"No, Fielding, it is not necessary; I am competent to attend to it myself," she answered.
"I did not question your competency; I only wanted to relieve you of some care," the son-in-law answered.
"I understand and appreciate your kindness," she said; "but, nevertheless, I must decline your offer. My friends are all very kind to me, and I feel very grateful, but it is better for me to bear this responsibility as long as I can."
After discussing the subject still further, Mrs. Washington yielded in part to his request; she said:
"Fielding, you may keep my books in order, as your eyesight is better than mine, but leave the executive management to me."
When Cornwallis surrendered at Yorktown, Washington despatched a messenger to convey the glad tidings to his mother at Fredericksburg. At once her friends and neighbors called with great enthusiasm to honor her as the mother of the conqueror of England.
"Bless God!" she exclaimed, on receipt of the news. "The war will now be ended, and peace and independence and happiness bless the country."
"Your son is the most illustrious general in the world," remarked one.
"The nation idolizes him," said another.
"The soldiers almost worship him," still another.