The Cass County Republican. [volume] (Dowagiac, Mich.) 18??-1880, 1862-12-11

up our line of march at "double
quick" pace down the "tow-path"-
that old antiquated tow-path of the
Ohio and Chesapeak Canal-for Alex
andria, it being on our direct route of
course, for our place Of destination.
Arriving at Alexandria we found it
necessary to stop at our old friends D.
B. and w. H. Canoll's, formerly of
Decatur, Mich, in order that we might
recuperate our exhausted strength, the
incidental results of fast riding. By
the way, the latter gentleman is now
catering to the wants of this regiment
in the capacity of Sutler, and is doing
the thing up in A. No. style. We
found sd. B." and "W. H." at their
store, and after exchanging a s'friendly
greeting" nothing would do but we
must go aud dine with them. 1t is
very seldom that myself or the Captain
refuse to participate in a good meal,
but on this occasion we felt bound to
demur, and respectfully begged to be
excused ont he plea that under the cir
cumstances we considered ourselves in
competent to do justice to the meal or
ourselves either, and therefore unwill-
ing to enter into contract the non-per-
formance of which must reflect serious
ly upon our good name and fame as
staunch epicure individuals. We
gained our point, of course, but as
"Jim" and the Surgeon felt themselves
adequate" to the occasion, they went
and partook of the kind hospitality OF
our friends. No doubt they did both
the meal and themselves ample JUS
tice.
On solicitation, w. II. Canoll and
E. Hollister consented to accom-.
pany us onour visit, to the sacred
resting place of Washington, which
augmented our little band of curiousity
seekers to six in number. Once again
in our saddles we started off at brisk
place over the ebay Bridge" and on
TO Mt. Vernon. We had scarce pro
ceeded two miles, however, when oul
friend HOLSTERS horse gave out, the
blood starting freely from his nostrils
and seeminly from his. mouth also
Upon consultation it was deemed mex
pcdient for him to proceed farther un
des the circumstances, and so, to the
regret of all, he turned back.
1t was now near three o'clock, and
we had yet about:..five miles to MAKE
and return, which necessarily involved
some pretty sharp riding; but ou
horses were not lacking in metal or speed
and, therefore, our object was easily &C
complishc,. On arriving at the QUITE
pickets we were delayed sometime b,
the absence of the Sergeant of tn
Guard" who was to examine our pass
es. We were finally relieved however
after "weary waiting" of nearly al
hour, by the approach of the Colone
who examined our papers and let u
pass on. Once again on our way W
soon reached Mt. Vernon, rode int
the enclosure, made our horses fast AM
proceeded to examine the grounds.
is not necessary for me to speak her
of the appearance and situation of MI
Vernon, for it has been written of s
often, and by men of rare literary gen
ius, that what / could say would be G
t little interest to the general reader,
, not stale and insipid of itself Still
: Notwithstanding this, l cannot foreg
a few casual remarks ere passing tn
subject by. must confess that wa
not little disappointed in the place
1t is far more ordinary and common
place in its appearance than had an
! ticipated. Many places in Virgini
have I seen of far more portentiou
t appearance if not picturesque sui
roundings. Yet one must ever fee
3 that peculiar sense of reverence an
, veneration for the place as he case
7 thereupon, which he can feel under n
3 other circumstances. The yer
grounds, the shrubbery, the gravele
: walks-all seem consecrated and ha
. lowed from having been associate
Q with him while living, in receiving hi
personal attention and tender car,
. Here it was that this great man-th
! embodyment of every good and gres
principle in human nature-passed th
Y last days of his eventful life. Here
n was, too, that, in the fulness of time
S and after having faithfully devoted hi
: whole life to his country's service, b
J. cancelled the last debt-that del
}, which we all in common owe to Natul
it and passed from this world of vagr
!, hallucinations to brighter and bett.
!, realm. Oh, Washington! 1t is we
1 that thy days were numbered ere th