Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1872-05-21
Washington Correspondence.
WASHINGTON, ID. c.,
Anril ~. 1872.

Aprll II, 1872.
M. Edifor-One lovely morning last
week the City Of Washington, a small
steamer which plies between the two
cities, took us TO Alexandria.
Oh. blue as jessies were the skies, and
the sheeny flowers OF the yellow jessa-
mine contrasting with the the deep green
OF the river banks. and the lighter green
of graceful willows, made up a scene EN-
chanting as dream of fairy land, to our
party, who, weary OF city life and close
rooms, drank health and Joy with every
breath OF The pure country air.
In twenty minutes we had reached the
pier, and were walking up Hane street.,
when it bethought me we had all grown
suddenly genial, and were chatting aud
smiling with unusual vivacity, and even
strangers OF whom we made inquiries,
would seem TO catch the spirit OF our
mirth and answer with smiling suavity.
Now had not the brceZes from the grand
old Potomac swept the cobwebs from our
brains, rs Fanny Fern might say, and
were not the subtle sunbeams doing rs
much for our hearts
All , here is the Marshall House, and
now we stand at the foot OF the very
staircase, down which. bringing The rebel
flag, came The gallant Ellsworth 10 meet
his death. Thy brave young heart was
stlled too soon. bright Ellsworth. yet in
the hearts OF Thy faithful countrymen
thou art ever beautiful. bold, and young !!
We were not permitted TO enter this gray
old house, because, forsooth, visitors are
no respectors of property, and will cut up
the stairs for menentoes.
We visited the Cemetery. where rest
the remains of 1855 union soldiers. PEN
stoned soldiers labor To beautly the
resting places OF these their martyred
comrades. Flowers, now blooming IN
the conservatory, will soon contribute
their loneliness to the scene, birds sing
in the grove near by, fountains sparkle in
the sunbeams, he tumut OF the city
seems altar oil, and nm air of peace and
.resltulness pervades this quiet city of the
dead Among the Sicepcrs read the
name OF Charles j.. son OF Sylvanus and
Betsy Cobb, of Oxford County, Maine.
After resting within 4 vine wrcaihcd AZ
Dor, we went To see tho ancient church
on Washington street, where the lmmor.
tai Washington was wont 10 worship God.
IL is but seven miles from Mount Vernon.
The bricks were brought over from Eng
land, and the church commenced in 1865,
completed in l775, called Christs church.
The interior Of the church has been mod
ernzod To suit the wishes OF its present
Episcopal occupants, except Washing
tons pew. which remains square ~ OF
old, n silver plate rests on the railing, on
which is engraved "Washington's Pow =
The few grave.stones in the wide old
yard are leaning over and brown with
age, and their dates, which with difficulty
We could decipher were engraved IN
1865. Gazing upon this relic of past
century, the busy brain will picture vague
glimpscs OF Sabbaths afar OF. like long
| forgotten dreams.
When will Americans be less deslruc-
tire. and permit each dear old village
church, school-house, and homestead to
remain unmolcsted, build their handsome
new one on different sites, that the long
ing eyes oil home returning wanderers
may meet those dear familiar objects, and
rejoice in the old time scenes, which
thus assisted can so wildly portray
And ttcn To all it is 4 pleasure to walk
among old ruins. where care and toll
seem ended, when he sun, with farewell
beams glds roof and tree and talk and
sing with friendly spirits or dream alone,
and thus enjoy their spirit of rcpose.
Finding our boat would soon be due,
we left. promising ourselves the pleasure
oil sometime attending Sabbath service Al
this old English church.
Yours respectfully,
MoLLE MOORE.