The daily union., 1854-12-23
SALE OF MOUNT VERNON.

We have already alluded the fact that Mr. John A.
Washington had declined accedng to the request of
socation of ladies of Richmond and Manchester Virginia
to sell Mount Vernon and enable them TO to Vr
ginia the " home and tomb of Washington
Suboined is Mr. Washiugtans letter. in which his rea-
sons are given somewhat at length for the decnaton
MouSr vEnSoS, July &C. 1854.
DEAR ! regret that absence from home has pre-
vented from giving the prompt attention desired
your letter of the 4th Instant enclosing report of the pro-
ceedngs Of meeting Of the ladies of Richmond and Man
chester and copy Of your letter to the Richmond Whig
You may assured. sir, that appreciates
highly than do the patriotic motives which induce the la
dies Virginia and other southern States to take action
the subject which has this instance, engaged their aten
ton Indeed to those who know them do evidence
necessary prove that they acuatca in any under
taking by the pure and dsnereed feelings which character
ze them in the relations of life. With every disposition
yield my views with regard to the practcabity of the
plan the ladies have in view for accomplishing the purchase
Mount Vernon and admitting there is scarcely any OBJ
ace which their unrng energy and DEVOTION when once
enlisted overcome, there still nsuperabe obec
ons in my mind to the qualification ofther wishes,
entirely unwilling that Mount Vernon should pass
from possession unless to the State of Virginia to the
United States The only that have for desiring this
disposition of the property is that it be perpeuay
served from tho lot which must eventually beal il pri-
possession in the dispersion of families and changes of
fortunes almost necessarily upon form of gov
1t would the greatest regreS amid such
changes from any act of mine my descendants Mount
Vernon should be perverted inconsistent with the
veneraton due to the memory and character of him with
whose life it is so intimately connected.
Yet cannot help oreseeing that the property of any
private person association this amenabe result must
sooner later II true that if the plan devised by
the ladies practicable and is consigned the custody
Virginia this result would probably be obyisted
But sir beeutifnl is the tribute of gratitude excel
lent and devoted ladies would pay to the memory OF
common Father would the world cry shame on the
and the who would stand by and permit
them to make such sacrifice, such altar
For my part had rather present it free gift the
State or ittle either would deserve it than be
subject the modification of receiving these offerings
patriotism from the mothers wives, and daughters of y-
gina. No, sir MUCH admire and the many
graces and virtues that adorn the ladies my native State
to be instrumental in the te
u monument designed by their patriotism illustrative
of it, but which, at the time, would the
de generacy Of myself and the ofour land
hopo tbct the views have here the honor TO present
with the profound respect to the ladies Richmond
Manchester will meet their aPProya and they win
that in reluctantly declining TO yield Co their wishes
an, al the same time filed with admiration for the emoona
and principles which have moved them the cause they have
undertaken
shopld do injustice to my feelings to close this
letter without returning thanks YOU sir individually for
the fair manly correct views you have expressed in
your letter the Richmond Whig respecting the course
heretofore taken in relation to the sale of this place.
you sir, that if pecunary considerations bad
been my sole chief motive in wishing dispose my
property here, could long since done So much
greater advantage than arise to by waiting or
action of the State the United States the premises
In pecpnary point of view the of either matter
Of the most perfect Indifference to much that
have, and think SHALL approach any person
connected with either government upon the subject
am, sir, most respectfully, your obedent servant
JOHN A, WASHINGTON.
To J. H. GrLmER Esq.