................:;..~~~ Timo Toxuio OF WASHINGTON. TO MOJUN@T VERAINONWashington was the greatest of good men and the best of great.: men.-EDWARD EVERETT. THIRD EDITIONT. REVISED AND IMPROVED. GIBSON BROTHERS, PRINTERS', WASHINGTON, D. C. AxN EXTENSIVE traveller and witty friend of the writer sweepingly declares that' Guide-books contain everything -which one does not wish to know,-." With the hope that the brevity of the following pages will save this little Guide from even the suspicion of conveying undesirable information, the possessor is respectfully invited t-o peruse. it first, and render judgment afterwards. It is designed simply as a practical assistant to the visitor to MIount Vernon, all merely patriotic or poetic sentimentality Jbeing purposely avoided. E. B. J. Copyrighted, 1876, by Elizabeth B. Johnston. x1M 0 UN,VT i T? o\0t. THE home of Washington is situated on the right bank of the Potomac, seventeen -miles south of the Capital, and may be approached by land or water. Formerly, in cool autumn weather, it wa's a pleasant drive thither from Washiniigton, across the famlous Long Bridge, ri2 the interesting old city of Alexandria, which, in the solemn silence of its deserted streets and warehouses,:and with its many dilapidated, moss-covered buildings, reminds the traveller of cities in foreign lands. 1Frol Alexandria, (about midway,) the road runs -partly over what once constituted the Washington Es-tate, a princely domain of 8,000 acres. However, very few persons take this route, for daily, (Sundays excepted,) TIE W. T. CYOCORAUO N,:a new and elegant boat, built expressly for the Ladies' M3ount Vernon Association of the Union, leaves the Sixth-street wharf at 10 A. M. for Mlount Vernon, re-turning at half-past three, which enables visitors to pass *several hours among the historic associations of the resting-place of AWYashington; and, if desirable, to make connection with the evening trains leaving the Capital. The AV. WT. Corcorain is conmmanded by Capt. L. L. 31ake, a mlost agreeable, efficient, and considerate,officer-a gentlenman who neglects nothing needful for. the comfort or that may add to the pleasure of the passengers. The steamer is well adapted for the purpose, being fast, safe, and comfortable, and handsomely and tastefully furnished. The pilot-house is surmountedc by a bust of Washingtcn, carved in wood,. after the portrait of Robert Edge Pine, and on each wheel-house is the river-front view of Mount Vernon,. also in wood carving. The arrival at Mount Vernon is announced by the tolling bell. At the Mount Vernon Landing guests are courteously received by Supt. J. MccH. Hollingsworth, who gives: intelligent and patient attention to every question. The number of persons who take this trip during the year is very great, coming from every State of the Republic, and from all civilized portions of the world. Even the Indian delegations are unwilling to leave the Capital without visiting Mount Vernon. It is an impressive scene to witness them pass before the door of the tomb, push their tawny hands between the iron bars, and pronounce in solemn dignity their characteristic salutation, "How!" Leaving the Capital, the first object upon the left bank of the Potomac is the IUNITED STATES ARSENAL, the grounds of which are beautiful and well kept. After its establishment in the early part of the century it served several purposes; at one time being a military station, and afterwards a sort of supply depot. It was destroyed by the British in 1814, a number of whom were killed by the explosion of a quantity of powder secreted in a well near the quarters. After it was rebuilt it was for some time under the command of M. Villard, a French officer who came to the United States with Gen. Lafayette. In 1864 an explosion of cartridoes and signal-rockets in the workshop instantly killed twenty-one young girls, to w;hose memory a handsome monument was erected in the Congressional Cemetery by the citizens of Washington. A sadder tragedy even than this casts its shadow here-the culminating horror of the assassination of President Lincoln. Just across the Eastern Branch, which flows into the Potomac below the Arsenal, is the GO VERNMIENT INXSANE ASYLUMI; and on the Virginia shore, not far distant, the Episcopal Seminary of Virginia forms a prominent feature of the landscape. This is often mistaken for "Fairfax Court-House," which, though near, is not visible from the river. Below the junction, on the Maryland side, is Giesboro Point, which during the late war was used by the Government as a corral for horses. A little beyond are the Naval Powder Magazines, which were removed from the vicinity of the city in consequence of the danger to the Capitol in the event of an explosion.. Below Giesboro Point is the river terminus of the extension of the Baltimore antd Ohio R.R. The first landing is at the town of ALE XANDRi IA, onle of the oldest and most important ports of the Colonies. It was first known as'- HIunting Creek War'ehouse;" afterwards as'"Belhaven." In 1749 it was: organized and governed by a board of trustees in pursuance of an act of the General Assemlbly of the Colony of Virginia, and fourteen years later we find George W\Tashiington a meimber of this board. In 1762 it was enlarged by the addition of lots from the farrums belonging to the Wests, Dades, and Alexanders, and in 17'79 incorporated as a town and namecl Alexandria in compliment to the largest landholders. In 1801 it was ceded to the General Government as a portion of the District of Columbia. In 1814 it was captured by the British, and. in 1846 it was. retroceded to the State of Virginia. Alexandria was chiefly settled by the English of the higher classes, who, like other colonists, indicated their affection for the mother country in the names of' its streets, such as King, Prince, Princess, Duke, and Royal. Here, Washing'ton had his chief social, religious and Maasonic relations, and in his will he cemented these ties by endowing a free school' for the purpose of educating orphan children, or the children of such poor allnd indigent persons as are unable to accomplish it with their own means." Washington cast here his first vote in 1754, and his last in 1799. One can scarcely realize that this town ever rivalled Baltimore in commerce, but Bishop lIeade says 6 so promising was it at the close of the war that its claims --; ~l-~ ~ — ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~ i i m?--— ~~~~~HRS CItRCI A=L EXANDRIA, V I R G I N I A. - 7 were weighecl in the balance with those of WVashington as the seat of the National Government. It is thought but for the unwillingness of Washington to seem partial to Virginia, Alexandria would have been the chosen spot, and that on the first range of hills overlooking the town the public buildincgs would have been elected." The Common Council of this town were the only official mourners at Washington's funeral. From the Potomac can be seen the old-style spire of CIfI~PL5ST CfITURCtI, of which Washing'ton was vestryman. This ChurlCh was built in 1783, of bricks brought fromn England. AWashington's large square pew is an object of interest to visitors, but the silver plate bearing' his name wvas years since stolen. Recently two memorials in white marble have been placed on either side of the chancel. -one to George Washington and the other to Robert E. Lee, who was also a vestryman.. On one of the principal streets leading from the river is a large hotel. Part of the rear of this building, a low section, with three dormer windows, is the old "Carey House,' which was occupied as the ITEADQU-ARTERS OF GENV. BRA4DOC1o. Here, in 1755, George Washington was appointed his aide-de-camp. The room in which was heldc the Council of the Governors of Pennsylvania, New York, Massachusetts, M3aryland, and Virginia, remains unchanged. At this time Col. AWashington made his last appeal to 8 Braddock before the Council, to forego civilized methods of warfare with the Indians, previous to the projected march on Fort DuQuesne, and the disastrous engagement of Monongahela. In this neighborhood -is the Marshall House, rebuilt upon the site of the hotel:in which Col. Ellsworth was shot in 1861. A short distance from Alexandria, at the mouth of Hunting Creek, is Jones' Point, where a Government -light-house was built in 1855. FORT FOOTE, on the Maryland side, is the second landing. It is situatecl on a high bluff one hundred feet above the water, six miles below Washington. This work, which is an enclosed barbette, was constructed during the civil war for the defence of Alexandria, and was dismantled October 18, 1878. FPOR T WTASHIING TO N is the last landing made before reaching MIount Yernon,;and is four miles distant therefrom. Fort Washington was first called Warburton, and its availability as a point of fortification was suggested -to General Washington as he viewed the elevated spot from the eastern piazza of his home, about the year 1790. It was blown up and abandoned in 1814 by our own forces, when the British troops passed up the river and captured Alexandria. From Fort Washington there is a fine view of the Capitol, the grand dome,seeming to touch the sky. It was here that an Indian was so impressed by the beauty of that wonder of architecture that he exclaimed: "White man did not build it; Great Spirit made it i" From the same point we obtain our first glimpse of MO UNT VERNON. HIere the river is two miles wide, and the Mansion House has a stately look, being situated about two hundred feet above the water. The tolling of the bell and the hoisting of the flag announce to the passengers that they are approaching the Home of Washington. Immediately under the bluff upon which the MLansion stands is the reservation of a few acres, which was formerly used as a deer park. There is a proposal to reestablish this park, and a gentleman from Virginia has generously offered to stock it with deer. This, with many other restorations and improvements, is only a question of time. On the river front of the deer park is a landing of historic interest. The commander of a British vessel during the Revolution sent a boat's crew ashore and demanded provisions, threatening in event of refusal to burn the mansion. The frightened overseer complied with the demand, thus preventing the destruction of the house; but Washington wrote him a letter of reproof, which is still on record, ordering, in case of another attack, " to let everything be burned rather than give aid or comfort to the enemy." The main part of the wharf was constructed by Washington, but it has been extended in consequence of the increasing shallowness of the river. From this wharf 10 he used to load his barges with flour groundl at his ow12 mill, the famous brand, 1" George Washington, Mount Vernon," being so favorably known at the customhouses as to pass without inspection. Visitors are met at the landing by the courteous Superintendent, and proceed up a gentle acclivity to TfIE T01JB1 of him "' who was first in war, first inl peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen." To the left of the road is a high, wvell-wooded hillside, aboun cing with sweet-briar, trailing arbutus, and other flowers. On the right is an open park, extending beyond the house. About half way up, in a small ravine, are several weepingc willows, brought fromn the grave of Napoleon, at St. Helencz. These vividly recall. the immortal epig'rammatic order issued by the First Consul to his army on the death of'Washington, beginning' with"w IASiINaGTON, THE FRIEND OF LIBERTY, IS DEAD!" The Tomb is a plain brick structure, familiar, through multiplied prints, to every school-boy in the land. It was built by Washington's executors, and in pursuance of a clause in his will designating the location, and saying, "it shall be built of brick." The front of the Tomb is unpretending, with wide, arching gateway and double iron gates, above which, upon a plain marble slab, is this inscription: C wITHIN THIS ENCLOSURE REST THE REMAINS OF " GENERAL GEORGE WASHINGTON." L1 The anteroom to the vault'is about twelve feet, squlare, and here are seen the sarcophagi. The one on the riglht contains the rema-ins of General WVashingtou, and that on the left the rermains of Martha, his wife. In the vault at tile rear repose about thirty relatives, nmembers of the WaVashington. kBlackburn, Corbin, Bushrod, Lewis, and Custis families. To thlis vault the body of Washington wras removedT in 1831, in consequence of a general feeling of insecurity, a man having broken into the old tomb andl stolen a skull, Ywhich he claimLed to be that of L Washington, but which proved to be of one of the B3lackburn family. In the winter of 1832, Congress, for the second time, malIe an effort to effect the removal of WVashington's body to the chamber under the crypt of the Capitol? originally designedr for its sepulchre. Adams, Clay, TWebster, Thomas, and even Washing'ton's venerable biogrlapher, Chief-Justice Marshall, earnestly endeavored to secure its removal, the centennial anniversary of WashingUton's birth being selected for the solemn occasion. The family, however, was firm in refusal, through respect for the well-known wish of the illustrious dead. The body was placed in the sarcophagus, where it now rests, on the 7th of October, 1837. The door of the inner vault was then closed, and the key thrown into the Potomac. The sarcophagi which contain the remains of Gen. Washington and his wife were presented by John 12:Struthers, of Philadelphia, and were vwrought by his,own hand, from solid blocks of Pennsylvania marble. Over the door of the tomb, on a plain tablet, is the iinscription: "'I AM THE RESURRECTION AND THE LIFE. lHE THAT BELIEVETH IN ME, THOUGFH HE WERE DEAD, YET SHALL HE LIVE." The sarcophagus of Mrs. Washington is perfectly,plain, with the simple words: MIARTHA, CONsORT OF WASHINGTON. DIED MAY 21ST, 18010; AGED 71 YEARS. The sarcophagus of Washington is also plain, being,ornamented only with the United States coat of arms, -upon a draped flag, under which is the single word, WASHINGTON. One of the talons of the eagle, in the coat of arms, was broken off during the civil war by some eager Yelic-hunter, ywhich incident suggested the outer and higher gate. This was the only outrage committed at Mount Vernon, though the unarmed pickets of both armies often met before the tomb-here, and here only, met as brothers. At the servants' request they left their arms at whatever point they entered the sacred domain, which was frequently three-quarters of a mile.away, at the old Porter's Lodge. Ab~~~~ TH-E OLD ToMB,:824. 13 THtE OLD TOIfB. The original Tomb! of Washington is, seen to theright of the path to the house, and is surrounded by a white railing. This spot commands an extended view of the river, but has not the secluded quiet of the one now occupied,. which may have been the reason whly Washington desired the removal of the family vault, which was not effected for thirty-eight years, until it had been entered and desecrated. When Lafayette was' the Nation's.Guest" in 1824-'25, a military guard was his escort from Alexandria to visit this tomb —an event quaintly described by M. Levasseur, one of his suite. "The cannon of the fort, thundering anew, announce that Lafayette rendered homage to the ashes of Washington. * *. Simple and modest as he was during life, the tomb of the citizen-hero is scarcely perceived amid the sombre cypresses by which it is. surrounded; a vault slightly elevated and sodded over, a wooden door without inscriptions, some withered and some green garlands, indicate to the traveller who visits this spot the place where rest in peace the puissant arms which broke the chains of this country. ~ * * At the door of the vault Mr. Custis presented Gen. Lafayette with a massive gold ring, containing some of the hair of the great man."'" THEE WASHINGGTON OAK." There stands, near the path to the house a magnificent primeval oak, measuring, twelve feet in circum 14 ference. Its wide shelter was a favorite resting-place of the retired chieftain, on retu rning from the wharf, where he was in the habit of personally superintending the loading of his barges. The'"TWashinogton Oak"'has lost some of its glory in a severe stornm, but the neawr growth is rapid and very beautiful. OLD BRI(JYT BA R. The first building reached after the ascent is a large old barn, erected in 1733 by Lawrence Washington, the brother from whom Washington inherited this estate. This commodious store-house was built of bricks brought from England. It has recently been re-roofed, and is in a perfect state of preservation. It will well repay a few moments of attention, as showing that the gentlemen of the "old school" were not far behind the present time in their ideas of shelter, and that "a righteous mnan regardeth the life of his beast." Ji~ANSION-IIO USE. The 5Mansion-House is a wooden structure, the sidings of which are cut and painted to resemble stone. The central and main part was built by Lawrence Washington in 1743, andl he called it "'Molunt Vernon." after his highly-esteemed superior officer in the British navy, the gallant Adclmiral Vernon. The corner-stone, with the initials "L. W.," may be seen in the cellar. This -cellar is very ample, constructed according to the oldfashioned ideas of durability, and there seems no reason, with such a substantial foundation, why the building should not stand five hundred years, as well (as one. 15 The parts of the house known as the North and South extensions were added by General Washington, 1784-'5. The residence, as left by Lawrence WVashington, had been termed a " villa;" as enlarged, with extensions, colonnades in front and back, by George Washington, it was dignified as a "MIansion-House." Its length is ninety-six feet and its depth thirty feet. The east piazza extends the entire front of the house. It is fifteen feet wide and twenty-five feet high. Eight large square pillars support the roof, which is ornamented by a balustrade. It is paved with flags, brought from the Isle of Wight, which are twelve inches square and two and a half inches thick. The curved colonnades on the west side lead from the extensions to the family kitchen on one side, and on the other side to the state kitchen. iKEY OF THE BASTILE. Entering the main hall from N the east, the first object of in. terest is the''Key of the Bas- II tile," which hangs in a glass i'.casket on the south wall. li,,,'l This emblem of oppression'4,~ was presented to the'great;/!ili il il!, friend of Liberty by Lafay- i ette, immnediately after the Y, ii destruction of the Bastile, li 1789, a compliment highly prized by Washington. In writing of it, the Maarquis 16 said: "It is a tribute which I owe as a son to- my adopted father; as an aide-de-camp to my general; as a missionary of liberty to its patriarch." This souvenir was confided to the care of that staunch republican, Thomas Paine, who, being detained in London, consigned it to another person, together with a drawing of the Bastile, which had been ordered by Lafayette just previous to his command to demolish the old prison. Paine, in writing to Washington, very happily says: "That the principles of America opened the Bastile is not to be doubted; and, therefore, the key comes to the right place." The quaint wood-work wainscotings and designs of cornice and ceiling of this hall and the two rooms on either side-this being the old part of the house-will attract general attention. The old floor, being greatly worn, has recently been removed, and replaced by a substantial double floor, the under layer being of yellow pine, and the upper of solid oak with black walnut bordering. It was also deemed expedient, at the same time, to place an arch across the hall for the purpose of sustaining the upper floor, which was feared to be insecure; and the arch has been so designed as to harmonize perfectly with the wainscoting., The ponderous old brass knocker on the west door of the hall, which has been lifted by so many illustrious guests, presents a dignified individuality, markedly in contrast with the giddy, jingling bell of modern times. On each side of the step outside the door is a pair of the once indispensa 17 ble "scrapers," contemporary iil use ith tlie stately knocker. Near the door is a neat memorial which preserves the names and amounts donated towards the sum total of one thousand clollars for the "Restoration of the Colonnades and Piazza of Aiount Yernon." "A collection was made for restoring the same during: the years 1874 and'75. This money was mostly givel in the names of the young, that the rising generatioln might have a deeper interest in preserving this Home of the Father of his Country." Underneath hangs a fac-simile of Lafayette's agreement to serve in the Con,tinental army, made in 1776 witi' Silas Deane, American M3inister at Paris. It may not be generally knowlt that in this document Lafayette agreed to serve without remuneration upon condition that he should be allowed to return to his own country whernever called. by his family or King. Lafayette was then only eighteen, and his family would not consent to his accepting service in our army unless he received the Lank of AIajor-General. TIHE EAST PARLOR, OR.MfUS1C ROOJ1. has been chosen by Ohio, and tastefully furnished il the style of the Revolution through the efforts of the Tice-Regent. Over the hall-door is the coat-of-arms of that State, a wood carving, conspicuous in which is the nut and leaf of the significant buckeye. The dainty design of the ceiling and t}he delicate tints of the walls have been faithfully restored. The handsome cabinet tate a& tete and chairs were manufactured in the Queen City. Here also is the harpsichord, WaT.shington's bri 18 dal present to Eleanor Custis, which was presented to the Associatic'. by her daughter-in-law, Mrs. Loreazo Lewis. It was an elegant piece of furniture a century ago, and cost a thousand dollars. The large case of:relies has been removed fronm this room. In this.case are several autograph letters, one of them to Col. Jonathan Trumbull, announcing the approach-:ing marriage of Nelly Custis; Washington's silver-bilted dress sword with the name of John Clark on the hand:guard, and a silver-mounted russia-leather scabbard; an English flag; Lafayette's M3asonic apron; Washington's compass and tripod, used in his early surveys,:and six water buclets with the name of "George Wafhington " painted on them in large letters. Here,:too, is a silver-mounted rosewood flute that once be-. longed to Washington, recently given by a relative,'the Vice-Regent of West Virginia, and one of the fa-:Mous Vernon medals, struck in commemoration of the capture of Porto Bello, which was found June 5, 1876, iin a garden in Dover, Delaware, and an engravedl por-'trait of the Admiral, after a painting by T. Bardwell, lwhich bears the following inscription: "The Honorable Edward Vernon, Esq., Vice-Admiral of the "' Blue. Collmander-in-chief of all his Majesty's ships in the'6' West Indies." " To the Right Honorable Lord Mayor, the Court of Alder" men, and ye Common Council of ye City of London, this plate "is humbly dedicated by their most obedient servant, John "Taber." The large globe was the property of WVashington, and in a frame is a portion of a French Revolutionary bed-spread, with illustrations of the storming of the.Bastile. ' i I: TiirE MANTEL, STATE DINING-RoOM. 19 From the east parlor, the north extension is entered. This is the old STATE DINING-ROO-A which has been selected by the Vice-Regent of New York for that State, and for its day was a princely 8salon. Lafayette, Rochambeau, Hamilton, Jefferson, Madison, Marshall, Patrick Henry, Richard Henry Lee, Dr. Craik, Aaron Burr, the artists Houdon, Charles aVil-son Peale, Trumbull and Pine, and many of the great Generals of,the Revolution, honored it with their presence. The high ceiling is white, ornamented with:stucco-work. The design comprises a large circular centre-piece, bordered with an arabesque pattern. Irregular-shaped panels complete the oblong, and in each panel are implements and emblems of agriculture.'Enclosing all is a rich border of intertwining grape and laurel. The walls, of beautiful French gray, are:finished with a deep indented frieze, decorated with festoons of leaves, and bordered with a narrow carv-ing, below which is a band of delicate green, with white ~stucco ornaments. An elaborately carved mantel-piece of Carrara marble, with Sienna marble columns, is the chief ornament of this room. This exquisite work has been attributed to Canova. It was wrought in Italy, and presented -to Washington by Mr. Samuel Vaughan, an English gentleman. On its passage from Italy it fell into the'hands of French pirates, who, upon discovering that it'rwas intended for George'Washington, sent it uninjured 20 to its destination. It has received less respectful treatment from unknown land pirates, for its delicately carved figures and ornaments have been mutilated and broken by relic-hunters. Strange to say, this and other kinds of reckless desecration are.frequently indulged in by persons who visit MIount Vernon, in spite of the watchful care of the Superintendent and his associates, On a massive rosewood table, under a large glass case, with heavy silver mountings, in the centre of the room, is a iJIODEL OF THE BASTILE, cut from the granite stones of the demolished prison. It was presented to Washington by Lafayette. Accomnpanying it is a plan of the interior of the prison, with its approaches, which affords a trustworthy study of the celebrated old structure. The large plain arm-chair now kept in this rooml camle over on the MiAYFLOWER. T-he- two elegant mirrors, more than a hundred and fifty years old, were given by one of the Van Rensselaer family. On the mantel once stood three rare porcelain vases, made in India and ornamented in London, which were sent to Washington by the same gentleman who presented the mantel-piece. These " China Jars," as they were called in the sworn list taken by the appraisers. of the furniture, and many other ornaments and objects. of interest, which were originally at MIount Vernon,. are now in the Patent Office. It would be a satisfaction to the public if these and other articles of furniture THiE HARPSICHORD. 21:andl ornament could be restored to their places in the AMansion. The fine specimen of sea-weed on the mantel has been there at least half a century, having been placed in its present position by John Augustine WVashington. The liquor-case in this room was presented by Lord Fairfax, between whom and J Washington there existed a peculiar friendship. V Washington was only sixteen years old when he received a commission from Lord Fairfax, who was quite an old man, to make surveys of his property beyond the Blue Ridge. The young surveyor was so successful in tllis undertaking that he shortly afterwards received the appointment of Public -Surveyor. The military equipments seen in this room were used by Waashington. in Braddock's campaign. Over one door hangs a finely executed copy of Stuart's Washington, and over another a copy of Trumbull's portrait, representing him in Continental uniform, both pictures being the work of Lambdin, a Philadelphia artist. B3eneath the latter hangs a frame containing an admirable eulogy, two copies of which were presented recently to the ladies of the Association by Gen. Robert C. Schenck. "This tribute to the memory of George Washington was written at his grave in 1833 by Dr. Andrew Reecl, an [English philanthropist, and left by him with the ladies of the General's family. Dr. Reed asks:'How could the people suffer Miount Vernon to pass into ruin? Surely it is a thing impossible!'" 22 WASHINGTON, The Brave, The Wise, The Good; WASHINGTON, Supreme in War, in Council, and in Peace; WASHINGTON, Valiant Discreet Confident without without without Ambition; Fear; Presumption. WASHINGTON, In Disaster, Calm; Inl.Success, Moderate; In All, Himself; WASHINGTON, The Hero, The Patriot, The Christian; The Father of Nations, The Friend of Mankinld; who, When he had won all, renounced all, and sought, In the Boso1m of his Family and of Nature, Retirement, And in the Hope of Religion, Immortality. On the west side of thle room is the famous equestrian portrait of WVashington, by Rembrandt Peale,. known as "W T1ASHINGTOxN BEFORE YORITO TLVN," which was presented to the ladies of the "M ount Vernon Association" in June, 1873, by the heirs of that. distinguished artist. It is a rich possession, and a very elegant contribution. Few other pictures of the great man elicited so much approval from his contemporaries, and this valuable canvas could not be placed amid more harmonious associations. It is exceedingly 23 well colored, and the drawing is full of vigor and grace~. It presents thle C.iptain in the zenith of his glory, andi at a moment when all the force of the commander is. called forth in the act of rebuking a subordinate for' perilous neglect of duty. The accompanying portraits of Hamilton, Lafayette, Knox, Lincoln, and Rochambeau greatly enhance the picture. The elegant walnut. frame of this painting was made from a tree grown. ipon the farmn of Robert Mlorris, the financier of the Revolution. A fine oil-painting of the New York coat, of arms has recently been contributed by the Legislature of that State. THIE IVES]' PARLO has been selectel lby the State. of Illinois, and will be handsomely and appropriately furnishedl. The cornices and brass supports for the curtains date fromn the time of Lawrence Washington, as also the stmall painting of Admiral Vernon's engagement before: Carthagena, whicl hangs over the m1antel. This is. sadly discolored by age, and a piece has been torn from the corner, (by Ca womccta, I aml sorry to say,) but the fragment was recovered, and it is hoped that the. painting can be restored. The ornate wood-carving which frames this painting is an elegant specimen of that style of work. It rises in the form of an arch, of which the centre piece is a representation of the coat of arms and crest of the Washington family. In this. room are an old piano and stool from Connecticut, reputed to have belonged to the family of General Knox 24:also, a gilt-framed mirror, witll a nmemorial device above -the glass, and the initials and date, "G. NW., 1804." The selection of a room by a State confers the privilege of placing in it whatever mementos or furniture may be contributed from that State, as having historic association. This opens a repository for valu-,able relics, anc places them where they will be well,cared for, and more generally seen than elsewhere; besides giving additional interest to the old home of Washington. Each State will probably have its coat of arms above the door of the room selected by it. Th1e door on the south side opens into the FA'IIL Y DINING-00 OO3,:Iow used as a general reception-room. On the wall is.an engraving of "W ashington, on the field of Trenton, Teceiving a salute," which was executed by AVWin. Holl, from the painting by Joln Faed; also several small ipictures and two fine engravings of General and lMrs. Washington, after Stuart's well known portraits. These'were presented by Edwardl Everett to Miss CunningJham, " The Southern Matron," whose pen assisted Mr. Everett in first awakling an interest in the purchase and -preservation of Miount Vernon. A valuable and interesting India ink portrait of the'E.arl of Chatham hangs over the mantel in the very place where AVashington hung a large print depicting the death of that distinguished and earnest friend of the oppressed Colonies. The portrait is thus inscribed a.nd dlated: " The Right Honorable William Pitt, Esq'r., 2v One of His, Majesty's most Hon'ble Privy Council, 20th April, 1766." The sideboard, with knife and spoon.cases, stood in this rooml in the time of Lawrence Washington, andc were bequeathed by Mlartha WVashington to G. WV. P. Custis, and by his daughter, Mrs. Robert E. Lee, presented to the Ladies' Association. Next east of this is the CO U7C~IL —JO 1Ji, WVashington's former study or library, before the extension was built. It is probable the description lie gave his brother Lawrence-then in the West Indiesof the battle of Monongahela, was penned in this little room. It is a spirited description of a battle, and remarkable, as written by one of the chief actors in it, without mentioning his own namle. It is accepted as -the only] authentic account of that sanguinary engagemnent written in America. Over the mantel is a portrait in oil, by Lambdin, of MIiss Pamela Cunningham, the devoted first Regent. There are also some cosy old chairs, a very beautifully embroidered screen, a quaint old buffet, and a pair of antique andirons. The council-table formerly belonged to a brother of Washington; this and the cover — on which is embroidered the Washington coat of arms-were presented through the Vice-Regeent of IVTest Virginia. 26 71 1 T'HE LIBRARY. Through a snmall hall, the Library, or south extension, is reached. This room was designed by Washington, and is so plain as to seem to have no design at all. It is square, and has two large windows opening to the floor, which lead to the south portico. This portico has very recently been replaced, and so very exactly does it resemble an old structure that it is thought by many to be the original one. From it a fine view is had of the river and the lawn, containing both tombs~ 27 In the Library is a large case with glass doors, filledc with Mount Vernon records, which can here be purchased, and should be read all over the country in order that the people may duly comprehend the efforts of the energetic ladies who have secured Mount Vernon sacred to the memory of Washington forever. The Library is deceptive; it is not so meaningless,. with its simple wainscoting, as it seems. It is a room within rooms-in a word, three sides of it are closets;. seventeen are known-panel closets for silver, little closets in corners near the floor and near the ceilingclosets within closets. There is none of the original furniture here, and nothing of interest save a Ffie plaster-cast of the head of Lafayette-probably a copy of the bust ordered by the Virginia Legislature, 1786, from Houdon, for: the Capitol at Richmond. In the days of WVashington this room was by far the. most attractive in the mansion. Aside from the interest connected with such a man's study, here were bestowed some of the rarest relics: of the Revolutionary struggle-swords, pistols, guns, the compass made by David Rittenhouse, spy-glasses, sashes, velvet saddlehousings, and numerous other articles of personal property associated with different campaigns. Here stood the "tambour secretary and circular chair,." by will devised "to my companion-in-arms and intimate friend, Dr. Craik." The "'iron chest " stood in one corner-a repository of valuables; among them were the silver badge of the Order of Cincinnati, the gold badge of the 28 samne Order, presented by the French officers, the gold muedal ordered by the Continental Congress for Washington in 1776, the first medallic memorial of this.country. The books, and, what were more important, the private papers, were bequeathed to his nephew, Bushrod Washington. The bulk of the Library was purchased by the Boston Athenmum in 1849, for the sum of $5,000. A large proportion of the books have the autograph of WVashington, others his book-plate. Books with his autograph are found in other libraries; one worthy of note is in the State Library at Albany, New York-a volume presented to ~Washington by Robert Edge Pine, containing very rare illustrations of the costumes of the Brlitish army. S TA IR IVA Y. The stairway leading from the main hall is broad, but severely plain. It is divided into three sections. On the first landing is an old clock, a presentation from ~New Jersey. LAFA YE T1TE'S P00H3I., (NVo Jeesey.) The first roonm on the left, opening into the upper hall, is known as the "Lafayette Room," in honor of the MIarquis, who occupied it on both of his visits to MIount Yernon. It was chosen and furnished by the Yice-Regent of New Jersey for that old State. The bureau was placed there when the room was fitted up for its distinguished occupant; and the small dressing-'ease was in the room which Lafayette oecupied at the residence of General-Elias. Dayton, wvhoml he visited at' Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Upon the walls is a small "fruit piece," embroidered in silk, a contribution by the descendant of the fair dame who so deftly worked it during Revolutionary years. There is an engraving of Stuart's full-length portrait of Washington, from the picture which was painted for the Marquis of Lansdowne, executecl by Ormsby. There is also an engraving by Buttre, after Wollas-. tonll, from the portrait of Martha Washington, known as the "Bride of Mount Vernon." It is a wonderfully, beautiful face, with the well-drawn eyes for which this. artist was distinguished in. his pictures of women, but is often criticised because it gives her the effect of' being a tall woman, by reason of a false perspective of landscape, as she is represented as having just steppec from the piazza at Mount Vernon. A very fine engraving by Leroux hangs over them mantel. It is from the portrait of Lafayette by Ary Scheffer. It was taken from that fine portrait of the Marquis which his artist friend painted while visiting him at La Grange, and presented to the Uniteed States Government in 1822, and now hangs in the Haltl of Representatives. The second door is tile PENNSYLV-AIA. Room. The furniture herein was all used by WVashington. Over an old desk hangs an engraving of the sitting statue of Washington, ordered by the State of North Carolina fromn Canova. Washington is. presented in the costume :30 (of an old Roman, holding in his hand a stone tablet, upon which he has begun to inscribe laws, and, with his sword under his feet, he is leaving in the past the,chieftain and becoming the statesman. The inscription is" GIORcGIO,WASHINGTON. "Alla Grande Nazione degoli Stati Uniti di America. "ANTONIO CANOVA." The small room on the east front of the hall was selected by the Vice-Regent of DELAWARE, and it is furnlished with revolutionary relics. The coat of arms of that State is above the door. The coat of arms of MARYLAND, over the door on the south side of the hall, indicates the State which has,chosen this room. It Avas formerly occupied by Eleanor Custis, and has been furnishled by the Vice-Regent of Maryland, assisted by,other ladies of that State. The wash-stand and one of ihe chairs were sent from the old Carroll seat, Dough2agen Manor-House, by the grandsons of Charles Carroll of Carrollton. Leaving this apartment, the next room is the one:selected and being fitted up by the Vice-Regent of WVEST VIRGINIA for that State. The windows open upon the piazza, giving a wide view of the noble Potomac,and the dark outline of'the Maryland shore beyond. The Vice-Regent, Mirs. Ella Bassett Washington, is a descendant of the Washington and Dandridge fami-lies, and the articles of furniture wLhich she places here are all revolutionary relics. The large handsomely,earved b)edstead came from Eltham, on the York river, 31 the residence of Colonel Bassett, brother-in-law of Martha WVashington. It stood in the room always occupied by Washington, and upon it John Custis, the only son of Mrs. Washington, died. Young Custis was;aide-de-camp to Washington, who, at the time of his fatal illness, was at Yorktown. He arrived at Eltham "' time enough," he wrote to Lafayette, "to see poor Mr. Custis breathe his last." He was very devoted to his stepson, and, turning to his young widow, he said: "4 From this hour I adopt your two younger children as my own." These were Eleanor Parke Custis, two years and a half old, and George Washington Parke Custis, about six months old; and, through the fatherly;care of the great chief, they never had occasion to realize that they had been so early left orphans. The two elecant mahoTgany chairs were once the property of Benjamin Harrison, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, and were afterwards owned by his grandson, President Harrison. Another chair belonged to William Augustine Washington, one of the,executors of Washington's will, and the antique mirror was owned by Washington's brother, Samuel Washington, of Harewood. A v aluable contribution is one of Durand's rare engravings of Stuart's Washington. THE 110011 IN WHICH IWASIING TON DIED. Passing from the West Virginia room, through a,small hall, the apartment in which Washington died is,entered. It is a medium sized bedroom. On the right is a large fireplace, in which is observed the Washing toll coat of arms. On the left is a dressing-rooma aclld an ample linen closet; on the south are two large windows which may be slid baclk into the wall, and reaclh. to the floor. They opell upOln the top of the portico, and command a beautiful view. The bedstead is the one upon which Washington died, and tie bed is dressed as it was during his lifetime. ~'~ ~iii.............. The drapery, presented by irs. Bradley T. Johnson, hung in a' chamber at Rose Hill, the seat of Thomas; Johnson, first governor of Maryland, who, in the Continental Congress, nominated George Washington for commaln'der-in-chief of the army. There are here two gilt brackets and a gilt-framed mirror rnatching thlem, with a superb inlaid secretary used by General Wash ington at AMount Vernon —all entrusted, through the Vice-Regent of Virginia, to the care of the Ladies' Association by' Gen. G. W. P. Custis Lee. The old bureau, which the zealous public has deprived of its last brass knob, was at Washington's headquarters on the Hudson, and was presented by Mrs. Hasbroucke. The small stands and the stately andirons in the fireplace were in use in this room at the time of Washington's death. The dimity chair-cover was embroidered by his niece, Frances WVashington Ball, and pre — sented by her grandson's wife, the Vice-Regent of' Virginia. The portrait of Washington was copied by Elder from an original miniature, which was owned by Waashington's brother, Colonel Charles Washington,. and is now in the family of a grand-nephew, Judge Ball, of Virginia. On the wall is an interesting relica newspaper published in New York, in which was the first announcement in that State of the death of Washington. Its decorous utterances of most profound grief are quite Addisonian, and illustrate the stilted ceremonial of the times. MERCANTILE ADVERTISER, N. Y., SATURDAY, Dec 2Ist, 1799.. We feel a fenfation of forrow which no language of ours can fufficiently' defcribe when we record the diftreffing intelligence that On Saturday, the 14th inftant, Died Suddenly At his feat, Mount Vernon, in the State of Virginia, GEORGE WASHINGTON, Lieutenant-General and Commander-in-Chief of the Armies' of the United States of America, "A Corinthian Pillar'in the Temple of Immortality!" Mature in Years, Covered with Glory, and rich in the affections of the American people. (Reader, whoever thou art, in whatever part of the world refident, mourn with us the death of the friend of liberty and man; the faviour of his country, the defender of her rights-the warrior, the ftatefman, and -the private citizen,; who never fwer.ved from the paths of rectitude in..the tour of duty, never arrogated to himself unwarrantable power, though placed in fituations to.command it, and whole every action tended to the public good, from hisearly days to the end of his existence. It were in vain for us to attempt to delineate all the virtues of this great man in a newspaper paragraph,; to thofe more acquainted with the particulars of his life we refign the talk of enumerating each particular excellence, but to us it belongs to record in general terms the good qualities fo univer-.fally refpected, whether in public or retired life. In the field, in the cabinet, or af a private individual of the community, he commanded univerfal admiration and efteem. In every fenfe of the word, he was a man ~whofe like we ihall probably never again be'permitted to fee, and whofe virtues will be held in everlafting remembrance.) The following is the most particular account of th's mournful event.we have yet seen: Extract of a letter from Alexandria, dated December I sth. "I mention to you the truly melancholy event of the death of our much beloved GENERAL GxORGE WASHINGTON. He made his exit last.night.between the hours of.II and 12, after a fhort but painful illnefs of -23 hours. The diforder of which he died is by fome called Crupe, by others an Inflammatory Quinfey, a diforder lately Lo mortal among chil-dien in this place, and I.believe not until this year known to attack per-.Ions at the age of maturity. "My information I have from Dr. Dick, who was called in at a late,hour. Alexandria is making arrangements to Ihow its high efteem for him. We are all clofe to our houfes, and act as we ihould do if one of,our family had departed. The bells are to toll daily until he is buried, which will not be until Wednefday or Thurfday. He died perfectly in;his fenfes, and from Dr. Dick's account perfectly refigned. He informed:them he had no fear of death, that his affairs were in good order, that he.had made his will, and.that his public bufinefs was but two days behind-,hand." Virginia has very appropriately selected this room'in which her greatest son died. A small stairway leads to the room above, used by the V-TDO IV O0F7 TVASTIYG TON 1from the day of his death until May, 1801, a year and.a half afterwards, when she, too, died. 35'This room has one piece of the original furniture, the small plain mahogany wash-stand; but it has reeently been very elegantly refitted by BMrs. Mitchell, Vice-Regent from Wisconsin. Every piece of furniture'has been reproduced in mahogany. The carpet, of home manufacture, has been replaced by rugs, made in this,country in the style of those days. The old gay calico'bed-hangings are copied in softest woollen cretonne,:and lined with rose-colored rep-silk. These hangings are finished with fringe and caught with heavy cord and tassels; the elegant chairs are upholstered with the,same material; the pillow-cases are reproduced with.an embroidered crest, and the initials, MI. WV. Upon a B3ible-stand in the room is the coat of arms, with motto, ~' ZExitus actct probat," and on one of the bureaux is a work-box and a pair of small white vases, decorated'with a simple spray of rose-colored hyacinth. Martha Washington was a woman distinguished even:among those dames of strong character whom the trials'of the Revolution developed. She was beautiful, intelligent, dignified and practical. She was often with her husband at headquarters, and in after time said she had heard the first and the last gun of every campaign during the seven years' struggle. The soldiers were devoted to her, never forgetting how she cheered and'encouraged them at Valley Forge, at Morristown, and *at West Point. A model Virginia housewife, presiding over her generous board with a gracious charm peculiar to her, and through which she won the admiration of:all who knew her as wife of the Chief Magistrate. As 36,wife and mother her tenderness and devotion crown her with the true glory of womanhood. During the eighteen months that she survived her beloved husband the lonely mourner passed most of her time by the window of her room, with often no other companion than her pet cat, for the convenience of which a corner of the door had been cut off, enabling the dumb friend to come and go at will. There, in a room without fire, even in winter, but tenderly cared for by domestics, she sat by the window, because from it alone could she command a view of her husband's resting place: "Gazing through the morning's light, At noon-tide, looking fondly downPeering forth in sombre night — Or when the leaves are green or brown; Or when the snow soft shrouds the mound, Where lies the sleeper under ground."' Looking and longing ever there, with faith That in some golden hour, his spirit, robed In drapery of light, and winged with love, Should come to her with blessings in his eyes, And sweetly feed, with old-time rapturous smiles, HIer famished soul. 0, wondrous, wondrous Love! Which dieth not with death, nor yet hath life Save with the living. Thou Mystery of Universe!" There are five small rooms on the third floor. These. rooms, which are half stories, are lighted by dormer windows. One has been furnished by a Connecticut lady, and contains a beautifully carved old-time bedstead, two elegant chairs, a bureau, and a quaint shaving-glass, all of which are solid mahogany. The linen in this room was spun and woven by an I ARM NIOUNr VERNON MANSION, 1838. West Froni. old lady from tha't State, sixty-five years ago. Another room has been selected for the District of Columbia, by its Vice-Regent, and furnished by citizens of the District. Of the furniture, two chairs once belonged to Washington, the bureau was owned by the Calvert family, and the bedstead and looking-glass are a hundred years old, the latter having been in use at "M t. Airy," the home of the Tayloe family in Virginia. CUPOLA. From the small square hall is a vinlding stairway to -the cupola, which is octagonal. The view from this elevation is sweeping andc grand.'The Potomac seems almost to surround the estate in its majestic bend. Fort Washington appears to haTve fdrawn nearer. Looking west, the Virginia hills are beautifully defined, and three-quarters of a mile away is seen the old porter's lodge, wvl:ch marks the bound — ary of the present estate. Leading thither, from the lawn gate, is an avenue, spoken of by Lossing as berng a pleasant drive in former days. From this the undergrowth has been recently removed and the trees trimmed, so as to leave an unobstructed view of the lodge; and it is proposed to soon restore the drive, by!gravelling this avenue. IVEST LA TIN. Leaving the house from the west door, the interest that Washington personally bestowed upon domestic elaims is fully realized. All that could contribute to 38 the happiness of his. depaudants. or the pleasure of his friends was a matter of conscience with him. Agriculture in its hioher and lower branches was an endless. source of delight to him. From either extension on: the west side there is a curved colonnade; on the right hand is the " Office," % house a story and a half high, a room of which was also, used to cook the great dinners in, as the appliances of a. large fireplace indicate. Opposite is the family kitchen,. where the daily meals of the family, white and black,. were prepared. The immense fireplace, the crane, the low Dutcl range, the laroge hominy imortar, show that the requirements of the cook were, neither small nor unheeded... In this room, also in tent3 outside, a good and a reasonable lunch can be had by the visitors, while fronl a stand near the door views. of Mount Vernon are sold. But a step outside the. kitchen is the well from whicli it was the pride of " West Ford," an old servant of the estate, to hand to visitors a cup of cold water. The, last of these servitors has long since gone the way of all the earth. Near this side of thie kitchen-door are: the. " rilk-house," "meat-house," and "wash-house," while on the east slope stood the "summer-house," and the old " ice-house," built with its " spring-house'" beneath. These having fallen into ruin, it would be in excellent taste to restore them. On the west, close to, the kitchen, is the "butler's house," at the corner of which stands the famous magnolia grandiflora, brought by Washington from the banks of the James, and 39 planted by him in the year of his death, 1799. It has. attained unusual proportions for the climate, and yearly, puts forth its creamy bloom. The leaves of this tree have been taken as mementos to every part of the civilized globe. The west lawn is a driving park, entered through the arched gateway at the end of the avenue from the port — er's lodge; the curved course serves not only for a general approach to the house, but being more than a half mile in circumference, in former times afforded: distance for a pleasant ride, and the thicket of trees on either side gave grateful shade, and it was not infrequently used for children or invalids of the household.. Through this gateway Washington brought his fair bride to Mount Vernon; and beneath the same arch, forty years afterwards, slowly filed the long train of mourners that attended his funeral. On each side of the entrance is a large mound-a. favorite lawn-ornament of that day-and the trees of the thicket were all selected by Washington, many of them having been planted by him when a young man.l His interest in them was unceasing. They are hem.lock, Spanish chestnut, poplar, gum, mulberry, aspen, pine, beech, linden, mimosa, wild cherry and Kentucky coffee-tree, brought from that State by order of Thomas Jefferson-all now in a flourishing condition.. _FLOWER GARDEN. On the right of the lawn is the flower-garden; on the left the vegetable garden. Each of these was flanked by a large orchard. 40 Not far from the entrance of this driving park and lawn, are two octagonal rifle-towers, built very early for defence against Indians, as their embrasures for riflemen indicate. Four magnificent trees, each of its kind perfect, guard the entrance to the flower garden. Two are ash and two are poplar, or the American tulip tree. They were planted by Washington with exact measurement, and have in a century done wonderful credit to the early care he gave them. Immediately within the flower-garden are four very large calycanthus trees, or sweet shrub. These were sent to Washington by Thomas Jefferson as a great novelty of that day. When they were a generation old, John Augustine WVashington named them after the four Presidents, who, in regular rotation, succeeded his illustrious uncle-Adams, Jefferson, Madison, and Monroe. The flower-garden is bordered and divided by hedges,of box, (btuxzs s'uffr'ticosa,) preserved in the exact designs in which they were planted by Washington. Some of them seem to have been intended for initials of names and others Masonic emblems. Bordering the main walk in this garden is a species of hydrangea, which wa s brought over by Lafayette in his visit in 1824, and by him planted in his old friend's garden. This came originally from the grave of Napoleon. It is a hardy, beautiful flowering shrub. Mr. W. bW. Corcoran, who, as all the world knows, is best pleased when doing a good and a graceful thing, 41 has given to the Association a large number of foreign evergreens-Austrian pine, Swiss pine, Norway fir, European silver fir, golden arbor vite; also, a hand-:some variety of rhododendrons from the same firm in London, whose exhibit of that shrub received such merited attention at our Centennial Exhibition. This valuable contribution was planted under the supervision.of Mr. Win. Saunders, the eminent horticulturist. The garden contains crape myrtles, shrub magnolias, century plants, intermixed with the simplest modest flow-,ers, from daisy to lily. Large numbers of the rose called "Mary Washington " are yearly raised and readily sold; some years as many as three hundred. This rose, a seedling raised by General Washington and named for his mother, is a delicate tea-rose, and quite an acceptable souvenir to the visitor. At the end of the central walk is the new greenhouse, built and partially supplied by an appropriation from Congress. This stands on the site of the original Washington conservatory, which was destroyed by fire December, 1835. On that disastrous night very few of the rare plants were saved, among them a large bearing lemon tree, a century plant, and a Sago palm. Of these now there only can be seen part of the body of the cherished'old palm, though there is a hardy young growth from it. In the greenhouse the visitor has opportunity to select a remembrance of Mount Vernon, and will have the satisfaction of knowing that the small sum expended for a bouquet or plant increases the income of the Association. 42 SO1URCES OF REVENUE. The entrance fee is one of the chief sources of revenue to the Association, and is embraced in the fare paid for the trip to and from Miount Vernon. A like small amount is required from those who enter the: west lawn, or either side, by land. The profits of the lunch-table add to the income; also, the sale of: photographic views, of "MIMount Vernon Sketches," by lMrs. Greatorex, of the "Visitors' Guide," and of copies of the "s Will of Washington." The original will, which was written entirely by himself, and bears his autograph at the bottom of each page, can now be seen among the records of the County Court of Fairfax. This will is dated July 9, 1799, and was doubtless written in the. summer of that year. It was drawn without the aid of a lawyer, and is one of the most remarkable papers of its. kind on record. It was admitted to probate in the county of Fairfax, January 20, 1800, being presented in open court by three of the executors. On Mlarch 22, 1853, the Virginia legislature granted to Alfred Moss, county clerk, the privilege of lithographing the will, but for some reason he never carried out his design. In July, 1861, when the Confederate army retreated from Fairfax Court-house, MIr. Moss carefully enveloped the will, with this indorsement: " The original will of General George Washington. "Belongs to the records of Fairfax County Court. To be returned to me, or any one legally authorized to receive it. "ALFRED MOSS, "Clerlk Fairfax County Court." With other county records it was then sent to Rich 43; mond and committed to the secretary' of the Commonwealth, in whose care it remained until 1865, when it, was returned to Fairfax county. From age and frequent handling it has become, indistinct and mutilated,. and on account of its condition the court at its November term, 1865, passed the following order: "It appearing to the court that the original will of General George Washington, of Mlount Vernon, has been much worn and mutilated from frequent handling, and that; it is liable to further injury fromr the same cause, it is: ordered that the clerk of this. court purchase, at the expense of the county, a suitable case, in which he is. directed to deposit'the said: will." This, arrangement gives the curious the opportunity-which is often improved-of seeing the last will and testament of W~ashington. In 1868 the will was copied and published, as it was too much worn to admit of its, being lithographed, and thousands of these authenticated copies have been given to the Association by W. W. Corcoran. To this, pamphlet, which contains many interesting historical facts, I am indebted for the above data. Lossing's handsome volume, "The Home of Washington," can be bought here. This work is gracefully dedicated by the author: " To nIS PATRIOTIC COUN.TRYWOMIEN, BY ~WHOSE EFFORTS TuE HOME AND TOMB OF WASHINGTON. ALrVE BEEN RESCUED, FROM DECAY." 44 Many little incidents detailed in its pages give the domestic character of Washington, and its concise,descriptions of the manners and customs of a century;ago are clear and life-like. The products of the farm, the raising of fine cattle, -the cultivation of fruit of all kinds, especially new varieties, are, more than all other means, relied on to keep the estate in the order required by the " Act to authorize the purchase of Maount Vernon," which act passed;the Virginia legislature unanimously MTarch 17, 1856. The amount paid for the estate of two hundred acres wvas two hundred thousand dollars. Of this sum 868,494.59 were a contribution from Edward Everett, the proceeds of his great lecture upon:the " Life and Character of WTashington," and his writings for the NVew Yor/k Ledger. At present the condition of the farm. is as follows: Peach orchard of eighteen acres, just coming into full bearing; also, a mixed orchard of nectarines, plums, apples, cherries, and apricots. Four acres are devoted to the kitchen-garden; twenty-seven acres to different varieties of grain, leaving as a lawn ten acres; fifty in wvood-lanid; ninety-one for pasturage. The Superintendent has labored to make it a model farm, giving.especial attention to fine stock. Notwithstanding these numerous sources of revenue, the outlay is yearly very large to keep even in repair such an estate and to:guard it as carefully as required. Among the latest improvements are the repairing of:the wharf, at a cost of nearly $1,000; the re-roofing of the old barn, which was last repaired under the direc 45 tion of Washington in 1799; the restoration of the mason-work at the east and west entrances, the porters' lodges, and the gates. SUPERINVTEIVNDENT. It will be seen that the office of Superintendent is. by no means a sinecure. Not only all sources of revenue, improvements, and expenditures come under his personal and responsible supervision, but the reception of guests during the year, numbering not unfrequently two hundred daily, devolves upon him. The Association may be congratulated that it receives in its Superintendent's labors the services of a gentleman of urbanity, patience, and integrity; and the resolution of the Council expressing thanks " for the fidelity and success " with which he discharges his duties fully indicates that his untiring efforts are appreciated. Col. J. 5McHenry Hollingswortli is a descendant from distinguished Revolutionary ancestors, and was an officer in the United States Army during the Mexican War. It would be difficult to select a gentleman more peculiarly adapted for the position, endowed as he is with a profound reverence for the character of Washington. THE CO iUNCIL, consisting of the Regent and Vice-Regents, meets yearly in MSay or June at 5Mount Vernon, to transact all. business connected with the estate, such as auditing accounts, making contracts, ordering improvements, re, ceiving the report of the Superintendent. In addition, there is a joint session, when the Council and the 46 Advisory Board selected by the ladies meet with the JBoard of Visitors appointed'by the State of Virginia to,overlook the condition of -the'estate and to report if the provisions of the purchase are complied with. 10 U'VT VERN:NO'S FUTU'RE. Doubtless the pilgrimage to lM~ount Vernon is yet'in its incipient state. As the old homestead recovers from its long neglect; as intended restorations and suggested improvements are yearly made; as the contributions of interesting relics increase —and especially when it becomes generally understood that a clause in the act passed'by the Virginia legislature secures this'spot forever,sacred to WVashington-will the interest Ibe more universal and the visitors increase. Clause 4th of the act is as follows: "The said property herein authorized to be pur"' chased by the said Mount Vernon Ladies' Associa-'~' tion of the UJnion shall be forever held by it sacred "to the Father of his Country; and if, from any cause, "' the said Association.shall cease to exist, the property' owned by said Association shall revert to the Com5 monwealth of Virginia, sacred to the purposes for' which it was originally purchased." During the Centennial year the number of visitors was forty-five thousand —from two hundred to nine hundred per diem. Although the sentiment prompting by far the larger number to visit the home and tomb of WAashington is'that of reverential admiration for the chieftain's life and character, yet this class'of visitors are occasionally;shocked by the out-spoken,'would-be witty utterances 47 of the thoughtless and the coarse, even upon a spot that should, at least, command respectful observance. Some persons, iLL their eagerness for relics, have knocked off the stucco ornaments of the walls, broken the frames of the old mirrors, and injured rare shrubbery which has been imported and presented to the Association at a large expense. PRO TE.ST! Lawless people should understand that authority is vested in the Superintendent, by the State of Virginia, to protect the premises and punish offenders, as the reading of the following warning, which is posted in.conspicuous places, indicates: PLA CARD. "Visitors are respectfully informed that they cannot he allowed to injure the shrubs, flowers, or herbs." A little reflection would induce visitors to be more considerate of those attached to the estate who, they may be assured, desire'to be obliging and kind to all. Every American citizen should feel a personal ca-re of what is a national heritage, and look upon whoever wears a Mount Yernon badge as commissioned to:guard this possession. The Council, at their last meeting, (1878,) authorized the adoption of a uniform for the employes,,consisting of a navy-blue blouse, with brass buttons, leather belt and buckle, and a black hat with the name illount Vern'ono in gilt letters on a blue ribbon band. 48 THE TOLLING BELL of each passing steamer, as it reverberates from hill to hill, but re-echoes the voice of all ages and all people in doing honor to such greatness as is found in the life of George Washington. "Slowly sailing, slowly sailing, hushed the music, mute the. mirth, Mlen and maidens standing reverent on some broad altar's hearth. * * * * * * * " Silently before Mount Vernon, silently our boat glides on, Hushed its iron heart's deep panting past the Tomb of Washington; Truest, worthiest act of worship that degenerate earth now knows. Inmost soul hera recognizing all the mighty debt she owes. " Oh, my country, art thou paling-losing all thy young day'sglow? Can'st thou lose thy first love's glory, and thy hero's worth still know? Patriot hearts, do doubts still haunt you, threatening thoughts come crowding on? Sail with me down broad Potomac, past the Tomb of Washington; " Feel the impress of his greatness stamped upon the Nation's; heart, See each manly brow uncovered, lovely lips in awe apart; Fear not while this reverence lingers with its clear, warm, hallowing light; This must fade from brow and bosom ere can come our country's night." [Mrs. R. Cary Long, Literary World, Feb. 17, I849. This expression of respect was first given by the comnmlander of an English fleet-Commodore Gordon —who, when passing MIount Vernon on the 24th of August, 1814, ordered that the bell of his flag-ship, Sea-Horse, should be tolled. Human greatness, never received a 49\ higher recognition than this act of reverence. Our own countrymen are less demonstrative than foreigners, rwho are never seen with covered heads before the Tomb of Washington. THA NK~S. To "'The Southern 3Matron," and "The Northern. Orator," first belong thanks unceasing for the purchase and care of the home and tombh of Washington. To the Regents and Vice-Rlegents for their unflagging energy and devotion is due a second and increasing debt of grateful approval..i''fFr \ahntnfo h izaa tln'', 0:. View of Fort Washington from the Piazza at Mount Vernon, .50:OF1lil(EPtS OIP THII ElOUNT llTERNON, LADIES' ASSOCIATION. REGENT. IMrs. J. Scott Laughton, Washington, D. C. VICE-REGENTS. Arkansas: Mrs. Caroline L. Scott. California: Mrs. Macgdalen G. Blanding.,Connecticut: Mrs. Susan E. J. Hudson. — District of Columbia: Mrs. Mary F. Barnes. -Delaware: M~rs. Margaret A. Comegys.:Florida: fGeorgia: Mrs. Philoclea Edgeworth Eve.;Illinois: Mrs. Elizabeth Willard Barry.:Indiaa: a Mrs. Hannah B. Fitch. Ioa wa- Mrs. Anna P. Dillon. Katnsas': lMrs. M. H. Ward. /Kentucky: Mrs. Rosa Vertner Jeffries..Louisiana:: Maine:.'IMrs. Margaret J. M. Sweat. Mtaryland.: Miss Emily Harper. Miassachusetts:: IMississippi: Mlrs. sW7illiam Balfour. Missouri: New Jersey:: Mrs. Nancy W. Halsted. New York- Mrs. Justine VLan Rensselaer Townsend. North Carolina: Mrs. Letitia Morehead Walker. Ohio': Mrs. Elizabeth Lytle Broadwell. Rhode Islandc: Mrs. Abby W~heaton Chace. South Carolina.: Mrs.. Lucy Holcomlb Pickens. ^Tennessee: IMrs. Aaron V. Brown. Texas: lMrs. Maverick. Vermont: IMrs. J. Gregory Smith. Virginia: Mrs. Emma Reed Ball. West Virginia: Mrs. Ella Bassett Washllington. WWisconsin.: Mlrs. Alexander Mitchell. SECRETARY OF COUNCILS. Mrs. Sweat. RESIDENT SECRETARY AND SUPERINTENDENT. sCol. J. McH. Hollingsworth. TREASURER. Mr. George WT. Riggs, Washington, D. C. ADVISORY BOARD. Mr. W. W7. Corcoran, District of Columbia; Gen. N. N. Halsted, New Jersey; Judge Charles B. Ball, iirginia; Mr. Clarkson N. Potter, New York; Judge Joseph P. Comneegys, Delaware. BOARD OF aISITORS OF VIRGINIA FOR 1878. Judge Thomnas, Gen. Fitzhugh Lee, IMr. J. Ml4ussey Forbes, Judge Henry AV. Thomas, lMajor Burr P. Noland. OBJECTS OF INTEREST ILN WASHING TON, D. Co. EXECUTIVE MANSION, Pennlsylvania Avenue, between1 Fifteenth and Seventeenth sts. STATE DIEPARTMENT, Seventeenth street, between F;st. ~and New York Avenue. NAVY DEPARTMENT, Sixteen-and-a-half street, south of Pennsylvania Avenue. WAAR DEPARTMIENT, Sixteen-and-a-half street, south of Pennsylvania Avenue. TREASURY DEPARTMENT, Fifteenth st., corner Pennsylvania Avenue. INTERIOR DEPARTMIENT, F st. between Seventh and Ninth sts. POST OFFICE DEPARTMIENT, E St. between Seventh and. Eighlth sts. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, Freedmcinas Bank Building, 1507 Pennsylvania Avenue. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, on the Island, opposite Thirteenth st. PENSION BUREAU, COrner Pennlsylva1nia avenue and Twelfth st. PATENT OFFICE, F st. between Seventh and Ninth sts. CONGRESSIONAL PRINTING OFFICE, corner North Capitol and H. sts. NATIONAL OBSERvATORY, E st. north, opposite Twentythird st. west. NAvY YARD, on011 Eastern Branch, foot of Eighth st. ARSENAL, foot of Four-andc-a-half st. southwest. 52 53'CoAST SURVEY BUILDING, New Jersey Avenue, south of Capitol.:SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION, on the Island, opposite Tenth street.'CONGRESSIONAL CEMETERY, one mile east of Capitol. WASHINGTON MONUMENT, Fifteenth st. 1U. S. BOTANIC GARDENS, between First and Third sts. west. MIASONIC TEMPLE, corner Ninth and F sts. NATIONAL COLLEGE, Kendall Green. PROVIDENCE HOSPITAL, corner Second st. east and D st. north.'CORCORAN GALLERY OF ART, Seventeenth st.:SOLDIERS' NATIONAL CEMETERY, Virginia side of Potomac river, opposite Georgetown; reached via Long and Aqueduct bridges. SOLDIERS' HOME, reached via Seventh-street road. IOWARD INSTITUTION, Seventh st., beyond Boundary. THE STEAMER T T t T c GcoES Si Which has been recently buili and furnished, T a T- 6iA1TARE7 - - CARTAI Tx Is the only Boat allowed to land Passengers at Mount Vernon Wharf. 1'ozUNDKP1Tu QxE DOUQLL AFR Zi/cluvdizg admvissioi to Malnsionz cad Grolunds. STEAMER leaves Sixth-Street Wharf DAILY (Sundays excepted) at 10 A. M., and returns about 3 P. MI. J. McH. HOLLINGSWORTH, Suzf't Ladies' 11i1ount Vernzon Associactio~s. L. L. BLAKE, Cahfaiiz TV. TV. Coercoran. 1217-1219 Penna. Ave., WASHINGTON, D. C,, PHOTOGRAPHS, FRAMES, IVORY TYPES, PORCELAIN, GLA CE. AND ENGIR-AVYELR ON AOOD.. Room 3, KFEx,.. q Q W,, Corner Tenth St. and Penna. Ave.,>,TASHITNGTON, D. C. Views of Buildings, Mlodels for Patents, Portraits, Landscapes, Letter heads, Mlonograms, Autographs, Book Illustrations, and Wood-Cuts- for Advertisements, neatly executed;. ALL ORDERS BY MAIL WILL RECEIVE POMPT' ATTENTION. 5D TAYLOR & HUFTY, 933 PEN NSYLvAN I ApV ENUE Washington, D. C. Imnporters of Ladies' Kid Gloves, H osiery, U nderwear, railz Su i t s. FRANCIS B. MOHUN SUCCESSOR TO MOHUN BROTHERS, Bookseller, Importer and Stationer, 1OI5 PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE, (Corner Eleventh Street,) Washington, D. C. BLANK BOOKS MADE TO ORDER. Standard Editions of English and American Works in Fine Bindings. School-Books and Stationery. Importations direct from Europe. IIARZ VZ'7 S Olgd fEstatblished Ladies' and Gentlemnzel's ID$ster Saloon anb Restaurant, 1016 PENNA. AVE. AND ELEVENTH ST.'WASHINGTON, D. C. THE LARGEST OYSTER HOUSE IN THE UNITED STATES All brands of the finest oysters that the briny deep can produce are served with every imaginable dish that canl be called for. TTE LADIES) SALOON Is one of the handsomest in all its appointments, and is conducted especially for them. OPEN FROM 6 A. Mi. UNTIL MIDNIGHT. OYSTERS, TEIRRAPIN &- GAEI a specialty. HARVEY & HOLDEN, Prop'rs. "H A R V E Y," the Originator of the Steamed Oysters. 57 BRESLIN & COOKE, Proprietors, Corner PennzsylvauZir Azvenue anzd FoIrlteelt/ Stree4, WASIHINGTON, D. C. Re-opened, renovated, and completely refurnished in the most modern style. The largest and the best located Hotel in the city. CASH paid for all kinds of BOOKS, PAPHLTS, &., at CASH paid for all kinds of BOOKS, PAMIPHLETS, &c., at ANGLIM'S Antiquarian Book Store, 1424 F STREET, (CORCORAN BUILDING.) WASHINGTON, D. C. 58 Pcarticulctr Attention pnaid to Repairig English, Swiss, zInd Ameriacn cWatches acnd Ch rozometeers. ANV..D. G L E NIN'T DEI; LER IN Jewelry, Silver, and Plated Ware, Manufacturer of Fine Hair Jewelry, Diamond, Seal, and Fancy Rings, (Second Door above D,) WASHINGTON, D. C. N C I I G E E G-C- O O D S m-E C O L O I:E D Photographic Views of Mlt. Vernon, WILL OFW WASwLExGTOXQ VISITORS' GUIDE TO MT. VERNON, Sold on the Boat and at the Mansion, for benefit of_the Ladies' It. Vernon Association of the Union. J. D. B. PETERS. Post Office Estctbis7ed at Itf. V/ernon in 1878. 59 ORKNEY SPRINGS, VIRGINIA. ve ofmutnadvlyaeuue-, a - a cd a aleF A.'~w JONE,'-~ Prop ietor, "~~ il/i'f "l~ llllllll,'~,lllt/11n's, ~I tg-.inia. A..'WV. JONSinT, Projcriet. or, Ork1cney Sp"inr/s, Virfqinice.