The independent press. (Abbeville C.H., S.C.) 1853-1860, 1859-03-11
An Appeal to the Citizens of the United
States.

tween John A. Washington, proprietor o.
Mt. Vernon, and the Regent of the Mt. Yer
nou Ladies' Association, by which the man
sion and tomb of Washington, and two hun
dred acres, are TO become the property o.
the nation. The title to be held bv the AS
soclation, and the property to be transferred
on the payment Of 100000. All interest
on said sum to be remittcd, should the
whole amount he paid on the 22d of l'ebru-
ary, 1859, the anniversary of tho birthday
OF the father of his country.
The assumption, by woman, of so vast n
responsibility as-the collection of this sum,
and the additional one Of S3oo,ooO, neces.
sary for the repairs, improvement and pres
ervation of the estate, was hailed with Joy,
not only by the millions of this great Re-
public, but by the millions across the sea, in
the fatherapd Of the children of Wash
ington.
This solemn obligation was assumed
when the association had scare extended
beyond the Southern States, in which it had
its origin, but woman had faith in the depth
OF love and reverence felt for tho il!ustrious
patriot, and courage to dedicate herself to-
the holy work Of developing it to the height
Of the generosity required to secure the pos.
sesso .his sacred ashes. And now. when
that anniversary approaches--an aunver-
sary to which others than our own nation
turn, as the fitting time for grateful people
to reward her labors-I place before you
the result Of the devotion Of the women of
the land, and call upon You to Judge be-
tween them and The nation in whose pat.
riotism they couiiIed
By their exerlions, the association has en-
larged from nine States TO twenty-six. It's
boundaries extend from Maine to California
from Minnesota to Florida. Twcntv-four
Vice ltegcnts have entered upon their duties
IN their respective States. Through their
indefatigable efforts, and those of their gen
crous ally-the lion. Edwar. Everett-thc
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 ins'almcnt of $4,000, due on the
lst of January, 1850, with the interest
thereon; $4,000 on tic l4lh of December.
the hlty-eigh,h anniversary of Washinrton's
death; $4,000 on the 9Th of February, and
$4,000 on the l1th Of February instant,
making $4,000 on the second instalment
OF s41 ,0GG.GG, due on the 22d of February.
1860; to which, in addition to the SIS. 900
invested by the association, makes upwards
OF $4,000 reported to the Regent up to
date. Additional sums are known TO be
collected in various parts of the country.
1he purity of their patriotism, the zeal
energy and seli;sacrifcing spirit Which ac-
tuates them and their co-aborcrs, are best
shown by the moral influence already exert,
cd, and which is so eloquently described in
the words of another:
"lhe 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 mark of Heavens favor-a sign that
Providence has not deserted us in punish,
ment OF our national siDs-a timely revival
OF the religion of noble thoughts-a blessed
touch on the electric chord of sympathy
which ought oftener to thrill country DOS
sessing such an origin and such an expert
ence as ours. Let US hail it as an auspi-
cious omen, as the Inauguration of rew teIe-
graph ofthe heart, deep laid and love fraught,
like that new bond of humanity, which, If
not now, must ere long awaken the pulses
OF the continents-and seeing these things,
lot US bless God and take courage"
But prosperous as the association has
been; entering upon the new year with
high hopes and renewed zeal, determined
to pass onward until tha goal is obtained
it is evident from the statement now made
that Mt. Vernon cannot be secured by i.
to'the nation, on the day anticipated, with
:. out immediate and simultaneous action by
the whole country. The appeals of the Off.
GERS of the association have been scattered
broadcast over the land. Official reports,
:. each -: month, have reminded my countrymen
sho" rapidly time was passing. And now
the day draws nigh on which it is so conf
IDENTIFY expected that the great American
people will redeem the pledge made by
6 aconhding woman. But ten days remains
before an anniversary to which all eyes are
turned as the expected and appropriate time
when she will reap her reward in trium-
phantly 1yindicatihg anation's honor, and
lnaugusstng Che birthday of republican
gratitude: sshall she fail4 Will people
possessing untold wealth, numbering oyer
!, i ten millions Of adults; from whom the eops
tributioh oftbree cents each, would sbestowv :,
$500, 900, consent to- record. on Tho ann;