in his twenty-first year was largely
successful through the personal admiration he excited among the savages.
In poise, he was equal to their best, and ever being a bit proud, even if
not vain, he dressed for the occasion in full Indian regalia, minus only
the war-paint. The Indians at once recognized his nobility, and named him
"Conotancarius"--Plunderer of Villages--and suggested that he take to wife
an Indian maiden, and remain with them as chief.

When he returned home, he wrote to the Indian agent, announcing his safe
arrival and sending greetings to the Indians. "Tell them," he says, "how
happy it would make Conotancarius to see them, and take them by the hand."

His wish was gratified, for the Indians took him at his word, and fifty of
them came to him, saying, "Since you could not come and live with us, we
have come to live with you." They camped on the green in front of the
residence, and proceeded to inspect every room in the house, tested all
the whisky they could find, appropriated eatables, and were only induced
to depart after all the bedclothes had been dyed red, and a blanket or a
quilt presented to each.

Throughout his life Washington had a very tender spot in his heart for
women. At sixteen, he writes with all a youth's solemnity of "a hurt of
the heart uncurable." And from that time forward there is ever some "Faire
Mayde" to be seen in the shadow. In fact, Washington got along with women
much better than with men; with men he was often diffident and awkward,
illy concealing his uneasiness behind a forced dignity; but he knew that
women admired him, and with them he was at ease. When he made that first
Western trip, carrying a message to the French, he turns aside to call on
the Indian princess, Aliguippa. In his journal, he says, "presented her a
Blanket and a Bottle of Rum, which latter was thought the much best
Present of the 2."

In his expense-account we find items like these: "Treating the ladys 2
shillings." "Present for Polly 5 shillings." "My share for Music at the
Dance 3 shillings." "Lost at Loo 5 shillings." In fact, like most
Episcopalians, Washington danced and played cards. His favorite game seems
to have been "Loo"; and he generally played for small stakes, and when
playing with "the Ladys" usually lost, whether purposely or because
otherwise absorbed, we know not.

In Seventeen Hundred Fifty-six, he made a horseback journey on military
business to Boston, stopping a week going an