Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1832-06-06
ALEXANDRIA GAZETTE
Extract from Mrs. Trollope's Domestic Man

by land; but much wished to see the celebrat-
ed Chesapeake bay, and it was therefore decId-
ed that we should take our passage IN the steam
boat. Ii is indeed a beautiful little voyage, and
we'll worth the time it costs; but as to the beauty
of the bay, 1t must, think be felt only BY SAIL
ors, 1t is, doubt not, a fine shelter for ships.
from the storms of the Atlantic, but its very
vastness prevents its striking the eye as beauti.
full: it is, in fact, only fine sea view. But the
entrance from it into the Potomac River Is very
noble, and is one Of the points at which one feels
conscious of the gigantic proportions OF the coun-
try, without having recourse to graduated pen
cil-case.
The passage up this river to Washington is TO-
teres,ing. from the many objects that IT passes,
but beyond all else, of the view 1t affords OF
Mount Vernon. the seat OF General Washington
II was there that this truly great man passed the
Last wears of his vruous life, and it is there that
he lies buried: it was easy to distinguish, as we
nassed. the cypress that waves over his grave.
The latter part of the voyage shews some fine
river scenery; but did not discover this till some
months afterwards, for we now arrived late at
night.
Our first object the next morning was to get
sight of the capitol. and our impatience sent US
forth before breakfast. The mists of morning
still hung around this magnificent building when
first it broke upon our view, and am not sure
that the effect produced was not the greater tor
this circumstance. At all events, we were struck
with admiration and surprise. None OF us, be-
l,eve, expected to see 50 Imposing structure
ON that side of the Atlantic. lam i'll at describ
ing bull dirgs, but the beauty and majesty OF the
American Capitol might defy an ADLER pen than
mine to do it justice. 1t stands SO finely too,
high and alone.
The magnificent western facade is approached
from the city by terraces and steps OF holder pro-
horizons than | ever before saw. The elegant
eastern front, to which many persons give the
preference, IS Oh a level with newt planted
but exceedingly handsome Enclosure, which, IN a
few wears, will pffer the shade OF all the most
Splendid trees which flourish in the Union, to cool
the brows and refresh the spirits of the members
The view from the capitol commands the city and
many miles aound, and il is iself an OBJECT OF in
posing beauty to the whole country adjoining
We were again fortunate enough to find We
nv agreeable family to board with; and soon at
ter breakfast, left our comfortIess hotel near the
water, for very pleasant apartments IN street"
Twas delighted with the whole aspect OF Wash
ineton; light, cheerful and airy, it reminded me
Of our fashionable watering places. 1t has been
laughed at BY foreigners, and even by natives,
because the original plan OF the city was upon
an enormous scale, and but very small part OF
it has been vet executed But confess | see
nothing in the least degree ridiculous about 1t;
the original design, which vas as beautiful as 1t
was extensive, has been in no way departed from,
and all that has been done has been done well.-
From the base of the.hill on which the capitol
stands extends street of most magnificent width.
planted on each side with trees, and ornament
ed by many splendid shops.
This street, which is called Pennsylvania Ave-
nue., is above mile in length, and at the end Off
is the handsome mansion OF the PRECEDENT; convent
entity near TO his residence are the various public
officers, all handsome, simple. and commodlous;
ample areas are left round each, where grass and
shrubs refresh the eye. In another of the prln-
clpal streets is the general post.offce, and not
far from it very noble town-hall. Towards
the quarter Of the Presidents house are some
dwellings, which are chiefly occupied by the TO-
reign ministers The houses in the other parts
of the city are scattered, but without losing sight
Of the regularity of the original plan; and to
person who has been travelling much through
the country, and marked the immense quantity
of new manufactures, new canals, new rail-
roads. new towns, and new cities, which are
sprngng, as it were, from the earth IN every
It'll
gradually into life and spe ndor, is spectacle Of
hish historic interest.
Commerce had already produced large and
handsome cities 10 America before she had at
tanned to an individual political existence, and
w ashineton may be scorned as metropolis,
where such cities as Philadelphia and New York
exist; bu, considered it as the growing metro.
polls of the growing population OF the Union, aud
it already possesses features noble enough to sus-
tain its dignity as such.
The residence Of the foreign legations and
their families gives tone to the society OF this
city which distinguishes it greatly from all others.
1t is also for great part Of the year, the resi-
dence of the senators and representatives. who
must be presumed to be the elite of the entire
body Of citizens, both in respect to talent and
education. This cannot fail to make Washing
ton more agreeable abode than any other city in
the Union.
aThe streets that intersect the great avenues
<.stinr ehoIh hot ko Iatfo