Weekly Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1853-1861, 1855-05-10

party or uQa11 flc neat little steamer AloX-
andria, gliding along the beautiful Potomac.
whose bright waters lave the consecraied spot
of Mt Vernon.
As we neared the Plantation, all Oh board
were eagerly watching to catch the frst view
cf the mansion. but the high bank on which
it IS situated, sad the tall tree that line the
brow Of the ascent, prevented us from seeing
any part of the building except the roof, from
the river
When the steamer touched the landing its
long line Of passengers commenced ascending
the narrow pathway up the river bank, which
leads directly to the tomb Of WAsHISoroS.
At sudden turn of the winding path, we
had full view of tie party which had
formed into a procession, as the path was
only wide enough for two abreast Il was a
lovely sight TO see the old and tie Young.
side by side, glowing with the same ardent
gratitude, impressed with tie same feeling Of
veneration, as lhey approached the resting
place Of the the pure patiot whom his
coaoto delighted 10 honor. Even the
smiles Of bevy Of beautiful, high-hearted
girls were checked on their lips, their merry
voices hushel By the solemn influence Of the
hour.
The front OF the plain brick tomb is open
but secured from intrusion by an iron railing.
The small granite sarcophagus which contains
the remains Of GEN. WAsHINoros rests on
the pebbled 1oor. Near stands that Of b,-
wife. The sarcophagus bears no inscription
on lis face save the name, WASHINGTON
Could any heightened epitaph have been 50
eloquent ? His virtues. our admiration for
them is deeply ongrayen on our hearts, en-
craven there IN characters Of light.
The scene had thrilling effect upon an
old soldier of 1912, whose tottering steps
had been supported to the tomb BY his grand
son. lie alone Of all there present, had sen
GES. WASHINGTON. "Ah," said he. As the
big tears coursed down his furrowed cheeks,
"though | was but boy then. remember
his noble eountenance As distinctly as il had
looked on him but. Yesterday. AIy father
taught his children 20 regarl him with rever-
ence, as ther nations benefactor /" These
words, spoken in tho feeble accents Of age,
his venerable head uncovered, impressed Us
more deeply than aay tribute to the memory
Of WAsmSGToS We lad ever before heard.
As he was slowly taken back 10 the boat the
rest Of the party proceeded to visit the man
sion. It is large, two story building, with
a wide hall running its entire length above
and below On each side of the hall is a
ine suite Of rooms, into one OF which VIC
were allowed to enter Il had been the grand
drawing-room in the days Of WASHINGTON.
The furniture IS left entirely the same as il
was then disposed, but is very much faded.
Some Of the paintings are sadly changed by
the effaeing fingers Of time In glass case,
we saw the key Of the Bastilc, presented 10
Gas. WAsHIS0ToS by LAFATETrE. We
could not viow the formidable looking instru-
ulent without shudder. We had before
seen a model Of the Bastile Al the Patent
Oiico. Thank heaven. il exists 70 longer
except in miniature. From the train OF
thought brought up by the contemplation of
this instrument Of cruelty, We were glad to
escape 10 the garden, from which we crossed
into the front lawn We stood under holly
tree which hal been planted by GEN. WAsE-
ISGEox. It was covered with crimson bsF-
riss glowing between its green leaves. Here
we had view of the river for many mIlss; the
warm, cheerful sunlight gave look Of fresh.
ness - every object within the range Of our
vision. In the distance, white sailed schoon-
es were moving TO and fro, while our steamer,
which had proceeded some miles up the river.
was nosily returning The green bank Of .hs
opposite shore cleaned in beautiful contrast
70 the sun frightened nvG, like an emerald
on a a golden band. Even the ancient man
sion looked almost in keeping with the rest
Of the scene in is new painted dress Of white.
But we were not long allowed to enjoy the
faneies with which we had peopled the
place 50 saTedly interesting in our eyes
The steamers bell recalled us, and We looked,
with our heart in onr eyes our last look on
Aount ' einon.
C7-In the year l716 duly 4th), a number
ofgentlemen, many ofthem venerable in years
and profound il wisdom, assembled ia the
city OF Philadelphia, and then and there pre-
sentel one George the Third, King Of Great
Britain. as guilty of various offences against
the people of these, then Colonies Among
the grievance, thus alleged against him was
the following.
"ue has endeavored to prevent the populs-
ton Of these States-for that purpose obstruct-
ing the laws for naturalization Of foreigners,
refusing to pass others 10 encourage migration
hilheT and raising the conditions Of new sppTo-
priations Of lands