a Gentleman generally esteemed for the humane
and generous sentiments of his heart, as well as for his uprightness
and integrity, throughout a long and active life.

This Gentleman first proposed and promoted the establishment of the
town of Alexandria, and was its first inhabitant. He was consoled on
the verge of life, with the reflection of having acted his part well,
and of having reared and leaving to represent him a numerous and
amiable family, in possession of as much happiness as generally falls
to the lot of humanity. Thus he met the lingering, but certain
approach of death with a composure and resignation of mind very
remarkable and truly exemplary.

His remains were interred on the 12th, in the Episcopal Church Yard,
and attended by a very numerous and respectable company, preceeded by
the Brotherhood of Free Masons in procession with the solemnities
usual on such occasions.[70]

Within less than two months, Washington, still at work upon his garden,
grafting cherry trees, was interrupted to go to Alexandria to "attend
the Funeral of Mrs. Ramsay who died (after a lingering illness) on
Friday last.... Dined at Mr. Muir's and after the funer^l obseques
were ended, returned home."[71] Again was spread upon the sheets of the
town paper an obituary:

MEMORIAL

On Saturday last departed this life, Mrs. ANN RAMSAY, relect of the
late WM. RAMSAY, Esq., in the 55th years of her age.

The amiable character of this lady, exemplified in her conduct as a
wife, a mother, and a neighbour, as it procured her through life the
general esteem and affection of all who knew her, will render her
loss long regretted not only by her nearer relations, but by the
inhabitants of this town, and neighbourhood of every rank and
description, to whom her benevolence and humanity displayed in
numberless good offices, and her agreeable deportment have heretofore
been a social blessing and comfort.

On Monday her remains were interred with every mark of respect,
contiguous to the grave of her late deceased husband.[72]

[Illustration: Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Ramsay]

The General had seen the "Romulus of Alexandria" to the grave. Fourteen
years later the latter's son served as honorary pallbearer for the
Father of His Country at Mount Vernon, on that fateful December 18,
1799.

[Illustration]

Chapter 2

John Carlyle and His House

[Like ne