"I cannot last long. I feel that I am going. I believed from the first that the attack would prove fatal." "I hope not," answered Mr. Lear, rather surprised by these words. "The doctor will give you relief, I trust, when he arrives." "Do you arrange and record all my military letters and papers; arrange my accounts and settle my books, as you know more about them than any one else," Washington continued. "That I will do," replied Mr. Lear; "but I hope you will live many years yet." "Do you think of anything else it is essential for me to do? for I am confident that I shall continue but a very short time with you," continued Washington. "I can think of nothing," answered Mr. Lear, and then repeated his opinion that he was not so near the end. Smiling, the great man responded: "I am certainly near the end, and I look forward to the hour of dissolution with perfect resignation." Turning to Mrs. Washington, he said, "Go to my desk, and in the private drawer you will find two papers; bring them to me." The papers were brought, when he added, taking one paper in each hand: "These are my wills. Preserve this one, and burn the other." Dr. Craik arrived about ten o'clock, and remained with him until his death. Drs. Brown and Dick were sent for, and every effort possible made to save his life. "I am much obliged for all your care and attention," he said to the physicians; "but do not trouble yourselves any more about me. Let me pass away quietly. I cannot last long." Later he said to Dr. Craik: "Doctor, I die hard, but I am not afraid to go." He was then struggling for breath. At eight o'clock in the evening he appeared unable to speak. Mr. Lear says: "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." Mrs. Washington had been sitting in silent grief all the while, at the foot of the bed; but now she inquired with calmness: "Is he gone?"