The Kenosha telegraph and tribune. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1859-1860, 1860-05-24

Ser'dIiohs OF the heavenly DodleS. Ihe view o
the surrounding country from the upper platform
OF the Observatory is a commanding one; the
cities Washington and Georgetown, ARE spread
out like map before the beholder while thC
city of Alexandria is seen in full view a few
miles down the Potomac. large region o
country within the limits of Maryland and Vir.
GINA may also be seen; this region has been
settled perhaps quite hundred years, yet one
IS surprised to see SO few fine farm houses, with
in the range Of this extensive view.
MOUNT VERNON
From the Observatory, the party rode to the
steam boat landing to embark for Mount Vernon
The Potomac here is a noble river and the
country on either side down to Mount Vernon,
presents a scene of much natural beauty vet
one cannot but wonder that in so old a country
rs this-abounding in such beautiful sloping hill
sides, and such admirable sites along the river
for elegant country seats, why there should be
scarcely an attractive residence in distance of
twenty miles. Were this beautiful river. and
the equally beautiful country in a free State,
| splendid country seats, would dot the shore
on either side
As the steamer neared the landing at Mount
Vernon, the bell commenced its solemn toll; the
sound Of mirthfulness and hilarity among the
passengers is now hushed A feeling of venera-
ton and awe pervades all minds las we approach
the spot where lies entombed the Father of his
Country. We ascend the narrow road leuding
tba urnO " Ii, Al Z
ton tread lightly, for we are now on hallowed
ground presently we stand before the door of
the sepulcher. Now every voice is subdued :
stout hearted men only speak in whispers, while
the more sympathetic cannot restrain a tear
We look through the iron railing-there in that
marble coffin on the right, lie enclosed the NOR
tai remains of George Washington OIL the left
IN another marble coffin, are those Of his wife -
While the visitors gaze upon these repositories
OF the ilustrious dead tho emotions that stir their
souls are unnistak able-slowly they retire and
st and Or Iechne in thoughtful attitudes.
Near the tomb of Washington, are other mon.
uments, denoting the resting places of relatives
q the Washington family. Some fifty rods from
the tomb is the House tf Washington: this is
now in adelapidated condition the broad porti
coin Front, is temporarily propped up to keep it
IRON falling even the stone floor under the nor
tlco gives evidence Of crumbling back to dust
considerable portion of the furniture in the
several rooms, is said to he the same used when
Washington occupied the house A number of
negroes belonging to the late proprietor of tb.
mansion one OF these offered for sale punches
OF Magnolia leaves, TO such as desired to BRING
away some memorial of Mount Vernon. There
are some half dozen OF more buildings of less
size than the house Of Washington, which were
used for different purposes during the time he
resided here these also are going to decax.--,
some OF them are already SO far fallen into RUM
as not to admit Of repair. The Ladies Of the I
Mount Vernon Association intend to repair and
preserve the house of Washington, and as MANY
OF the other buildings as possible, but the old |
porllco of the house will have to be taken down
and new one put in place OF H., SO other por-
lions OF the house and OF the other buildings will
nave to be replaced by new material. Whoever
visits Mount Vernon two years hence, will not
look on the same columns ,piazzas and much elsc
that Washington was accustomed to look upon /;
he will only see fac simiie of what was before.
The gardens on the Mount Vernon estate. were
once quite extensve only part of these
grounds are now cultivated the balance still
contain Towering shrubbery, but weeds and
grass cover the ground. A long line of shade
trees, planted in the days of Washington, and
now over a foot in diameter, have lived their
time, and ARE now quite dead. Yet with all the
ruin and decay at Mount Vernon, the spot by
nature is one of surprising beauty, and exhibits
the line taste Of the Father of his country. in
choosing such home for his ret irement from
public life.
The Company returned to Washington in the
evening meeting was organized on the steam
er for the purpose Of giving expression, for the
Hberalities Of the Baltimore & Ohio r. r. Com
pany. Resolutions were offered, and speeches
made by Hon. Mr.. Ashman of South Carolina.
Hon. Mr., Curtis of Iowa, Carnes of Texas,
Smith of Baltimore and Mr.. Poore of the Boston
Journal. Il