The Potomac and Rappahannock 



with a room above for servants. The stables were on the corner; 

 the garden and orchard in front and on the side. 



The land was a part of the Kenmore estate. Mary Wash- 

 ington loved flowers and transplanted many from her former home. 

 Calycanthus and box, said to have been planted by her, still grow 

 in this garden. The same sun-dial marks the passing days. How 

 we would listen could her flowers speak and tell us of those days! 

 After the Revolution, when states had sprung from colonies, 

 George Washington, on a visit to his mother, planted thirteen 

 horse chestnut trees along a walk leading from this house to Ken- 

 more. One of these trees still lives. 



The change from Ferry Farm was great, for one who loved 

 wide spaces and plantation life. Yet, Mary Washington made no 

 complaint. "George thought it best," she said. Fredericksburg 

 was in a direct line from eastern to southern colonies. Courier 

 after courier would appear at this cottage door with dispatches 

 that told of victory or defeat. Those trying years, when her son 

 was leading the Continental forces, Mary was praying, and with 

 calmness she remonstrated with her daughter for undue excite- 

 ments. "The sister of the Commanding General should be an ex- 

 ample of faith and fortitude," she said. 



Knitted socks, garments and provisions, the fruit of her thrift 

 and economy, were sent the General in camp for distribution among 

 the soldiers. 



November ii, 1791, Washington arrived in Fredericksburg 

 with his staff of French and American officers, en route from 

 Yorktown to Philadelphia. Leaving his retinue, he walked un- 

 attended to the unpretentious cottage, where his mother awaited 

 him. She was alone. She bade him welcome, with a warm embrace 

 and the endearing name "George." She spoke much of old 

 times and old friends, but of his glory, not one word. Her only 

 appearance in public as the hero's mother was at a ball given in 

 Fredericksburg. In the autumn of 1784 LaFayette, for the sole 

 purpose of paying his respect to Washington's mother,' visited Fred- 



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