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Among the numerous friends whose pleasure it has been to render valuable assistance, I may mention exPresident Johnson, Hon. William H. Seward, and Senator Fowler. Mrs. Rebecca Shunk, of Pennsylvania, the relative and friend of Miss Harriet Lane, has my profound regard for the very accurate sketch of her beautiful kinswoman. Colonel John Tyler, of Washington, and Colonel T. B. Thorpe, of New York City, have evinced their interest in my undertaking by continued acts of kindness. Mr. J. T. C. Clark, for the valuable manuscript placed at my disposal, and which has been of great service, has my sincere thanks, while to that faithful friend of childhood, Mr. Anson Nelson, of Nashville, Tennessee, whose zeal in my behalf is in keeping with the golden precepts of his beautiful life, do I offer unchanged the affection always cherished for his matchless character. Nor is forgotten Dr. I. G. Atwood, Mrs. Virginia Jefferson Trist, Miss Rhoda Fuller, Mrs. Bettie Harrison Eaton, and Col. Richard Cutts, of Washington City.

None are forgotten, though many unmentioned, of those who have espoused my cause, and lent willing hands to insure success. To each and all in their widely-severed homes I return the assurance of appreciation, and unalterable regard.

NEW YORK, October, 1869.

THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY

ASTOR, LENOX

TILDEN FOUNDATION

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LADIES OF THE WHITE HOUSE.

MARTHA WASHINGTON.

THE first who, in our young republic, bore the honors as a President's wife, is described "as being rather below the middle size, but extremely wellshaped, with an agreeable countenance, dark hazel eyes and hair, and those frank, engaging manners so captivating in Southern women. She was not a beauty, but gentle and winning in her nature, and eminently congenial to her illustrious husband. Dur ing their long and happy married life, he ever wore her likeness on his heart." "It was in 1758 that an officer, attired in a military undress, attended by a body-servant tall and militaire as his chief, crossed the ferry over the Pamunkey, a branch of the York River. On the boat's touching the southern or New Kent side, the soldier's progress was arrested by one of those personages who give the beau-ideal of the Virginia gentleman of the old régime; the very soul of kindliness and hospitality. It was in vain the soldier urged his business at Williamsburg; important communications to the Governor, &c. Mr. Chamberlayne, on whose domain the militaire had just

landed, would hear no excuse. Colonel Washington was a name and character so dear to all Virginians, that his passing by one of the old castles of Virginia without calling and partaking of the hospitalities of the host was entirely out of the question. The Colonel, however, did not surrender at discretion, but stoutly maintained his ground, till Chamberlayne brought up his reserve in the intimation that he would introduce his friend to a young and charming widow then beneath his roof. The soldier capitulated on condition that he should dine, only dine, and then, by pressing his charger, and borrowing of the night, he would reach Williamsburg before his Excellency could shake off his morning slumbers. Orders were accordingly issued to Bishop, the Colonel's body-servant and faithful follower, who, together with a fine English charger, had been bequeathed by the dying Braddock to Major Washing ton on the famed and fated field of the Monongahela. Bishop, bred in the school of European discipline, raised his hand to his cap, as much as to say, "Your honor's orders shall be obeyed." The Colonel now proceeded to the mansion, and was introduced to various guests (for when was a Virginia domicil of the olden time without guests?), and, above all, to the charming widow. Tradition relates that they were mutually pleased on this their first interview, nor is it remarkable; they were of an age when impressions are strongest. The lady was fair to behold, of fascinating manners, and splendidly endowed with worldly benefits; the hero, fresh from his early fields

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