ers on trifling matters. Here is a
little note written to Mrs. Stockton in acknowledgment of a pastoral
poem which she had sent him:--

"MOUNT VERNON, February 18, 1784.

"Dear Madam: The intemperate weather and very great care which the
post riders take of themselves prevented your letter of the 4th of
last month from reaching my hands till the 10th of this. I was then in
the very act of setting off on a visit to my aged mother, from whence
I am just returned. These reasons I beg leave to offer as an apology
for my silence until now.

"It would be a pity indeed, my dear madam, if the muses should be
restrained in you; it is only to be regretted that the hero of your
poetical talents is not more deserving their lays. I cannot, however,
from motives of pure delicacy (because I happen to be the principal
character in your Pastoral) withhold my encomiums on the performance;
for I think the easy, simple, and beautiful strain with which the
dialogue is supported does great justice to your genius; and will not
only secure Lucinda and Amista from wits and critics, but draw from
them, however unwillingly, their highest plaudits; if they can
relish the praises that are given, as they must admire the manner of
bestowing them.

"Mrs. Washington, equally sensible with myself of the honor you have
done her, joins me in most affectionate compliments to yourself, and
the young ladies and gentlemen of your family.

"With sentiments of esteem, regard and respect,
I have the honor to be
---- ----"

This is not a matter of "great pith or moment," but it shows how
pleasantly he could acknowledge a civility. The turn of the sentences
smacks of the formality of the time. They sound a little labored,
perhaps, to modern ears, but they were graceful according to the
standard of his day, and they have a gentle courtesy which can never
be out of fashion.

He had the power also of paying a compliment in an impressive and
really splendid manner whenever he felt it to be deserved. When
Charles Thomson, who for fifteen years had been the honored secretary
of the Continental Congress, wrote to announce his retirement,
Washington replied: "The present age does so much justice to the
unsullied reputation with which you have always conducted yourself in
the execution of the duties of your office, and posterity will find
your name so honorably connected with the verification of such a
multitude of