The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1872-08-31
LAUREL HILL CEMETERY.

previous to entering the city, Laurel Hill
Cemetery. situated on the high banks of
the Schuylkill over which river Gray's
Ferry bridge is built. Have you during
anv of your visits, frequented this exceed
ingly beautiful spot; consecrated as the
depository of the dead, where so many are
sleeping till the last trump shall soundo
1t is to many of you as well as to me, a
painful pleasure to visit the City of the
dead, especially when those who were near
and dear to US, and often our all in life, are
sleeping there.
There are many features of interest in
this Cemetery, though it is not by any
means as extensive as either Greenwood of
New York or Auburn Of Boston.
Now let us go within its enclosure and
see what there is to attract the attention
of a stranger. Our eye is at once forcibly
arrested upon finely executed piece of
statuary-"O Mortality cut from
Trenton frustrum, by our late and much
lamented Thorne, who was Scotch artist
of the creates celebrity and renown. 1t
had its origin or rather the scene of cold
Mortality {" who is laid in secluded buri-
al ground in the North of Scotland The
principal character depicted, is descend
ant of the Old Covenanter, who performed
MANY memorable acts in the last century,
and who from being SO remarkable per-
sonase, received the title of "O Old Mortal
ity,'' but whose real name was Robert
Patterson. His only companion was his old
white pony upon which he itinerated from
place to place, and which subsisted chiefly
by grazing in the country church yard,
while his master was busy cleansing the
moss and lichens from off the grave
stones. Now my readers let me describe
sold Mortality - to those who have never
had the pleasure of seeing him, and l know
many of you will have curiosity enough to
90 and see him, when you visit the city of
Brotherly Love. "Old Mortality" is sit
ting on a dilapidated tomb stone and while
in the way of replying to the second per-
son in the artists group supposed to be the
village school master asking about some
champion of the cross who lies Wondering
in the sacred enclosure; the artist caught
the design, and transferred the animated
and benign countenance of the old man to
the statue, with every lineament, wrinkle
and furrow in his cheek; his unique cap,
antiquated coat, waist coat and old breech-
es rent to the knee, heavy shoes studded
with large nails, all are admirably de-
picted.
The artist has been equally successful in
portraying the little old white pony, which
stands faithfully by his masters side, COW
cred with an apology for saddle, a hair
halter, as a substitute for bride; cam
vass bag is fastened to the pony's neck for
the purpose of carrying the old veterans
chisels. mallets, and other necessary articl-
es. Indeed everything about the rider and
his horse is true to life, and we can only
exclaim, of the old man: chad those lips |
but language!'
Among other things that attracts atten-
ton, is the strangers grave; it stands near
the margin of the Schuylkill river, and it
is believed by many, and the supposition
amounts to fact, that no one rests there,
and the monument is merely placed there
to mark the spot where a stranger loved to
stand and muse, and view nature looking
from nature up to natures God; here he
could revel, in the greatest loneliness,
and feel waited in every passing breeze,
call things passeth away"
The whole burying ground presents
grand appearance, splendid monuments of
every variety, form and color, and beauti-
full fresh flowers are daily planted by
friends and relatives of the dead as marks
of respect; they fill the air with their fra
GRANGE and persons are not allowed to pluck
them, and as we gaze around on the many
tombs, we have warning of the shortness
of life.
The green grass here waves over the
grave Of the youth and the little babe as
well as the aged; all sleep quiet in that
beautiful resting place for the dead. The
King of terror claims all alike for his
kingdom.
There are many other interesting Tea
| lures, but l have not room to mention
them here, and urge you to go and see for
yourself, Yours respectfully
COUNTRY.