We get the same idea from the scattered allusions that we have to
Washington in private life. Although silent and reserved as to
himself, he was by no means averse to society, and in his own house
all his guests, both great and small, felt at their ease with him,
although with no temptation to be familiar. We know from more than
one account that the dinners at the presidential house, as well as at
Mount Vernon, were always agreeable. It was his wont to sit at table
after the cloth was removed sipping a glass of wine and eating nuts,
of which he was very fond, while he listened to the conversation and
caused it to flow easily, not so much by what he said as by the kindly
smile and ready sympathy which made all feel at home. We can gather
an idea also of the charm which he had in the informal intercourse of
daily life from some of his letters on trifling matters. Here is a
little note written to Mrs. Stockton in acknowledgment of a pastoral
poem which she had sent him:--
"MOUNT VERNON, February 18, 1784.
"Dear Madam: The intemperate weather and very great care which the
post riders take of themselves prevented your letter of the 4th of
last month from reaching my hands till the 10th of this. I was then in
the very act of setting off on a visit to my aged mother, from whence
I am just returned. These reasons I beg leave to offer as an apology
for my silence until now.
"It would be a pity indeed, my dear madam, if the muses should be
restrained in you; it is only to be regretted that the hero of your
poetical talents is not more deserving their lays.
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