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Down The Potomac

Down The Potomac image
Parent Issue
Day
15
Month
July
Year
1898
Copyright
Public Domain
OCR Text

WashiDgton, D. C, Jnly 5, 1898. Editor of tbe Argus: PresutuiDg that it wonld be of interest to the readers of tbe Argos, I give yon herewith an aoooont of niy trip down tbe grand old Potoinao on tbe steamer wbich plies between this city and Mt. Vernon on the right,and historio Marshall Hall almost direotly opposite on tbe lefl bank of the river. Everyone knows that the former is the old home of General George Washington, and where all that remaius of onr first president lies in state in an iron oasket inoasud in pnrest marble, just at the brow of tbe bi 11 overlooking the water and sheltered 'neatb wide spreading trees, witb a winding patb leading down to the river side, where the state of California oansed to be ereoted a beautifnl arbor for the benefit of all wbo desire to visit the plaoe by water. The estáte, now oomprising abont 800 aores, is in tbe hands of a society of ladies who charge 25 oents admissiou to tbe gronnds for the pnrpose of ke,ping the plaoe in repair. The homestead formerly compriged some 5,000 or more aores. The mansion and ont-buildings are in splendid preservation and tbe groands are well kept. An aged oolored man, onoe the slave of John Washington, stands ganard at tbe tomb dnring tbe honrs when visitors are allowd inside the ncilosure. In a voice quivering witb. age he tells how he himseif helped to lay the last body in that tomb 43 yeats ago me Doay oí wasnington lies jnst inside of the donble iron grating to the right, and bis wife at his side to the left, botb withiu two feet of tbe inner bars or doors, in tbe first apartment, while in tbe rear apartmeat lie 24 otber bodies of tbe Washington family. In the room wbere the conqaering bero died are to be seen his old deerskin trunk, obair, bed, vmting desk and piotnres jnst as be had tbem wben he died. Tuis is in tbe east wing on the second floor. His wife passed awav in her room on the third floor direotly above.where she was wont to spend her last days in looking ont over the water of the Potomao, whioh at this point is abont a mile wide. Visirors are allowed to pass all tbrough the house, it being so peouliarly oonstrnoted that every room oan be inspeoted without entering or passing throngh any ui its rooms. An inward onrved grating is at every door. One oan see every arrióle of furnitnre in the entire building from its ballways. Varióos of tbe states bave fitted np a room in more modern style thns making the contrast the more marked and the more interesting. Tbe servants' quarters oonsist of several briek bonses most delightf nlly arraaged immedately at the rear of the mansion, and back of these is a beautifnl circuit driveway winding abont among the trees around a plot of grcrand comprising abont five acres of level green lawn. Abont tbe house are majestic trees in romantic nrofusiou with int rtwiuina branches forming lofty arclies and shady nooks. As oue is on board of the stearuer in tbe midst of tbe present mine field, he can see the Capítol dome, Washington monument and the mansion on Mt. Vernon all at the same time. The distance between the capital city and tbe latter being abour 16 miles. It might be well to mention tbat Forts Washington, Sheridan and old Fort Foote lie between on both sides of tbe river. A guard in a row boat looks after tbe mines in bis vicinity, and anotber and another in tbeir vioinities all he way between Marshall Hall and ?ort Foote, and no boat is allowed to drop anohor tbere, nor oan any boat jass after a certain honr. One boat was one minute late and not heeding he warning of the gaard was fireri upon by the sentry at Fort Sheridan. Tbis is the first and only shot of the war fired on Amerioan soil. Tbe boat was detained several bonrs altbongb uaded down witb excursión people 'rom the oity on pleasnrejbent to Marball Hall where tbey bad been to pend the day. Tbere is not ruuob to ay abont Marshall Hall except tbat it s now almost overgrown witn ivy reen, tant.tbe grounds are well snstaind and aft'ord ampie sbade for pleasnre partiee. Old Alexandria, a dnll and sleepy ity now, is npon tbe right bank of the iver seven miles below this oity, opposite Fort Foote. Trustina tbis will be worth pernsing am, Sincerely yonrs,

Article

Subjects
Ann Arbor Argus
Old News