Mr. Augustine Washington left his estate on the river Potomac, in Fairfax county, to his eldest son, Lawrence, who called it Mount Vernon, in honor of Admiral Vernon. He left his estate at Pope’s Creek to his second son, Augustine. Mrs. Augustine Washington and her family continued to reside on the farm near Fredericksburg.――Upon her now devolved the care of the plantation. Her first born son, George, continued to live with her some months after his father’s death. During this period, a circumstance happened which shows that George, though a good boy on the whole, was not wholly exempt from youthful rashness. His mother owned a beautiful colt, which, never having been broken, was remarkably wild. George delighted to look at this colt as he pranced about the pasture, snuffing up the wind, wheeling and halting and displaying his fine proportions. He often wished himself upon the colt’s back. One day he engaged some of his school companions to come early the next morning and help him to take a ride before breakfast.――They came, and found the colt at no great distance from the house. After a great deal of difficulty they contrived to corner him and put a bridle upon him. Several boys held the bridle while George leaped upon his back. A violent struggle followed.――The horse seemed determined to shake off his rider, and his rider seemed equally determined to keep his seat. At length the noble animal, in the fury of his plunges, fell headlong and burst a blood vessel. This killed him instantly. George received no injury by the fall; but when he saw the poor creature lie dead, and considered his mother’s attachment to the animal, he began to look very serious. The call to breakfast was soon heard. Some of George’s companions had been invited to take breakfast with him that morning. The boys were all remarkably silent at the table. Whether Mrs. Washington had any suspicions that all was not right, is uncertain. But she inquired if they had seen any thing of her fine sorrel colt, in their rambles. Neither of the boys replied to this question. She repeated it. There was now no escape.――George’s character for truth and frankness had been tried when he was much younger. It did not then fail; it must not now fail. “Your sorrel colt is dead, mother,” replied George. “Dead, George!” exclaimed Mrs. Washington, with surprise. “Yes, he is dead.” “How came he dead, George?”――“I will tell you, mother. I am the one in fault.” He then related all the circumstances just as they happened. “I very much regret the loss of my colt,” said Mrs. Washington; “but I rejoice to hear my son frankly tell the truth, without showing any disposition to cast his own faults upon others.”