Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1853-07-09
THE MILITARY ASYLUM.

This establishment destined to be an object of great
interest in the circle of Metropolitan institutions
Thursday, the Both utmo formally dedicated to its be-
nevoent and patriotic purpose by the laying of the
stone with suitable ceremonies
Notwithstanding the excessive heat Of the day large
company assembled among whom were many distinguish
ed officers of the army and navy critical and most
propuous change in the weather at the moment of
sembng supplied the only desderatum which could have
been wanting give effect to the complete and liberal
arrangements which Mr.. GILBERT CAMERON, the worthy
contractor had made for the reception of his guests and
for marking with due observance occasion of much
public interest
The site of the asylum hos been most happily chosen
The visitor reaches it by excellent plank turnpike
along which, it gradually rises towards the asylum,
improvement is rapidly developing itself in the shape of
beautiful villas and cultivated farms When at length
the summit is attained, where the future home of the
brave soldier is to stand the observer turning to the
quarter whence he has come before him in the dis
lance the broad expanse Of the Potomac stretching the
very horizon beyond Fort Washington and Mount Vernon
while in the intervening space rise the structures
Of our growing capital succeeded by wooded hills and
picturesque homSteads to the foot Of the emnence Di-
rectly in 'front.' and conspicuous with its towers though
at the distance of three miles, is that unique and
beautiful but much criticised building, the Smithsonian
institution approaching completion under the super
ntendence of the contractor Altogether the
thus sketched Of unsurpassed natural charms
which, when we add the moral interest which at
tach to it monument Of the gratitude of the Republic
towards its inrm but well-deservng veterans, nothing
wanting to make it hereafter the object Of fire.
quent and enthusiastic pilgrimage vsters and soourn
ers at the National Metropolis.
The company, after partakng of substantial re-
freshmens invited move in procession the spot
where the interesting ceremonial of the dry to be
performed Here every thing having been previously
ranged, box deposited containing copy Of the Holy
Scriptures and of the Constitution list Of the heads of
the Federal Administration, and of the officers engaged
in the construction the contractor, builders, SC with
the newspapers of the District and various coins Capt
B. s. ALEXANDER the accomplished officer Of the Corps
Of Engineers to whom the superintendent of the work
conded the part Of the Government then addressed
the assemblage in excellent and striking remarks
illustrative of the character Objects and architecture of
the future building
The especial duty the day having been thus attended
to- the company repaired to neghborng grove and pass
ed few hours in the agreeable social intercourse
Though stanch Republicans they had placed their fes
vtes under the control of what the Romans would have
called Rer pularum in the person Of the honored head
of the Medical Staff of the Army, Surgeon General Law
SON, assisted by his excellent colleague Dr. KING. Under
such auspices they assured themselves of safety in any
event but the succession of striking sentiments and
vening speeches left but little need for
precarious excitement. Our ustrious feow-citizens
the PRESIDENT of the United States and Major General
ScoTT were cordially remembered together with many
distinguished friends of the asylum of whose presence
the cruel ardors of this unusual had doubt de-
prived Finally, at seasonable hour, the company
returned to Washington, bearing with hem is believed
but impression of the completeness Of the entertain
men the kindness Of their host and of the energetic
prosecution and early accomplishment Of the important
national work the foundation of which they had been
privileged to assist