Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1865-11-21

For the frsenanl
The Washington Elm and Episcopal Church
at Old Cambridge.

Mr. EDITOR directly fronting portion Of
the common, and nearly in the center of Garden
street, Cambridge, there stands a venerable
elm fourteen feet in circumference, with its
huge arms reaching out towards all the different
points OF compass. This tree il enclosed by
granite eiging, surmounted with an iron rail-
ing. On the southerly side OF the enclosure there
is large granite monument, with the following
inscription:
Under this tres Washington hnt took command Of the
American aInJ July sd, liI5"
1t will be reco lected by tho historical reader,
that at this period Boston was besieged by the
American army, portion OF which was formed
on Cambridge common, on the aforesaid third
day Of July, to welcome their new chief, and
that he took up his residence at Cambridge, and
Immediately commenced the task Of disciplning
Ihe provincial army
While passing down Garden street, an ancient
looking church will be noticed chaste in archi-
lecture and beautiful in proportion. This
building is the Cambridge Episcopal Church.
Ii is nearly opposite the Havard University
buildings and was constructed A. ID. l760. The
original propretors of this church were mostly
men of wealth. Many oil the families were CON
nected by blood or marroga, aud formed within
themselves u select social circle. Their resi-
doncss were surrounded by elegant gardens, and
ombeshed with tho many luIuries which
wealth can give; stasusry and paintings, Ii
btaries OF choice books, fine furniture and mu-
sical instruments decorated the interior Of their
dwellings. They had sulhciency OF this
world, goods, and dishked change in govern
ment. TheysWero conservative and loyal to the
English Parliament, and continued the use OF
their form of prayer, imploring blessings on
the head Of George Ill.
At the commencement OF the revolutionary
war, the democracy Of Boston and Cambridge
lad no sympathy Tor tories" as these men
were termed, aud during the year INA they
could not be restrained from aets Of violence
aud the residences OF the leading men who wor-
SHIPPED at the Episcopal church were assallsd
their families were scattered and their property
finally eoHdscated. The church was broken up,
and after the battle of Lexington the organ was
melted for bullets, and militia company from
Weathersdeld, Conn, took possession OF the
building, using 1t Tor Barracks.
Mrs Washington arrived at Cambridge in
December, l775, and with the intullye percsp.
tiou and quick eye of the female, she saw the
wrong that had been done in converting the
house OF God into temple of Mars, and imme-
diately made arrangements to have the church
put in order for divine service. This was per
formed on a subsequent sabbath Col. William
Pallrey officiating. Gen Washington and lady,
Mrs. Gates, Mrs. Gusts, and many other per-
sons were preseht,
Tho form of prayer was altered the Divine
Being was implored to "open the eyes OF King
George, aud to remove evil council from him.
to bless the Continental Congress, and moro es-
pecaly his exosllenOy George Washington.
oommander.in-ohie of the American army"
A number OF the former residences Of the
"tories' are sill standing, furnishing interest
ing relics Of the American revolution.
VgRsoSrgR IN BosroS.