hose officers who came over to Castlewood on her son's
invitation were most polite gentlemen, and such indeed was the case. The
widow received them most graciously, and gave them the best sport the
country afforded. Presently, the General himself sent polite messages
to the mistress of Castlewood. His father had served with hers under
the glorious Marlborough, and Colonel Esmond's name was still known and
respected in England. With her ladyship's permission, General Braddock
would have the honour of waiting upon her at Castlewood, and paying his
respects to the daughter of so meritorious an officer.

If she had known the cause of Mr. Braddock's politeness, perhaps
his compliments would not have charmed Madam Esmond so much. The
Commander-in-Chief held levees at Alexandria, and among the gentry of
the country, who paid him their respects, were our twins of Castlewood,
who mounted their best nags, took with them their last London suits,
and, with their two negro-boys, in smart liveries behind them, rode
in state to wait upon the great man. He was sulky and angry with the
provincial gentry, and scarce took any notice of the young gentlemen,
only asking, casually, of his aide-de-camp at dinner, who the young
Squire Gawkeys were in blue and gold and red waistcoats?

Mr. Dinwiddie, the Lieutenant-Governor of Virginia, the Agent from
Pennsylvania, and a few more gentlemen, happened to be dining with
his Excellency. "Oh!" says Mr. Dinwiddie, "those are the sons of the
Princess Pocahontas;" on which, with a tremendous oath, the General
asked, "Who the deuce was she?"

Dinwiddie, who did not love her, having indeed undergone a hundred
pertnesses from the imperious little lady, now gave a disrespectful and
ridiculous account of Madam Esmond, made merry with her pomposity and
immense pretensions, and entertained General Braddock with anecdotes
regarding her, until his Excellency fell asleep.

When he awoke, Dinwiddie was gone, but the Philadelphia gentleman was
still at table, deep in conversation with the officers there present.
The General took up the talk where it had been left when he fell asleep,
and spoke of Madam Esmond in curt, disrespectful terms, such as soldiers
were in the habit of using in those days, and asking, again, what was
the name of the old fool about whom Dinwiddie had been talking? He then
broke into expressions of contempt and wrath against the gentry, and the
country in general.

Mr. Franklin of Philad