"And may He preserve and bless you, whether He preserves me or not!" answered her son. "The perils of war render my return uncertain, to say the least; and it is always wise to be prepared for the worst." "I trust that I am prepared for anything that Providence orders," responded Mrs. Washington, "though it is with pain that I approach this separation. These trying times require great sacrifices of all, and we must make them cheerfully." "Victory would not be far away if all possessed that spirit," answered the young commander. "If there is patriotism enough in the country to defend our cause, the country will be saved." That Washington himself was deeply affected by this interview, his own tears, when he bade his mother final adieu, bore unmistakable witness. When the news of his crossing the Delaware, at a time of great peril and gloom in the land, was brought to her, she exclaimed, raising her hand heavenward, "Thank God! thank God for the success!" There appeared to be no recognition of peculiar wisdom and skill on the part of her son, though the friends gathered were full of his praise. "The country is profoundly grateful to your son for his achievements," suggested one; "and the praise of his countrymen knows no bounds." "I have no doubt that George deserves well of his country," Mrs. Washington replied, "but, my good sir, here is too much flattery." "No flattery at all, but deserved praise," her friend and neighbor retorted. "Well, I have no fears about George," she replied. "He will not forget the lessons I have taught him; he will not forget _himself_, though he is the subject of so much praise." After her son had left for Cambridge, Mass., to take charge of the troops, her son-in-law, Mr. Fielding Lewis, offered to lighten her labors by taking care of her property, or some part of it at least. "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.