The writings of George Washington; being his correspondence, addresses, messages, and other papers, official and private, selected and published from the original manuscripts; with a life of the author, notes and illustrations. By Jared Sparks.

AET 27.] LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 107
the polls were closed; "The punctual discharge of
every trust, your humane and equitable treatment of
each individual, and your ardent zeal for the common
cause, have gained your point with credit; as your
friends could, with the greatest warmth and truth,
urge the worth of those noble endowments and principles, as well as your superior interest both here and
in the House." Considering the command, which he
had been obliged to exercise in Frederic County for
near five years, and the restraints, which the exigency
of circumstances required him occasionally to put upon
the inhabitants, this result was deemed a triumphant
proof of his abilities, address, and power to win' the
affections and confidence of the- people.
He did not establish himself at Mount Vernon, till
three months after his marriage, but continued at Williamsburg, or in the vicinity of that place, probably
arranging the affairs of Mrs. Washington's estate. At
the saine time there was a session of the House of
Burgesses, which he attended. It was during this
session, that- an incident occurred, which has been
graphically described by — Mr. Wirt. "By a vote of
the House, the Speaker, Mr. Robinson, was directed
to return their thanks to Colonel Washington, on be-.
half of the colony, for the distinguished military services which he had rendered to his country. As soon
as Colonel Washington took his seat, Mr. Robinson,
in obedience to this order, and following the impulse
of his own generous and grateful heart, discharged the
duty with great dignity, but with such warmth df coloring and strength of expression, as entirely confounded
the young hero. He rose to express his acknowledgments for the honor; but such was his trepidation and
confusion, that he could not give distinct utterance to
a single syllable. He blushed, stammered, and trem