“Gentlemen of the jury, a man’s dog stands by him in prosperity and in poverty, in health and in sickness. He will sleep on the cold ground, where the wintry winds blow and the snow drives fiercely, if only he may be near his master’s side. He will kiss the hand that has no food to offer, and he will lick the wounds and sores that come in encounter with the roughness of the world.
“He guards the sleep of his pauper master, as if he were a prince. Whenever all other friends desert, he remains.
“When riches take wings, and reputation falls to pieces, he is as constant, in his love, as the sun in its journey through the heavens.
“If fortune drives the master forth, an outcast, in the world, friendless and homeless, the faithful dog asks no higher privilege than that of accompanying him to guard against danger, to fight against his enemies, and, when the last scene of all comes, and death takes the master in its embrace, and his body is laid away in the cold ground, no matter if all other friends pursue their way, there by the grave side will be found the noble dog, his head between his paws, his eyes sad, but open in alert watchfulness, faithful and true even in death.”
Will of George Washington
George Washington died December 14, 1799. His original will is on file somewhere in Virginia. A copy thereof is on file in the Office of the Register of Wills at Washington, D.C., having been recorded there on November 15, 1802: the instrument is voluminous, but by reason of its interesting nature and the greatness and fame of the testator, the document is here given in full, omitting only a few inconsequential details:
“In the Name of God, Amen
“I, George Washington, of Mount Vernon, a Citizen of the United States, and lately President of the same, Do make, ordain, and declare this Instrument which is written with my own Hand, and every page thereof subscribed with my Name, to be my last Will and Testament, revoking all others, Imprimis.
“All my debts, of which there are but few, and none of magnitude, are to be punctually and speedily paid, and the Legacies herein after bequeathed, are to be discharged as soon as circumstances will permit, and in the manner directed.
“Item. To my dearly beloved wife Martha Washington, I give and bequeath the use, profit, and benefit of my whole estate, real and personal, for the term of her natural life, except such parts thereof as are specially disposed of hereafter.—My improved Lot in the town of Alexandria, situated on Pitt and Cameron Streets, I give to her and her heirs for ever; as I also do my Houshold and Kitchen Furniture of every sort and kind with the Liquors and Groceries which may be on hand at the time of my decease, to be used and disposed of as she may think proper.