her children* and her children's children, blest in her happy and honored age, by the soothing consciousness of a virtuous and well spent life.

To the urgent and oft-repeated requests of her children, that she would make with them the home of her age, Mrs. Washington replied :

"I thank you for your dutiful and affectionate offers, but my wants are few in this life, and I feel perfectly competent to take care of myself."

And when her son-in-law, Col. Lewis, proposed to her to assume the general superintendence of her affairs, she resolutely answered

"Do you, Fielding, keep my books in order, for your eye-sight is better than mine, but leave the executive management to me."

Previous to his departure for France, after the termination of the Revolutionary War, the Mar

*We find many proofs, in the published Correspondence of WASHLNGTON, of the affectionate devotion with which he paid this tribute of respect to his mother. Thus, he assigns his absence on a visit to her, as a reason for not previously replying to a letter from the Secretary of Congress; and afterwards again, in a letter to Major Gen. Knox, he offers the same explanation of a similar delay. When his mother was ill, we perceive that he pleads this honorable errand, without reserve, as, presenting claims superior to any public obligation. In an epistle written towards the close of the year 1788, we find allusions to a prolonged sojourn under the maternal roof, &c., &c.

quis de La Fayette visited Fredericksburg, expressly for the purpose of making his personal adieux to the Mother of his beloved hero-friend and that he might solemnly invoke her blessing.

This amiable visitor, who had frequently before enjoyed the happiness of conversing with her, repaired to the unobtrusive abode of Mrs. Washington, accompanied by one of her grand-sons.

As they approached the house, they observed an aged lady working in the adjoining garden. The materials composing her dress were of home-manufacture, and she wore over her time-silvered hair, a plain straw bonnet.

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There, Sir," said the younger gentleman, "is my grandmother."

Mrs. Washington received her distinguished guest, with great cordiality and with her usual frank simplicity of address.

Ah, Marquis !" she exclaimed, “you see an old woman;-but come, I can make you welcome to my poor dwelling, without the parade of changing my dress."

The conversation of this interesting group soon turned, as was most natural, upon the brightening prospects of the young Republic.

The Marquis spoke of the deep interest he cherished in all that related to the prosperity of the land of his adoption, and poured forth the fond and glowing encomiums of a full heart at each allusion to his former Chief, his friend, his Mentor, his "hero."