The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1857-04-15
From the Portage Sentinel.
A Visit to the Tomb Of WASHINGTON,

A Visit to the Tomb Of Washington.
A week or two since, in company with
a number of friends, We made trip to
Mt. Vernon, the former residence of
Washington, and the spot where his ashes
lie buried. 1t is situated about sixteen
miles below the city of Washington, on
the west bank of the Potomac river
There is, while navigation is open, a steam
boat running tri-weekly between the two
points for the. purpose of carrying pas
sengers who may desire to visit the sacred
Ispot. During the week of the Presiden-
tial Inauguration, the boat made daily
trips, and on every occasion was crowded
with passengers. A ride of an hour and
= half brought us to Mt. Vernon 1t is
the custom of boats on passing this place,
whether going up or down. to toll the
bell, and by its solemn and measured
striking, we were warned of our approach
to the last resting place of the "Father
Of his Country" We passed by and
landed little below the site of the resi-
dence. On going ashore we found our
selves at small, narrow rayine, with g
rough pathway leading around through
the brushwood and trees, and up the hill
to the right Following this foot path Il
little distance, we came to an opening
where were cultivated fields. Just in the
edge of the woods, and next to the clear
ed land is the grave of Washington.
The tomb is built of plain burnt brick
and is situate in the side of the hill, look
ing towards the South. There are two
apartments. The one farthest back is
tclosed so that we could not discover what
it contained. The one in front contained
the sarcophagus of Washington, which is
made of white marble. On it is engray-
ed a coat of arms. There is no inscrip-
tion save the simple word "WAsHINGToN y
The sarcophagus of his wife is by his
side The floor of the tomb is covered
with coarse gravel and dirt. An iron
CRATE in front protects it from entrance.
There is however no means of protection
from the weather or the storm. The rain
and snow may beat in upon the stone
collins, and the winds carry the dead
leaves of autumn and strew them about
the bed of the sieepers. The birds have
built their nests in the corners of the
: ceiling above. s ~ i a
=. A person who has been accustomed to
associate in his mind, when, in imagina-
ton visiting this spot, anything beautiful
: or lovely, upon becoming acquainted with
the reality, will be sadly disappointed.
There is nothing beautiful, nothing taste
full, and save the silent ashes of the great
man who sleeps there in his grave, nothing
sacred about it. There is no enclosure
: around the tomb. No effort seems ever
to have been made, to adorn the grounds
around it. The earth which was thrown
out in preparing spot for the vault, was
never leYelled off as it should be, and now
presents q rough and unfinished appear.
ance, rather than the green and sloping
lawn which we had expected to behold
: There is neither tree, shrub or flower
planted about the tomb, save those which
were planted by the hand Of nature. The
: top of the vault, which is so Imperfect
that the rain has driven through and
, blackened the ceiling, is covered with a
thin coat of earth, from which there has
grown up rank abundance of weeds and
: briars The mason work was poorly
done, and the bricks npoE the top of the
, tomb, are falling off giving it ragged
and uneven outline. A few years more
. and the walls will crumble in pieces, lcav-
ing nothing behind but pile of rubbish
We must confess to a most unpleasant
disappointment at the appearance OF
things about the grave of Washington,
and we believe the same feelings pervaded
the minds OF the whole party. Express
sions of surprise were uttered by all. The
tomb of the first President echoes with
/ sighs of regret which, escape from the
lips of pilgrims who visit that hallowed
Eplace-regret that one SO great, SO noble,
so true, so warmly endeared to the Amer
ican heart, should lie in grave so neglect
led! We did not expect to End a, majestic
monument or @profuston of ornament
This would not accord with our ideas of
!, Republican simplicity, nor with the well
known character Of Washington. He
required no pompous or kingly burial to
preserve his honors. He needs no tower
ing monument of marble to keep his name
in remembrance. The one and thirty
States which form this noble confederacy
!, are the memorials of his greatness, and
/ his exalted virtues shall live as long as
) freedom finds home among the nations,
! or liberty is cherished in the hearts of
men. We did, however, expect npon
visiting the tomb. of Washington, to be-
: hold lovely and quiet spot, beautiful in
, design, elegant III workmanship, and
adorned with trees and flowers. But we
, were sadly disappointed. There is many
/ family vault in the grave yards and burial
places of the country, which far exceeds
, in taste and elegance, the tomb of WASH
, ington. 9i laeH 81 ge~2 s.3
H DO you know Mr.------ asked
/ |one friend to another, referring to an old
J, gentleman who was remarkable for his at