Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1872-08-23
wnIrTrs ron THE VERMONT PHRHIx.
MOUNT VERNON IN Issa.

ii has often been asked, wv nat lstne pres
ent condition of Mt Vermont" "What was
the result of the great effort in 1859 to effect
its purchaser" &C., dc.
Perhaps IA few sketches of the revered
old mansion, with some account of lis
condition, may he interesting to the COM
munly.
Miss Ann Pamela Cunningham, Regent
of the ant. Vernon Association" called
council of the Vice Regents of the several
states, to assemble at Mi. Vernon on the
| lth June. On the evening OF that day at
abo ut O'Clock, Mrs. Mary Louisa Brooks,
V. II. of New York, Madame Berghmans
of Pennsylvania, Mrs. NJ. j. NJ. Sweat of
Maine, Mrs. Hudson OF Connecticut, and
Mrs. NJ. p. s. Cults of Vermont, met at
Washington on board the steamer Arrow.
The Captain was very polite and attentive
to them and united by common interest,
they were soon chatting merrily together,
as they glided rapidly over the smooth
waters of the Potomac, which were illumin-
ed by glorious sunset sky, of crimson
and gold. The Arrow has the exclusive
privilege of taking visitors to and from Mt.
Vernon, paying certain per centago on
each passenger to the Association. 1t was
dusk when they reached the Mt. Vernon
wharf. An old ambulance. and pair of
strong farm mules, driven by one of the
colored farm hands, were in waiting, and
also the gardiner to assist the ladies into
this vehicle.
This is mentioned merely in refutation
of one of the many aspersions that have
been cruelty aimed at Miss Cunningham
viz: "That she keeps an elegant equip
age at the expense of the Association"
These simple facts, show the ialseness of
this slander. Her whole aim seems to be
to save every penny she can, for repairs
and improvements on Mt. Vernon. They
were welcomed to the venerable place by
the Regent, slight in figure, but whose
broad expansive forehead, bright eyes, and
slightly aquiline nose, impress you with
her strength of intellect and energy. Mrs.
Farnsworth, V. II. of Michigan, Mrs. Letitia
ii. Walker of North Carolina, and Mrs.
Elizabeth w. Barry of Illinois, who had
arrived the day before, were introduced,
and greeted us cordially. Mrs. Farms
orth, Mrs. Walker, Mrs. Barry, Madame
Berghmans, Uhen Miss Macalaster,) and
Mrs. Cuts wee among the first Vice Re-
gents the others, having been recently
appointed. Miss Cunningham had sup
piled The empty chambers with enough
| fu rniture to accommodate the ladies, and
each soon had an apartment assigned TO
| them: to Mrs. Brooks, Washington g
own chamber; large and airy, with win
dows commanding fine views of the Po-
| tomac and two dressing rooms, each con-
tanning shelves. A large old fashioned fire
place, with ornamented iron back. spoke OF
wintry heat and warmth. In imagination
we saw the General and his lady the happy
| occupants of this commodious room. But
now the only furniture was an antique bed
stead, the posts almost touching the ceiling
| and two or three chairs. Madame Bergh-
| mans and Mrs. Sweat had La Fayette's
chamber, which has been recently hand
somely furnished in modern style by the
v. r. of New Jersey, Mrs. N. N. Halsted
All were made perfectly comfortable, anc
all were satisfied; and soon after tea, thu
ladies sought repose.
1t may be stated here though Learned
afterwards, that there are six chambers oI
the second floor; and five and large stor'
closet on tho third: ample loom for nu
merous guests. Now all the floors ar
secured, and spotlessly white.
A glorious morning awakens the ladie
to the consciousness that they are in tn
"home of the Father of his country" The,
assemble in the apartment that was hi
library, now used for dining room. On
| side of it is covered with book cases, one
filled with literary treasures, that hav
long since been scattered blue curtain
hung inside the glass doors, conceal th
empty shelves. The other three sides G
the room are wainscoted to the top. Mrs
Walker Oh n. C. in white, fair and lovely a
a lily, has the foot OF the table. Miss Gun
ningham is an invalid, and unable to ris
early Miss McMakin, her private secreta
nv, occupies her seat at the head. Mrs
Brooks, with her benevolent smiles, an
suavty of manner sits on the right; Mr.
Barry, (Illinois), tall and graceful, arraye
in becoming French morning costume
| is on the left and Mrs. Cults enjoys he
| agreeable conversation. The elegant an
sprightly Madame Berghmans is next Mr.
= Brooks, and Mrs. Farnswortb, whom a
esteem,-her neighbor Mrs. Sweat, wit
her sparkling eyes and active intelligenc
sits on Mrs. Walkers right and Mrs. HUI
son, pleasing and pretty, on the LEFT. !
lunch, Mrs. Mason of Va, a dgnifie
sensible lady of the old school is added
their number. The ladies, all in fiji
spirits, agree TO keep these seats duriI
their sojourn here. The long table is co
cred with delicacies broied chicken
, fresh eggs, butter, cream, milk and d
licious Strawberries, all the produce
MI. Vernon and sliced ham, hot biscu
corn-cake, tea, coffee, &c. Sarah, nj
colored woman, born on the place, and h