Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1861-03-13

The tomb are two monuments enclosed WI
, iron ratings. One was dedicated to Il
memory of Eleanor Park Lewis, gran'
daughter of Gen. Washington. The 9TH
is sacred to the memory of Mrs. M. Z.
Conrad, grand-neice of Gen. Washington
The new tomb is perhaps three hundre
yards southeast from the mansion, on
slight elevation, surrounded by thick shrul
berry and tall venerable oaks. Althoug
not seen from the river, this hallowcd spC
is brought into full view as one ascend
the long sloping walk from the landing
The remains of the patriot and those O
his wife lie in marble sarcophagi, the tw
occupying (the one on the right and tn
other on the left a kind of antechambel
forming the entrance to the new vault
which is visible from the outer gateway
This antechamber is covered with metal
lie roof, its walls, being built of brick
Its front. whichis sarmounted with ston
coping, is pierced by a gateway with ;
pointed gothic arch This gate is compes
ed of ircn bars Over the gateway, is {
plain marble slab, upon which are inscrib.
ed the words
within this enclosure rest the remains
of General George Washington"
The vault beyond the antechamber,
where the body of the hero lay prior to
the erection of the latter, was built in
1887. This vault is arched over at the
height of about eight feet from the ground,
and has rough-cast front, with a plain
iron door fixed in free-stone easement
Over this there is a stone tablet, with the
following brief passage from the script
ures:
Il am the resurrection and the life; he
that believeth in me, though he were dead,
yet shall he live"
The sarcophagus in which the remains
of Washington rest, is eight feet in length,
three feet in width, and two fee: in height
The covering stone is an immense block of
italian marble, adorned with the arms and
insignia of the U. s., beautifully sculptur-
ed. This design occupies large portion
of the central part of the surface or lid,
and represents shield divided into thir-
teen perpendicular stripes, which rests on
the flag of our country. The crest is an
eagle with open wings, perching upon the
superior bar of the shield, and in the act
Of clutching the arrow and the olive branch.
There is quite primitive walk or path
leading from the tomb to the residence,
which, like most everything else about the
plantation, at present, bespeaks very little
proper care and attention. The mansion
itself, shows the unmistakable marks of
age and gross neglect. Nevertheless, its
present appearance is not displeasing to
the eye, for one can easily forget, or at
least excuse what it is now, in thinking of
what it must have been. years ago, when
it was the home and pride of Washington. |
The long promenade pOrticO in front, the
wide spacious hall, extending from the
front to the rear of the building. the well
rooms, and the tasteful pictures,
which even yet embellish the walls. all
give ample evidence, that uncommon refn-
ID taste and culture was originally dis
played upon the place. In front of the
mansion is spread most beautiful lawn,
several acres in extent, planted with shrub
Dery and ornamental trees. a spectator
rom this point has ine view spread out
before him. He beholds at his feet the
aughing waters of tie Potomac, as they
move on joyOusly to their ocean home
He sees on the opposite shore, the fertile
nils and vallies of Maryland By turn
ne his gaze towards the north, he can. on
| clear day, discern stretching out in the
lin distance. the capital of the nation.
md by turning his face to the south, the
Potomac and Maryland shore again greet
lis delighted view. 1 think l never before
'aw such variety of beautiful scenery
rom one standpoint. In the rear of the
main building, there is circular carriage
hive, perhaps half a mile in circumference,
surrounded with numerous buildings,
negro quarters, seed houses, tool houses,
&c South of the lawn is the vegetable
yarden, and opposite to this, north of the
avn, are gardens and conservatory for
ornamental shrubs. plants, and flowers
There are many things of note, and many
highly interesting relics still preserved
With great care in the mansion. Among
which, is an ancient mapo of Va. represent
Nc ths territory between the Atlantic O.
ean and the Ohio river. with pencilled
races and marks from WaShinstcn's own
land, designating the route he traversed
Turing Brlddock's disastrous campaign a.
,ainst the French and Indians. The key
f the Bastile, which was sent by Lafay-
tie from France to Washington soon after
he destruction of the prison, is here, en-
lOsed in glass case placed in eOnspic-
Ious position on the wall in the hail.
here are many other objects of no little
interest, connected with the place, which
will not ingraft in this meagre descrip-
ion, but which are, nevertheless. well
Torth noticing. will close these, by re-
terating what have already said in sub
tance. viz That if there is any one spot,
there Americans can visit, with great
leasure and much profit, it is Mount Yer
on.
JOHN G. HUTCHINS,