The Middlebury galaxy. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1848-1850, 1848-04-25
Written for the Galaxy.
A TRIP FROM WASHINGTON TO
MOUNT VERNON.
By f. ". HISS

MOUNT VERNON.
BIZ E. N. Hss.
We had resolved to visit Mt Vernon, and
the Tomb of the Pater PdtTiae. The day Sc
lected for this excursion, was Saturday the 9TH
Of February, Saturday being day in which
neither branch of Congress held its setting,
and therefore day OF less than usual interest
| in Washington. Having satisfied the claims
Of our appetite, with an early breakfast, We
fastened to the foot of Maryland Avenue,
where we found steamer nearly in readiness
to convey us to Alexandria. The Potomac, at
the foot of this Avenue, is crossed to Alexan-
der's Island, and the Virginia shore, by free
bridge mile in length. Stepping ON board
the Phoenix, a commodious ferry boat, we were
soon speeding our way South, towards Alex
andria and the shores Of "Od Dominion" Our
course was along the eastern shore of the riy-
er, thus favoring the passengers with delight
full view of the Penitentiary, the Arsenal on
Greenleaf's Point, and the Navy Yard on the
Eastern Branch, together with the surround
ing grounds and their numerous, costly adorn-
ments We were soon midway between
Washington and Alexandria, and from this
point the surrounding scenery, is full Of sineu-
| interest anu TIC NOTlI, anu III
| full view, was Washington, containing popu-
Iation of not less than $4,000 souls Its prince
| " Capitol at once the focus of the wealth, in
| telligencc, and beauty, Of our own and other
| lands, and the arena on which so many of
Natures Noblemen have "won themselves a
wreath and a NAME" together with the august
mansion of the President, the edifces for the
accommodation of the State, Treasury, Post
| Office, War, and Navy Departments, are all
seen at single glance, as prominent objects of
| interest.
Still farther up the river, and presenting the
| appearance of continuous city, with numer-
Gus public edifces, whose massive proportions
and architectural embellishments have elected
commentator from oriental travellers, stands
the city of Georgetown. To the left, on the
| Virginia side, at a point where in the opinion
of many, the National Capital would have
been located, If its founder had not been a
| Virginian by birth, stands the mansion of
| Geo. W. Gusts, Esq, the Stcpson Of General
Washington. From there to Alexandria, the
| Virginia shore is studded with many opulent
villas, interspersed with occasional evidences
of degrading peculiar institution" Before
us lies the extensive city of Alexandria, no
longer part of the District of Columbia. 7 his
| is an old but interesting city. Its inhabitants
call it dull place. Her past opulence can
| not be forgotten, and many who speak Of this
| ancient city, speak of the present in COMPARE
son with the past There are many living who
remember il as almost the Queen City Of the
South, as the busy, busting, beautiful, crow'l-
| ed, fashionable city, where were congregated
men Of wealth, of leisure, and of business. The
mart of uninterrupted business,and the theatre
of uninterrupted gaiety, were there. But en-
bargoes, and wars, and a tagging spirit, with a
careless ease, and sort of lethargic sleep, fell
upon the city, and gradually despoilcd her, Of
her wealth, and what was worse, her spirit and
enterprise. As her star declined, others arose
to take the place of the fallen brightness.
Washington and Georgetown prospercd at
her expense, and are still prospering with the
benefits of trade once confined to the better
known Alexandria. From this place to Mount
Vernon, distance of eight miles,the traveller
is forced to take land conveyance.
A carriage was soon in readiness. and on we
fastened over rolling surface Of country, a.
bout four miles, when our driver directed our
attention to heavy swell of land, as marking
the location of Mount Vernon. Soon after
this, we came within the limits of the Wash
innton estate, and passed as | should lnGge,
more than two miles, ever land which had not
been under the pillow these forty years, when
we arrived at the entrance of the present cul-
tivated part of the farm. AT the entrance are
two pa ;teIe lodges with picket gate between
them. all the work of former age. The road
now pursucs devious course nearly mile,
now passing over swells, then through valleys,
shaded bv trees of the original forest. We at
lenoth reach the residence sought, a d are
surrounded BY scenes rendered venerable and
sacred by the presence Of the founder of our
Republic Here he still lives, and the hallow-
ed influence of his spiritual presence rests not
alone on the pilgrim at his shrine. but Oh the
noble of heart Of all parties, creeds, and ma
tons.
sBut strcw his ashes to the wind,
Whose sword or voice has saved mankind
And is he dead whose glorious mind
Lifts thine on high,
To live in hearts VIC leave behind, ~-.
Is not to die"
In the oversight of the farm, in directing
the construction of the building, and adjoining
the surrounding grounds, Gen. w. spent s:s-
teen wears of the prime and vigor OF his life.
Can any one doubt, who has studied the char
oc,er;stics of the model President, and remark
cd the freouent expression of desire o-return
10 This centre of domestic happiness, that 1t
was once place of great attractions. An ell
erated passion to serve his country, overcom-
;ng all selfish considerations, could alone have