The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1858-10-21
For the Gate City.

The Purchase Of Mount Vernon.
MKssRs. EDrroRs The andsrsigne having
received, some days ago, from the Regent
Through her Private Secretary Of "The
Mount Vernon Ladies' Association for the
Union," the subjoined stirring letter, togeth-
er with the several printed documents therein
referred to, has, as requested, written to the
Regent, and expressed her willingness to rem
der, so far as may be in her power, the aid
solicited.
ton the inhabitants Of keokuk may be will
ing to take in the patriotic task of making
'sthe home and grave of Washington the
property Of the Nation" and to afford to all
an equal opportunity to contribute to this
noble work, the undersigned respectfully re-
quests such of the ladies and gentlemen Of
Keoknk as will cooperate in furnishing the
aid asked for that purpose, to meet in Rice's
Hall, at the corner of Main and Fourth streets,
on Friday the ed inst, at 8 O'Clock p. M,
for the purpose Of mutual consultation on the
subject.
Herewith, ] hand you also printed cap
peal for Mount Vernon" most eloquent
and admirable document, from the pen Of the
Regent Of the Association which please pub
lish, together with the letter, and oblige
Yours, very respectfully,
JANE MARIA VAN ANTWERP.
THE LETTER.
PHILADELPHIA, Sept. %, 1858.
Mrs. Yer Planck Vaw Antmerp, keokuk,
Ioscd:
Mr. DKAR MADAM The "Mount Vernon
Ladies Association for the Union," organ
lied for the purchase and future preservation
Of Mount Vernon, has created SO much in
terest throughout the country that you are
probably informed as to the particulars of its
objects. Yet, as you may not have seen the
Official documents, allow me to present you
with the following papers: The Act Of In
corporation; the Constitution and Bylaws
of the Association the Appeal from the Re-
gent, after the contract for Mount Vernon
had been signed; and the first report from
the Secretary, since the Association became
legal body also copies of the "Mount YER
non Record" paper which will contain in
teresting incidents Of Washington and his
compeers, as we'll as information Of the ope-
rations and progress of our cause in the va
rious States OF the Union.
You viii perceive from these, that the en-
,erprise is a strictly National one, designed
to unite the phole Union in the strongest
fraternsl sympathies around the tdmb of a
common Father; and to rs-awakeu, in the
American mind, the feelings Of reverental
love and gratitude to Washington, which
seems to have slnmbered during the last gen.
Grafton.
After four years Of difficulties and disap-
pointments, the Association has achieved the
glorious triumph Of securing to the women
Of the United Statos the title to Mount Yer
non, that every section may have a share in
the guardianship Of his tomb. Many States
have already availed themselves of the high
privilege that is now offered them and their
citizens are enrolled, by thousands, among
the owners Of the common homestead. And
it cannot be doubted that States which have
as yet manifested no interest, will desire to
take part ia this great National work.
As the presiding officer of the Association.
it is the duty of the Regent to call the atten-
ton Of the ladies throughout the Union to
this important movement, as it is her earnest
desire that every State shall be embraced in
the Association; so that on the proud day
when possession shall be taken of Mount Yer
non, patriots from the vast West will unite
with those from the sea-girt shores Of the
East; from the bleak regions Of the North,
and from the savannas of the South, in heart
felt thankfulness that the world is allowed
the majestic spectacle Of 80 Sovereign States,
forming one mighty Nation, bowed before
the tomb of the Patcr Patfia; and, in the
spirit of fraternal love, irvi,ng more closely
the links Of mutual amity which shall pre-
serve our glorious Union.
Prompted by these sentiments, my dear
Madam, the Regent addresses you, to learn
il you will lend your aid in presenting the
claims Of tho Association to the inhabitants
OF keokuk.
She would be happy to hear from you at
your earliest convenience her address is box
l42l, Philadelphia.
Very respectfully, yours,
CHRISTIE JOHNSON,
Private Sec. to the Regent, DO.