Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1853-12-31
THE PURCHASE OF MOUNT VERNON.

A late number of the Charleston Mercury con-
ains an earnest and glowing appeal to the Ladies Of
the Southern States to come forward and by CON-
bined effort raise the requisite sum to purchase
Mount Vernon.
1t appears to probable, however, that the State
of Virginia will ultimately purchase this venerated
residence of the Father of his Country; and, since
the failure of the proposition in Congress- should
by no means regret such measure We doubt,
indeed, whether there would not be more fitness in
its becoming the property of his native State than
that of the Federal Government; although we
could not perceive any necessity for the latter's
having the jurisdiction it is called, of the land
were the United States to become the purchaser.
The Government of the Union could, we presume,
own the property and enjoy all its benefits and
uses the same as any nonresident proprietor
could, without possessing the jurisdiction or sove-
reignty of the soil; although we have no idea
that were Congress to purchase the property the
State of Virginia would refuse to it the jurisdiction
However, should Virginia decide to buy Mount
Vernon, we hope that Congress will present to the
State suitable monument for the venerated spot
simple white marble column, We should say, lofty
enough to be seen from the city which bears his
name and from which every visiter Of the metropo-
lis could direct his eyes and say, "here is Mount
Vernon that is tie TOMB OF WASHINGTON"
This moreover would redeem the pledge made by
Congress in 1799
The subjoined proceedings have taken place in
the Legislature of Virginia, and We learn privately
that there is little doubt the committee will report
in favor Of the purchase:
| liz THE VIRGINIA HOUSE OF DELEGATES DRcEMBERl7
Mr. BuFoRD moved that that portion of the Governors
Message which related the purchase of Mount Vernon
be referred special committee of ye with instruc-
tons inquire into the expedeRcy of purchasing the
behalf of the State; also, to inquire to the
price and terms upon which such purchase be nego
ated, and to what disposition should be made of this
sacred homestead of the lustrous patriot it shall be
found expedent for the State to purchase the same
DR.. PATRICK said that he had objection the refer
ence of the resolution to committee but from the
manner in which he had the subject discussed by
the papers, he would be led to oppose the purchase
Mount Vernon at the extravagan price demanded. Two
hundred thousand dollars is certainly much than the
land would be WORTH probably fifteen times per-
haps twenty times He would at the proper time,
when the subject is reported his objections the
course pursued by the resolution.
Mr. MCKENZIE Of Alexandria said he had the plea
of acquaintance with the gentleman from Pitt
sylvania, Mr.. BUFoRD; y but the matter had been
brought to the attention of the House. he would state that
shortly after the passage Of the bill through both Houses
of Congress in 1850 81 establishing military asylums
for old soldiers it suggested to the President of the
Board on Asyums that Mount Vernon would be a suit
able place for its chief asylum that it would be grateful
to the American people that Mount Vernon should pass
into the hands of the Government that the present pro-
prietor was willing il should do so, and that Congress
would no doubt make sufficient appropriation to fit it
up That being done, it suggested that guard of
honor be placed there to keep sacred all that peraned
/
Vernon, and had interview with the proprietor. But
the price demanded for it deemed high and the
4 Board, who seemed to have delicate regard to the
health and comfort of the commander who to have
the charge of the asylum considered the place rather
healthy Finding these difficulties in the way and being
anxious that the Government should get possession Of it,
the certificate of the physician who had practised in the
present propretors family procured which showed
that the amount for medical services rendered during five
years, for family of twenty, did not exceed $40 The
property offered at price which he presumed at the
time the Board would not hesitate accepts but In that
he mistaken, for they did refuse purchase on
the terms proposed and they did njudciousy in his
opinion.
This matter is now under discussion in the Congress
the United States and has been brought the attention
of this General Assembly by the Governor in his Annual
Message.
\ The terms on which this Commonwealth can obtain
Mount Vernon Is 5000 0OO including the mansion out
houses garden, tomb and two hundred of land y
ing Immediately around oil that is sacred the sale to be
made subject to the understanding that the remains of
OF OF never pe
If Virginia desires to get this property, is the time to
act The chances of obtaining it st any future time will
be but slight The amount demanded for this hallowed
spot has been offered by other parties with view to dis
pose of it to the General Government at much higher
rate What is the price in comparison with the great
rendered to this people by the Father of his Country
the great and good Washington With what satisfaction
possession of this sacred spot would be hailed by the
entire Commonwealth from the banks of the Potomac to
the Ohio it unnecessary for him to 1t would
be Of general qualification and pride that Virginia
would possess that haowed spot sacred forever the
place where rests her noble son.
Mr.. BUToRD said he fully concurred with the gentleman
from Alexandria (AIr McKESzIE) that this property
should be kept in the possession Of the Government of
| Virginia. There were many which influenced
him to that conviction He did not intend to give his
views on the subject at that time He would do when
the matter before the House in its proper form He
should however repeat his opinion that it preem
nenty the duty Of the Government Of Virginia to get pos
session Of Mount Vernon under any circumstances not
entirely unreasonable. He hoped the House would adopt
the resolution.
The vote on its adoption then put and carried.
| TIE WASHINGTON AoUEDUcT.-We learn that about q
mile of the channel of this great work has been opened
and the tunnel commenced. Enough is already known
hiatt