8
CONTENTS.
sons and daughters—His countrymen glad that there was no parental tie to divert him from his public service—Death of Miss Custis—John Parke Custis with General Washington—His young wife and children at Mount Vernon—Mrs. "Washington at Valley Forge during the winter of 1777–78—Death of her son—General Washington adopts her two grandchildren, and returns to Mount Vernon with the mourners— Mrs. Washington's first reception as wife of the Chief Magistrate—Pleased with her lofty position— The levees held at the Republican Court—The residence of the President in New York—The etiquette of the mansion—Mrs. Washington's views on the subject of her elevation—A letter to a friend, in which her philosophy is shown—Removal of seat of government to Philadelphia—Letter of the Rev. Ashbel Green—Mrs. Washington again at Mount Vernon—The President rents a house in Market street between Fifth and Sixth, and furnishes it handsomely—Return of the President and Mrs. Washington from Mount Vernon—Congress assembles—Mrs. Washington's drawing-rooms held on Friday evenings— Early hours for retiring—She tells her company that her husband retired at "ten" and she followed very soon afterward— Stiffness and formality of the drawing-rooms—How Mrs. Washington received— No handshaking in those days—The grandchildren of Mrs. Washington— Mrs. Robert Morris receives with Mrs. Washington—The Marchioness d'Yuro—The first levee in Philadelphia the most brilliant occasion of the kind ever known in this country — Recollections of Mrs. Binney— Mrs. Washington's punctuality in returning calls— Her manners easy and pleasant—Makes tea and coffee for an English guest—Her plain cap and gray hairs, as described by this visitor — Return to Mount Vernon—The old life resumed—Washington lays out the future capital—The " White House " named in honor of the former home of his wife—The building afterward partly burned by the British—Anecdote of "obstinate" David Burns—"What would Washington have been if he hadn't married the Widow Custis? "—Mount Vernon thronged with visitors — Closing years of Washington's life—His death in 1799—Grief of Mrs. Washington—Refuses to be comforted—Never re-enters the chamber in which he died—Congress passes resolutions of respect and condolence—Entreats Mrs. Washington's consent to the interment of the remains in Washington—She gives reluctant consent to the request—Remains interred at Mount Vernon, where they are now—Mrs. Washington's resemblance to her husband—Her dependence upon his guidance and love—Her appearance at this time—Serene of countenance—A devoted Christian—His death a fatal blow—Her death two and a-half years later—Their bodies side by side — Visit of Lafayette to Mount Vernon in 1826—Visit of Albert Prince of Wales, in 1860, in company with President Buchanan—Description of the place as it appeared before its restoration |
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MRS. ABIGAIL ADAMS.
The daughter of a New England minister—Instructed by her grandmother — Durable impressions received from her—Never at school—Always sick — Austere religious habits and customs of her kindred—Imaginative faculties |
