Saint Mary's beacon. [volume] (Leonard Town, Md.) 1867-1983, 1872-06-27
From the Sunday Morning Chronicle.
ANNALS OF GEORGETOWN HEIGHTS.
Ey MRS. ANNA II. DORSEY.

Daring the late civil war certain Aus
trisn Baron. of noble birth and elegant
manners. was present at m evening re-
ception st one ofthe most exclusive houses
of the refined resilient society of WASH
ing'on. At that time the foreign senti-
ment was asains; US. and the members Of
the Diplomatic Corps. except those belong
ing to the Russian aud Prussian Lega-
tions. made no pretense NJ ofconcealing their
sympa,hies with the feulal and aristocrat-
ic South. and many who were attracted
here from distant countries to watch the
issue Of the terrific struggle were impress
sed BY their opinions On the occasion
referred TO Baron Won W was attrac-
ted by the name Of a patriotic lady who
was present, who never failed. in a quiet
nnd refined. but no less incisive way. to
rebuke the slightest disrespect shown her
country in her presence. and requested an
introduction. lie remarked that he knew
several high dignituries in Vienna. one Of
them the Grand High Chamberlain Of the
Imperial household. Of the same name.
was Madame related tn them. Madame"
though, not but the Baron insisted that
IL must BE- so on account of the similarity
of the name. the manncr OF spelling it.
and cndenvorcd. in rather n yrand,loquent
wav. to impress her with the importance
of being related to n family 50 noble and
elevated Mrs. was at first amused;
then il struck her native American soul.
that there was an in!iscrhablc something
in the mir Of the handsome foreigner. sa-
roring e an intention 10 lower her
amor ynni,i. aud she replied at once. with
great dignity: MY family. Baron Won
W, have remote. so-caleI noble
Europcaa lineage; but We are much proud
er Of our American ancestry who helped
TO build up the liberties Of our country.
assure you" As the conversation was in
French Baron Won W understood the
full point Of the remark, colorci to the
roots of his golden hair. made profound
bow. and walked away.
This anccdote is related 10 illustrate the
design Of these sketches. which are espc-
cally intendcd u give brief account Of
ahe American branches Of those old George
town families on the Heights" who iden-
tifed themselves with the early struggles
of the Colonies. and subsequently, of the
young Republic leaving out. rs some
thing irrelevant 20 the subject. the detail $
Of their European ancestry. And now
although taste has arisen for tracing the
gsuealogies Of our best families. which is
Interesting 10 large numbers of per sons,
aud especially so to the family pride oftbeir
descendants. il seems out of place in a
country whore there is no recognized
caste. aud is only na ridiculous when the
annals Of family show that its fame is
based on patriotic services aud sacrifices
made to secure to those who shouli come
after them the inestimable legacy ola Free
Constitution and its concomiiant privileges.
"Old blood" is really Of but small account
in these latter days unless it has been en-
nohled in the way referred to. for most Of
the ..old biscdn Of this country is also
poor blood" WHICH is gradually dying
cut to give place "a a Honevcd class.
whose anomalies make q curious study to
refined aud cultured eyes; one of the most
peculiar being their itching desire to forA
get the noble aud honest endeavor which
secured their prosperity. aud mask their
plain origin uuder borrowed crest hshed
out cf the beck of Heraldry. This is SIM
ply igaoble. aud shows moral weakness
not in keeping with the vigor Of Repub-
iican Iastitations. Far better is il to be
the founder Of a race than the fag-end of
an old e6sfe one.
w---y..tsreeuwoea.n y the old homestead OF the
Pia,ers. is situated on q, picturesque ele-
walton east ct " wesson." romantic glen
o. raviue. dividing the grounds of the TWO
places. The house, built Of brick nearly
century ago. is large aud commodious.
and frcnts southeast. commanding she same
splendid views Of the Potomac. the dis
tans hills on the Virginia side. portions Of
the twc cities. and the ncighhcriug height.
which are seen from the crest Of the ridge
which bounds Georgetown on the ives,
aud north. The windows Of the lower
-.Ssary opansd to the lava, which vas or.
pamented with, groups of oak trees. beau
<ifni shsubbcry. aud flowers that added
greatly to The aesthetic charms Of the spo,
The FORESTS. Judge Plater's" faai.
ly. the ..Lingans." Gusts" Peters >
and Keys. with Col. Mckenney's fam.
ily as ..Westcu. formed the neighborhood
ef this portion Of the Heights. and as these
households wcre ell related. either BY blood
or marriage. their intercourse was not only
friendly, tut intimstc. General and Mrs