Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1863-07-24
MOUNT VERNON IN JUNE.
Here WAsHtHGrOS in holy slumber lies
o do not say that PatriOt Niftne diea."

Here wAsnrNoros in holy slumber lies;
do not say that Patriot Virtue dies"
The haversack was packed with two day,
rations the morning sun was just up, bath
ing in beautiful light the clouds floating oye
the Potomac. Why not go to-day on the
pilgrimage; left Washington with its dust
and beat for cooler shades Reaching Alex.
andria by nine clock, and being in no hurry
there was time to visit the barbados and
ritle-pits constructed to prevent raid by the
notorious Stuart.
Hunting Creek has its block house, besides
redoubts on the hill for the further security
OF the town. My journey was on foot
There is an independence in these summer
rambles gained in no other way. ] remember
them among the Green Mountains wears ago
when it was "biss beyond compare" to 20
trouting, or up the hills through fern and
tangled briar for raspberfes. The road
wound over hill and through Oak openings
to Mt. Vernon. There was no dust, no heat,
the birds sang sweetly, the swallow glanced
through the air, the locust had begun his
monotonous but cheerful buzzing. No NOR
tai felt happier than myself, and 80 | gave
vent to all kinds of songs and speeches.
There were but few houses along the road
NHN'' SNA'hbAhb W painters VIM ItNdln a lew
slaves, -men professedy Union, but at heart
rebels. could not but notice the dilapidated
condition of the out. houses and fences com.
pared with those Of many northern farmers.
Mt. Vernon was peaceful, and its solitary
visitor. l had no sooner reached the gate
then two cadaverous hounds met me- Startled
by their sudden appearance hastily conclud-
ed they were some Of Washington's avorite
pack. When | became more thoughtful |
concluded the animals were not sixty years
old, therefore not the companions of Wash
ington. The dogs, though one was nearly
blind, improved upon acquaintance they had
an eye upon the hayersack and accompanied
me in all my walks.
The lawn had been trimmed a week before,
and the grass upon it was in just that condi.
ton in which tired mortal likes to lie upon.
For hours ! rested, watching the Potomac
the schooners gliding slowly up and beating
still more slowly down. Fort Washington
on the opposite shore. was very happy aud
recalled similar ramble along the White
River of last summer.
Already the guide has shown me through
the silent halls, saying "this is the key to
the Bastile--thls the piano-this the bed
stead, ETC." in his usual stereotyped manner
! confess | cannot bear guides. The build
lngs by dint Of work have been put in excel
lent repair, and, indeed, are so new externally
that you can hardly believe them so old
concluded that If they had been in a more
tumo'e-down state my enjoyment would have
been increased, because love a ruin much
better than its fac-simile.
Night came slowly on and concluded to
sleep here, but colored woman said '.it was
not rulable.' That afternoon saw long
boat at the landing, and concluded to sleep
IN that wrapped lnyselfup in a blanket and
with my hsversack for pillow, was soon in
- nanny d'eam ! rested we'll rave tho lir