After this was done, I returned again to his bedside and took his hand.

He said to me, 'I find I am going, my breath cannot continue long; I believed from the first attack it would be fatal--do you arrange and record all my late military letters and papers--arrange my accounts and settle my books, as you know more about them than any one else, and let Mr.Rawlins finish recording my other letters.' He then asked if I recollected anything which it was essential for him to do, as he had but a very short time to continue with us.

I told him that I could recollect nothing, but that I hoped he was not so near his end.

He observed, smiling, that he certainly was, and that, as it was the debt which we all must pay, he looked to the event with perfect resignation.
"In the course of the afternoon he appeared to be in great pain and distress, from the difficulty of breathing, and frequently changed his posture in the bed.

On these occasions I lay upon the bed and endeavored to raise him, and turn him with as much ease as possible.
He appeared penetrated with gratitude for my attentions, and often said, 'I am afraid I shall fatigue you too much'; and upon my answering him, that I could feel nothing but a wish to give him ease, he replied, 'Well, it is a debt we must pay to each other, and I hope, when you want aid of this kind, you will find it.' He asked when Mr.
Lewis and Washington[1] would return.