Lynchburg Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1829-185?, 1851-07-28
MISCELLANEOUS.
From lae ~ q. Delta.
A Stroll through GreenmOunt
CCmcferV.

pect. 1t is laved on one side by the clear
waves the Chesapeake, ana ere lost in
| the blue frmament. Grcentnount was
| formerly the summer retreat ofthe late Ro-
bert Oliver An association Or twenty gem
tlemen purchased the estate from his heirs,
and it was solemnly dedicated as a burial
places on the 18th ofJuly. 1889. AT pre-
sent three thousand bodies rest within lis
limits, which contain seventy acres, en-
closed by a high granite wall to prevent
| intrusion.
On entering the Gothic gateway, turn
ing to the right, is myrtle walk, which
winds its way to an elm grove on the sum-
nit of hill. Through the spreading
branches marble columns arise in solemn
stateliness. Ascending, the grove leads to
a dechvity, and falls gracefully into the
most exquisite valley imaginable, Here
the fragrance ofathousand flowers ascends,
and the sun falls into countless shades, on
the rich shrubbery below. Beside gurg-
ling stream. is a lap of waving grass, lies a
small. vine-clad grave ; its modest head
stone bears this inscription: Little Sally"
| Beyond, monument and statue recede in
the distance. Crossing lawn. tall dark
cedars wave to and fro disclosing the lofty
points of marble structure. This is the
most exquisite specimen of elegance and
token of affection ever designed; it is cvi-
dently the work ofa great master-an in
spiration caught from Italian skies -Four
pillars support its Gothic roof,and the base
elevates pedestal, on which is seated
| l. l. l.,
she seems intently reading; her right rests
on the head of small dog. which is look
Ing up earnestly in his mstress's face the
hair is thrown back negligcntly, and the
drapery falls loosely from the shoulders /;
amiability and purity are depicted on the
countenance. The soft blending of these,
casts halo over all. Around, this bloom
the choicest flowers. together with rare ex-
otics. Cluster of damask roses, mingling
with white lilies, .jcssamine and honey
suckle, creeping round the iron railing,
falling here and there down the graveled
walks, form picture indescribably en-
chanting. 1t is the resting place Of two
lovely sisters, who died young. The af-
hicted parents visit the spot daily, and
mourn their lost ones, for they are child
less, and life "wears lonely away" The
inscription is as chaste as the conception of
the memorial, that zone sister was the echo
of the other" conveying an idea Of their
unearthly harmony. Opposite this is a
bed of daisies, in which are four little
graves, side by side, containing the treas
ures OF an afflicted mother. Next; u large
willow falls over dell, concealing all but
an angels wing, who seems to have just
lit on a child's grave. Its graceful bend
and averted face are heavenly. The in
scription is: "Angels wait her thro' the
skies ~
Then, there stands Gothic Chapel, su-
perbly ornamcnted in fact, up hill and
down dale,present the nostdelicate memo
rials of affection and friendship. Near this,
on spot elegantly railed stands a large
monument on the top is an urn. partly
covered by cloth; below, a wreath Of
roses, and in their midst is inscribed: "To
our Mother" 1t bears an air ofpure af-
fection. Going on. a marble Mausoleum
rises, the. fac simile ofthe Royal vaults in
Westminster Abbey; nits recess is a bier
supporting a coffin, covered with a PAIL
superbly embroidered and fringed, as fine
ly as lace work. The tassals are ingen-
iously hooked to the corners, CITING 1t a
natural appearance, when moved by the
breeze. A richly carved piece projects
from the ceiling, suspcnding a lamp. A
longside, is pine grove; in 1t a solitary
grave of Prodigal Son. The inscrip-
ton is: "A wanderer whose home is found
Beyond is dark, green sward; part
is Handsomely rallied round. In the mid
die is massive marble table, richly orna-
mented on it lies Bible, over which re-
clines large Cross-a superb piece of
sculpture. The inscription is: "Catharine
Oglc; consort Of Rev. Charles Goodrich of
| New Orleans" Shat estimablc lady, whose
face was so familiar to the frcquenters Of
Christ Church. Next to this is a bower Of
white roses; in it grave headed 'Our
dear little boys rest here together" Under
meath is sculpturcd a stem with three buds,
and bouquet vases.
The mostimpressive, if not the most elo-
giant, is lofty monument on the edge Of
steep hill from the top towers large
cross; it may be seen from all parts Of the
cemetery, and brings the rambler to full
stand. Beneath flows sparkling stream,
on one side marble cradle holds little
grave, covered with violets, over which an
angel spreads its wings, as ii to guard the
sacred deposit on the other is a shrine,
with chalicc carved in its niche under
it shelf holds book, tastily ornamented;
ascending, there is a lovely parterre, a
round are iron sofas, richly wrought; in
the midst is massive, elevated base, sup
porting pillar; on the top is large urn; "a
wreath of roses falls from the handles; bn
the lid dove is perched, with a silver
spray in its mouth the height gives it d
life-like appearance. The inscription is !:
Elizabeth, aged 90 years" Alongside is
a desk, the bible lies open on its cushion
Here the bereaved husband spends many
evenings. holding communion with departed
love and worth-a natural, yet rare thing
to find man retire from the world, seek
the grave of his wife land there spend hours
musing on her visions. Strolling on near
a chain Of little hills, repose the remains Of
Hoyt, the man who took advantage Of
frail woman; who cast desolation round
the social hearth, and rent asunder the
bonds of those united in peace and love !
But, implora pace, meets my eye. Not far
from thiss the tomb ofMyers, the injured,
broken hearted man His sorrows are
too well known for recapitulation.
! must now leave these precincts, for twi
light has already dimmed my way.
| In conclusion, ! cannot refrain from CIV
ing short history of the lonely grave in
Primrose Dale. The inscription is simply.
"Louis-, aged 25." He was hand
some young man of unquestionable worth,
and bright ornament of the bar. He
courted young lady of distinguished fam
lily. reigning belle, generally known as
| the "Baliimore Beautv." he proposed. was