INTRODUCTION. HERE WOMAN REIGNS; the mother, daughter, wife,- MONTGOMERY. THE artist who would embody the sublime IDEAL which has long engrossed his spiritual contemplationthe idol of his ceaseless adoration, the imaginary impersonation of his most exalted conceptions of the Beautiful-again and again shrinks dismayed, despairing from the impossible achievement he would fain essay. Thus does the biographer,-whose best qualification for the task too partial friendship has assigned her, is profound reverence for the theme,-approach the awe-inspiring subject of the following Memoir. The life of woman, almost in proportion as it is true to the loftiest impulses and purest principles by which she can be actuated, presents comparatively few incidents claiming circumstantial record or remembrance. Though the wife, or the mother of one who fills a large space in the world's eye, it is still, usually, hers to dwell only within the quiet precincts of domestic retirement. The Hero, like a majestic river, that bears the wealth of cities on its ample waters, and diffuses benefits to thousands, speeds onward in his high career, his steps resounding in the ears of listening nations; while the mother, from whom, perchance, he derived the intellectual power that impels and sustains this lofty course, still, like a life-giving fountain whose sweet, bright waters diffuse beauty, and health, and happiness, lingers ever in the shade, revered in the protecting sanctity of Home. The world may never know, may never seek, the gushing waters of the secluded fountain. But beside its peace-breathing murmurs, the worn and weary wanderer,-fame-pilgrim though he be, seeks repose; returning once more, and yet once more, to imbibe its benign aud soothing influences. In the quiet haunt it loves, dwell gentle spirits who minister to the wayfarer, and watch, with ceaseless care, over the sequestered purity and loveliness, which it is their precious charge forever to preserve, in inexhaustible and unsullied perfection. As flow the crystal waters of a hallowed well-spring, glided on the life of MARY WASHINGTON; thus serene, and pure, and secluded, thus genial and beneficent, and blessed! CONTENTS OF THE LIFE Mrs. Washington's Birth-Descent-Family Name-Education-Marriage -The Death of her Husband-Her Age when that Event occurred- State of Mrs. Washington's pecuniary Affairs-The Recollections of her son George, respecting his Father-His Testimony to the Influ- ence of his Mother-Mrs. Washington's Practical Abilities called into requisition-Her system of Domestic Discipline-Her good sense in conducting the Early Education of her children-Mrs. Washington a The History of Mrs. Washington associated with that of her son George -His early efforts at Self-Maintenance-His initiatory Military Ad- ventures a source of Anxiety to his Mother-The Deaths of Mrs. Wash- ington's two eldest sons-LETTER addressed by Col. Washington to his Mother, after the Battle of the Monongahela-His Illness-Ap- pointment to the Chief Command of the Virginia Troops-LETTER to Mrs. Washington upon this subject-Her clear-sighted discernment of the practical Objections to this Post-No Minute Details respecting this |