Lynchburg daily Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1852-1861, 1853-12-24
pnrohase Of Mount Vernon.

II will be remembered that among the various
recommendations of Gov. Johnson, in his recent
message 10 the Legislature, one proposing
the purchase Of Mount Vernon by the State.
The same proposition is now pending before
Congress. The following "reminiscences there
fore by the National lntelligencer are opportune
and will be read with interest
In December, 1892 Congress passed rcsoG-
tons authorizing President Adams to correspond
with Mrs Washington, and ask her assent To the
intcrmcnt of the remains of her illustrous hus-
band under Il Monument TO be erected by the
Unie States IN the Capitol, at the city Of
Washington. Mrs. Washington, in delicate
aud touching response,gave her assent 10 the re-
quest. But the Monument WIS not erected, and
the remains, therefore, were not removed from
Mount Vernon.
In February, 1916 the gslature of Virginia
authorized GOV. Nicholas to apply to Judge Bush
rod Washington, then proprietor of Mount Yer
non, for leave To remove the remains OF General
and Mrs. Washington from Mount Vernon to
Richmond, to be placed under the Monument pro-
posed TO be erected to the honor OF Washington
al the Capital of the State. Judge Washington
declined, and, among other reasons, stated the
following
''But obligations more sacred than ANYTHING
which concerns myself-obligation with which |
cannot diSpcnse-comman me to retain the NOR
tai remains of my venerable uncle in the family
vault where they are deposited. II is is o,en
iciH. and that WiH is 10 me a idp Which / dare
not d,sobeg He has himself directed his body
should be placed there, and cannot seperate it
from those of his near relations by which it is
rounded"
On the 18th of February. 1892, the two Houses
Of Congress appointed joint committee To make
arrangements for celebrating the centennial birth
day OF George Washington. The Hon. Henry
Clay appointed chairman ON the part of the
Senate, and the Hon. Philemon Thomas on the
part of the Haase. Chief Justice John Marshall
was requested TO deliver Grafton on the occa-
si"n, bat declining. principally ON the ground
that in addition II the pressure of his official du-
ties, he was physically unable to perform the
task, his voice having become weak as to be
almost iDandible even in room not unusually
large
resolution recommended by the com
mittee proposing that application be made To the
| proprietors of Mount Vernon for the body of
| George Washington, to he removed and deposit
! ed IN the Capitol, in conformity with the resou-
tion Of December, l799. 1t was provided also
| that the presiding officers OF both Houses should
prescribe the order Of such ceremonies as they
might deem suitable to the occasion of the inter
meDt of the body of George Washington in the
Capitol on the 2}d of February, and thai the
two Houses should attend them.
Mr.. Clay reported the resolution in his usual
eloquent and impressive style. and referred TO
the fact that those entrusted with the execution
of the Capitol had already provided vault under
the centre of the rotondy fr the express purpose.
| He thought 1t the proper time to carry out the
unr deemed pledge of Congress.
Mr.. Forsyth opposed the resolution on the
ground Of the expressed wish of Gen. Washing
ton. who required in his will that his remains
| should rest in the family vault
| Mr.. Tazewell md Mr.. Tyler also opposed the
resolution, which was supported by Mr.. Webster,
| Mr.. Spiague and Mr.. Bibb.
The resolution was finally adopted by a vote OF
% yeas TO I5nnys.
On the next day the House Of Representative
| adopted joint resolution. in which tie Senate
concurred. for assoeiating the remains of the con