Washington (George, "the Father of His Country,"[51] and the first President of the United States), 1732-1799. "It is well." Some say his last words were, "I am about to die, and I am not afraid to die."
Washington said to Mr. Lear, his secretary. "I am just going; have me decently buried, and do not let my body be put into the vault until three days after I am dead—do you understand me?" On his secretary's replying that he did, the dying man added, "It is well." About an hour later he quietly withdrew his hand from Mr. Lear's, and felt his own pulse, and immediately expired without a struggle.
A coffin of mahogany, lined with lead and covered within and without with black velvet, was made on the following day at Alexandria. On a plate at the head of the coffin was inscribed "Surge ad Judicium;" on another, in the middle, "Gloria Deo," while on a small silver plate in the form of an American shield appeared the inscription:
GEORGE WASHINGTON.
Born Feb. 22,1732.
Died Dec. 14, 1799.
His body was first placed in the family vault on the Mount Vernon estate. In his will, Washington left directions and plans for a new vault, which was built afterward, and to which his remains were transferred in 1832. The front of his tomb has an ante-chamber, built of red brick, about twelve feet in height, with a large iron gateway. It was erected for the accommodation of two marble coffins, or sarcophagi, one for Washington, the other for Mrs. Washington; they stand in full view of the visitor. Over the gateway, upon a marble slab, are the words:
"Within this enclosure rest the remains of General George Washington."
Over the vault door inside, are the words:
"He that Believeth in Me, Though he were Dead, yet Shall he Live Again."
Napoleon, who was then First Consul of the French, issued the following order under date of February 18, 1800: "Washington is no more! That great man fought against tyranny. He firmly established the liberty of his country. His memory will be ever dear to the French people, as it must be to every friend of freedom in the two worlds, and especially to the French soldiers, who, like him and the Americans, bravely fight for liberty and equality. The First Consul in consequence orders that, for ten days, black crepes shall be suspended to all the standards and flags of the Republic."
Watts (Isaac, English divine and sacred poet. He is the author of many beautiful and popular hymns), 1674-1748. "It is a great mercy to me that I have no manner of fear or dread of death. I could, if God please, lay my head back and die without terror this afternoon."