(Vashington 'b\'^ NT-5b_ LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 1p7^ Slielf...J.7..3f UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2010 with funding from The Library of Congress http://www.archive.org/details/visitorsguidetom06john r ■^ Visitors' Guide TO ; A visit to the National Capital is hut half -made unless it includes the home and tovib of Washington. — Everett. ^. WASHINGTON, D. C. PRICE, 25 CTS. ,^ WOODWARD & LOTHROP, Dry Goods, HOTIOHS, 4o. Cor. F und Eleventh Sts. N. W. WASHINGTON, D, C. 1218 & 1220 F Street N.W. WALL PAPER, 111 11I®1 lli®14f I®SS, BMIC-A-BBAC and WEDDING PRESENTS A. Sf ECIA-Ij'rv. VISITORS' GUIDE MOUNT YEKl^TON ELIZABETH B. JOHNSTON. y Washington was the greatest of good men and the best of great men. — Edward Everett. Fifteenth Edition. ^"^^iGht SP^ OCT 8 1889;; GIBSON BROTHERS, PRINTERS, Washington, D. C. .5- 13^ An 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 to peruse it first, and render judgment afterwards. It is designed simply as a practical assistant to the visitor to Mount Vernon, all merely patriotic or poetic sentimentality being purposely avoided. E. B. J. Copyrighted, 1889, by Elizabeth B. Johnston. MOUNT VERNON. The home of Washington is situated on the right bank of the Potomac, sixteen miles south of the Capital, and may be approached by land or water. Formerly, in cool autumn weather, it was a pleasant drive thither from Washington, across the famous Long Bridge, via 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. From Alexandria, (about midway,) the road runs partly over what once constituted the Washington Estate, a princely domain of 8,000 acres. However, very few persons take this route, for daily, (Sundays excepted,) THE W. W. CORCORAN, a commodious steamboat, built expressly for the Ladies' Mount Vernon Association of the Union, leaves Seventh- street wharf at 10 a. m. for Mount Vernon, and return- ing reaches the wharf at 3.45 P. M., which enables visitors to pass several hours among the historic asso- ciations of the resting-place of Washington ; and, if desirable, to make connection with the evening trains leaving the Capital The W. W. Corcoran is commanded by Capt. L L. Blake, a most agreeable, efficient, and considerate officer — a gentleman who neglects nothing needful for the comfort or that may add to the pleasure of the passengers. The steamer is well adapted for the pur- pose, being fast,- safe, and comfortable, and handsomely and tastefully furnished. The pilot-house is sur- mounted by a bust of Washington, 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. Harrison H. Dodge, who gives intel- ligent 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 Re- public, 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 im- pressive 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 character- istic salutation, " How ! " Leaving the Capital, the first object upon the left bank of the Potomac is the UNITED 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 re- built 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 car- tridges and signal-rockets in the workshop instantly killed twenty-one young girls, to whose 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 cul- minating horror of the assassination of President Lincoln. Just across the Eastern Branch, which flows into the Potomac below the Arsenal, is the GOVERNMENT INSANE ASYLUM; 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 Gies- boro 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 and Ohio R.R. The first landing is at the town of 8 ALEXANDRIA, one of the oldest and most important ports of the Col- onies. It was first known as " Hunting Creek Ware- house ;" afterwards as " Belhaven." In 1749 it was organized and governed by a board of trustees in pur- suance of an act of the General Assembly of the Colony of Virginia, and fourteen years later we find George Washington a member of this board. In 1762 it was enlarged by the addition of lots from the farms belonging to the Wests, Dades, and Alex- anders, and in 1779 incorporated as a town and named Alexandria in compliment to the largest land- holders. In 1801 it was ceded to the General Govern- ment 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, Washington had his chief social, re- ligious and Masonic relations, and in his will he ce- mented these ties by endowing a free school " for the purpose of educatiog orphan children, or the children of such poor and indigent persons as are unable to ac- complish it with their own means." Wasliington 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 Meade says "so promising was it at the close of the war that its claims 10 were weighed in the balance with those of Washington as the seat of the National Government. It is thought but for the unwillingness of Washington to seem par- tial to Virginia, Alexandria would have been the chosen spot, and that on the first range of hills overlooking the town the public buildings would have been erected." The only official mourners at Washington's funeral were from this town, consisting of Lodge No. 23, of which he was a member, the regiment he had commanded, and the Corporation of Alexandria. From the Potomac can be seen the old-style spire of CHRIST CHURCH, of which Washington was vestryman. This Church was builtjin 1 783,of bricks brought from England. Washing- ton's large square pew is an object of interest to visitors, but the silver plate bearing his name was 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 r^ar of this building, a low section, with three dormer windows, is the old "Carey House," which was occupied as the HEADQUARTERS OP OEN. BRADDOCK. Here, in 1755, George Washington was appointed his aide de-camp. The room in which was held the Coun- cil of the Governors of Pennsylvania, New York, Mas- sachusetts, Maryland and Virginia remains unchanged. At this time Major Washington made his last appeal to 11 Braddock before the Council, to forego civilized metb ods of warfare with the Indians, previous to the pro- jected 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 sit- uated 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. FORT WASHINGTON is the last landing made before reaching Mount Vernon 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 a bend in the river opposite Fort Washington are seen the National Washington Monument and the dome of the Capitol. 12 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 !" From the same point we obtain our first glimpse of MOUNT VERNON. . Here the river is two miles wide, and the Mansion- House has a stately a]3pearance 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 Mansion stands is the reservation of a few acres, which was for- merly used as a deer-park. In 1887 this park was re- stored and stocked with fine deer, at an expense of $3,300, by the Messrs. Campbell, of St. Louis, in mem- ory of their mother, Mrs. Robert Campbell, formerly Vice-Regent for Missouri. On the river front of the deer-park is a landing of historic interest. ' The com- mander of a British vessel during the Revolution sent a boat's crew ashore and demanded provisions, threat- ening in event of refusal to burn the Mansion. The frightened overseer complied with the demand, thus preventing the destruction of the house ; but Washing- ton wrote him a letter of reproof, which is still on rec- ord, ordering, incase of another attack, "to let everj'^- thing 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 conse- quence of the increasing shallowness of the river. 13 From this wharf he used to load his barges with flour ground at his own mill, the famous brand, '' George Washington, Mount Vernon," being so favorably known at the custom-houses as to pass without inspection. Visitors are met at the landing by the courteous Superintendent, and proceed up a gentle acclivity to THE TOMB of him "who was first in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen.'" To the left of the road is a high, well- wooded hill- side, abounding with sweet-briar, trailing arbutus, and other flowers. On the right is an open park, extend- ing beyond the house. About half way up, in a small ravine, are several weeping willows, brought from the grave of Napoleon at St. Helena. These vividly recall the immortal epigrammatic announcement of the death of Washington, made by General Bonaparte to his army in Egypt, beginning with — " WASHINGTON, THE FKIEND 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 : " WITHIN THIS ENCLOSURE REST THE REMAINS OF GENERAL GEORGE WASHINGTON." 14 The ante-room to the vault is about twelve feet square, and here are seen the sarcophagi. The one on the right contains the remains of General Washington, and that on the left the remains of Martha his wife. In the vault at the rear repose about thirty relatives, members of the Washington, Blackburn, Corbin, Bush- rod, Lewis, and Custis families. To this vault the body of Washington was removed, April 19th, 1831, in consequence of a feeling of inse- curity, a man having broken into the old tomb and stolen a skull which he claimed to be that of Wash- ington, but which proved to be of one of the Black- burn family. In the winter of 1832, Congress, for the second time, made an effort to effect the removal of Washington's body to the chamber under the crypt of the Capitol, originally designed for its sepulchre. Adams, Clay, Webster, Thomas, and even Washing- ton's venerable biographer, Chief-Justice Marshall, earnestly endeavored to secure its removal, the cen- tennial anniversary of Washington's birth being se- lected 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 15 Struthers, of Philadelphia, and were wrought by his own hand from solid blocks of Pennsylvania marble. Over the door of the tomb, on a plain tablet, is the inscription : '*I AM THE Resurrection and the Life. He that BELIEVETH IN Me, THOUGH HE WERE DEAD, YET SHALL HE LIVE." The sarcophagus of Mrs. Washmgton is perfectly plain, with the simple words : Martha, Consort of Washington, Died May 21st, 1801 ; 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 relic-hunter, which 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. 17 Near the entrance of the vault are four plain white marble monuments, two in front and two on the north side. They bear the following inscriptions : Withiu the vault lie buried the mortal remains of BusHROD Washington, Au Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the U. S. He died iu Philadelphia, Nov. 26th, 1829, aged 08. By his side is interred his devoted wife, Anna BiiACKBUEN, who survived her beloved husband but two days, aged GO. " The heart was broke, and aches no more." " They were lovely and iDleasant in their lives, and in death they were not divided." This humble monument to the memory of the venerated Judge and his beloved wife is placed here by her niece, the widow of his nephew, John A. Washington. As a Judge he was wise and just. ''A man of truth hating covetousness." Firm in every honorable purpose and pursuit, yet gentle, humble, and condescending. A sincere Christian, doing in all things the will of his Master, and resting his hope of eternal happiness alone on the righteousness of Jesus Christ. Judge Washington was the son of John Augustine Washington, and the nephew of Gen'l George Washington, who appointed him one of his executors, and bequeathed him Mount Vernon. Sacred to the memory of John Augustine, son of Corbin and Hannah Lee Washington, and nephew of Judge Bushrod Wash- ington, who appointed him one of his executors, and bequeathed him Mt. Vernon, where he died June 16, 1832, aged .43. 18 His strength of mind, his firm integrity, and pure repub- lican principles were known to all who were familiar with him. His mortal remains are interred within the vault, and this hum- ble monument to his worth, his purity, and unostentatious ex- cellence in all the relations of life, is erected by his widow. Sacred to the memory of Eleanor Paeke Lewis, grand- daughter of Mrs, , & adopted daughter of General, Washington. Reared under the roof of the Father of his Country, this lady was not more remarkable for the beauty of her person than for the superiority of her mind. She lived to be admired, and died to be regretted on. the 15th of July, 1852, in the 74th year of her age. Sacred to the memory of Mrs. M. E. A. Conrad, w^ife of Chas. M. Conrad, of New Orleans, daughter of Law'e and Eleanor P. Lewis, and grand-niece of Gen'l George Washington, born April 1st, 1813, at Woodlawn, Fairfax Co.,Va., and died Sept. 21st, 1839, at Pass Christian, Missi., in the 27th year of her age. Erected to the memory of a beloved wife by her husband. If the possession of every virtue that adorns or dignifies her sex could have warded off the stroke of death, she would have been immortal, and those who mourn her untimely end are con- soled by reflection that those virtues seemed better to fit her for the abode to which her spirit has fled than for that which it has. abandoned. 19 THE OLD TOMB. The original Tomb of Washington is to the right of the path to the house. This spot commands an extended view of the river, bnthas not the seckision of the "New Tomb," which may have been the reason Washington desired the removal of the remains of the family to a new vault, which was not done for nearly thirty-two j^ears. The old tombstone, found several years since at "Woodlawu," a portion of Washington's estate, has been returned and placed in original position. It is a plain granite block, three feet long and two feet wide, with "Washington Family " upon it. Mrs. Elizabeth Rathbone, Vice- Regent for Michigan, on behalf of her State, has completely restored the Old Tomb, and pro- tected it with an iron railing. W^hen 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 citi- zen-hero is scarcely perceived amid the sombre cy- presses by which it is surrounded ; a vault slightly elevated and sodded over, a wooden door without in- scriptions, 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." 20 Near the road leadicg to the mansion was a magnifi- cent primeval oak, twelve feet in circumference, called the "Washington Oak," which, in 1882, was destroyed by a storm. Its wide shelter was a favorite resting- place of the retired chieftain on returning from the wharf, where he was in the habit of superintending the loading of his barges. OLD BRICK BARN. 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 carefully 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 man regardeth the life of his beast." MANSION' HO USE. The Mansion-House is a wooden structure, the sid- ings of which are cut and painted to resemble stone. The central and main part was built by Lawrence WashiDgton in 1743, and he called it " Mount Vernon," after his highly-esteemed superior officer in the British navy, the gallant Admiral Vernon. The cellar is am- ple, constructed according to the old-fashioned 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. The parts of the house known as th^ North and 21 South extensions were added b}' General Washington, 1784-'5. The residence, as left by Lawrence Washing- ton, had been termed a " villa ;" as enlarged, with ex- tensions, colonnades in front and back, by George Washington, it was dignified as a " Mansion 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 orna- mented 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. On the west are curved colonnades, leading on one side to the family, and on the other to the state, kitchen. MAIN HALL. {Alabama.') Entering the central hall from the east, the first object of interest is the " Key of the Bastile," which hangs in a glass casket on the south wall. This emblem of oppression was presented to the " great friend of Liberty " by Lafay- ette, immediately after the destruction of the Bastile, 1789, a comphment highly prized by Washington. In writing of it, the Marquis 22 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 de- tained in London, consigned it to another person, with a model and drawing of the Bastile which had been ordered by Lafayette previous to his command to demolish the old prison. Paine, in writing to Wash- ington, 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." Here, also, is a fac-simile of Marquis de Lafayette's agreement to serve in the Continental arm3% made in 1776 with Silas Deane at Paris. It may not be generally known that Lafaj^ette agreed to serve with- out remuneration upon condition that he should be permitted to return to France whenever called by his family or King. He was then only nineteen, and his noble house would not allow him to enter our. army unless he received the rank of Major- General. In 1884, Mrs. Ella Smith Herbert, Vice-Regent for Alabama, secured the sword worn by Washington at Braddock's Defeat. Several years before his death he gave it to his nephew, George Lewis, from whose family it was purchased. This valuable souvenir is placed in a handsomely mounted glass case, on the north wall of the hall. Above it are life-size bas-relief portraits, in bronze, of Washiugton and Lafayette, and r=ear by are two autograph letters of Washington. 23 The Yice-T^egent has also replaced three old eng^rav- iDgs that " hiiDg" ill the passage'' — The Death of Mont- gomery, The Battle of Bunker Hill, by Col. Trunibulh 1798, and St. Agnes, 1759. The ceiling has been re- newed, and the panelled walls painted in their origi- nal tints. The old floor, being greatlj' worn, was in 1875 removed, and replaced by a substantial double floor (the nnder layer being of yellow pine, and the upper of solid oak with black walnut bordering), by Mrs. Hannah B. Farnsworth, late Yice-Regent for Michigan. The old-style waiuscotings and the designs of cor- nice 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 view from the east door commands the Potomac, or Pedhammock [" They are coming"], as the Indians named this noble stream. The generous lawn, gardens, and encircling forests on the west present a scene of equal beauty. The ponder- ous 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 the step outside the door is a pair of the once indispensable " scrapers,'' contemporary with the stately knocker. STAIRWAY. The stairway leading from the main hall is divided into three sections, and is broad, but severely plain. On the first landing is an old clock, a presentation from New Jersey. 24 The Harpsichord. THE EAST PARLOR, OR MUSIG ROOM, {Ohio,) has been chosen bj Ohio, and tistefully furnished in the style of the Revolution through the efforts of the Vice-Regent, who has restored this room with historical fidelity. Washington had the elegant blue tapestry sig- nificantly decorated with musical instruments. The cord lambrequins, the tambour-worked muslin curtains, with gilt cornices surmounted by the American Eagle^ 25 are copies of the original furnisliiugs. The haiulsome cabinet, pier- table, and chairs, bearing the Washington crest, were manufactured in the Queen Cit3\ The dainty designs of the ceiling and the delicate tints of the walls are faithfully reproduced. In this room is Washington's silver-mounted rosewood flute, recently purchased from a relative. Here, also, are the harpsi- chord and the music-stool, the first President's bridal present to Eleanor Parke Custis, his adopted daughter, given to the Association by her daughter-in-law, Mrs. Lorenzo Lewis. It was an elegant piece of furniture a century ago, and was ordered from London at a cost of one thousand dollars. The guitar, or " citra " as it is called in the old instruction book which accompanied it, belonged to Washington's first cousin, Mrs. Fauntleroy ■nee Sarah Ball. Purchased from her granddaughter. The old Venetian mirror is the same style which hung there in the time of Washington, and the card table is one at which Washington and Lafayette played whist. In the cabinet will be seen a plan of the tiles of the piazza at Mount Vernon, drawn by Washington, with his written instructions, from Philadelphia to his nephew in regard to having it repaired during his absence. Washington's spectacles, presented by his great grand-niece, Mrs. Mary Byrd Dallas. A Pallissy china figure which belonged to him, and was purchased from one of the family. The glass preserve dish and champagne glasses were owned by Washington. A plate of Owarroo china which belonged to Mrs. Faunt- leroy. Two dishes of blue and gold, part of Mrs. Wash- ington's dessert set, a gift from the late Mr. W. W. Corcoran. 26 BANQUET HALL. {Neio York.) The Music Koom opens into the north extension, or Banquet Hall, which has been taken by the Vice-Reg-ent of New York for that State, and in its day was a princely salon. Lafayette, Rochambeau, L'Enfant, Brissot, Hamilton, Thomson, Jefferson, Madison, Marshall, Moustier, Henry, Monroe, Henry Lee, Dr. Craik, DTrujo, Morris, Mason, Dr. Thornton, the artists Hou- don, C. W. Peale, Trumbull, Latrobe, 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 cir- cular centre-piece, bordered with an arabesque pattern. Irregular-shaped panels complete the oblong, and in each panel are implements and emblems of agricul- ture. Enclosing all is a rich border of intertwining, grape and laurel. The walls, of beautiful colonial buff, are finished with a deep indented frieze, decorated with festoons of leaves, and bordered with a narrow carving, below which is a band of delicate gray, with white stucco-ornaments. This room was completed in 1784, and it is said the first paper was hung upon its walls by illustrious hands. It was at the time of Lafayette's third visit to America, and he, with several French noblemen, were at Mount Vernon. A ball was to be given in their honor. The paper, imported from England, had arrived, but the upholsterer failed to appear, greatly, to the annoj'ance of the hostess. The gallant Marquis, with Mantel, State Dintng-R( om. — (Seep. 2S.) 28 his national enthusiasm, exclaimed: "Madame, do not despair ; see, here are three able-bodied men who will readily accomplish it." Whereupon, to the chagrin of Mrs. Washington, the work of paper-hanging was commenced by the visitors, who were promptly and efficiently assisted by General Washington. An elaborately carved mantel-piece of Carrara mar- ble, 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 was intended for George Washington, sent it uninjured 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 Mount Vernon, in spite of the watchful care of the Superintendent and his associates. An elegant old hand-carved mahogany sideboard, with heavy bevelled glass doors, is in this room, and in it are placed valuable relics. A large mahogany table, of the stylo from which banquets were served here a century ago, stands in the centre and is used by the Association in council. On a massive rosewood table, under a large glass with heavy silver mountings, is 29 A MODEL OF THE BASTILE, cut from the granite stones of the demolished prison. It was presented to Washington by Lafaj'ette. Accom- panying it is a plan of the interior of the prison, with its approaches, which affords a trustworthy study of this celebrated blood-stained pile. The large plain arm-chair now kept in this room came over on the Mayflower. The two elegant mir- rors, 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 pre- sented 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 came from Mount Vernon, are now in the National Museum. It would be appropriate if these and other articles of furniture and ornament should be restored to their places in the Mansion. The fine specimen of sea-weed on the mantel has been there at least half a century, having been placed in its present position hj John Augustine Washington. An interesting history is given of the two mahogany tri- pods, or flower-stands, which have lately been returned to the place they occupied during the lifetime of Wash- ngton. Dr. William Thornton was an intimate fi'iend of the first President, and presented to him, on the 2d of April 1792, the plan for the Capitol, which Mr. S. Hallet afterwards modified and made more easy of execution. 30 On the occasion of Dr. Thornton's marriage, he took his bride to Mt. Vernon, and when they were leaving the General sug-gested making them a wedding present. The young wife replied that some memento of the house would be more highly prized than any other gift, where- upon she was requested to select some article, and she chose the tripods, which were given her. At her death they passed to a friend ; but were finally sold, and bought by the generous sods of the late Mrs. Robert Campbell, Vice-Regent for Missouri, who restored them to the Banquet Hall, after obtaining j)roofs of their au- thenticity, certified to before a notary public. Over one door hangs a fine copy of Stuart's Wash- ington, and over another a copy of Trumbull's portrait, representing him in Continental uniform, both pictures having been painted and presented by J. R. Lambdin, a Philadelphia artist. Beneath the latter hangs a frame containing an admirable eulogy, which was presented the Association by Gen. Rob. C. Schenck. " This tribute to the memory of George Washington was written at his grave in 1833, by Dr. Andrew Reed, an English philanthropist, and left by him with the ladies of the General's family. Dr. Reed asks : ' How could the people suffer Mount Vernon to pass into ruin ? Surely it is a thing impossible ! ' " Washington, The Brave, The Wise, The Good ; Washington, Supreme in War, in Council, and in Peace. Washington, Valiant Discreet Coniident without without without Ambition; Fear; Presumption; 31 Washington, lu Disaster, Calm ; lu Success, Moderate ; lu All, Himse Washington, The Hero, The Patriot, the Christiau ; The Father of Natious, The Frieud of Maukiud ; who. When he had won all, renouuced all, and sought. In the Bosom of his Family and of Nature, Retirement, And, in the Hope of Eeligion, Immortality, Above the door opeuing upon the piazza is a silken bannev bearing the royal arms of England. This sou- venir was presented to the Association by General Grant, and has been framed and glazed to preserve it from injury. On "the left of the marble mantel hangs an en- graved portrait of David Kittenhouse. It belonged to Washington, but was sold with other effects in 1802, and was presented to the Association in 1886 by Mr. James K. Cleary, of Washington, D. C. The exquisite copy in water- colors of Elizabeth Sharpless' miniature of Washington, beneath which in gilt text is the matchless Eulogium attributed to Rich- ardson, and the woven reproduction of the Stuart head — a triumph of the French loom— hang here. They were presented to the Vice-Regent for New York by the late A. Walton White Evans, of New Rochelle, eminent civil engineer and graceful writer. On the west side of the room is the famous eques- trian portrait of Washington, by Rembrandt Peale, 32 ' ' WASHING TON BEFORE YORKTO WiV, " which was presented to the ladies of the " Mount Ver- non Association" in June, 1873, by the heirs of that distinguished artist. Few other pictures of the great man ehcited so much approval from his contempora- ries, and this valuable canvas could not be placed amid more harmonious associations. It presents the Captain in the zenith of his glorj^, and 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 Rocham- beau greatly enhance the picture. The elegant walnut frame of this painting was made from a tree grown upon the farm of Robert Morris, the financier of the Revolution. The artist executed this painting with the hope of placing it in the Rotunda of the National Capitol. WEST PAULOR. {Illinois.) The work of restoring this room, assumed by the State of Illinois, has been handsomely achieved. When in 1878 it was discovered that the ceiling, so badly cracked, was in danger of falling, competent artists were employed, and the removal of the stucco orna- mentation successfully accomplished. The 2,800 small stucco leaves, radiating from the centre of the ceiling, with every available fragment of the old material, were replaced after the removal of the plaster with the most satisfactory result. 33 The mantel is surmounted by the family coat-of-arms. The description is as follows : Crest — ''A raven, with wings issuing out of a ducal coronet ; shield with her- aldic colors, two red bars across it, and above three spur-rowels : the three stars indicate the filial distinc- tion of the third son." Some writers conclude that the origin of the Hag of the United States of America may be traced to this coat-of-arms, but evidence is wanting to support their pleasing theories. The quaint dark paint- ing over the mantel, " Admiral Vernon before Cartha- gena," is the only picture which was left in the Mansion by the Washington family. It was presented to Law- rence Washington by Admiral Vernon, in recogni- tion of his services to the Admiral in 1741. A piece was torn from the corner (by a woman, I am sorry to say, in search of relics). The fragment was recovered, and the picture skilfully restored. The cornices and brass supports for the curtains are as old as the Man- sion, and a curious old mirror bears a memorial device, with the initials " G. W." In response to an appeal from Mrs. Elizabeth Wil- lard Barry, late Vice-Kegent of Illinois, made in 1880, Senator Edmond de La Fayette, grandson of General Lafayette, sent to Mount Vernon a chair. It is of the XVIth century ; it was from the Castle Chavagnac, Auvergne, France, where General Lafayette was born September 6th, 1757. Other 'chairs in this room were used by the Washington family, and were originally covered with leather, a piece of which, deposited in a frame, presents the style. A few gold threads from 34 General Washington's epaulettes are in like manner pre- served. Among the well-chosen engravings on the walls is a beautiful full-length portrait of Louis XVI in robes of state. This is from the same plate as the one sent to General Washington by his most Christian Majesty, with many expressions of regard, through Colonel David Humphreys in 1786. It is in a taste- fully designed frame, on which in bold relief are the arms and initials of Louis XVI and of Washington. FAMIL Y DINING-ROOM. {South Carolina.) This room, on the south side of the main hall, has been assigned to the Vice-Regent of South Carolina, who has restored it to the condition left by General Washington, and furnished it handsomely and appro- priately, the funds having been subscribed by that State. The walls are very delicately colored, and the ceiling is in arabesque pattern, low bas-relief neutral tints and gilding. The floor waxed and polished, and upon it is a heavy Persian rug. The large antique brass fire-irons are from the old Rutledge home ; also the brass fender, which was given by Mrs. Ann B. Reese, of Tennessee, a member of that family. An old-fashioned corner cupboard is filled with china, a reproduction of the set presented to Mrs. Washington by officers of the French fleet in 1792. This china is decorated with the Washington coat-of-arms and a chain wreath enclosing the names of the fifteen States then forming the Union, Kentucky and New Hampshire having been added to 35 the old thirteen. A hfe-size bust of Washiugton, hav- ing emblematic jewel of a Grand Master, presented by the Masons of South Carolina, is placed on a polished column of palmetto wood. The city of Charleston gave a bust portrait, in oil, of General Pickens, and one of General Francis Marion was presented by the ladies of Charleston ; one of General Moultrie was given by the Society of the Cincinnati of South Caro- lina ; one of Baron de Kalb was a gift from the Ger- man Friendly Society, and one of General Sumter, pre- sented by the city of Columbia. These portraits form a brilliant group of heroes of the war of American In- dependence. A portrait, by J. E. Lambdin, of Miss Cunningham, first Regent, is also in this room. The sideboard in this room belonged to General Washington, and was in use during his life at Mount Vernon. This interesting relic was presented by Mrs. Eobert E. Lee, for Mount Vernon, to Mrs. Mary T. Barnes, Vice-Regent for the District of Columbia, who considerately placed it in the family dining-room. MRS. WASHINGTON'S SITTING ROOM. (^Georgia.) The State of Georgia has taken the room east of this, which before the building of the extension was Washing- ton's library. It is probable the account he gave his brother of 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 name. It is accepted as 36 the only authentic account of that sanguinary engage- ment written in America. Here was also written the Farewell Address, delivered at Annapolis Dec. 23, 1783. It has been generously furnished by Mrs. Margaret Gardner Gould, of Augusta, Georgia. " The Washington Family," painted and engraved by E. Savage, was pre- sented by the Vice-Regent. On the walls is an approved photograph of Miss Pamela Cunningham. She was deeply impressed with the idea that the care of the house and tomb of Washington should be confided to the women of this country. Under the 7iom deplume of " The Southern Matron." her appeals aroused a widespread interest, calling forth immediate practical enthusiasm throughout the Union, and notably the assistance of Edward Everett. Miss Cunningham was refined and cultivated — endowed with untiring energy and remark- able executive ability — though an invalid, accomplished a great national work. She devoted many years of her life to the organization and establishment of " The Ladies' Mount Vernon Association of the Union," dis- playing fine discrimination in calling to her aid, as Vice- Regents, women of dignity, ability, and patriotism. 37 THE LIBRARY. {Massachusetts.) Through a small hall, the Library, or south exten- sion, is reached. This room was designed by Washing- ton, and is so plain as to seem to have no design atall. It is square, and has two large windows opening to the floor, which lead to the south portico. This portico in 1875 was restored, and so very exactly does it re- semble the old structure that it is thought by many to 38 be the original one. From it a fine view is had of the river and the lawn, containing both tombs. The Library is in the charge of the Vice-Eegent for the " Old Bay State," who appropriately furnished it. Upon the high carved mantel is an old-style clock, and upon the walls are cabinet miniatures, by Sharpless, of Gen. and Mrs. Washington. There are five chairs, two of which belonged to Mount Vernon, an old table, a hand- some secretary, a Washington autograph letter, and in the ample book-cases a few volumes of Washington- iana. Of the articles originally here there remains a fine plaster head of Lafayette, a reproduction by Hou- don of the cast used for the bust ordered from him by Virginia for the Capitol at Richmond. An interesting painting which hangs on the west wall was also formerly at Mount Vernon, and has been presented to the Massa- chusetts room by Hon. Theodore Lyman, Boston. It is " The Great Falls of the Potomac," painted by the English artist Beck, from a point selected by General Washington, and was purchased for Mr. Isaac P. Davis, Boston, at the sale of furniture. Mount Vernon, 1800. 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 ceiling — closets within closets. In the days of Washington this room was by far the most attractive in the Mansion. Aside from the inter- est connected with such a man's study, here were be- 39 stowed some of the rarest relics of the Revolutionary struggle — swords, pistols, guns, the compass made by David Rittenhouse, spy-glasses, sashes, velvet saddle- housings, and numerous other articles of personal prop- erty associated with different campaigns. Here stood the "tambour secretary and circular chair," by will devised "to mj 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, and the gold badge of the same Order, presented by the French officers. The most important and interesting of its contents was the gold medal ordered by the Continental Con- gress for Washington in 1776, upon the evacuation of the city of Boston by the British army. This was the first medallic memorial of this country, and can have no rival in historic value. It was purchased from a member of the Washington family by fifty citizens of Boston and presented to that city on the centenary of the event it commemorates, March 17, 1876. It was doubtless in the library, in the presence of his family, and surrounded by so many silent witnesses of his former services, that on the 14th of April, 1789, Washington received from Charles Thonason, Secre- tary of the Continental Congress, the official announce- ment of his election as President of the United States. 40 LAFAYETTE'S ROOM. {NeiD Jersey.) The first room on the left, opening into the upper hall, is known as the " Lafayette Room," in honor of the Marquis, who occupied it on each of his visits ta Mount Vernon. It was chosen and furnished by the Vice-Regent of New Jersey. The bureau was placed there when the room was fitted up for its distinguished occupant ; and the small dressing-case was in the room which Lafayette occupied at the residence of General Elias Dayton, whom he visited at Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Upon the walls is a small fruit-piece embroid- ered in silk, a contribution by a descendant of the fair dame who so deftly wrought it during the Revolution. There is an engraving, by Ormsby, of Stuart's full length portrait of Washington, from the picture which was painted for the Marquis of Lansdowne ; also an en- graving by Buttre, after Wollaston, from the portrait of Martha Washington, known as the " Bride of Mount Vernon." The latter is a wonderfully beautiful face, with the well-drawn eyes for which this artist was dis- tinguished in his pictures of women ; but it is often criticised, because it gives the effect of her being a tall woman. She is represented as having just stepped from the piazza at Mount Vernon. A very fine engrav- ing, by Leroux, of Ary Scheffer's portrait of Lafayette is in this room. The original, presented to the United States in 1822, is in the Hall of Representatives. It was painted at Chateau La Grange during a visit of the artist to his friend. There is also a handsome portrait, in India ink, of Lord Chatham, and an en- graved head of Baron Steuben. 41 RIVER ROOM. (Peniisyhania.) The second room was a guest-chamber in the time of Washington. It has been refitted by the Regent, Mrs. Lily L. IMacalester Laughton, with handsome old furniture, part of which was used hj Washington in Pennsylvania. The bedstead is the one he slept upon on his march to Valley Forge, to take possession of his headquarters for the miserable winter of 1777-8. The chair immediately opposite the door was used by Washington in the Executive Mansion at Philadelphia, and presented to Mount Vernon, through the Regent, by Col. Frank M. Etting of that city. Two of the chairs in this room were the property of that staunch patriot, Elias Boudinot, President of Congress in 1782, appointed by Washington third Director of the United States Mint ; — a man distinguished in war and in peace for his sound judgment and his wide-spread charity. The corner chair belonged to one of the earliest Puri- tan settlers. There are several valuable engravings^ a full-length Washington, also a Jefferson, and a rare engraving of Canova's statue of Washington, ordered by the State of North Carolina in 1814, and destroyed at the burning of the Court-House of Raleigh in 1830. Washington is seated, and presented in the costume 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 inscrip- tion is — " Giorgio Washington. " Alia Grande Nazione degli Stati Uniti di America. "Antonio Canova." 42 G UE8T- CHAMBER. {Delaware. ) The small room on the east front of the hall was selected by the Vice-Regent of Delaware, and it is fur- nished with revolutionary relics. On the south side of the hall is MISS CUSTIS' ROOM. {Maryland.) This room has been given to Maryland, and fur- nished by the Vice-Regent, assisted by other ladies, of that State. It was formerly occupied by Eleanor Custis. The wash-stand and one of the chairs were sent from the old Carroll seat, Doughragen Manor- house, by the grandsons of that dauntless signer of the Declaration of Independence, Charles Carroll of Car- rollton. GREEN ROOM. {West Virginia.) West Virginia has selected the adjoining room, the windows of which command the river and the Mary- land shore. The Vice-Regent, Mrs. Ella Bassett Washington, is a descendant of the Washington and Dandridge families, and the articles she has placed here are relics of the Revolution. The handsomely carved bedstead came from Eltham, on the York river, the residence of Colonel Bassett, brother-in-law of Martha Washington. It stood in the room always oc- cupied by Washington, and upon it John Custis, the only son of Mrs. Washington, died. 43 Young Castis 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 Lafay- ette, "to see poor Mr. Custis breathe his last.' He was very devoted to his stepson, and, turning to his young widow, he said : "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 elegant mahogany chairs were once the property of Benjamin Harrison, a signer of the Decla- ration of Independence, and were afterwards owned by his son, President W. H. Harrison. An old arm-chair and the mirror over the mantel were the property of William Augustine Washington, oldest nephew, and one of the executors of Washington's will. Ui3on the walls are three small pictures, colored crayons : one is a view of " Wakefield," the birthplace of Washington in Westmoreland Co., Va., also Durand's engraving of Stuart's Washington. Copies in oil of fine old portraits of Mrs. Betty Lewis and of Lawrence Washington were added in 1888. The liquor-case in this room was presented to Wash- ington by Lord Fairfax. A peculiar friendship existed between the old nobleman and the young surveyor, who was commissioned by Lord Fairfax to make sur- veys of his property beyond the Blue Kidge. 45 THE HOOM IN WHICH WASHINGTON DIED. {Virginia.) Passing from the West Virginia room, through a small hall, the aj^artment in which Washington died is entered. It is a bed-room of medium size. On the right is a large fire-place, in which is observed the Washing- ton coat-of-arms. On the left is a dressing-room and an ample linen closet ; on the south are two large win. dows which may be slid back into the wall, and reach to the floor. They open upon the top of the portico, and command a beautiful view. Every article of furni- ture in this room was used by General Washington. The bedstead is the one upon which he died. The two gilt brackets and a gilt-framed mirror were origi- nally at Mount Vernon. The superb old inlaid secre- tary was used by General Washington for many years. These are intrusted, through the Vice-Eegent for Vir- ginia, to the care of the Ladies' Association by General G. W. P. Custis Lee. The old arm-chair was the favor- ite seat of Mrs. Washington. The hair trunk, studded with brass nails and marked "1775," with brass plate engraved "G. W.," was General Washington's coach trunk. The small dressing-stand, with mirror and toilet boxes, was used by Mrs. Washington upon her toilet-table. These extremely interesting relics were presented to the Association by Mrs. G. K Golds- borough. The portrait of Washington was copied by Mr. Elder from an original miniature, which originally belonged. 46 to his brother, Charles Washington. The embroidered dimity chair-cover is the work of Frances Washington Ball, niece of the General ; and was presented by her grandson's wife, the Vice-Eegent for Virginia. On the bed is a linen counterpane (spun from flax grown in Kentucky while that State belonged to Virginia), em- broidered by Mrs. Harrison, grandmother of the Vice- Regent for Louisiana. The compass was the gift of Judge Ball, and was long used by Washington. The candle-stand was presented by Major B. P. Noland. On the wall in the hall is an interesting relic — a news- paper published in New "York, in which was the first announcement in that State of the death of Washington. The following extract may be of interest. Its decorous utterances of profound grief are quite Addisonian, and illustrate the style and stilted ceremonial of the times : Mercantile Advertiser, N. Y., Saturday, Dec. list, 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 Ajmies of the United States of America. " A CoKinthian 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 5 the faviour of his country, the defender of her rights — the warrior, the ftatefman, and the private citizen 5 who never fwerved from thepaths of rectitude in the tour of duty, never arrogated to himself unwarrantable power, though 47 placed in fituations to command it, and vvhofe every action tended to the public good, from his early 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 ref ign the tafk 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 uni- verfal 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 this mournful event we have yet seen : Extract of a letter from Alexandria^ dated December \z^th. " I mention to you the truly melancholy event of the death of our much beloved General George Washington. He made his exit last night between the hours of 1 1 and 12, after a (hort but painful illnefs of 23 hours. The diforder of which he died is by fome called Crupe, by others an Inflammatory guinfey, a diforder lately fo mortal among chil- dren in this place, and I believe not until this year known to attack per- fons 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 fhow its high efteem for him. We are all clofe to our houfes, and act as we fhould 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 resigned. 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 bufiness was but two days behind- hand." THE ROOM IN WHICH MRS. WASHINGTON DIED. ( Wisconsin. ) A small stairway leads to the room above, used by the widow of Washington from the day of his death until May, 1801, a year and a half afterwards, when she, too, died. This room has one piece of the original furniture, the small plain mahogany corner toilet-stand ; but it 48 has been very elegantly refitted by Mrs. Mitchell, Tice-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 woolen 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, M. W. Upon a Bible-stand in the room is the coat-of-arms, with motto, ^' Exitus acta prohat^' 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 hyacinths. Martha Washington was a woman distinguished even among those dames of strong character whom the trials of the Revolution developed. She was beautiful, in- telligent, 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 Newburgh. 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 wife and mother her tenderness and devotion crown her with the true glory of womanhood. During the 49 eighteen months that she survived her beloved hus- band the lonely mourner passed much of her time by the window of her room. There, tenderty cared for by her affectionate family and devoted servants, 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 down — Peering 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 over 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. Her famished soul. O, wondrous, wondrous Love ! "Which dieth not with death, nor yet hath life Save with the living. Thou Mystery of Universe ! " There are five other small rooms on the third floor. They are half-stories and lighted by dormer windows. The northeast room has been fitted up with handsome furniture of the period of the Revolution. It contains a beautifully carved bedstead, two elegant chairs, a bureau, a quaint shaving mirror — all of solid mahog- any. The linen used in this chamber was spun and woven by a lady of the patriotic old State of Connecti- cut in the seventieth year of her life. NORTH CAROLINA ROOM. The northwest room has been furnished by the Vice- Regent for North Carolina with old mahogany furni- 50 ture, most of it nearly one hundred years old. In it are two chairs which were used when the Legislature of North Carolina, with Governor Martin, met with the administrative board of the Moravian Church at Salem, North Carolina, in 1781. These chairs were donated by the Board to the North Carolina Room. It contains also a beautiful dressing-table and toilet- stand of dark mahogany — reproductions of that time. MAINE ROOM. At the Council of 1885 the Upper North Chamber, above the Banquet Hall, was bestowed upon Maine. The Vice-Regent for that State, Mrs. Margaret J. M. Sweat, met with such prompt and generous response from the citizens of that State that she was, within the year, enabled to furnish it in harmonious style. The furni- ture, all of the date of the Revolution, was chiefly collected in Virginia. Upon the walls there is an old French engraved portrait of Washington, also a curi- ous old print called "The Shade at the Tomb." The walls are painted colonial buff, and upon the floor is a Persian rug. DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA ROOM. Of the five small guest-chambers in the old part of the Mansion, the Vice-Regent of the District of Colum- bia has selected the one on the southwest, and furnished it, through her efforts, with exceptionally interesting articles. Two mahogany chairs belonged to Mount Vernon. The bureau was owned by the Calvert family 51 The bedstead and little toilet-mirror are more than a century old, having been in use at '^ Mount Airy," the home of the Tayloes, in Virginia. CUPOLA. From the small square hall (third floor) is a winding stairway to the cupola, which is octagonal. The view from this elevation is sweeping and grand. The Potomac seems almost to surround the estate in its majestic bend. Fort Washington appears to have drawn nearer. Looking west, the Virginia hills are beautifully defined, and three-quarters of a mile away is seen the old porter's lodge, which marks the bound- ary of the present estate. Leading thither, from the lawn gate, is an avenue, a pleasant shaded drive in for- mer days. The undergrowth has been removed and the trees trimmed, so as to leave an unobstructed view of the lodge ; and in 1887 the old drive was restored. WEST LA ^VN. Leaving the house from the west door, the interest that Washington personally bestowed upon domestic claims is fully realized. All that could contribute to the happiness of his dependents or the pleasure of his friends was a matter of conscience with him. Agricul- ture in its higher 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," a 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 52 large fire-place indicate. Opposite is the family kitchen, where the daily meals of the family were prepared. The immense fire-place, the crane, the low dutch range, the large hominy mortar, show that the require- ments of the cook were neither small nor unheeded. But a step outside the kitchen is the well from w^hich it was the pride of "West Ford," an old servant of the estate, to hand to visitors a cup of cold water. Near this side of the kitchen-door are the " milk-house," '• meat-house," and " wash-house," while on the east slope stood the "summer-house," and the "ice-house," built Avith its " spring-house " beneath. At the north gate stood the " spinning and weaving-houses." There were houses for itinerant tailors and shoemakers, who made semi-annual sojourns at the large plantations. Mrs. Ida Slocombe Richardson, Vice-Regent for Loui- siana, on behalf of her State, has restored the " sum- mer-house," which is now as it was in Washington's time. On the west, close to the kitchen, is the "butler's house," at the corner of which is the famous magnolia grandiflora, brought by Washington from the banks of the James, and planted by him in the year of his death, 1799. It has attained unusual proportions for the climate. The leaves of this tree have been taken as mementos to every part of the civilized globe. The west lawn, called by General Washington his " Bowling- Green," is entered through the arched gateway at the end of the avenue from the porter's lodge. The curved course serves not only for a general approach to the THE SUN-BTAL. In 1888 a sun-dial was placed in the centre of the west lawn, marking the site of the dial which was in- cluded in the plan, drawn hj Washington's own hand, of the garden and grounds. The dial is the gift of citizens of Rhode Island, and is of red Westerly gran- ite, the plate being of bronze, bearing the motto, " Horas non uiimero nisi serenas,''^ and this inscription : Erected A. D, 1888, BY CITIZENS OP EhODE IsLAND, IN PLACE OF THE DIAL WHICH STOOD HEEE IN THE TIME OP WASHINGTON. While digging for a foundation, according to the record of the probable location of the Washington dial, there was found about a foot from the spot se- lected, and just below the surface, the decayed stump of a wooden post, a foot and a half long — doubtless a fragment of that which supported the original dial. Following are the names of the subscribers : Prof. William Gammell, Mrs. William Gammell, Mr. Thomas P. I. Goddabd, Mrs. T. P. Shepaed, Mr. Henry J. Steere, Mr. Henry T. Beckwith, Miss Julia Bullock, Mrs. John Carter Brown, Mr. John Nicholas Brown, Mr. James Coats, Mrs. Henry G. Kussell. 53 house, but in former times, being more than half a- mile in circumference, it afforded distance for a pleas- ant ride. The thicket of trees on either side gave grateful shade, so that it was frequently used for the children or invalids of the household. The trees of the thicket were all selected by Washington, many of them having been planted by him when he was a young man. 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 Thomas Jeffer- son, all now in a flourishing condition. On each side of the entrance is a large mound, a fa- vorite lawn ornament of that day ; on one of w^hich has recently been planted a slip from the Washington Elm at Cambridge, presented by Miss Longfellow. Through the gateway, Washington brought his fair bride to Mount Vernon ; and beneath the same arch, forty years afterw^ards, slowly filed the long train of mourners who attended his funeral. FLOWER GARDEN. On the right of the lawn is the flower garden ; on the left the vegetable garden. Both of these were flanked by large orchards. 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 54 within the flower garden are four very large calycan- thus trees, or sweet shrub. These were sent to Wash- ington by Thomas Jefferson as a great novelty of that day. When they were a generation old, John Augus- tine Washington named them after the four Presidents who, in rotation, succeeded his illustrious uncle — Adams, Jefferson, Madison, and Monroe. The flower garden is bordered and divided by hedges of box {huxus suffriiticosa), preserved in the exact designs in which they were j^lanted 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 was 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. The garden contains crape myrtles, shrub magnolias, century plants, intermixed with the simplest modest flowers, 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 dedicate tea- rose, and quite an acceptable souvenir to the visitor. At the end of the central walk is the greenhouse, which stands on the site of the original Washington conserva- tory, which was destroyed by fire December, 1835. On that disastrous night very few of the rare plants were ^^' Mount Vernon Mansion, 1838. IVest Front. 56 saved, among them a large bearing lemon tree, a cen- tury 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 re- membrance of Mount Vernon, and will have the satis- faction of knowing that the small sum expended for a bouquet or plant increases the income of the Associa- tion. The florist, Franklin A. Whelan, will promptly fill, by mail or express, all orders for flowers or plants from Mount Vernon. The Council of 1888 accepted the offer of the Vice- Regent for Kansas to restore the old " servants^ quarters" beyond the greenhouse. SOURCES OF REVENUE. The entrance fee is the chief source of revenue to the Association, and is embraced in, the fare paid for the trip to and from Mount Vernon. A like small amount is re- quired from those who enter the west lawn, or either side, by land. The sale of photographic views, of the "Vis- itor's Guide," of plants, flowers, and canes, and of copies of the "Will of Washiugton" — each add something to the annual income. The original will, which was writ- ten 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 doul)tless written in the summer of that year. It was drawn without the aid of a lawyer, and is one of the most re- 57 markable 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 March 22, 1853, the Virginia legislature granted to xllfred Moss, county clerk, the privilege of lithograph- ing the will, but for some reason he never carried out his design. In July, 1861, when the Confederate army retreated from Fairfax Court-house, Mr. 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 re- turned to me, or any one legally authorized to receive it. "ALFKED MOSS, " Clerk Fairfax County Court.'' With other county records it was then sent to Rich- mond and committed to the secretary of the Common- wealth, in whose care it remained until 1865, when it was returned to Fairfax county. From age and fre- quent handling it has become indistinct and mutilated, and on account of its condition the court at its Novem- ber term, 1865, passed the following order : " It ap- pearing to the court that the original will of General George Washington, of Mount Vernon, has been much worn and mutilated from frequent handling, and that it is liable to further injury from 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 im- 58 proved — of seeing the last will and testament of Washington. 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 were given to the Association by the late 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 Wash- inglon,'' can be bought here. This work is gracefully dedicated by the author : "To HIS Patriotic Countrywomen, BY whose EFFORTS The Home and Tomb of Washington have been rescued from Decay." 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 original " Act to authorize the purchase of Mount Vernon " passed the Virginia legislature unan- imously March 17th, 1856, and the amount paid for the estate of two hundred acres was two hundred thousand dollars, with six per cent, interest from the time of the first payment. Of this sum '$68,494.59 were a contribution from Edward Everett, the proceeds of his great lecture upon the " Life and Character of Washington," and his writ- ings for the Nev^ York Ledger. 59 Many interesting papers, letters, and documents are accumulating at Mount Vernon, and aftbrd glimpses of the domestic life, as well as of the historical events, of Washington's time. Mrs. Mar}' Starling Payne, of Hopkinsville, Ken- tucky, has presented letters from Nellie Custis and her husband, Lawrence Lewis ; from Major George W. Lewis, and from Bushrod Washington, together with a very interesting receipt for horses impressed into ser- vice for the transportation of the baggage and artillery of the Marquis de Lafayette. The horses were im- pressed from Fielding Lewis, and the receipt is signed by James Monroe, as quartermaster. In 1888, Messrs. L. and D. Ruben, of Alexandria, Virginia, presented a large collection of letters and miscellaneous papers. In 1887, Mr. Jay Gould, of New York, made a very generous gift to the Association of thirty-three and one-half acres of land adjoining the northeastern line of the original purchase. This land, partially wooded, and with a half mile of river front, has long been re- garded as valuable to the estate, as its acquisition would permit the removal of the boundary on that side to a greater distance from the Mansion. W^hen Mr. Gould visited Mount Vernon in June, 1887, he was much impressed by the account given of this matter by the Superintendent, and instructed him to take all the steps necessary- for the purchase of the lot, and its presentation to the Association in his name*. For this welcome addition to the Mount Vernon domain, Mr. 60 Gould paid the handsome sum of j§2,500. His kind- ness will be kept in continual remembrance, for this land is to be always designated as " The Jay Gould Gift." Among late restorations are the repairing of the wharf, in 1886, at a cost of about $1,600 ; the re-roof- ing of the old barn, which was last repaired under the direction of Washington, in 1799 ; the restoration of the mason-work at the east and west entrances ; the por- ters' lodges, and the gates. THE COUNCIL, consisting of the Begent and Vice-Regents, meets yearly in May or June at Mount Vernon, to transact all business connected with the estate, such as auditing accounts, making contracts, ordering repairs, receiving the report of the Superintendent and Treasurer. MOUNT VERNON 8 FUTURE. Doubtless the pilgrimage to Mount Vernon is yet in its incipient state. As the old homestead recovers from its long neglect; as intended restorations and suggested repairs are yearly made ; as the contribu- tions of interesting relics increase — so will the spot, more than any other sacred with the memories of Washington, become dearer to the people of this country. " There dwelt the man, the flower of human kind, Whose visage mild bespeaks his nobler mind ; There dwelt the soldier, who his sword ne'er drew But in a righteous cause — to freedom tri;e. There dwelt the hero, who, devoid of art, Gave sagest counsels from an upright heart. 61 And O, Columbia I by thy sous caressed, There dwells the Father of the realm he bless'd, Who no wish felt to make his mighty praise, Like other chiefs, the means himself to raise ; But there retiring, breathed the pure renown, And felt a grandeur that disdained a crowns During the Centeimial year, 1876, 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 Washington is that of I'everential admiration for the chieftain's life and character, yet this class of visitors are occasionally shocked by the out-spoken, would-be witty utterances of the thoughtless and the coarse, even upon a spot that should, at least, command respectful observance. Some persons, in their eagerness for relics, have knocked off the stucco ornaments of the walls, broken the frames of the old mirrors, and injured rare shrub- bery which has been imported and presented to the Association at a large expense. A fine of five dollars is now rigidly enforced upon any person found defac- ing the building. 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 care of what is a national heritage, and look upon whoever wears a Mount Vernon badge as commissioned to guard this possession. The Council, at their meeting in 1878, authorized 62 the adoption of a uniform for the employes, con- sisting of a navy-blue blouse, with brass buttons, leather belt and buckle, and a black hat with the name Mount Yernon in gilt letters on a blue ribbon band, 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 iijusic, mute the mirth, Men and maidens standing reverent as on some broad altar's hearth. iS ***** * " Silently before Mount Vernon, silently our boat glides on, Hushed its iron heart's deep panting past the Tomb of "Wash- ington ; Truest, worthiest act of worship that degenerate earth now knows, Inmost soul here recognizing all the mighty debt she owes. " Oh, my country, art thou paling — losing all thy young days glow? 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 Wash- ington ; "Feel the impress of his greatness stamped upon the Nation's heart. See each manly brow uncovered, lovely lips in awe apart; 63 Fear not while this reverence lingers with its clear, warm, hallowing light ; This must fade from brow and bosom ere can come our coun- try's night." [Mrs. J\. Gary Long, Literary ll''or/(i. Fed. 17, 1S49. This expression of respect was first given by the com- mander of an English fleet — Commodore Gordon — who, when passing Mount Vernon on the 24:th of August, 1814, ordered that the bell of his flag-ship, Sea-Horse, should be tolled. Human greatness never received a higher recognition than this act of reverence. Our own countrymen are less demonstrative than foreign- ers, who are never seen with covered heads before the Tomb of Washington. THANKS. To "The Southern Matron," and "The Northern Orator," first belong thanks unceasing for the purchase and care of the home and tomb of Washington. To the Kegents and Vice-Regents for their unflagging en- ergy and devotion is due a second and increasing debt of grateful approval. View of Fort Washington from the Piazza at Mount Vernon. 65 KELICS. General "Wasliiugton's Silver-Hilted Dress Sword, with the name of John Clark on the hand-guard, and a silver -mounted Eussian-leather scabbard. Three Autograph Letters of General Washington ; one written to Governor Trumbull, of Conn., 1702, in which the approaching marriage of Nellie Custis is annoncced. Masonic Apron worn by Lafayette, donated by Dr. Lloyd Dorsey, Md, Cabinet Plaster Medallion of Washington, presented by Mrs. Ella Barrett, Washington. Pin-Cushion, made of pieces of Mrs. Washington's wedding dress. Box, containing one of the handles and a brass hinge with tacks, to which is attached a portion of the outer covering of the exterior coffin of General Washington. Upon the removal of the remains to the new vault, by Colonel George C. Washington and John S. Washington, Esq., these relics dropped, and were picked up by Colonel Washington and given to his son Lewis W. Washington, 1854. PiN-CusHioN, made from the dress worn by Mrs. Washington at her last official levee. English Flags, presented by General U. S. Grant. Eeench Scrip, 1792, worth half franc. Stalk from original Sago Palm, Mount Vernon Green-house. One of the Vernon Medals, struck in commemoration of the ■capture of Porto Bello, which was found June 5th, 1876, in the garden. Presented to the Ladies' Association by Elias S. Eeed, of Dover, Delaware. An Engraved Portrait of Admiral Vernon, presented through the late Hon. Wm. Thomson, U. S. Consul at Southampton. The portrait is after a painting by T. Bardwell, and bears the following inscription : "The Honorable Edward Vernon, Esq., Vice-Admiral of the ^' Blue. Commander-in-Chief of aU his Majesty's ships in the " West Indies." ' ' To the Eight Honorable Lord Mayor, the Court of Aldermen, ^' and ye Common Council cf ye City of London, this plate is ■' ' humbly dedicated by their most obedient servant, John Taber.'* 66 Needle Book used by General Washington at Valley Forge. Given by Mrs. Washington to Mrs. Commodore Barry, who gave it to Deborah Adams ; she presented it to Mrs. George Hill, of Philadelphia, who donated it to Mount Vernon through Mrs. Comegys, Vice-Regent of Delaware, 1877. Cane Head made of wood from the elm tree under which the treaty with the Indians was signed by Wm. Penn. Presented by Wm. L. Shoemaker, of Georgetown, D. C. Compass used by Washington. Presented by his great-nephew Judge C. W. Bell, of Virginia. Suit op Black Velvet, worn by Washington when he deliv- ered his Farewell Address, and was in mourning for his mother. Deposited in this case by Mrs. Charles T. Michel, grand-niece of General Washington. Suit of Beown Cloth, General Washington's. Bust of Washington, in plaster. Two PAiKS of Long Stockings belonging to Washington. Washington's Compass and Tkipod, used in his youth when surveying. Six Water-Buckets, with name " George Wafhington," printed on them in large letters. Stibeup from Mrs. Washington's saddle. Several yards of deep fringe netted by the wife of President Madison. Pen and Dagger in Leather Case. The pen was used in signing the contract of the purchase of Mount Vernon by the Ladies of the Association. Both presented to the first Regent by her physician. Dr. Hugh L. Hoge, of Philadelphia. Original Draft of the Constitution of the " Ladies' Mount Vernon Association." Addressed "To the Hon. Edward Everett, Boston, Mass." Etc., etc., etc. The Laege Globe by the case was used by Washington. Upon inquiry, numbers of " The Mount Vernon Record " may be obtained, which should be read throughout the country, that the people may duly comprehend the efforts of the earnest women who have secured Mount Vernon, and who preserve it forever sacred to the memory of Washington. 67 OF'FIOERS OF THE MOUNT VERNON LADIES' ASSOCIATION. REGENT. Mrs. Lily L. Macalester Laughton, WasbingtoD, D. C, ,nd " Torrisdale," Pbila., Pa. VICE-REGENTS. Alabama : Ai'kansas : California : Connecticut : Mrs. Susan E. J. Hudson. Delaware : Miss Harriet Clayton Comegys. District of Columbia : Mrs. Mary T. Barnes. Florida : Mrs. Fanny G. Baker. Georgia : Mrs. Pbiloclea Edgewortb Eve. Illinois : Mrs. Mary Leiter. Indiana : Iowa: Kansas : Mi's. J. M. Ward. Kentucky : Mrs. E. H. Woodward. Louisiana : Mrs. Ida Slocombe Eicbardson. Maine : Mrs. Margaret J. M. Sweat. Maryland : Miss Emily Harper. Massachusetts : Miss Alice Longfellow. Micbigan: Mrs. Elizabeth Katbbone. Mississippi : Missouri ; New Jersey : Mrs. Nancy W. Halsted. New York : Mrs. Justine Van Rensselaer Town send. North Carolina : Mrs. Letitia Morehead Walker. 68 Ohio : Mrs. Elizabeth Lytle Broadwell. Ehode Island : Mrs. Abby Wheaton Chace. South Carolina; Mrs. Lucy Holcomb Pickens Tennessee : Texas : Vermont : Mrs. Cornelius Lowe King. Virginia : Mrs. Emma Kead Ball. West Virginia : Mrs. Ella Bassett Washington. Wisconsin : Mrs. Martha Mitchell. RESIDENT SECRETARY AND SUPERINTENDENT. Mr. Harrison H. Dodge. TREASURER. Mr. E. Francis Biggs, Washington, D. C. ADVISORY BOARD. District of Columbia : Mr. Justice Field, James C. Welling LL. D. Delaware : Judge Joseph P. Comegys. Georgia: Col. C. C. Jones. New Jersey : Dr. Thomas M. McCarter. Virginia : Hon. John S. Barbour. Post Office Established at Mt. Vernon in 1878. WASHINGTON'S LIBRARY. The vacaut shelves seem to suggest Mount Vernon as the proper place for the Washington library ; or that, so far as pos. sible, copies of the old volumes shall be collected and deposited here. The following is a list of the books in the Mount Vernon Li- brary, taken from the inventory of "Washington's personal prop- erty, made after Ms death by the appraisers api^ointed by order of Court. Certain of the titles, being manifestly inaccurate, have been corrected, and the amounts at which they were ap- praised have been omitted. Of the 863 volumes named, (pam- phlets, magazines, and maps not included,) 444 and several hun- dred pamphlets were purchased in 1848 for f 5,000 for the Boston Athenaeum, that amount having been collected by subscription at the instance of Jared Sparks and Andrews Norton. They form a distinct division of the Library of that Institution. Miller's Tracts, i vol., 8vo. Rowley's Works, 4 vols. Robertson's Charles V., 4 vols. American Encyclopaedia, 18 vols., 410. Skombrand's Dictionary, i vol. Memoir of a Map Hindostan, i vol., 4to. Young's Travels, i vol. Johnson's Dictionary, 2 vols. Guthrie's Geography, 2 vols. Principles of Taxation, i vol. Luzac's Oration, i vol. Mawe's Gardener, i vol. Jeffries's Aerial Voyage, i vol. Beacon Hill, i vol. Memoirs of the American Academy, (one of which is a Pamphlet,) 2 vols. Duhamel's Husbandry, i vol. Langley on Gardening, i vol. Price's Carpenter, i vol. Count de Grasse, i vol. Miller's Gardener's Dictionary, i vol. Gibson's Diseases of Horses, i vol. Rumford's Essays. Gordon's History of America, 4 vols. Gibbon's Roman Empire, 6 vols. Stanyan's Grecian History, 2 vols. Adam's Rome, 2 vols. Anderson's Institute, i vol. Robertson's America, 2 vols. Ossian's Poems, i vol. Humphreys's Works, i vol. King of Prussia's Works, 13 vols. Gillies's Frederick, i vol. Goldsmith's Natural History, 8 vols Locke on Understanding, 2 vols. Shipley's Works, 2 vols. Buffon's Natural History, abridged, 2 vols. Ramsay's History, 2 vols. The Bee, (13th vol. missing,) 18 vols Sully's Memoirs, 6 vols. Fletcher's Appeal, i vol. 70 History of Spain, 2 vols.,.8vo. Jortin's Sermons, 2 vols. Chapman on Education, 1 vol. Smith's Wealth of Nations, 3 vols. History of Louisiana, 2 vols. Warren's Poems, i vol. Junius's Letters, i vol. City Addresses, i vol. Conquest of Canaan, i vol. Shakspeare's Works, i vol. Antidote to Deism, 2 vols. Memoirs of 2500, i vol. Forest's Voyage, i vol., 4to. Don Quixote, 4 vols. Ferguson's Roman History, 3 vols. Watson's History of Philip IL, i vol. Barclay's Apology, i vol. Uniform of the Forces of Great Britain in 1742, I vol.* Otway's Art of War, i vol. Political States of Europe, 8 vols. , Bvo. Winchester's Lectures, 4 vols. Principles of Hj'draulics, 2 vols. Leigh on Opium, i vol., 8vo. Heath's Memoirs, i vol. American Museum, 10 vols. Vertot's Rome, 2 vols. Harte's Gustavus, <2 vols. Moore's Navigation, i vol. Graham on Education, i vol. History of the Mission among the Indians in North America, i vol. French Constitution, i vol. Winthrop's Journal, i vol. American Magazine, i vol., Bvo. Watts's Views, i vol., 4to. History of Marshal Turenne, 2 vols., Bvo. * This work, executed by John Pine, was presented to Washington by the engraver's son, Robt. Edge Pine. It is now in the New York State Library at Albany. Ramsay's Revolution of South Caro- lina, 2 vols. History of Quadrupeds, i vol. Carver's Travels, i vol. Moore's Italy, 2 vols. Moore's France, 2 vols. Chastellux's Travels, i vol. Chastellux's Voyages, i vol. Volney's Travels, 2 vols. Volney's Ruins, i vol. Warville's Voyage, in French, 3 vols. Warville on the Relation of France to the U. States. Miscellanies, i vol., 4to. Fulton on Small Canals and Iron Bridges, i vol. Liberty, a Poem, i vol. Hazard's Collection of State Papers, 2 vols. Young's Travels, 2 vols. West's Discourse, i vol. A Statement of the Representation of England and Wales, i vol. Miscellanies, 2 vols. Political Pieces, i vol. Treaties, i vol. Annual Register for 1781, i vol., Bvo. Masonic Constitution, i vol., 4to. Smith's Constitutions, i vol. Preston's Poems, 2 vols. History of the United States, 1796, I vol., Bvo. Parliamentary Debates, 12 vols. Mair's Book-keeping, i vol. Proceedings of the East India Com- pany, I vol., folio. Ladies' Magazine, 2 vols., Bvo. Parliamentary Register, 7 vols. Pryor's [Prior] Documents, 2 vols. Remembrancer, 6 vols. European Magazine, 2 vols. Columbian Magazine, 5 vols. American Magazine, i vol. 71 New York Magazine, i vol. Christian's Magazine, i vol. Walker on Magnetism, i vol. Monroe's View of the Executive, I vol. Massachusetts Magazine, 2 vols. A Five Minutes' Answer to Paine's Letter to General Washington, I vol. Political Tracts, 2 vols. Proceedings on Parliamentary Re- form, I vol. Poems on Various Subjects, i vol. Plays, &c., I vol. Annual Register, 3 vols. Botanico-Medical Dissertation, i vol. Oracle of Liberty, i vol. Cadmus, 1 vol. Doctrine of Projectiles, i vol. Patricius the Utilist, i vol., 8vo. Ahiman Rezon, i vol. Sharp on the Prophecies, i vol. Minto on Planets, i vol. Sharp on the English Tongue, i*vol. Sharp on Limitation of Slavery, i vol. Sharp on the People's Rights, i vol. Sharp's Remarks, i vol. National Defence, i vol. Sharp's Free Militia, i vol. Sharp on Congressional Courts, i vol. Ahiman Rezon, i vol. Vision of Columbus, i vol. Wilson's Lectures, i vol. The Contrast, a Comedy, i vol. Sharp, An Appendix on Slavery, i vol. Muir's Trial, i vol. End of Time, i vol. Erskine's View of the War, i vol. Political Magazine, 3 vols. The Law of Nature, i vol., i2mo. Washington's Legacy, i vol. Political Tracts, i vol., 8vo. America, i vol. Proofs of a Conspiracy, i vol. Mackintosh's Defence, i vol. Mirabeau, i vol. Virginia Journal, i vol., 4to. Miscellanies, i vol., 8vo. Poems, &c., I vol., 4to. Morse's Geography, i vol., Svo. Messages, i vol. History of Ireland, 2 vols. Harte's Works, i vol. Political Pamphlets, i vol. Burns's Poems, i vol. Political Tracts, i vol. Miscellanies, i vol. Higgins on Cements, i vol. Repository, 2 vols. Reign of George IIL. i vol. Political Tracts, i vol. Tar Water, i vol. Minot's History, i vol. Mease on the Bite of a Mad Dog, i vol. Political Tracts, i vol. Reports, i vol. Revolution of France, i vol. Essaj' on Property, i vol. Sir Henry Clinton's Narrative, i vol. Lord North's Administration, i vol. Lloyd's Rhapsody, i vol. Tracts, i vol. Inland Navigation, i vol. Chesterfield's Letters, i vol. Smith's Constitutions, i vol., 410. Morse's Geography, 2 vols., Svo. Belknap's American Biography, 2 vols. Belknap's History of New Hamp- shire, I vol. Belknap's History of New Hamp- shire, 3 vols. Minot's History of Massachusetts, I vol. 72 Jenkinson's Collection of Treaties, 3 vols. District of Maine, i vol., 8vo. Gulliver's Travels, 2 vols. Tracts on Slavery, i vol. Priestley's Evidences, i vol. Life of Buncle, 2 vols. Webster's Essays, i vol. Bartram's Travels, i vol. Bossu's Travels, 2 vols. Situation of America, i vol. Jefferson's Notc;s, i vol. Coxa's View, i vol. Ossian's Poems, i vol. Adams on Globes, i vol. Pike's Arithmetic, i vol. Barnaby's Sermons and Travels, I vol. Champion on Commerce, i vol. Brown's Bible, i vol. fol. Bishop Wilson's Bible, 3 vols. Bishop Wilson's Works, i vol. Laws of New York, 2 vols. Laws of Virginia, 2 vols. Middleton's Architecture, i vol. Miller's Naval Architecture, i vol. The Senator's Remembrancer, i vol. The Origin of the Tribes or Nations in America, i vol. 8vo. Barton. A Treatise on the Principles of Com- merce between Nations, i vol. Annual Register, i vol. General Washington's Letters, 2 vols. Insurrection, i vol. American Remembrancer, 3 vols. Epistles for the Ladies, i vol. Discourses upon Common Prayer, I vol. The Trial of the Seven Bishops, I vol. 8vo. Lebroune's Surveyor, I'vol. folio. Sharp's Sermons, i vol. 8vo. Muir's Discourses, i vol. Emblems Divine and Moral, i voi Yorick's Sermons, 2 vols. D'lvernois on Agriculture, Colonies and Commerce, i vol. Pocket Dictionary, i vol. Prayer Book, i vol. Royal English Grammar, i vol. Principles of Trade Compared, i vot- Dr. Morse's Sermon, i vol. Duche's Sermon, 1775, i vol. Sermons, i vol. Embassy to China, i vol. Warren's Poems, i vol. Sermons, i vol. Humphrey Clinker, i vol. Poems, I vol. Swift's Works, i vol. History ofa Foundling, (3d vol. want- ing,) 3 vols. Adventures of Talemachus, 2 vols. Nature Displayed, i vol. Solymon and Almenia, i vol. Plays, I vol. The High German Doctor, i vol. Benezet's Discourse, i vol. Life and Death of the Earl of Roch- ester, I vol. Journal of the Senate and House of Representatives, 9 vols. fol. Laws of the United States, 7 vols. Revised Laws of Virginia, i vol. Acts of Virginia Assembly, 5 vols. Cruttwell's Concordance, i vol. Dallas's Reports, i vol. 8vo. Swift's System, 2 vols. Journals of the Senate and House of Representatives, 3 vols. State Papers, i vol. Burns' Justice, 4 vols. Marten's Law of Nations, i vol. Views of the British Customs, i vol. 73 Debates of Congress, 3 vols. Journals of Congress, 13 vols.* Laws of the United States, 3 vols. Kirby's Reports, i vol. Virginia Justice, i vol. Virginia Laws, i vol. Dogge on Criminal Law, 3 vols. Laws of the United States, 2 vols. Debates of the State of Massachusetts on the Constitution, i vol. Sharp on the Law of Nature, i vol. Sharp on the Law of Retribution, I vol. Sharp on Libels and Juries, i vol. Acts of Congress, i vol. Debates of the Convention of Vir- ginia, I vol. The Landlord's Law, i vol., i2mo. Attorney's Pocket-book, 2 vols., 8vo. President's Messages, i vol. Jay's Treaty, i vol. Debates of the Convention of Massa- chusetts, I vol. Law against Bankrupts, i vol. Debates in the Convention of Penn- sylvania, I vol. Debates in the Convention of Vir- ginia, I vol. Debates in the House of Representa- tives of the United States with re- spect to their power on Treaties, I vol. Sundry Pamphlets containing Mes- sages from the President to Con- gress, &c. Orations, i vol., 4to. Gospel News, i vol., 8vo. Mosaical Creation, i vol., 8vo. ■Original and Present State of Man, I vol. * In the Library of the Department of State, Washington. Sermons, 2 vols. Political Sermons, 3 vols. Miscellanies, i vol. Ray on the Wisdom of God in Crea- tion, I vol. Orations, i vol. Medical Tracts, 2 vols. Masonic Sermons, i vol. Miscellanies, i vol. Backus's History, i vol. Sick Man Visited, i vol. State of Man, i vol Churchill's Sermon, i vol. Account of the Protestant Church, I vol. Exposition of the Thirty-Nine Ar- ticles, I vol. Dodington's Diary, i vol. Daveies' Cavalry', i vol. Simms's Military Course, i vol. Gentleman's Magazine, 3 vols. Library Catalogue, i vol. Transactions of the Royal Humane Society, i vol. Zimmermann's Survey, i vol. History of Barbary, i vol. Anson's Voyage round the World, I vol. Horseman and P'arrier, i vol. Gordon's Geography, i vol. Kentuckj', i vol. History of Virginia, i vol. American Revolution, i vol. Cincinnati, i vol. Political Tracts, i vol. Remarks on the Encroachment of the River Thames, i vol. Sharp on Crown Law, i vol., 8vo. Common Sense, &c., i vol. Hardy's Tables, i vol. Beauties of Sterne, i vol. Peregrine Pickle, 3 vols. 74 McFingal, i vol. Memoirs of the Noted Buckhorse, 2 vols. Jdyssey, (Pope's translation of Ho- mer,) 5 vols. Miscellanies, 3 vols. Fitzosborne's Letters, i vol. Voltaire's Letters, i vol. Guardian, 2 vols. Beauties of Swift, i vol. The Gleaner, 3 vols. Lee's Memoirs, i vol. The Universalist, i vol. Chesterfield's Letters, 4 vols. Louis XV., 4 vols. Bentham's Panoption, 3 vols. Reason, &.C., 1 vol. Tour through Great Britain, 4 vols. Female Fortune-Hunter, 3 vols. The Supposed Daughter, 3 vols. Gil Bias, 4 vols. Columbian Grammar, i vol. Frazier's Assistant, i vol. Review of Cromwell's Life, i vol. Seneca's Mor Is, i vol. Travels of Cyrus, i voi. Miscellanies, i vol Charles XIL, i vol. Emma Corbet, (the 2d vol. wanting,) 2 vols. Pope's Works, 6 vols., i2mo. Foresters, i vol. Adams's Defence, i vol., 8vo. Butler's Hudibras, i vol. Spectator, 6 vols. New Crusoe, i vol. Philadelphia Gazette, i vol., fol. Pennsylvania Packet, 2 vols. Gazette of the United States, 10 vols. Atlas to Guthrie's Geography, i vol. Moll' Atlas, I vol. West India Atlas, i vol. General Geographer, i vol. Atlas of North America, i vol. Manoeuvres, 1 vol., 8vo. Military Instructions, i vol. Count Saxe's Plan for New-modelling the French Army, i vol. Military Discipline, i vol., 4to. Prussian Evolutions, i vol. Code of Military Standing Resolu- tions, 2 vols. Field Engineer, i vol., 8vo. Army List, i vol. Prussian Evolutions, i vol., 4to. Leblond's Engineer, 2 vols., 8vo. MuUer on Fortification, i vol. Essays on Field Artillery, by Ander- son, I vol. A System of Camp Discipline, i vol. Essay on the Art of War, i vol. Treatise of Military Discipline, i vol. List of Military Officers, British and Irish, in 1777, i vol. Vallancey on Fortification, i vol. Muller on Artillery, i vol. Muller on Fortification, i vol. Militia, i vol., 8vo. American Atlas, i vol., fol. Steuben's Regulations, i vol., 8vo. Traite de I avalerie, i vol,, fol. Truxton on Latitude and Longitude, I vol. Ordinances of the King, i vol. Magnetic Atlas, i vol. Roads through England, i vol., 8vo. Carey's War Atlas, i vol., fol. Caller's Survey of Roads, i vol., 8vo. Military Institutions for Officers, I vol. Norfolk Exercise, i vol. Advice of Officers of the British Army, i vol. 75 Webb's Treatise on the Appoint- ments of the Army, i vol. Acts of the Parliament respecting Militia, i vol. The Partisan, i vol. Anderson on Artillery, (in French,) 1 vol. List of Officers under Sir William Howe in America, i vol. The Military Guide, i vol. The Duties of Soldiers in General, 3 vols. Young's Tour, 2 vols. Young on Agriculture, (17 vols., full bound, 8 half bound, and i pam- phlet,) 26 vols. Anderson on Agriculture, (1 vol., full bound, the others in boards,) 4 vols. Lisle's Observations on Husbandry, 2 vols. Museum Rusticum, 6 vols. Marshall's Rural Ornament, 2 vols. Barlow's Husbandry, 2 vols. Kennedy on Gardening, 2 vols. Hale on Husbandry, 4 vols. Sentimental Magazine, 5 vols. Price on the Picturesque, 2 vols. Agriculture, 2 vols. Miller's Gardener's Calendar, i vol. Rural Economy, i vol., 8vo. Agricultural Inquiries, i vol. Maxwell's Practical Husbandry, i v. Boswell on Meadows, i vol. Gentleman Farmer, i vol. Practical Farmer, i vol. Millwright and Miller's Guide, i vol. Bordley on Husbandry, i vol. Sketches and Inquiries, i vol. Farmer's Complete Guide, i vol. The Solitary, or Carthusian Gar- dener, I vol. Homer's Illiad by Pope, (first two vols, wanting,) 4 vols. Don Quixote, 4 vols. Federalist, 2 vols. The World Displayed, (13th vol. wanting,) ig vols., i2mo. Search's Essays, 2 vols., Svo. Freneau's Poems, i vol. Cattle Doctor, t vol. Stephens's Directory, 1 vol. New System of Agriculture, 1 vol. Columbus's Discovery, i vol. Moore's Travels, 5 vols. Agricultural Society of New York, I vol., 4to. Transactions of the Agricultural So- ciety of New York, i vol. Annals of Agriculture, i vol. Dundonald's Connection between Ag riculture and Chemistry, i vol. • Labors in Husbandry, i vol. Account of Different Kind of Sheep. I vol., Svo. The Hothouse Gardener, i vol. Historical Memoirs of Frederick II., 3 vols. Treatise of Peat Moss, i vol. Treatise on Bogs and Swampy Grounds, i vol. Complete Farmer, i vol., fol. Pamphlets — Reports of the National Agricultural Society of Great Britain, 100 Nos., 4to. Massachusetts Magazine, 41 vols. Svo. New York Magazine, 38 vols. London Magazine, 18 vols. Political Magazine, 8 vols. Universal Asylum, 9 vols. Universal Magazine, 11 vols. Country Magazine, 15 vols. 76 Monthly and Critical Reviews, ii vols. Gentleman's Magazine, 8 vols. Congressional Register, 9 vols. Miscellaneous Magazine, 27 vols. Tom Paine's Rights of Man, 43 vols. Miscellaneous Magazine, 27 vols. Books — Hazard's Collection of State Papers, 2 vols., 4to. Morse's American Gazetter, i vol., 8vo. , Annals of Agriculture, (20 and 21,) 2 vols. On the American Revolution, i vol. 15 Pamphlets, Annals of Agricul- ture. Judge Peters on Plaster of Paris, I vol. Belknap's Biography, i vol. American Remembrancer, i vol. Federalist, 2 vols. A Pamphlet, The Debate of Parlia- ment on the Articles of Peace, I vol. History of the American War in 17 pamphlets. Miscellaneous Pamphlets, 26 Nos. Washington, a Poem. Alfieri,Bruto Primo, Italian Tragedy. Fragment of Politics and Literature, by Mandrillon, (in French,) i vol., Bvo. Revolution of France and Geneva, (in French,) 2 vols. History of the Administration of the Finances of the French Repub- lic, I vol. History of the French Administra- tion, I vol. The Social Compact, (in French,) I vol. Chastellux's Travels in North Amer- ica, (in French,) 2 vols., 8vo. I Pamphlet, Of the French Revolu- tion at Geneva. America Delivered, a Poem, (in French,) 2 vols. Sinclair's Statistics, (in French,) 1 vol. The Works of Monsieur Chamousset, (in French,) 2 vols. Letters of American Farmer, (in French,) 3 vols. Germanicus, (in French,) i vol. Triumph of the New World, (in French,) 2 vols. United States of America, (in Ger- man,) I vol. Chastellux, Discourse on the Ad- vantage of the Discovery of America, i vol. A German Book, i vol. The French Mercury, (in French,) 4 vols. Essay on Weights, Measures, &c., 2 vols. History of England, 2 vols. Political Journal, (in German,) i vol. Letters in French and English, i vol. History of the Holy Scriptures, I vol. History of Gil Bias, 2 vols. Telemachus, 2 vols. Poems of M. Grecourt, 2 vols. Court Register, 6 vols., i2mo. 6 Pamphlets, Political Journal, (in German.) De-cription of a Monument, i vol. Beacon Hill, i vol. Letters in the English and German Language.*, i vol. A Family Housekeeper, i vol. Pamphlets of diifereiit descriptions. 77 Maps, Charts, &c. Chart of Navigation from the Gulf of Honda to Philadelphia, by Hamilton Moore. Chart of Navigation from the Gulf of Honda to Bay of Fundj', do. Griffith's Map of Pennsylvania and Sketch of Delaware. Howell's large Map of Pennsylvania. Henry's Map of Virginia. Bradley's Map of the United States. I Holland's Map of New Hampshire. Ellicott's Map of the West End of Lake Ontario. Hutchin's Map of the Western Part of Virginia, Maryland, Penn- sylvania, and North Carolina. Adlum and William's Map of Penn- sylvania. Map of Kennebec River, &c. Andrew's Military Map of the Seat of War in the Netherlands. Howell's small Map of Pennsylvania. Great Canal betw'n Forth and Clyde. Plan of the Line between North Carolina and Virginia. M' Murray's Map of United States. Military Plans of the American Rev- olution. Evans's Map of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, N. York, and Delaware. Plan of the Mississippi from the River Iberville to the River Yazoo. Map of India. Chart of France. Map of the World. Map of the State of Connecticut. Spanish Maps. Table of Commerce and Population of France. Battle of the Nile, &c. Routes and Order of Battle of Gen- erals St. Clair and Harmer. Truxtun on the Rigging of a Frigate. View of the Encampment of West Point. Emblematic Prints. Plan of the Government House of New York. Chase and Action between the Con- stellation and Insurgent, (2 prints.) General Wilkinson's Map of f'art of the Western Territory. Plan of Mount Vernon, by John Vaughan. Specimen of Penmanship. 5 Plans of the Federal City and Dis- trict. I large draught. Plan of the City of New York Pan- opticon. Hoop's Map of the State of New York. Howell's Pocket Map of the State of Pennsylvania. A French Map of the Carolinas. Fry and Jefferson's Map of Virginia. Howell's small Map of Pennsylva- nia. A Map of New England. 9 Maps of different Parts of Virginia and Carolina, and also a number of loose Maps. Carlton's Map (2 sets) of the Coasts of North America. Treatise on Cavalry, with large cuts. Walker's View in Scotland. A large Portfolio, with sundry En- gravings. Alexander's Victories, 26 Prints. Dictionary of Arts and Sciences, 4 vols., 8vo. Smollet's History of England, x vol. Handmaid to the Arts, i vol. Bancroft on Permanent Colors, 1 vol. THE STEAMER Which has been recently built and furnished, Is the only Boat allowed to land Passengers at Mount Vernon Wharf. Including admission to Mansion and Grounds. STEAMEK leaves Seventh-Street Wharf DAILY (Sundays ex- cepted) at 10 A. M. and returns at 3.45 p. m. HARRISON H. DODGE, Sup't Ladies' Mount Vernon Association. L. L. BLAKE, Captain W. IV. Corcoran t. |lerii0ii gree5ilj0H0e5, PLANTS, BULBS, I :CUT FLOWERS Sold for the Benefit of the Association. Those desiring plants as souvenirs of tlieir visit to the home of Washington can purchase them at the greenhouse, and thus not only possess beautiful mementoes, but the satisfaction of knowing that they have contributed towards the restoration and maintenance of the historic place. Special attention is directed to Plants of Boxwood one hun- dred and forty years old ; Hydranjec Quercifolia, (Oakleaf Hydranjea,) brought by Lafayette in 1824 ; Willows from the grave of Napoleon Bonaparte, St. Helena ; and the Mary Wash- ington Eose. When desired, purchases may be safely forwarded by mail or express to any portion of the country. Apply to FEANKLIN A. WHELAN, Mount Vernon, FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA. WxtbiB oi ^axxni Wtxnan. For Sale on the Boat, W. "W. Corcoran, and at the Mansion-House, LUKE C. DILLON, AUTHORIZED Photographer of the Ladies' Union Mount Vernon Association OFFICE AT PUI.I.MAN'S GAI.I.ERY, No. 935 Penu. Ave., Tl^asliiiig-ton City, D. C. 1. The Tomb of Washington. 2. Mansion, East Front. 3. Mansion, West Front. 4. The Porch and View to Eiver. 5. The Family Kitchen. 6. Fire-place in Family Kitchen. 7. The Old Tomb of Washington. 8. The Butler's House and Magnolia Tree 9. The Gardener's House. 10. The Old Brick Barn. 11. The South Gate to Flower-garden. 12. View in Flower-garden, showing Lemon Tree with ripe fruit 13. The Conservatory, (cabinet size.) 14. The Old Washington Oak Tree. 15. The Boat-House and Roadway to the Tomb. 16. View from Tomb to Boat-House. 17. View from Old Brick Barn to North Arched Gate. 18. View of Potomac River from East Porch. 19. View from Cupola of Mansion to Porter's Lodge. 20. View of Porter's Lodge at the west gate. -21. The Mount Vernon Boat, " W. W. Corcoran. INTERIOR VIEWS OF MOUNT VERNON. 22. Washington's Bed and Room where he died. 23. Fire-place and Secretary in Washington's bed-room. 24. Mrs. Washington's bed-chamber. 25. Room occupied by Nellie Custis. 26. Room occupied by Gen. Lafayette when at Mt. Vernon. 27. A room used as a guest chamber in Washington's time. 28. State Dining-Room. 29. Marble Mantel in State Dining-Room. 50. East Parlor. 31. West Parlor. 32. Hall and Stairs. 33. The Family Dining-Room. 34. Mrs. Washington's Sitting-Room. 55. Wash-Bowl and Pitcher used by Martha Washington. CIh . n- Cm CM ' en ?Xj o ^ 03 ch o t— > c-K o Libr pyri !?>' Hi :§2^ CfQ p i^ (r> 03 03 S- ^ O ►-■. H -1 3 o 3 OOOX - COrHKaq o 3 J-* crq 3 O 3 ^^s. 5* ? S g- VO w j_^ on 1—* o 1 ^ 00 3 P o ^ J o" ^ O ^ M Oo GO ^o 00 La 00 ^J • M by Elizabeth C., Gibson CD O CAj H-i ^w y^^k o • o s 1 LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 011 839 105 6