Delaware tribune. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1867-1877, 1869-07-15
"Reminiscences OF a Day nt ArIisgton
Heights.
BY HATTIE.

: BY HATTIE.
Among the many places of interest visite,
during my trip to the Capitol, was the ono
grand old home of Gen. Robert Lee, calle,
darlington"
This noble edifice is about two miles from
the city of Washington, in the State of Vir
gina. 1t is situated on an eminence over
looking the Potomac, and commanding ,
beautiful view up and down tho river, as fal
as the eye can reach.
1t was lovely day in February that {
party of us, taking our lunch, went to spent
the day in rambling through the extensive
grounds of darlington, "and looking through
the house, now unoccupied, and desolate
but interesting from association.
The sun shone gorgeously bright on the
front of the house, there we stood, seem.
ingly elevated above all other surroundings,
while below ns, al our feet rolled placidl,
the beautiful river, with lis picturesque see.
merry, while the branches of the trees fell
waving in the soft calm air, almost to the
waters edge.
The view was indeed most romantic, and
charming. As we turned to the south side
OF the house, We saw the dense woods ex-
tending in the distance, and near us, were
wide sweeping carriage drives winding in
serpentine curves, and the pebbly earth was
in lovely contrast with the peeping grass.
which the warm and genial sun of the spring
like weather had brought forth.
Walking around to the back of the house,
we beheld scene of enchantment. There
were hills rising in beauty at their base, where
valleys through which ran streamets, whose
waters rippled smoothly along o,er their
pebbly beds, with tinkllng sound, and the
gentle whisperings of wind the among the
trees was soothing to the senses, while the
birds chirped, and. warbled, as il to hail us
with many greeting.
To our right was the flower garden, laid
out in oil manner of devices. The summer
house was covered with ivy, and other ever
greens. These trailing vines had clambered
to the very roof, seemingly knowing no
other home on which to cling, save the frail
foundation that supported them. l begged
slip of ivy, which our guide very reuc-
family gave me; not, however, until
smilingly said, "Do you not know that /
am newspaper reporter: This is why |
am so inquisilive, and wish to be Informed
on all particulars"
The guide seriously believing this, and
thinking my demand must be complied With,
at once took from among cluster of ivy
one little slip, for which sincerely thanked
him. After this we went to the house, en-
tering by the front door. The piazza, one
of the ornaments of the house, is supported
by six immense columns, running the entire
length of the building. The main hall is
very wide, with doors on either side, open
ing into various apartments. To our right
was the drawing room, with its lofty cell
ing, and large windows. The house seems
to have been built in the old Virginia style
of architecture, with regard to comfort, con-
venience, and commodiousness, amply dis
playing the splendor which once adorned it.
Two conservatories adjoining this room
were filed with plants, and exoiics, grow
ing in luxuriance. We were next conducted
to the Library and dining room, these two
being divided BY columns supporting arches.
This VIC were told was once home of
splendor, before it was disrobed of its luxu-
rious furniture, damask hanging, rare paint
ings. and family portraits. 1t is now desc
late.
Here it was that portion of the army
had their headquarters. They occupied it
soon after it was vacated by the Lee family,
and the tramp of heavy foot falls of SOL
diery, the clang Of muskctry, the jest,
laugh and song, resounded amid the halls
of former luxury and every delicate ap-
pointment
Shortly afterwards some of the owners OF
the place returned, removed the handsome
furniture. paintings, plate and liquors,
though not until after some of the most
beautiful and rare ornaments had been car
ried away, I presume as mcmentoes, thus
sharing the fate of war.
darlington Heights" was the home of |
Mrs. Lee, given to her by her father, Mr..
Gusts.
1t was bought by the State of Virginia,
when Mrs. Lee refused to pay the heavy
tax on her estate.
The whole estate is now a cemetery Here |
lie the remains of about sixteen thousand |
soldiers, women and children, besides in one |
spot and under one tomb rest the remains of |
nearly two thousand soldiers, while nearly |
every foot Of ground for miles is occupied |
as burying ground.
We learned much from some of the ne
groes, once slaves of the Lee family, who
still remain there, occupying one of the
quarters formerly used by other slaves.
To the right of the house is " Freedmans
Village" built since the war
The only person remaining is the sexton,
and man who keeps the register and the
house open TOR visitors.
There was "sigh in our hearts" as we
stepped into tho carriage for our return
home, for the sadness and gloomy splendor
which fingers over the spot, reminding US
of the fate of those who. .spurred on by mad
and false hopes, wrecked all, and
now, with broken fortunes and ruined pros
poets, have ample time to lament the error
Of one i0reng step.
MARCH 24TH, 1869.
MIR. Murdoch is giving readings in In
diana.