The Immigrant

Chapter 37| January 26 1800

I took a long breath as I looked at myself in the windows reflection. Black never looked good on anyone.
The black coat hung over my shoulder like a bad omen. I didn't like it.
I brushed my hair out of my face as I folded Martha's letter into my pocket as I walked down the stairs. Both Burr and Theodoisa were at the door. Both were wearing that sullen color of black. Burr gave me a sad smile as I looked up at him.
I looked at Theodoisa who had a long black dress. Her hair fell along her back as she looked up at me with a comforting look. Burr led us out the door, a carriage was waiting down the steps.
I looked up at the sky, it was cloudy but wasn't snowing. Their presence hung over the city making everything seem bleak and miserable. Burr opened the carriage door as Theodoisa and I climbed into the carriage, Theodoisa sitting next to me, Burr sat across from us. I adjusted my coat as I looked out the window as the carriage made its way through the grey streets of New York.
I couldn't help but think of Hamilton. Knowing how close he was to Washington, it must of been a utter heartbreak when he heard about his passing.
I sighed as I leaned against the cold window. Theodoisa held my hand as she rubbed it comfortingly with her thumb.
As we got further south the snow became less as dirt showed beneath the snow making big splotches of mud across fields. Dead tress outlined the muddy fields of slush.
Not a single word was uttered from the carriage the whole time down. Soon we came across familiar land near Mount Vernon. Hardly any snow was present as dead grass and mud filled its place.
Soon the carriage came to a halt in front of the Washington's home.
The air was cool and damp. We were led by servants to the back of the house. A group of people stood around a podium as they talked quietly amongst themselves. I felt declined to speak with anyone so I hung about in a corner, keeping to myself.
"Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton, thank you for coming." Martha voice drifted through the crowd as I looked up.
Both Hamilton and Eliza stood there shaking hands and saying their condolences to Martha Washington.
Philip stood back behind them as he looked around the group of people. I studied Hamilton's expression carefully. He looked tired and weak, a dazed expression hung on his face.
From the corner of my eye I spotted Lafayette with Mulligan as they joined the group of people. Both had sullen faces as they talked amongst themselves. I looked at Hercules with a slight smile, glad to see him again even in this circumstance.
I sighed as I looked down at the muddy ground. All of a sudden a small voice spoke up in front of the group.
"Thank you everyone who could make it here today." Martha spoke as the group fell silent.
"It is a heartbreaking moment for all who have come here to commemorate the life of George Washington." Martha began her voice week.
"For some, they saw him triumph through the battlefield, leading our brave soldiers with bayonets clutched in their hands and fighting for independence of a young nation, some as a leader in political power that changed our nation for the greater good as the first president of the Untied States of America. A role model for all who have set here on these shores, a father to this young nation." Martha spoke, her voice quivering.
There was a round of applause as Martha nodded at the hopeful faces that looked up at her.
"Now, if anyone wants to speak, you may do so." Martha said stepping back.
There was quiet murmuring before someone stepped up. Hamilton stood in front of the crowd, his eyes scanned the crowd but did not notice me.
"Thank you Martha." Hamilton said softly to Martha, she smiled up at Hamilton, a handkerchief in her hand.
"Afternoon everyone, for those who don't know my name, my name is Alexander Hamilton." Hamilton began, his voice shaking.
"Washington was a man with honor, respect and courage. He taught me one important key in my life. Washington taught me how to move on...How to move on from customs that we've all learn to know and fell comforted by them. Since I set foot here in America, I served as one of Washingtons aide to camp, writing and fighting along side the general himself as we grew to victory as a independent nation. Seeing him become the first president of the nation, having the honor being part of his cabinet. Through it all, we all respected as a leader, and a dear friend to me...thank you." Hamilton spoke clearly, his voice quivering with emotion at the end.
There was a short applause as Hamilton stepped back. A few other people spoke. Lafayette spoke a little bit, telling some humorous stories about his times with Washington trying to lighten the atmosphere. After everyone was done speaking, we said our last prayer as Washington casket was lowering into a tomb, an array of flowers were placed after him.
"Thank you everyone for coming." Martha announced through tears eyes as she gave everyone a soft smile.
I glanced over at Burr and Theodoisa who talked to each other quietly. I looked at Washingtons grave one last time as I gave a long sigh. How I would miss him. A leader, a friend he was to me.
Drowned in my own thoughts I was interrupted with a low voice behind me.
"Ezio Auditore." A voice called from behind me.
I turned to see Hercules standing there with a small smile.
"It's good to see you again friend." He smiled a slight shimmer in his eye.
"It's been a while I have to agree." I huffed.
Hercules shook his head.
"My apologies, I got caught up with some conflicts back home I needed to take care of." Hercules chuckled.
"A sullen invitation back to America." I sighed.
Hercules sighed.
"Well it's good to see you again." I said with a slight smile.
"See you around kid." Hercules smile as he gave me a quick nod before waking away.
I sighed as I adverted my gaze to my shoes. A breeze rustled the dead trees that swayed around us.
"It's time to go." Theodoisa said softly as she place her hand on my shoulder.
I turned to her with a weak smile. I looked around as the group of mourners stared to file out. The Hamilton's walked slowly to their carriage as Hamilton stood back looking back at Washington's gave as he shook his head somberly as he caught up with Philip who gave his father a reassuring smile.
The carriage rolled away from the Washington's estate. Was once a symbol of George Washington, now only held a widow and Washington's remaining slaves.
Rain started to drizzle outside as the trip back took even longer as the roads became muddy and slick. By the time we got back home night had fallen over the city as snowflakes drifted down from the frosty air.

The turn of the century started on a dismal note. The winter weather seemed endless as more and more snow piled up, covering the city in a white blanket that held ships fast due to poor visibility at sea. With Washington's death, the whole country fell into paranoia. Angry at the Adams Administration. Without the major general, all of congress caved into a raging mess.