Weekly North Carolina standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1850-1858, 1853-09-07
RALEIGH, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER Z, 1853 :

W The September number of Harper's Magazine
contains most interesting chapter from the pen of
the Historian, Benson j. Losing, Esq, devoted to
Arlington House," the seat of G. W. p Gusts
Esq Mr.. LOSING goes at some length into history
of the Washington family, and gives some stirring
and valuable sketches of leading events in the Revo
lutionary war. This chapter is illustrated by num-
Der of fine engrayngs from paintings by Mr.. Gusts
himself We copy the conclusion of Mr. Lossings
communication, as follows
"One evening while there, Mr.. Gusts, with his
violin accompanied the music of a piano in the per-
popular, especially among the military, fifty years
ago. Among these was The Presidents March, con-
corning which Mr. Gusts related an interesting bit
of history. 1t was composed in the autum of 1889,
during the early part of Washington's first presi-
dental term, by German, named Feyles, who was
then the leader of the orchestra at the little theatre
in John.street, New York. That playhouse was
rckety affair." capable of seating about three hundred
persons. There were performances in it only three
times a week. The President and his family frequ-
emily attended. box was provided for them on one
side of the stage, and upon the opposite side was
another for John Adams theVice President and his
family. AS "The Court thus gave countenance to
the drama, the little theatre became place of fash
ionable resort, and while the seat of the Federal
Government remained in New York, it was harvest
time for the managers. The President always in
formed the manager when he intended to visit the
theatre On these occasions, he was met by the
manager at the door of the theatre who bearing two
wax-candles, escorted the President to his box. 1t
was one of these occasions that The President's
March, composed in honor of the Chief Magistrate
was first performed, at the moment when Washing
ton entered the theatre. Mr. Gusts and his grand
mother with the President at that time and he
speaks of the pleasing effect of the music upon the
audience. The air became very popular; and when
few years later, the words of one of our national
songs were written it was slightly altered, and has
ever since been known as HAIL COLUMBIA.
| Mr.. Custis also informed me that Wdshington's
March, popular with the military in former times
was composed by Charles Moore, Of Alexandria, Va
Moore was wounded in the battle on the Brandywine
| in September, 1777, and while convaescing he COM
posed that popular march. He often played it upon
his VIOLIN for the amusement of Mr.. Custs and other
| friends.
Ever green in memory will be my visit to Airing
ton House, where frank and generous hospitality
intellectual converse, and the highest social refine
mcnt make their pleasing impressions upon the mind
and heart. Since then, alas! the light of the dwell
ing has been extinguished, and cloud of grief has
gathered over that happy home. The ever joyous
spirit of the of Washington is saddened for the
partner of his joys and sorrows through half cen
tury has been plucked from that beauteous home OF
earth, and borne away to more lovely paradise il
the Spirit Land"