The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1852-05-19
Board, to supply the vacancy occasioned by the
death of Thomas Munroe.

Board, to supply the vacancy occasoned by the
death Of Thomas Munroe.
The BLOCK oF CoPPEn, prepared by the State of
Michigan for ns, TtIot in the Washington Nation
al Monument, will, We learn, be formally present
ed TO the society to-day, about noon in the rotun-
do Of the Capitol
VISIT TO MOUNT VERSION. = Ny GOOD Mr..
Editor: The following letter puroined from the
desk OF fair friend this morning, and think 1t
wei! that il should reach the eyes for whom il
intended in your own clear type, as in the some
what ilcgible chirography Of the writer:
"WAsHINoToN, May 18th.
"My DEAN ---: The bright day is passed,
with its glorious sunshine and not less glorious
showers, and night has drawn around I'd her sable
curtain; but Cannot seek in dreams II renewal of
this days Pleasures without first endeayorng 10
give you skctch--thc slightest possblca
outline, (woud that l had the master hand Of
Retzche,) of these same pleasures. They are reai,
ties with me to night-to-morro they may be but
as dreams.
cat ten O'Clock this morning found myself by
the kind attention of friend, one Of brilliant and
charming party on board steamer bound for
Mount Vernon.
"Wbile was deep in speculations upon the many
cheerful faces that were emerging in rapid
sion from the companion way. and scattering
themselves over the promenade deck, our gallant
little steamer had left her moorings, and was float
ing past the arsenal, win E5 numerous array OF
guns and balls, in striking contrast with its peace
full green.
Il had just time to note the floating of a lady's
veil from among our party, and the gallant ac-
acknowledgement of the salutation by officer in
the gateway, when the arsenal and the officer
leit far behind u.s. and we were poug Ching way
down the broad and beautiful Potomac, with its
softly. wooded banks and many gttering sails.
The sun had kindly drawn a thin veil Of clouds
before her dazzling beauty, and gentle breeze
just rippled the fair waters. Every thing prom
iscd well. glance around upon our party would
have convinced the most fastidious that j: contain
cd all the elements 10 make our day a charming
one. We had honorable senators, eloquent repre-
sentativea, grave Legislators, in every style and
hue fair matrons and fair maidens, with music to
enllven the gay or inspire the patriotic; and 30
we sped on, the gentlemen surprising themselves
in c!oqucnce, the ladies in wit and anliablity.
"The old city OF Alexandria claimed and received
our most respectful salutations. Fort Washington
frowned upon us with her formidable walls and
gune and Mount Vernon, the mortal resting. place
Of the Father of Liberty, extends hospitable
hand, and smiles Us welcome. To the martial
strains of "Hail Columbia" take our way up the
bank, and as, one by one, we find ourselves in
| presence of the tomb Of him have come to
honor, silence steals upon the party, and solem-
| nifty that no one cares to break. All pay their
voiceless homage, and the group dissolving, pur-
sues it way to the walls that sheltered him life,
| to look upon his fircsde and his home.
tThe beautiful seclusion of the spot, the pictu.
rescue view the long crumbling portlco, the old
wainfcotted rooms, and older pictures and furni-
| ture; the Italian marble ntclpiece, with its
! quiste and mastery bas-reef, &c, all in their
| turn command the interest and absorb attention;
and no observes that the thin veil Of clouds has
gathered itself together, and is preparing 10 de-
scend upon us in no friendly guise. A soft, misty
shower, and then the big drops. thick and fast in
| right mischievous earnest. But we safe under
the shelter OF the roof Of the most iustrous Fa
ther OF his Country
''Some anxious ladies, not needing the honor, be-
gin to question OF wet bonnets and wet boots, and
the gentlemen (bess them) TO tax their brains for
cxpedicnts to relieve the fair OF their ankle
ties, when 10! the little cloud has spent lis little
hoard Of mischief or of spite, and the sun rcnews
its promise OF protection
1--WE must give up the garden-that we cannot see
o-day; SO, plucking a bunch of cedar me
mento of the hallowed spot betake ourselves the
beaten path, and gather once more the decks Of
our little steamer.
"a farewell gaze at the tomb and the portico, as
we catch glimpses OF them among the trees, then
few moments more and We are Al Fort Washing
ton. Despite its gans and irowns, we resolv ed
upon enjoying there our feast. So we marshaled
forth our forces, and in battle array, led by our
general who has won laurels in more fields than
one, marched boldly up unto it's very gates The
garrison wisely thinking that, with 50 formidable
battery OF ladies' eyes, to say nothing of the hearg
ordnance,) the better part of valor was discretion
| allowed Us free entry; and after admirng stroll
over the parade ground, and many comments upon
the beauty of military neatness and order, our
guides led us towards the tempting shelter Of the
trees. when behold! in beautiful glen under the
wide-spreading branches of magnificent oak il
table spread with all the Injuries of cold meats,
oysters and iccs, in every variety and profusion,
and perfection OF kind. with wines and champagne
TO hch il would be impossible for me to do JUS
tice aud indeed (ns / heard spirited
little lady rcmark) begin our grave Legislators and
fprghtly youths 10 enter into the spiri of the occa-
sion. Our party scattered themselves in little
groups about upon the grass. All was gailautry
and attention on the part OF the gentlemen; Caiety
and Wit OH the part Of every body. The repast fin
ished, I'VE took up our line Of march again, and
cmharkIng. badc farewell to the little glen; aud
now, while our graver heads are discussing hstori
cal "reminiscences the race of England and Amcri.
the Collins line California and the China trade,
improvement Of rivers and hartOrs, &c, &c, Sc
! the gayer gathered upon the deck for = dance,
and quadrillos, watzcs, and polkas, follow each
other in quick succession, while the Thomas Col.
| lycf" shows Us her PAGES, and all, too soon the
Capitol, With iis dome, looms up in view.
"Thc cver-to- aforementioned trip to Mount Yer.
non is over; farcwolls exchanged, and each one
seeks his home with the feeling, sure, that he
has spent happy and not unpraftable day
Nj.