Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1866-12-04
For the Grant County Herald
Arlington and the Soldiers National
Cemetery.

IS one otgreat extent and much beau.
ty and variety.
The eye takes in almost at a
glance all the prominent and varied
features Of the city spread out in
magnificent distance below, while be-
v nd the broad waters Of the Poto-
mac, Arlington House and Freed.
mems village, are seen with distant
dwellings and forts dotting diversi-
fed landscape extending along the
river side to the south. west whore
Fairfax Seminary is family visible in
the dim blue distance Of country
stretching far away in that direc-
ton. The elevated position Of Ar
lington and standing boldly out from
surrounding groves upon the nights
OF the, opposite shores Of the river
5minenlly attracts the vision as
seen from the vicinity Of the Capitol
buildings from which it is over three
miles distant and nearly due west.
AS generally known the Arlington
Mansion was formerly the residence
of Gen. Lee the commander in chic
Of the late rebel armies. Descend
ing with the ancient and extensive
estate to the wife of Gen. Lee as the
great grand daughter Of Martha
Curtis who became the wife Of Wash
ington and as the remaining heir Of
the adopted son Of Washington, Geo.
Park Curtis whose home it was over
half century, his death occurring
less than ten years ago
Accompanied by a friend we drove
to long bridge there crossing the
beautiful Potomac which is one mile
in width at this point. The mansion
on the nights two miles distant is
reached by carriage way winding
among the nights to its front whore
from an extensive portico supported
by massive pillars splendid view is
obtained Of the lofty dome and noble
proportions Of the Capitol with one
of the most extensive views of the
river city and surrounding country
in the vicinity Of Washington. The
ancient building is an extensive one
containing many spacious and pleas
ant rooms the whole exterior has
been plastered in inhalation Of light
colOred frcestone. Directly through
the center runs main hall of great
width h wing several old style dark
colored doors opening into rooms on
either side. Upon the walls hang
several large paintings by Geo.
Washington Park Curtis, represent
ing mostly battle scenes in the Rev
dictionary war possessing little merit
as works of art they are however
regarded with some degree of inter
est from their associations and having
it is said considerable correctness of
portraiture and representing faithful
" the customs Of the Revolutionary
period. At the extremity of this ball
arched passages leading to different
rooms have painted upon their walls
several rude representations Of the
chase whose numerous trophies OF
ancient skulls and antliers of the
deer are nailed about the arches and
pillars below dodbtlessly to pcrpet-
uate some extraordinary exploit in
this line, Of oldcn time. Very little
furniture or household articles remain
in the mansion having been taken
hence in that evil hour when Gen.
Lee decided to Join his fortunes with
the southern confederaoy. The Ii
brary room contains desk and few
articles once used by Washington,
and portion of Gen Lees library q
most miscellaneous selection among
which Scots Bible commentaries and
Noltai complete work were no.
ticed in close proximity Above
one of the Washington relics hangs
an inscription us follows:
whether ON the tented field,
Or in the battles
Phe htte,t place for man 70 die
is where he dies for man.
The lofty sentiment Of which un-
fortunately has been furnished with
no parallel in the unhonored career
of Gen. Lee. In the large connecting
quarters opposite IS side board own.
ed by Washington and upon the walls
hang several ancient paintings in
massive guilt frames among which IS
n portrait OF Martha Curtis previous
to her marriage, one large painting
attracted my attention as rcpres Mt
ing the Arch Angel with glittcring
sword high upIitted above the pros
trate form of the first rebel on record
to descend with terrible punishment
as Justice demands every whore upon
the traitor and rebel.
A plain marble monument in a
beautiful grove at no great distance
from the mansion, marks the resting
place OF its former venerable propri-
etor who in the year 1857 was placed
beside his wife Mary Fitzhugh whom
he did not long survive.
The Arlington estate now owned
by general government being confs
cated,property the Free imen's village
is located upon it and portion is cul-
tivated by the freedmen as govern
ment farms and around the mansion
two hundred and fifty acres have been
enclosed and set apart for soldiers
National Cemetery and we think no
more appropriate and beautiful select
ion could be made for this purpose
than the groves and lawns Of Airing
ton.
The graveled carriage ways wind
ing through every portion Of the
or0nndS and the narrow foot maths