ferry by one of Mrs. Custis’s slaves. “Is your mistress at home?” he inquired of the negro who was rowing him across the river. “Yes, sah,” replied the darkey, then added slyly, “I recon you am de man what am expected.” It was late in the afternoon of the next day when Washington took his departure, but he had her promise and was happy. A ring was ordered from Philadelphia, and is duly set down in his [Pg 36]accounts: “One engagement ring, two pounds, sixteen shillings.” [Pg 36] Then came weary months of service in the field, and they saw each other only four times before they were married. There were doubtless frequent letters, but only one of them remains. It is the letter of a soldier: “We have begun our march for the Ohio, [he wrote]. A courier is starting for Williamsburg, and I embrace the opportunity to send a few words to one whose life is now inseparable from mine. “Since that happy hour, when we made our pledges to each other, my thoughts have been continually going to you as to another self. That an All-powerful Providence may keep us both in safety is the prayer of your ever faithful and affectionate Friend, ”G. Washington ”G. Washington G. Washington “20th of July Mrs. Martha Custis.” “20th of July Mrs. Martha Custis.” On the sixth of the following January they were married in the little church of St. Peter. Once again Dr. Mossum, in full canonicals, married “Patsy” Dandridge [Pg 37]to the man of her choice. The bridegroom wore a blue cloth coat lined with red silk and ornamented with silver trimmings. His vest was embroidered white satin, his shoe- and knee-buckles were of solid gold, his hair was powdered, and a dress sword hung at his side. [Pg 37] The bride was attired in heavy
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