Washington Related
January 11, 1800 - The Last Hours of George Washington
January 11, 1800, Issue of the New York Periodical "Weekly Museum" With An Account of the Last Hours of George Washington, Very Fine.
This 4 page issue of the New York literary magazine, "Weekly Museum," is printed with black borders throughout, because page 3 reports on the death of George Washington and the response by President Adams and the Congress. The main article, titled "The Last Moments of Washington," is dated at Alexandria (Virginia; soon to be part of the District of Columbia) December 19, 1799. This is an eyewitness account of Washington's last hours, written by one of the pallbearers at Washington's funeral, whose name, unfortunately, is not given. The funeral procession at Mount Vernon is described in part: "... The coffin bore his sword and [Masonic] apron, and the members of the Lodge walked as mourners. His elegant old charger was led, properly caparisoned, by two of his servants in mourning ..." The writer goes on to describe the scene on December 14th, when Washington, mortally ill probably with pneumonia, was unable to leave his bed:
"... Before Dr. Craik arrived at Mount Vernon, the General had been bled by one of his overseers ... the General observed he had sent for him 'too late,' and seemed to have a presentiment of his dissolution ... as his respiration became difficult, he said calmly, 'Doctor, I die hard.' But notwithstanding the excruciating agonies of his violent disease, he tranquilly asked several questions during the evening. About fifteen minutes before he died ... he said to Doctor Craik, 'Doctor, what is the clock? How long am I to continue in this situation?' The Doctor answered, 'not long, Sir.' He then rejoined with the firmest countenance imaginable. 'I have no fear, Doctor, to die.' His breathing soon grew shorter. He closed his mouth and eyes with his own hands, and expired without a sign or a groan. Mrs. Washington was at the bedside ..."
The U.S. House of Representatives memorial observance and the Proclamation by President John Adams, are also recorded in this issue, and recommend that the public "testify their grief" for the revered President with eulogies, orations and public prayers. This periodical, measuring 11.5" x 9.5," is printed on heavy paper, and has minor foxing and an archivally repaired tear on the first page (not affecting the Washington material). Otherwise this important publication is in excellent condition.
January 11, 1800 - The Last Hours of George Washington
January 11, 1800, Issue of the New York Periodical "Weekly Museum" With An Account of the Last Hours of George Washington, Very Fine.
This 4 page issue of the New York literary magazine, "Weekly Museum," is printed with black borders throughout, because page 3 reports on the death of George Washington and the response by President Adams and the Congress. The main article, titled "The Last Moments of Washington," is dated at Alexandria (Virginia; soon to be part of the District of Columbia) December 19, 1799. This is an eyewitness account of Washington's last hours, written by one of the pallbearers at Washington's funeral, whose name, unfortunately, is not given. The funeral procession at Mount Vernon is described in part: "... The coffin bore his sword and [Masonic] apron, and the members of the Lodge walked as mourners. His elegant old charger was led, properly caparisoned, by two of his servants in mourning ..." The writer goes on to describe the scene on December 14th, when Washington, mortally ill probably with pneumonia, was unable to leave his bed:
"... Before Dr. Craik arrived at Mount Vernon, the General had been bled by one of his overseers ... the General observed he had sent for him 'too late,' and seemed to have a presentiment of his dissolution ... as his respiration became difficult, he said calmly, 'Doctor, I die hard.' But notwithstanding the excruciating agonies of his violent disease, he tranquilly asked several questions during the evening. About fifteen minutes before he died ... he said to Doctor Craik, 'Doctor, what is the clock? How long am I to continue in this situation?' The Doctor answered, 'not long, Sir.' He then rejoined with the firmest countenance imaginable. 'I have no fear, Doctor, to die.' His breathing soon grew shorter. He closed his mouth and eyes with his own hands, and expired without a sign or a groan. Mrs. Washington was at the bedside ..."
The U.S. House of Representatives memorial observance and the Proclamation by President John Adams, are also recorded in this issue, and recommend that the public "testify their grief" for the revered President with eulogies, orations and public prayers. This periodical, measuring 11.5" x 9.5," is printed on heavy paper, and has minor foxing and an archivally repaired tear on the first page (not affecting the Washington material). Otherwise this important publication is in excellent condition.
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Auction details
Coins-Currency-Autographs-Americana
9:00 AM PT - May 18th, 2008
offered by
Early American
P.O. Box 3507
Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067
Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067
