Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1872-08-06

Correspondence of the Alexandria Gazette. |
WESTMORELASD, VA, Aug. 3.-Iesterday
we made an excursion to "Stratford, the birth
place Of Gen. h. E. Lee. 1t is place Of much
interest. '.Strattord' stands on the Potomac
in this county, about four miles below Pope 5
Creek, on the north bank of which lies Nv axe
field, - the birth place of Washington. The
tract which now embraces about 1000 acres
originally consisted Of 10000 acres and was
granted to one OF the ancestors of the present
Lees by the Eoglish government. The mansion
stands about a mile from the river which it over
looks, or did before the forests growing up inter
cep,ed the view At this point are che STRAIT
ford bluffs, the highest bluffs on the Potomac.
Strattord house was built abont the year ITO.
by the English government, for - Lee, who
was one OF the Colonial Council, and an i'm
State. The house is an Imposing, massive
structure, shaped like the letter Fl, the eonnec-
ton between the wings forming an Immense
hail. about 80 or s. feet in width, with cell
ing at least % feet high. This was once mag
ni6cent room, with gilded columns, and roof
approaching a concave shape: and although one
hundred and sixty years have passed away
since its cons truction. much fits former beauty
yet remains. On the east the hall door looks
out on he river, or did once, and westward on
wide level plateau of many acres. From the
hall, passages with lofty ceilings lead to the
wings, which constitute the principal part oil
the building; these wings are each >urnountcd
with curious II shaped stock OF chlnnlc>, con
nccted by arches on which is platform, winch
commauiS an extensive view Of the river and
surrounding country. The house is constructed
in the heavy. poulerous style of old English
days, with massive walls. built OF brick brought
from England, the walls much resembling those
Of Christ Church in Alexandria. The outbuild
Tags, servants quarters. stables. &c, are all
butt OF the same material A.,
Stratford il held by an ancicut, comfortable
locking old lady. who di>peuSe> the ho>ritali-
ties Of the mansion. with true Virginia grace
and dignity, and who takes great pride in show
ing the house TO visitors anu printing out OBJ
iect> Of interest. The original size OF the tract.
az stated. has been much reduced. and most OF
that which remains Is grown ui'ln woods. The
grounds around the house bear evidence OF
having been beautifully 0rnamented, the gar
deu being SURROUNDED hya strong wall Of h-wn
stoue. Gen Lee Lett SIrattord III eariy life. and
never returned TO reside there. The present
owner is clilIlcsS aud the,cstate, at her death.
will pass into the hands OF dietaut relatives
Standing. as it does, solitary relic of the Old
COLONIAL days, when these land holders had al
NEST ttulal rights and power, the house has
melancholy interest, looking 10 the distance
almost like s,me old castle Of The 18th century,
nor is this impression dispeiled By view Of The
interior. There is little doubt indeed that these
massive walls and turret like wigs were intended
for defence in case Of attacks from Indians Or
other foes To such event it would have we'll
a siege. r .4.- ...~I II.