ability. The wounded general was borne along, but he, expired on the fourth day, and was buried near Fort Necessity. The troops at length reached Fort Cumberland, and Washington, no longer connected with the service, retired to Mount Vernon.

Though the heaviest denunciations fell upon Braddock, Washington's character, as a gallant and able. soldier, was established by these events. His wisdom, courage and resources had shone conspicuously, and were applauded by the whole country. His merits were acknowledged by the Virginia legislature, and the sum of three hundred pounds was granted for his services. He was strongly pressed to continue in public life, and, August 14, 1755, he was appointed to the command of the Virginia troops. Being now established in a command of high responsibility, he applied himself to the discharge of its duties with that union of energy and circumspection which marked his character. For several years he continued to devote himself to the service of his country, and at last, in 1758, he resigned his commission and retired to private life. Though the actions he had performed were not splendid, they were arduous and useful, and extorted, as well from the country as the officers and soldiers, the most decided marks of respect and approbation.

On the 6th January, 1759, he was married to Mrs. Martha Custis, widow of John Parke Custis, and distinguished alike for her beauty, accomplishments. and wealth. By this marriage he received a large accession of property, which, added to the estate at Mount Vernon, and the fortune he had otherwise in posses

sion, constituted an ample fortune. To the duties and pleasures of private life, Washington now devoted himself. He was happy in his marriage; the union subsisted for forty years. The character of his amiable lady has ever been a theme of praise. She was courteous, yet dignified; remarkable for her deeds of charity and her unaffected piety, and for discharging, in an exemplary manner, alike the duties of every private as well as every public station.

Fifteen years now passed, during which Washington was constantly a member of the Virginia House of Burgesses, being returned by a large majority of votes at every election. With his accustomed punctuality, and while his own mind was expanding and ripening by means of study and reflection, he was exercising a powerful influence in the legislature by his sound judgment, his quick perception and his straight-forward sincerity.

In April, 1764, he took up his residence permanently at Mount Vernon, with no higher aim than to cultivate the social virtues, fulfil his duties as a citizen, and sustain the dignity of a country gentleman. For these simple, yet happy pursuits, he was admirably fitted, and, even when his fame was highest, he seems to have yearned for the comfort and content of his country home.

It is pleasant to pause a moment and contemplate a great man, while engaged in the common, yet peaceful pursuits of life. Washington was now a planter, and it appears that he was as industrious and systematic here, as in the more responsible stations he had occupied. He was addicted to hospi

ability. The wounded general was borne along, but he, expired on the fourth day, and was buried near Fort Necessity. The troops at length reached Fort Cumberland, and Washington, no longer connected. with the service, retired to Mount Vernon.

Though the heaviest denunciations fell upon Braddock, Washington's character, as a gallant and able soldier, was established by these events. His wisdom, courage and resources had shone conspicuously, and were applauded by the whole country. His merits were acknowledged by the Virginia legislature, and the sum of three hundred pounds was granted for his services. He was strongly pressed to continue in public life, and, August 14, 1755, he was appointed to the command of the Virginia troops. Being now established in a command of high responsibility, he applied himself to the discharge of its duties with that union of energy and circumspection which marked his character. For several years he continued to devote himself to the service of his country, and at last, in 1758, he resigned his commission and retired to private life. Though the actions he had performed were not splendid, they were arduous and useful, and extorted, as well from the country as the officers and soldiers, the most decided marks f respect and approbation.

On the 6th January, 1759, he was ma Martha Custis, widow of John Parke C tinguished alike for her beauty, accomp wealth. By this marriage he received sion of property, which, added to the e Vernon, and the fortune he had

sion, constituted an ample fortune. To the duties and pleasures of private life, Washington now devoted himself. He was happy in his marriage; the union subsisted for forty years. The character of his amiable lady has ever been a theme of praise. She was courteous, yet dignified; remarkable for her deeds of charity and her unaffected piety, and for discharging, in an exemplary manner, alike the duties of every private as well as every public station.

Fifteen years now passed, during which Washington was constantly a member of the Virginia House of Burgesses, being returned by a large majority of votes at every election. With his accustomed punctuality, and while his own mind was expanding and ripening by means of study and reflection, he was exercising a powerful influence in the legislature by his sound judgment, his quick perception and his straight-forward sincerity.

In April, 1764, he took up his residence permanently at Mount Vernon, with no higher aim than to cultivate the social virtues, fulfil his duties as a citizen, and sustain the dignity of a country gentleman. For these simple, yet happy pursuits, he was admirably fitted, and, even when his fame was highest, he seems to have yearned for the comfort and content of his Country home.

is pleasant to pause a moment and contemplate t man, while engaged in the common, yet

gton was now a

as industrious e responsible

ted to hospi