Jeffersonian Republican

WASHINGTON LOVED HIS MOTHER.

Immediately after the organization of the present, General Washington repaired to Fredericksburgh to pay his humble respects to his mother, preparatory to going to New York. An affecting scene ensued. The son feelingly remarked the ravages which a tottering disease had made upon the aged frame of his mother, and thus addressed her!

"The people madam, have been pleased, with the most flattering unanimity, to elect me to the chief magistracy of the United States, but before I can assume the functions of that office, I have come to bid you an affectionate farewell. So soon as the public business, which must necessarily be encountered in arranging a new government, can be disposed of, I shall hasten to Virginia. and"—

Here the matron interrupted him. "You will see me no more. My great age and the disease that is fast approaching my vitals warn me that I shall not be long in the world, I trust in God I am somewhat prepared for a better. But go, George, fulfil the high destinies which Heaven appears to assign you; go my son, and may that Heaven's and your mother's blessing be with you forever."

The President was deeply affected. His head rested upon the shoulders of his parent whose aged arm feebly, yet fondly encircled his neck. That brow on which fame had wreathed the purest laurel virtues ever gave to created man, relaxed its lofty bearing. That look which could have overawed a Roman Senate, in its Fabrician day, was bent in filial tenderness upon the time worn features of this venerable matron.

The great man wept. A thousand recollections crowded upon his mind, as memory retracing scenes long since past, carried him back to his paternal mansion, and the days of his youth; and there the centre of attraction was his mother, whose care, instruction, and discipline, had prepared him to reach the topmost height of laudable ambition; yet how were her glories forgotten when he gazed upon her from whom, wasted by time and malady, he must soon part to meet no more!

The matron's predictions were true. The disease which had so long preyed upon her frame completed its triumph, and she expired at the age of 85, confiding in the promises of immortality to the humble believer.