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Rh closing of all the campaigns of the Revolutionary War. How admirably her equanimity and cheerfulness were preserved, through the sternest periods of the struggle, and how inspiring was the influence she diffused, is testified in many of the military journals of that time. She was at Valley Forge in the dreadful winter of 1777-78, her presence and submission to privation strengthening the fortitude of those who might have complained and giving hope and confidence to the desponding. She soothed the distresses of many suffering, seeking out the poor and afflicted with benevolent kindness, extending relief wherever it was in her power, and with remarkable grace presiding in the Chief's humble dwelling. In a letter to Mrs. Warren she says: "The General's apartment is very small, but he had a log cabin built to dine in, which has made our quarters much more tolerable than they were at first."

The Marquis de Chastellux says of Mrs. Washington, whom he met at the house of General Reed, in Philadelphia,—"she had just arrived from Virginia and was going to stay with her husband as she does at the end of every campaign. She is about forty, or forty-five, rather plump, but fresh, and of an agreeable countenance." One little incident when she came to spend the cold season with her husband in winter quarters illustrated how those in the humblest sphere regarded her presence. In the quarters there was only a frame house without a finished upper story, and the General desiring to prepare for his wife a more retired apartment, sent for a young mechanic and asked him and one of his fellow-apprentices to fit up a room in the attic for the accommodation of Lady Washington. On the fourth day Mrs. Washington came up to see how they were getting on. As she stood looking round, the young mechanic ventured diffidently: "Madam, we have endeavored to do the best we could; I hope we have suited you." She replied smiling: "I am astonished! Your work