Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1867-02-19
HISTORICAL REMINISCENOE.
The Ancestral Mansion Of Winfield
Scott-Scenes of his Boyhood,
Burial Place of the Scott Family
Imposing soenes-Battle of
Five Forks.

Correspondence of the New York Herald.l
RICHMOND, Va, February l.--During
the pending dearth of news of political
character, and feeling called upon to
maintain the requisite equilibrium of a
correspondent, it occurs to me that some
"reminiscences of rambles am ong the
homes of the elite of the Old Dominion,
of national character, may be interest
ing to your readers. ! propose giving a
brief description of the time -honored
family seat of one Of those noble Vir-
ginians who graced the nation when the
name of Virginia was the synonym of
LOYALTY to the Union, and of unquestion
able national love, and who also stood
by that Union when his State had hoisted
the flag of treason.
To the ancestral summer residence OF
that noble hero, Gen. Winfield Scott, has
my attention been recently called, and a
much desired interest enkindled to be-
come familiar with its history. The
scene of the studies, sports, rambles and
memories of his boyish days, the stage
upon which his early manhood gained
impetus, and gave prestige to that fame
which has since emblazoned his name,
as the great American hero over the
whole civilized world. The mansion
was built originally about one hundred
and twenty years since in some anti
ouated style of English architecture,
which has aim ost entirely disappeared,
being nearly remodeled by modern ad
ditions The Pegram family, whose
names are familiar in the late war, were
intimately connected by marriage and
intermarriage with the SCOTS, and it is
supposed the mansion was originally
built by them, and afterwards inherited
by the Scots through the marriage of
some members of the family, being
used conformity as convenient by both
families as summer residence About
1898 the whole Scott property was pur-
chased by Mr.. S. Hill Smith, of Rich
mond, but the portion to which | now
allude as being the residence of the
General is still in possession of son of
that gentleman, who from motives of
patriotism, its historic interest, etc,
could never be induced to part with it.
This farm adjoins, and is now in full
view of Dinwiddie Court House-henoe
It's name, "Village View "-andpresents
a most charming appearance. The man
sion is commodious antique building,
with a verandah in front the length of the
whole house, surrounded by every de-
scription of farm building, ornamented
by groves, springs and orchards A cul-
tivated garden and grapery, situated upon
one of the highest points in the county,
enyironed by as many hills as the famous
city on the Tiber. The whole from the
leading country road which passes in
front, making a most delightful and
pleasing impression. Immediately in the
rear of the residence, but in full view of
the road, is the family burying ground OF
the Scots, in an excellent state of pre-
servation, and securely walled in with
granite 10 the manner of cid English
tombs. In this are deposited the eremains
of a number of ancestors of the General
and his relatives; but the names OF whom
| could not exactly ascertain.
The beautiful farm, in common with !
all Others, shows the desolating ravages
Of war to a great extent, the soil is OF
the most fertile nature, and ls admira'
blv suited to the cultivation of cotton,
tobacco, grapes and all the cereals.
Granite Of the best quality underlies the |
terra firma and crops ont in mammoth |
boulders in great many places. The /
lanruishing condition OF the country, |
calls here imperatiyely for the energy, |
enterprise and industry Of the Yankee,
in beautiful, but neglected and almost
despairing region.
The famous Diamond Spring in a
beautiful grove in the diamond field, on
this farm, was the grand scene in the
olden times, and even during the late |
wears of secession mania, Of imposing |
political gatherings, barbecuss, pioni0s
and all other summer amusements OF |
the gentry Of this and the neighboriug
Many relatives, ! am told, OF /
the great Dinwiddien still live IN this /
section, but are like the remainder, pow
eriy stricken i
have often wondered that some OF
the old Generals Northern friends end /
admirers do not appropriate las his |
State would have done had he gone with /
il when the flag Of secession was I'M
furled TO the breeze) this sacred spot as
a pleasant retreat, by depicting some OF |
Ihair coifers in beauiifying and adorning /
this attractive and now national place. /
This would meet With the sympaihies
and best wishes Of the whole North, aud
would once more make i an oasis IN the !