Nashville patriot. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1858-1860, 1859-02-19
From he NJ. Herron Record.
An Appeal TO the Citizens of the UNI
ted States.

1t is well known to you, that on the 9th of
April, 1853. contract was signed between
John A. Washington. proprietor of Mt Vernon
and the Regent of the Mt. Vernon Ladies'
Association. by which the Mansion and Tomb
of Washington. and 200 acres. are to become
the property of the nation. The title to be
held by the Association, and the property to
be transferred on the payment of 100000.
All interest on said sum to be RENTED
sholld the whole amount be paid on the 22d
of February, 1859 the anniversary of the birth
of the Father of his Country.
The assumption, by woman, of so vast re-
sponsiblity as the collection of this sum, and
the additional one of $500, 0G0, necessary for
the repairs, improvements and preservation
of the Estate, was hailed with joy. not only
by the millions of this great Republic. but
by the millions across the sea. in the father
land of the children of WASHINGTON.
This solemn obligation was assumed when
the Association had scarce extended beyond
the Southern States in which il had its origin
but 'oOnlaR had faith in the depth of love and
reverence felt for the illustriOus Patriot, and
courage to dedicate herself to the holy work
of developing il to the height OF the genera
sty required to secure the possession of his
. sacred ashes And now. when that Anniver-
sary approaches-an Anniversary to which
others, than our own nation. turn as the fit
ting time for a grateful people to reward her
labors-I place before you the result of the
devotion of the women of the land, aud call
upon you to judge between them aud the ma
ton in whose patriotism they confded.
BY their exertiOns, the Association has en-
larged from States to &c. Its boundaries
extend from Maine to California, from Mime
sofa to Florida. Twenty-four Vice Regents
have entered upon their duties in their re-
spective States. Through their indelatigable
efforts, and those of their generous ally-the
Hon. Edward Everett-the Treasurer of the
Association has been enabled TO pay to Mr..
Washington. in addition to the $4,000 paid
on signing the contract, the first instam"nt
of $4,000, due on the LIST of January, 1859,
with the interest thereon; $4,000 on the
18th Of December. the 5Sth anniversary of
Washington's death: 5000 on the 9th of
February. and $40, 900 or the 18th of Febru
airy. inst, making $4,000 on the second in
stalment of S4t.666 sc, due on the 22d of
February. 1860; which, in addition to the
$4,000 invested nv the Association, makes
upwards of Sll7 900 reported to the Regent
up to date. Additional sums are known 10
be collected in various parts of the country.
The purity of their patriotism, the zeal,
energy and selfsacri6cIng spirit which actu-
ates them and their co-laborers. are best shown
by the moral influence already exerte1. and
which is so eloquently described in the words
of another
'The present awakening of public feeling
toward the memory of Washington, would
suffice to encourage the friends of our race.
1t is pure and high enough to challenge the
sympathy Of Angels. We may point TO it as "a
mark of Heavens favor-a sign that Provi-
dence has not deserted us in punishment of
our national sins-a timely revival of the re-
ligion of noble thoughts-a blessed touch on
the electric cord of sympathy which ought
oftener to thrill a country possessing such an
origin and such common experience as ours.
Let us hail il as an auspcious omen, as the
inauguration of a new telegraph of the heart,
deep laid and love-fraug ht. like that new
bond of humanity. which, if not now, must
ere long awaken the pulses of the continents
and seeing these things, let US bless God
and take courage"
But prosperous as the Association has
been; entering upon a new year with high
hopes and renewed zeal, determined to press
onward until the goal is attained--it is evil
dent from the statement now made, that Mt.
Vernon cannot be secured 10y il to the nation,
on the day anticipated. without immediate
aud Simultaneous action by the whole country.
The appeals of the officers of the Association
have been scattered broadcast over the land.
Official reports each month, have reminded
my countrymen how rapidly time was pass
ing. And no,c the day draws nigh on which
American people will redeem the pledge
made by confiding tooman. But ten days re-
main, before an Anniversary to which all eyes
are turned as the expected and appropriate
time when she will reap her reward in trium-
phantly indicating a nations honor, and
inaugurating the birthday of Republican
gratitude. Shall she fail Will a people
possessing untold wealth, numbering over
ten millions of adults. from whom the con-
tribution of three cents each. would bestow
$500. 900. consent to record on the .ARRi1er-
sary Of his Birth that we are unworthy to have
received Washington
Let men remember that the record they are
about TO make on the 22d of February. 1859,
for this mighty Republic, is one which can
only be effaced when the memory of Washing
ton ceases to be revered among the sons of
men, and that will be-when il is proclaimed
-" that time shall he no more "
. ANN PAMELA CUNNINGHAM.
Regent Mt V. l.. A.. of the Union.
PHILADELPHIA, Feb. llth, 1859.