The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1844-11-15


Genc,ai George Washington.
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Through an iron gate is seen sarca-
phagus containing his ashes, inscribed
with the arms of his country, and with
eloquent simplicity, for an epiloph, the
name OF
WASHINGTON.
At his side in corresponding tomb re-
pose the remains Of Martha, his beloved
wife The structure containing these
precious relics, is comparatively new, it
having been built in place Of the old vault,
which has fallen in decay few wi,her-
ed cedars and pile of unsighIly stones,
now mark the spot where reposed The re-
mains of Washington until within few
years.
1t is surely not strange if the tomb Of
departed and virtuous greatness, raises in
the mind emotions Of Christening nature.
and in pausing at the grave Of Washing
ton, may not such feelings be uscfully
INDUCED Here no ordinary thoughts
can enter; no earthly longngs Of soT'
did mind find place; but parla&ing in the
sacred calm that
"Bids every fierce tumuItuous passion CEASE"
we may iubibc an essence of that heaven
born patriotism which so cndcnrs the spi-
rit we reverence. while rejecting on
the holy teachings Of his life, and know
ing how often they are forgotten and neg.
Iecled; that principles are replaced by in
tcrcst, or lost in the maze Of party strife
and rancor, it is difficult indeed to recon
Gle our actions with the dictates Of his
prcccpls and example.
The garden of Washington, 50 much
his pride and pleasure, is still to be seen,
and is yet very beautiful. We were shown
several fruit trees planted by the General,
which still preserve a hardy vigor. We
were accompanied by an old negro attach
ed to the premises. who offered to sell Us
any Of the plants we desired A fine
specimen Of The sago.palm was offered for
seven dollars! We were, however, con
tented with purchasing a few lemons from
a venerable tree, rs mOmentoes Of our Wis
it, and, need we add, were shocked to
learn how easy that garden might be strip
ped Of the last remnant of its beauty.
What rcproor, we thought, (os ourselves
and our country!
The present estate Of Mount Vernon
comprises about 1900 acres, compare.
timely small portion Of which is Under
cultivation, though the land is well adap.
ted for raising various kinds Of grain, and
We were shown in the Mansion shcaf
Of wheat of unusual size and excellence,
which had just been gathered from the
farm.
Allusion has been made To the key of
the Bastillc. 1t will probably surprise
some of our readers to learn that this in
lcresljug relic was once sold ior rs cents !
After the Gecease of Washington, his cf
fleets were exposed to the highest bidder,
and Of course became the possession Of
different persons. The key of the Bas-
lille was purchased by Col. Alexander
Rnd, Of Alexandria, who sal spQucntly
presented it to the family of Washington;
and it is owing to his kind appreciation
and generosity that the visitor is now
shown the gift Of Lafayette.
II will not be amlss to mention that
case containing the medals presented by
Congress to Washington, during his mil
riary and political career, were some
months since exposed for sale in the Me-
uopolis; the attention of Congress was
directed to the fact, bat it was thought
proper to neglect the chance of thus OBJ
tanning for the country their possessions;
after remaining Sometime longer with lit
tie prospect OLA sale, they were purchased
by Daniel Webster for five hundred dol
lars. The Museum at Alexandria con-
tajps several interesting mOmenioes Of
Washington, aud its only surprising that
our Government possesses the few relies
which accident and private liberahly have
given it.
The truth is unacceptable, but It's pain
fitness must not blind our senses To the
fact, of the thoughtlessness Of his coun.
trymen to Washington, in the unaccoun.
table neglect which has been manifested
towards his properly and his ashes. Let
US look to facts. The very tomb in