The Grand Haven news. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1858-18??, 1859-01-26
Appeal to the Ladies of Michigan.


To engage your patriotic interest, and to pre-
vent the MISREPRESENTATION which exists to some
extent, concerning the present movement of the
" Ladies' Mount Vernon Society of the Union,"
1t is thought advisable to present TO you u SIM
pie sketch of its transactions.
Notwithstanding the general wish Of the
Union, that Mount Vernon should be consecra-
ted by the nation to the memory Of its original
proprietor, no scheme promised TO meet this OBJ
ject.
Various efforts were made by private compa-
MES, by the general government, and by the
State Of Virginia, which successfully failed.
When every other hope in the enterprise was
abandoned, one of our own sex achieved the
work. Taking counsel of some of the purest and
ablest men of our country, plan was devised
for purchasing the Tomb of w ashington and the
grounds surrounding it, and securing it to the
women Of the Union, subject to no interference
or control on the part Of Virginia, or any other
State, section, party orr power.
With great legal care, an act of incorporation
was Termed, and passed the legislature Of Vir-
ginia, by which this Association was authorized
to purchase the property, and to hold it forever.
The legislative power of this association of
ladies is confded to Regent, assisted by Vice
Regents, appointed by her, one for each State.
Vice Regents have been appointed in most of
the States, where organizations are in active and
successful operation, and most satisfactory re-
suits are reported 1t becomes the duty of the
Vice Regent to institute the most effectual means
TO the cooperation Of all the ladies in the
State, and such measures will speedily ba en-
plOyed as seem best adapted to this end.
Every subscriber becomes permanent men,
Der Of the Association by paying one dollar, and
may vote AZ any annual meeting ofthe Associa-
ton thereafter by paying like sum; and every
subscribers name, and the amount subscribed,
will be registered in the subscription books,
which will be circulated for that purpose, and
forwarded to the Regent
The capital stock of the incorporation is lin
tied to five hundred thousand dollars two hum
bred thousand for the purchase Of two hundred
acres, including the mansion, tomb, garden,
grounds, wharf and landing on the Potomac
River-to be held in fee simple; and three hun
dred thousand to constitute fund for repairing
the dilapidated buildings, improving the neg
lected grounds, and for other purposes relative
to their future advantage.
| Ladies, The contract has been closed the
| first insalmcnt, Of eighteen thousand dollars,
has been paid TO the present owner of the estate,
| Mr.. John A. Washington. 1t is very desirable
to consummate the contract by paying the
whole amount on the 22d of February, ls49, and
every effort is being made by the ladies of 9TH
or States to procure the funds. As rapidly as
possible, organizations viii be formed in every
Peninsula, and from my knowledge of the moth
ers, sisters, and daughters, of this State, fear
not to pledge you for q due share in the privi-
| lege of contributing to this noble cause.
We are new commonwealth, and our popu-
lation is comparatively sparse, yet it is believed
that our people have true hearts, ready to re-
spond to the calls of honor and patriotism
This appeal to our citizens is confidently
made it is no sectional enterprise eminent
/ 81 a..
| largely contributed TO its funds. The object is
the rescue Of the Home and Sepulchre of the
great leader of our armies under Providence, and
the founder of our civil and religious liberty.
| Let il not be said that the ladies of any other
State, in proportion TO our numbers, shall sur
pass us in enthusiasm or active effort
Our Regent, Miss Ann PAMELA Cunningham,
whose address is Philadelphia, is feeble wo-
man, in delicate health, yet it is through her
exertions the good work was begun, and she
calls to her sisters from the vast West to unite
with those of the sea- grit East, from the bleak
regions of the North, and the savannas of the
South" to share with her the honor of this glo-
| rious enterprise.
| All may contribute Thousands of our popu-
lation who have left the Fatherland, to estab-
| lish their domestic affairs within the shores Of
our mighty lakes and spacious prairies, of var
| GUS tongues and kindreds and nations, should
|
of Washington, who won for them the priceless
liberty they enjoy. Let us teach our descend
ants to be proud of their proprietorship in one
sacred spot where pilgrims from every part Of
the Union may assemble, and whore the section
al anmosities which at times threaten our politi-
cal existence shall soften down and mingle into
love and peace
In the archives of Mount Vernon will DO de-
posted and preserved a record of all the names
of those who become members of the Associa-
| ton.
Time and history shall point to it as one of
the most graceful monuments that adorn the
world, and that simple record shall, both in the
uses to which it is consecrated and the virtues
which it displays, obscure the proudest epitaph
| in Westminster Abbey or triumphant honor upon
| the pillars Of ancient Rome.
HANNAH b. FARNSW ORTIZ,
Vice Regent of Mt. Vernon Association for
Michigan.