The Perrysburg journal. [volume] (Perrysburg, Ohio) 1853-1861, 1857-02-26
ARLINGTON.
By MARY II. EASTMAN.
erlee

By MARY II. EASTMAN. . . Il
Most persons who visit Washington feel unwil-
ling TO leave it until they have seen Arlington, the
residence of Mr. Gusts, situated on the opposite
SHE OF the Potomac. Arlingon,owned by the adop-
opted son of General misunderstanding
such treasures of the past-has been so much writ
ten about that it would seem there is nothing left
10 say. Almost every one knows that the finest
view of the City of Washington is seen from the
piazza, or from the windows of Arlington that
the woods of Arlington are full of noble trees ;
that in autumn you may wade through a sea of
leaves, seat yourself on q fallen, giant oak, that
makes the bridge of a stream and dream of "me
anchoIy days !" wander along, making winter bou-
queis as you go, of evergreens and gay leaves Of
the different kind of trees-yellow leaves aud
red leaves, and vines of every kind of beauty
you may pick up acorns by dozens, and common
they are, you must look at their curious work
manship and remember that all tall trees grow
from them. Then you go, painting for breath, up
the hill towards the hUtsej turning every moment
to look at the city, the river, or the gorgeous
clothing of nature in these days the saddest of
the year" And when you reach the hall door
you are almost sorry TO enter in and shut out all
| this beauty But you are soon consocd there
are other welcomes besides those Of the kind mem
ters of the Arlington lat1y;
There IRE old pictures smiling upon you fron
their accustomed places; one by Sir Godfrey
Kneller and many OF George Washington Of his
family, ana Of others of their time. Pictures and
bustS Of Washington greet you wherever you
turn pictures Of Mrs. Washington, as the beau
| tful and gracious young lady, as the stately and
beloved matron Lafayette is there too in tae
| Continental uniform dress that is honored by
every true heart. Nor do the pictures alone inter
est US Most OF the furniture cf Mount Vernon
was, years ago, given to Mr. Gusts and removed
to Arlington. In the drawingroom is General
Washngton's bookcase, of mahogany, with gass
doors, and up stairs are the beadstead and bed on
which he breathed his last--the pillow on which
his head was supported wlan his eyes closing on
earth, saw Withdrawn the veil of eternity. When
a child, have slept on this bed and my head rest
ed on the same pillows, and in my maturer life
have stood rcverantly beside it. remembering that
it was indeed true that the sentence of death had
passed upon all Oh many things might say of
the treasures of Arlington, but they may be read
of elsewhere. What would now speak of is-a
grave.
About four years ago Mrs. Mary Custs the wife
Of the present proprietor of Arlington, ended her
mortal career and entered upon her immortal rest.
passed several days with her just before her last
Illness and we walked about the woods and the
gardens; and her powers of conversation in
Al. =. Il.
vous one. Few minds were so culIva ed as hers
she was always improving herself though much oi
q her time was required in the superintendent o
her establishment. Her servants were well cared
, Tor ms ructcd in their temporal and religious du-
ties the old were nursed, the young were encour
, aged. good wic-a good mother--n good
mistress sincere friend tHow sweet is the
E memory Of the just9 Particularly do love to re-
call Mrs. Gusts kind greetings to her assembling
= guests,when the lime Ior morning prayer had come
An aifactionatc kiss, few words OF inquiry as tC
. health, and the rest of the past night none wcrc
r passcdby. And then the Holy Book was opened
and read, and afterwards, al, bneeling devotiona
petitions were offered to the God of the morning
" How solemnly the words of the prayer arose =
# Were We not better happier that we had hear,
, them?
Z. A pleasant walk from Arlington House bring
5, US to Mrs Gusts grave visited it recently, ol
one of the loveliest days of the past and lovel.
/. season. stole away from the drawinS-room, fol
1t lowed by friend, and together we sought this in
l. teresting spot. Passing through beautiful wood
s. the wide black gate of the enclosure told MS wher
m we were.
n Rarely arc we satisfied with the grave of frienc
=, Eeher there has been too much care, there ar
he marks OF neglect. The monument is too cost
h. too elaborate, or the marble was not well seecte
at or there is Loneliness felt but net TO be describe
The grave of Mrs Gusts is worthy Of her.
i'll ere is no isolation, for lovely thatched mbC
V has been erected neari and there are seats With
rs so that those who still love her can go and reG
Id or mediate, looking upon her repose A han
ne some monument is there, on which is carved h
ny usne bat there is psrfect simplicity. Flowers ii
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