Name/Title
Washington's Farewell to Mother by M.A. CahoonEntry/Object ID
2000.FIC.02.388Scope and Content
A patriotic speech recounting the relationship that George Washington had with his mother by M.A. Cahoon. To be read at the centennial celebration of the inauguration of George Washington. In the speech, it emphasizes Washington's reliance on his mother for advice. He sought her counsel regularly up to the day he became the first president of the United States of America. It concludes with a eulogy from a book written by an unknown "English traveler."
2000.FIC.02.388A:
1
Nothing is more impressive than the reverence of a true hearted man for a worthy mother. No other love is to a son like a mothers love, and while the respect and veneration with which a parent was honored a century ago is giving way to more familiarity, there is no deeper affection. Mrs. Washington impressed indelibly upon her son the true greatness of her character and received from him ample appreciation. John Quincy Adams said "that he owed all that he was to his mother," and John Wisley would doubtless have failed in many of his great efforts if Susannah Wesley's strong mind had not been ever ready to consider with him the great questions of the times. The noblest most manly and best men the world has furnished acknowledge their mothers influence a great impulse and sources of success. May the youth of today bear in mind the excellent example so often repeated in history, and hold in sacred veneration their mothers.
2000.FIC.02.388B:
2
Madam Washington's life was spared until she beheld her first born son elevated to the highest earthly dignity to which man may aspire_ the lofty seat of the high magistrate of a young, vigorous, and free member of the family of nations and called to it by the unanimous voice of his grateful fellow citizens. She had watched over him with fidelity from his infancy, and had been his good angel, guiding him at every step in his glorious life career; for so trustful was he in the intelligence of her judgment, and so obedient to her as his mother that it is said he never undertook any important public tasks or private enterprise while she was living without first communing with her on the subject. When Washington was called to the duties of President of the United States the physical strength of his mother, then past eighty years of age, was wasting from the effects of a painful and incurable disease.
2000.FIC.02.388C:
3
On the fourteenth of April 1779, Charles Thomson, the Secretary of Congress appeared at Mount Vernon with official certificates that its master had been chosen President of the United States of America. Washington at once prepared to accompany the secretary to New York, then the seat of the National Government. In the afternoon of the same day he mounted his horse and with his favourite body-servant, Billy, rode to the home of his mother in Fredericksburg, Virginia. He found her quite feeble in body, but strong in spirit and bright in intellect. After the first affectionate words were uttered, Washington said to his mother the people, madam, have been pleased with the most flattering unanimity to elect me to the chief magistracy of the United States; but before I can assume the functions of that office I have come to bid you an affectionate farewell,
2000.FIC.02.388D:
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So soon, as the public business, which must necessarily be encountered in arranging a new government, can be disposed of, I shall hasten to Virginia and_
You will see me no more, she said, interrupting him. My great age, and the disease that is rapidly approaching my vitals, warm me that I shall not be long in this world. I trust in God I am somewhat prepared for a better, But go, George, fulfill the high destinies which Heaven appears to assign you go, my son, and may that Heaven's and your mother's blessing be with you always. The great heart of the patriot was filled with mingled emotions of love, respect and reverence for this his best earthly friend and moved with the utmost tenderness of feeling. He laid his head on the shoulder of his mother, as he had done when a little child, and wept. she clasped his neck with her feeble arms, and her tears mingled with his.
2000.FIC.02.388E
5
So they parted never to meet again on this earth, As time advanced and the pure patriotism and unclouded virtues of this great man have appeared undimmed by the prejudices of party, he has become the wonder and admiration of mankind; and the glory of his untarnished name is a rich legacy to our republic. Beautiful statues may be chiseled to his memory and lofty monuments erected to his greatness, but his most endearing statue is in the hearts of a grateful people, and his noblest monument is in the liberty and prosperity of his country.
I have in my possession, and have been requested to read to you today, a eulogy found at Mount Vernon supposed to have been left there by an English traveler who visited Washington's tomb. It was evidently intended for a monumental inscription but was never used, The hearts of all Americans will respond to the sentiment expressed in this beautiful tribute to the memory of our ever honored patriot.
2000.FIC.02.388F
On the final page are two pages sewn into the lined paper with string. These pages (Page 220 & 221) are taken from a book entitled "Life of Washington." It includes the eulogy that is referenced in the speech on the previous pages.Collection
Early Family Papers: CahoonRelationships
Related Person or Organization
Person or Organization
Wesley, SusannahPerson or Organization
Wesley, JohnPerson or Organization
Washington, Mary BallPerson or Organization
Washington, George, PresidentPerson or Organization
Cahoon, M.A.Person or Organization
Thomson, CharlesPerson or Organization
Lee, BillyPerson or Organization
Adam, John Quincey
