so announced
to his friends. George was alarmed about his brother, although he was
confident that a winter in Barbadoes would put him in the way of
complete restoration.

It was settled that they should spend the winter in Barbadoes, and hasty
preparations were made for the voyage. George had accepted his
appointment, but, now arranged to enter upon the duties of the office
after his return. He was glad to be able to accompany his brother to a
more favorable clime.

We have not space to record their experience abroad in detail. It will
answer our purpose to record the fact that a change of climate did not
improve Lawrence Washington. On the whole, he continued to fail, so that
he returned to Virginia late in the spring of 1751, a weaker and less
happy man. His sojourn in a warmer country through the winter and spring
months proved that he was beyond hope of recovery.

George had one experience in Barbadoes that we must record. He was
attacked by the small-pox with considerable severity, occasioning much
anxiety to Lawrence. However, he rallied from the attack more rapidly
than was expected, his good physical condition enabling him to resist
disease as weaker ones cannot. But he carried the marks of the loathsome
disease through life.

George kept a journal when abroad, as he had done at home, and the
entries concerning the small-pox are as follows:

"Nov. 4, 1751.--This morning received a card from Major Clarke,
welcoming us to Barbadoes, with an invitation to breakfast and dine with
him. We went--myself with some reluctance, as the small-pox was in the
family. We were received in the most kind and friendly manner by him."

That he took the small-pox when on this friendly visit is evident from
the entry in his journal for Nov. 17, as follows:

"Was strongly attacked with the small-pox. Sent for Dr. Lanahan, whose
attendance was very constant till my recovery and going out, which were
not till Thursday, the 12th of December."

We ought to state that in February of 1752, as there was no perceptible
improvement in Lawrence, Dr Lanahan decided that he should remove to
Bermuda in the early spring. This would prolong his stay, and it was
agreed that George should return to Virginia, and accompany Mrs.
Washington and children to Bermuda, where she would meet her husband.

George returned, reaching Mount Vernon about the 1st of April. But
Lawrence continued to fail in health, which modified his plans, so that
he rel