When her son first engaged in the war against the French and Indians, she appeared to be indifferent to the honor conferred upon him.
"You must go at the call of your country, but I regret that it is necessary, George," she said, when he paid her his farewell visit. "May the Lord go with you, and preserve you and the country!"
"And may He preserve and bless you, whether He preserves me or not!" answered her son. "The perils of war render my return uncertain, to say the least; and it is always wise to be prepared for the worst."
"I trust that I am prepared for anything that Providence orders," responded Mrs. Washington, "though it is with pain that I approach this separation. These trying times require great sacrifices of all, and we must make them cheerfully."
"Victory would not be far away if all possessed that spirit," answered the young commander. "If there is patriotism enough in the country to defend our cause, the country will be saved."
That Washington himself was deeply affected by this interview, his own tears, when he bade his mother final adieu, bore unmistakable witness.
When the news of his crossing the Delaware, at a time of great peril and gloom in the land, was brought to her, she exclaimed, raising her hand heavenward, "Thank God! thank God for the success!"
There appeared to be no recognition of peculiar wisdom and skill on the part of her son, though the friends gathered were full of his praise.
"The country is profoundly grateful to your son for his achievements," suggested one; "and the praise of his countrymen knows no bounds."
"I have no doubt that George deserves well of his country," Mrs. Washington replied, "but, my good sir, here is too much flattery."
"No flattery at all, but deserved praise," her friend and neighbor retorted.
"Well, I have no fears about George," she replied. "He will not forget the lessons I have taught him; he will not forget _himself_, though he is the subject of so much praise."
After her son had left for Cambridge, Mass., to take charge of the troops, her son-in-law, Mr. Fielding Lewis, offered to lighten her labors by taking care of her property, or some part of it at least.
"No, Fielding, it is not necessary; I am competent to attend to it myself," she answered.