The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1858-05-25

TUESDAY MORNING MAY 2. ,sss
Lady's observations In the Conn.
try.
[OoaaEspoxprNcE on rnE kIcaMosp pAur plsparcu ]
"HraHGATs," GLOUCESTER Ceus1Y. Va
Aa~, Ia

eHransars," GLOUCESTER cousrr. ".
May 18th, 1858.
During n pleasant visit to this good old county
! have met with some Interesting scenes ard incl
dents, brief description of which may possibly
be acceptable to your readers. On Monday morn
ing last, Was one of u merry party who made an
excsrsion from this place to ''Noodfarm - in Mid.
dIcsex county, the foe estate of Mr.. Segar. II il
situated on Panketauk river, and as we sailed nm
the stream saw, for long distance along the
shore. the seiues stretched ready for hauling fl an
aud here and there large vessels loading with wood
timber. Mr.. Segar has the finest pc ach orcbard
ever saw. The trees loaded with fruit. and
he expects to gather an unprecedented crop
1t is not to be expected that should visit this
section of country without taxing some note of
agricultural matters. In the Delght orbood of
Woodfarn the iy is making sad havoc with the
wheat. In many places the crop Is aluost entirely
destroyed The corn looks pretty well, considering
the cold aud variable season.
We had sumptuous dinner at Woodfarn and
after returning to the parlor, the conversations
turned upon the venerable relics oil the past W bich
exists in this section. Although Bishop Meade
and others have written Interesting narratives con-
cerning them, there are many more, we'll worth a
visit Down at an old church. iu former years be.
longing to the Episcopaians, but now free for all
denominations, is a brick wa in good state of
preservation, though over two hundred years old
The church walls are equally ancient, but have un.
dergone many repairs. The bricks were brought
from Engla d.
After passing delightful day at Woodfarm, our
host announced the readiness of the boatmeu to
row Us DER the ferry" So, bidding adieu TO our
kind friends, aud loaded with blessings and flowers
we were gliding along the smooth waters to the
shore of old Gloucester. We found carriages wait
ing to convey US to ''Highgate." where We arrived
after pleasant drive. That night, in company
with the same merry party. we tripped it on sthe
light fantastic toe until II O'Clock. Thus you
see though far from the busy town, We are not
without the means of social enjoyment.
"Hishgate' is beautifully situated hill.
commanding charming view of green plains aud
fertile meadows, with the forest beyond. The
house is All old-fashioned mansion, within the
walls Of which hospitality ever reigBs. 1t is now
the property of Mr.. John K Du Val, a most estima-
bic and worthy gentleman, who is always ready to
welcome his friends TO the old homestead.
Within quarter Of u mile of the house is the
burial ground Of the Washington family who for
merly owned Iiighgate and the country for miles
surrounding. There are several graves in the
burial ground. fine white marble tomb encloses
the reIDains of Major John Washngton's wife, and
bears the following inscription:
Underneath this Stone lyeth Interrd the Body
OF Mrs. Catherine Washington. Wife of Major John
Washiugton,aDd Daughter Of Coll Henry Whiting,
by Elizabeth, his Wife, Born May the 22nd 1854.
She Was IN her several stations IA Loving and Obe.
dent Wife, tender aud IndulsenI Mother, "A Kind
and Compassionate MISTRESS, and, above ALL an
Exemplary Christian She departed this Life
February ye Ith, 1143 aged ~ years. to the Great
loss of all that had ye Happiness of her Acquaiu-
tauce."
There IL one more tomb mode of brick and
covered with marble slab. THIS bears the follow
ing quaint epitaph:
in Well grounded Csrtainty of an Immortal
Resurrection liere yes the Remains Of Elizabeth,
the Daughter OF Johu and Catherine Washington.
she was Maiden NirtuOus without Reservedness,
Wise without Afectation, Beautifu! without know.
lag it. She lett this life tue Fl fih day OF Febr
In the Year MDCCXXXVI, in the twentieth Year
of her age"
1t wsn with much difficulty that / deciphered
these inscriptions, so completely were they cover
ed with moss and mould 1t 10 au interesting
spot, and indeed, this part of Virginia abouuds
in reminiscsuces of the odeu time.
There is but little to tell you iu the way of
news-the staple Of daily paper. l may, how
ever, say in closing, that Gen Taiaferio is organ
ziug several military companies in this county,
They meet at the Court House to omorrow for
drill preparatory to the general muster which
takes place on I'D of this month