The bride, well-formed, somewhat below the medium size of a woman, was in the bloom of life, handsome, winsome and aristocratic in every way. She had perfect taste in matters regarding the toilette, and was always suitably gowned.
It is recorded that the ceremony took place at the old St. Peters Church near the White House. Imagination will better picture this scene of pomp and splendor of the times. The reader can then behold the fairest of Virginias daughters arrayed in superb brocades, costly laces, and sparkling jewels supplied by the Old World; and gallant cavaliers in the elaborate and elegant costumes of the time, attending the ladies through the brilliant apartments to the bountiful board in the dining-hall, where glittering with massive plate, loaded with rich viands, old wines, and delicate conserves, the friendly words, merry laughs and witty repartee but enhanced the loveliness of the happy bride, and the triumphant rapture of the love-crowned hero-soldier.
Soon after the marriage, Colonel and Mrs. Washington removed from the White House to Mount Vernon which was henceforth to be the permanent family residence.
The life of Martha Washington thereafter became a part of the history of her country. She entered into the plans and confidences of her husband, and in every way proved the helpmeet for such a noble and great man.
Mrs. Washington was an early riser at all seasons of the year, and after breakfast always
repaired for an hour to her chamber where she read from the Bible and prayed, and this practice was never omitted during the half century of her varied life.
In the papers and correspondence left by Colonel Washington it appears that his efforts too, were to augment the comforts and happiness of his home, and everything that could be done for the fair and gentle lady of his heart was accomplished.
It must be remembered that at this period of time, everything in the way of luxury, and even many articles of household necessity, were imported from Europe, and were possible only to the wealthy. Even the clothing and many kinds of food were ordered twice a year by Washington from his English agents.
The affairs of John and Patsy Custis, his stepchildren, were ordered with the utmost care and precision, and reports made and forwarded regularly to the English firm of Robert Gary & Co.
After her removal to Mt. Vernon, Mrs. Washington often accompanied her husband on his official visits to Williamsburg, but her greatest joy was the time passed at home with the congenial work and pleasures of a wife and mother.
At this time, the pursuits of Colonel Washington were those of a retired farmer, yet the social intercourse with people of refinement and position was continued, and a large circle of agreeable and intelligent friends could generally be found enjoying the hospitality of this generous and delightful couple.
But the melancholy event of the passing away of the gifted and favored young daughter from the home of the Washingtons suddenly bereft the family of joy and gladness. The brother, who had walked hand in hand with his beloved sister in all the years of childhood, was grief-stricken beyond words. The mother, who had tenderly watched and planned over the child of many hopes, found her sole help in prayer and reading of her Bible. And the stepfather, as fond of the children as their own father could have been, found solace in work and study.
As Mrs. Parke reached this serious part of the history, George sighed loudly. His mother glanced up from the book and he took it for granted that he might speak.
Dont you think the girls have had their share for this time? Its been all love-making and marrying and funerals! Not a word about Indians or about war.
I was just coming to a part of Washingtons life, where it describes his fifteen years of life on his farm, and his membership on the Virginia House of Burgesses, ventured Mrs. Parke.
Oh, good gracious! Please dont give us any more of his quiet life to-day. Look at the way that rain spatters on the windows, and then stop to think how we feel with Washington parading out of a book while hes planting or hoeing his farm! Give us a fight! declared George.
Every one laughed and Jack seconded his cousins plan for a more active story than the one that had just been read.
If you insist upon having war when there was no war, I must skip the fifteen years of quiet life on his estate, to get Washington in the midst of fresh battle scenes, argued Mrs. Parke.
Why not read us about the Boston Tea Party? said Anne.
That will satisfy the boys and interest us girls, too, added Martha.
Without further remonstrance, Mrs. Parke turned back to the chapter desired and began reading.
During the years between 1765 and 1775, the cry of Liberty, Property, No Stamps! sounded from New Hampshire to Georgia. Even when the act all except the tax on tea was repealed, the populace concentrated its wrath on tea as the symbol of an intolerable sovereignty which would no longer be endured.