Madam Hancock, whose husband had been President of the Continental Congress and Governor of Massachusetts, complained to General Washington's Secretary, Mr.Lear, that that honor belonged to her.

The Secretary told General Washington, the next day, what she said.

The General answered that it was his privilege to give his arm to the handsomest woman in the room.

Whether the reply was communicated to Mrs.Hancock, or whether she was comforted by it, does not appear.

General Washington had been a guest at my grandfather's house in my mother's childhood, and she had sat on his knee.