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.

108 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. [1759-1764.
bled for- a second; when the Speaker relieved him
by a stroke of address, that would have done honor
to Louis the Fourteenth in his proudest and happiest
moment..'fSit down, Mr. Washington,' said he with
a conciliating smile;'your modesty equals your valor; and that surpasses the power of any language
that I possess.'" *
From this time till the beginning of the revolution,
a period of fifteen years, Washington was constantly
a member of the House of Burgesses, being returned
by a large majority of votes at every election. For
seven years he represented, jointly with another delegate, the County of Frederic, and afterwards the
County of Fairfax, in which he resided. There were
commonly two sessions in a year, and sometimes three.
It appears, from a record left in his handwriting, that
he gave his attendance punctually, and from the beginning to the end of almost every session. It was
a maxim with him through life, to execute punctually
and thoroughly every charge which he undertook.
His influence in public bodies was produced more
by the soundness of his judgment, his quick perceptions, and his directness and undeviating sincerity, than
by eloquence or art in recommending his opinions.
He seldom spoke, never harangued, and it is not known
that he ever made a set speech, or entered into a
stormy debate. But his attention was at all times
awake. He studied profoundly the prominent topics
of discussion, and, whenever occasion required, was
prepared to deliver his sentiments clearly, and to act
with decision and firmness. His practice may be inferred from the counsel' he gave to a nephew, who
had just taken his seat for the first time in the Assembly.
Life of Patrick Henry, 3d edition, p. 45.