esitate. He prepared
himself therefore and laid himself down by Washington; on the same straw
under the same blanket, the General and the negro servant slept until
morning.

* * * * *

An anecdote characteristic of Washington is related by Professor
McVickar, in his narrative of "The Life of Dr. Bard," who attended
Washington during a severe illness in 1789.

It was a case of anthrax (carbuncle) so malignant as for several
days to threaten mortification. During this period Dr. Bard never
quitted him. On one occasion being left alone with him, General
Washington, looking steadily in his face, desired his candid
opinion as to the probable termination of his disease, adding with
that placid firmness which marked his address, "Do not flatter me
with vain hopes, I'm not afraid to die, and therefore can bear the
worst." Dr. Bard's answer, though it expressed hope, acknowledged
his apprehensions.

The President replied: "Whether to-night or twenty years hence,
makes no difference; I know that I am in the hands of a good
Providence."

* * * * *

George Washington to his nephew, Bushrod Washington:

Remember, that it is not the mere study of the Law, but to become
eminent in the profession of it, which is to yield honor and
profit.

The first was your choice, let the second be your ambition; that
the company in which you will improve most, will be least expensive
to you; and yet I am not such a stoic as to suppose that you will,
or think it right that you should always be in company with
senators and philosophers; but of the young and the juvenile kind
let me advise you to be choice. It is easy to make acquaintances,
but very difficult to shake them off, however irksome and
unprofitable they are found, after we have once committed ourselves
to them.

* * * * *

While absent from Mount Vernon Washington wrote to his manager:

Although it is last mentioned, it is foremost in my thoughts to
desire you will be particularly attentive to my negroes in their
sickness, and to order every overseer positively to be so likewise;
for I am sorry to observe that the generality of them view these
poor creatures in scarcely any other light than they do a draught
horse or an ox, neglecting th