The notion seems to have been popular during his lifetime, and it certainly has continued to later days, that he was too bashful to feel easy in ladies' society.

I find no evidence for this mistaken idea.

Although little has been recorded of the intimacies of Washington's youth, there are indications of more than one "flame" and that he was not dull and stockish with the young women.

As early as 1748, we hear of the Low-Land Beauty who had captivated him, and who is still to be identified.

Even earlier, in his school days, he indulged in writing love verses.