"I aided him all in my power, and was gratified in believing he felt it, for he would look upon me with eyes speaking gratitude, but unable to utter a word without great distress."
At ten o'clock he appeared to make a desperate effort to speak, and at length said to Mr. Lear: "I am just going. Have me decently buried, and do not let my body be put into the vault in less than three days after I am dead."
Mr. Lear signified his assent by a nod.
As if not satisfied with that, Washington looked up to him again, and said:
"Do you understand me?"
"Yes, sir," Mr. Lear answered distinctly.
"It is well," added the dying man—the last words he spoke.
Mr. Lear describes the closing scene thus:
"About ten minutes before he expired, his breathing became much easier; he lay quietly. He withdrew his hand from mine and felt his own pulse. I spoke to Dr. Craik, who sat by the fire; he came to the bedside. The general's hand fell from his wrist; I took it in mine and placed it on my breast. Dr. Craik closed his eyes, and he expired without groan or struggle."