The Jeffersonian Democrat. [volume] (Chardon, Ohio) 1854-1865, 1860-05-18
THE JEFFERsoNGAN DEMOCRAT.


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preservation of liberty. Ho was exceeding
" gratiRcd by the presence Of the ladies f;
they never trouble. but always cheer him.
He spoke of the duties editors to each other,
and of their obligations TO preserve/ the
Constitution and the Union.
A general hand shaking FOLLOWED the
speech during which the PresidoYt told q
young lady from the West. she was one of
tho prettest girls no had seon. She CO.
quetishly replied. dropping her eyes and
blushing: IL am in state fsingle blessed
ness $50 am !. said the President, laugh
ing heartily at the intimation OF leap year
The party proceeded through tho con.
servatorios, green houses, &c, which were
thrown open to them
Leaving the White House, we visited
Lafayette Square and Mr.. Corcoran's pri.
vate picture gallery The collection is large,
aud the paintings are by some of the best
masters Again resuming our seats ve drove
about the Square enclosing the Statue of
Washington. bv Clark Mills; then to the OBJ
rS'rvatory. where Prof Maurv received us
NfFr going through it. we set out for the
steamboat, and embarked for Mt. Vernon
WASHINGTON MAY 10Th. 1860.
Our sail down the Potomac was delightful
It's scenery is fine. rather than grand. pre-
seuting more of the quiet beauty of the Ohio
than tho grandeur of the Hudson. An hour
passed quickly. when the tolling of tho boil
announced our approach to the homo OF
Washington. 1t is among the cnstoRs of
the river. that no boat ever passes Mt Yer.
non. without toling its bell. We were al.
lowed an hour and twenty minutes for our
stay Speedily tho grounds once hallowed
bv the presence of tho Father of his Country.
were ovcrrun bv our eager throng. anxious
to stand where Washington had stood. to
look upon the places made memorable by
his presence to gaze at tho sepulchre where
he lies ontnmhCd.
MI. Vernon is beautifully situated. but it
is in very dilapidnted condition, fences
down. buildings falling to pieces, all about il
hetokening unthrift 1t is the purpose of the
ladies of the Mt. Vernon Association. to re-.
produce it as it stood originally, retaining as
much of the old building as possible, aud
putting up all the bindings. fences. &C.. rs
Washington loft thcm. A commencement
las been made on some of the smaller build
ings.
We visited some of the lower rooms of
tho house. but were not permitted to enter
the chamber where Washington died. The
KEY of tho Bastile. presented by Lafayette
to Washington, hangs in n glass case over
one of tho doors in the hall. A spy.gnss
occupies some hooks on another door. and
old prints and pictures adurn the walls.
But the step stones are loose and irregular.
tho portico in front ia kept from falling hy
props placed beneath il. the blinds are
partly off tho doors to the cellar gone. and
IL al ,,th nj th ,ln l., L.
chcerIess and desolate Negro children
were selling branches of magnolia leaves
plucked. as thev said. from a tree planted
by Washington himself; and rough hickory
sticks.w abundant. that the older negroes
sold as memontoes. Guards were stationed
about the grounds. to prevent depreda ions
upon tree or flower. and seller of canes.
medals in caaes of Mt. Vernon wood. and
colored prints, was doing a thriving business
ut the mouth of Wasbineton's Sepulchre.
Every ono was busy collecting mementocs.
and long before curiosity was gratifed. the
bell announced that the time for our stay
had expired.
Soon after the Jamer Collier left the
wharf, q meeting war held, and addresses
made by Hon Col. Curtlss of Iowa, MIR.
Games of Texas. and Hon. Mr.. Ashmore of
South Carolina
At Fort Washington the boat stopped a
short time, and we went up and over the
fortress. Ii is in good preservation, ad.
m>rsbly located, and would seem to be a
work capable of doing good service,
should occasion require.
On returning to the boat, speeches
were made by Ex, Lieut.. Gov. Ford, Of
Ohio, W. p. Smith, B. Perley Poore, Of
Massachusetts, and others. A series OF
resolutions were also passed, expressive OF
the feelings ofthose on board TO the Bal
limore and Ohio Rail Road, to other Roads
and Steam Boat Lines, that had con
Iributed to our pleasure. While yet
amid speeches, we reached the wharf and
were again in Washington.
In the evening an organized meeting
was held al Browns Hotel, presided over
by Sam. Medary, Governor of Kansas,
and DR.. Scott of the Lebanon Star, as
Vice Presidents.
Upon taking his seal, Gov. Medary in.
troduced Mrs. Ann S. Stevens, humor.
ously remarhmg, that as Mrs.Slevens vas
regarded as the mother OF the Press, lie
claimed TO be considered its grandfather.
His remarks were witty and well received.
Speeches were made by Mr.. GIanvile
of the Baltimore Clipper, Hon R, H, Par
sons, and J. A. Harris of Cleveland, and
others and at a late hour, the editorial
fraternity as body dispersed, each to
seek his home, when and as he might.
Yours &c.
Ey PnEslnENr EuIMnRE .-Ihn Waahinn