of them, are always welcome. Those who
expect more will be disappointed."

But Washington's modest dream of quietude and simplicity of life in his
home at Mount Vernon was not realized.

FOOTNOTES:

[6] Life of Washington, iv. 440.

CHAPTER IV.

WASHINGTON'S PRIVATE AFFAIRS--IMPROVEMENTS COMMENCED--REMUNERATION
FOR SERVICES DECLINED--VISITORS FLOCK TO MOUNT VERNON--TOUR TO THE
OHIO--INDIAN SACHEM AND HIS PROPHECY--WASHINGTON'S INTEREST IN
INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS--HIS LETTER TO GOVERNOR HARRISON--ACTION OF
THE VIRGINIA LEGISLATURE--FORMATION OF COMPANIES--WASHINGTON
DECLINES RECEIVING A DONATION OF STOCK FOR HIS OWN
BENEFIT--DISPOSITION OF IT--DISTINGUISHED VISITORS AT MOUNT
VERNON--WASHINGTON'S CORRESPONDENCE BURDENSOME--MR. LEAR--ARTISTS
AND LITERARY MEN--PINE AND HOUDON AT MOUNT VERNON--AGRICULTURAL
PURSUITS AND IMPROVEMENTS--WASHINGTON'S DOMESTIC LIFE AFTER THE WAR.

Washington took a careful survey of all his affairs, on retiring from
the public service, and perceived that much was to be done to retrieve
losses, and to make his estate an agreeable home, and suitable to his
position in life. The mansion, two stories in height, with only four
rooms on a floor, was too small to accommodate the visitors who he well
knew, might be expected at Mount Vernon, and he had already determined
to commence its enlargement with the opening of the spring, as well as
the adornment of the grounds around it, and the improvement of his
farms. To do this required a large outlay of time and money; and,
notwithstanding Washington had an ample fortune for a private gentleman
of moderate tastes, he perceived the necessity of practising economy.
His private affairs had become somewhat deranged, and his fortune
diminished during the war; and he knew that the current expenses of his
household must thereafter be materially increased.

At this juncture, when economy appeared so necessary, his consistency as
a servant of the public without pecuniary reward, was tested. The
temptation came in the specious form of a proposed testimonial of
public gratitude for his services, and was so delicately presented to
his mind, as almost to leave a doubt of its real purpose. It originated
with the supreme executive council of Pennsylvania, who, a few days
before Washington resigned his commission at Annapolis, remarked as
follows in their instructions to the delegates in Congress from that
state:--