into the room, and
applied blisters and cataplasms of wheat-bran to his legs and feet,
after which they went out, except Doctor Craik, without a ray of hope. I
went out about this time, and wrote a line to Mr. Law and Mr. Peter,
requesting them to come with their wives (Mrs. Washington's
grand-daughters) as soon as possible to Mount Vernon.

"About ten o'clock, he made several attempts to speak to me before he
could effect it. At length he said: 'I am just going. Have me decently
buried; and do not let my body be put into the vault in less than three
days after I am dead.' I bowed assent, for I could not speak. He then
looked at me again, and said, 'Do you understand me?' I replied,
'Yes.'--''Tis well,' said he.

"About ten minutes before he expired (which was between ten and eleven
o'clock), his breathing became easier. He lay quietly; he withdrew his
hand from mine, and felt his own pulse. I saw his countenance change. I
spoke to Doctor Craik, who sat by the fire He came to the bedside. The
general's hand fell from his wrist. I took it in mine, and pressed it to
my bosom. Doctor Craik put his hands over his eyes, and he expired
without a struggle or a sigh.

"While we were fixed in silent grief, Mrs. Washington, who was sitting
at the foot of the bed, asked with a firm and collected voice, 'Is he
gone?' I could not speak, but held up my hand, as a signal that he was
no more. ''Tis well,' said she, in the same voice; 'all is over now. I
shall soon follow him; I have no more trials to pass through.'[139]

"At the time of his decease, Doctor Craik and myself were in the
situation before-mentioned. Mrs. Washington was sitting near the foot of
the bed. The general's servant, Christopher, who had been in the room,
and standing nearly all day, stood near the bedside. Caroline, Molly,
and Charlotte, were in the room, standing near the door. Mrs. Forbes,
the housekeeper, was frequently in the room during the day and
evening.[140]

"As soon as Doctor Craik could speak, after the distressing scene was
closed, he desired one of the servants to ask the gentlemen below to
come up-stairs. When they came to the bedside, I kissed the cold hand
which I had held to my bosom, laid it down, and went to the other end of
the room, where I was for some time lost in profound grief, until
aroused by Christopher, desiring me to take care of the general's keys,
and other things, which were taken out of his pockets, and which Mrs.
Washingt