Recollections and Private Memoirs of Washington

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Page 19 - He inquired the time ; and was told that it was near twelve. He spoke no more: the hand of death was upon him, and he was conscious that his
Page 41 - Then, grappling with the champion, the struggle was fierce, but momentary, ' for,' said the vanquished hero of the arena, ' in Washington's lion-like grasp, I became powerless, and was hurled to the ground with a force that seemed to jar the very marrow in my bones...
Page 19 - He inquired the time, and was answered, a few moments to twelve. He spoke no more — the hand of death was upon him, and he was conscious that his "hour was come.
Page 17 - As was usual with him, he carried his own compass, noted his observations, and marked out the ground. The day became rainy, with sleet, and the improver remained so long exposed to the inclemency of the weather, as to be considerably wetted before his return to the house.
Page 19 - ... was so dear to mankind, prayers were not wanting to the throne of grace. Close to the couch of the sufferer, resting her head upon that ancient book, with which she had been wont to hold pious communion a portion of every day for more than half a century, ,was the venerable consort, absorbed in silent prayer, and from which she only arose when the mourning group prepared to lead her from the chamber of the dead.
Page 19 - It may be asked, and why was the ministry of religion wanting to shed its peaceful and benign luster upon the last hours of Washington? Why was he, to whom the observances of sacred things were ever primary duties through life, without their consolations in his last moments ? We answer, circumstances did not permit. It was but for a little while that the disease assumed so threatening a character as to forbid the encouragement of hope ; yet, to stay that summons which none may refuse, to give still...
Page 28 - Billy, the former huntsman and favorite body servant of the Chief, a square muscular figure, and capital horseman, paraded a corps of valets, and riding pompously at their head, proceeded to an eminence crowned by a large sycamore tree, from whence could be seen an extensive portion of the field of battle.
Page 25 - Who are coming, my little man, asked General Knox. " Why, our boys, your honor, our boys, and the British right after them," replied the little musician. Impossible, exclaimed Washington ! And giving the spur to his charger, proceeded at full gallop to an eminence a short distance ahead.
Page 17 - Tired nature's sweet restorer, balmy sleep," was destined no more to visit his couch; yet the manly sufferer uttered no complaint, would permit no one to be disturbed in their rest on his account, and it was only at daybreak he would consent that the overseer might be called in, and bleeding resorted to.
Page 18 - WASHINGTON. his usual objections to medicines, and took those which were prescribed, without hesitation or remark. The medical gentlemen spared not their skill, and all the resources of their art were exhausted, in unwearied endeavors to preserve this noblest work of nature.

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