"She became at sixteen a most devoted wife. All my faults, and they were too many, could never weaken this sentiment. It formed a part of her existence. Her judgment was so sound and so deep that I often relied upon it in situations of some perplexity. I do not recollect once to have regretted the adoption of her opinion. I have sometimes regretted its rejection."
Both Washington and Lafayette visited the
city in 1784, and were welcomed by the citizens
and legislature then in session, who expressed
their appreciation of the great services
they had rendered the country. In response
to an address made upon the occasion of this
visit, Washington said: "That this growing
city may enjoy the benefits which are to be derived
from liberty, independence and peace—that
it may improve such of its advantages
as a bountiful nature has bestowed, and that
it may soon be ranked first in the Union for
population, commerce and wealth, is my sincere
and fervent wish." Lafayette visited
Richmond again in 1824. Houdon had made
a bust of him, which Virginia gave to France,
and a copy of which she kept in the rotunda
of the Capitol. By chance, just before his
visit, the nose was broken off, and there was
great concern lest he reach the city before it
