Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1872-09-11
Mount Vernon in 1872.
BY MARY P. l.. QUITS.

II has often been asked, " What is the
present condition Of Mt. Vernon ?" What
was the result of the great effort in 1859 to
effect its purchase ~ etc, etc.
Perhaps a few sketches Of the revered old
mansion, with some account OF its condition,
may be interesting TO the community.
Miss Ann Pamela Cunningham, Regent Of
the Mount Vernon Association called a
council of the Vice Regents Of the several
States, to assemble at Mount Vernon on the
llth June. On the evening Of that day at
about O'Clock, Mrs. Mary Louisa Brooks
V. X. Of New York, Madame Berghmans Of
Pennsylva Mrs. NJ J. NJ. Sweat Of Maine
Mrs. Hudson Of Connecticut, and Mrs. NJ. p.
s. Cuts 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 chat
ting merrily together, as they glided rapidly
over the smooth waters Of the Potomac, which
we're ilumined by glorious sunset sky, Of
crimson and gold. The Arrow has the ex.
elusive privilege Of taking visitors to and
from Mount Vernon, paying certain per cent
age on each passenger to the Association. 1t
was dusk when they reached the Mount Yer.
non wharf An old ambulance, aud pair OF
strong farm mules, driven by one Of the col.
ored farm hands. were in waiting, aud also
the gardener to assist the ladies into this
vehicle.
This is mentioned merely 10 refutation Of
one of the many aspersions that have been
cruelty aimed at Miss Cunningham viz. =
That she keeps an elegant equipage at the
expense Of the Association"
These simple facts, show the falseness Of
this slander Her whole aim seems to be to
save every penny she can, for repairs and i'm
provements On Mount Vernon, They were
welcomed to the venerable place BY the Re-
ent,--slight in figure, but whose broad er-
pausive forehead, bright eyes, and slightly
aqailine nose, impress you with her strength
Of intellect and energy. Mrs. Farnsworth,
v. r. Of Miehigsn. 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 cor
daily. Mr.. farnsworth, Mrs. Walker, Mrs.
Barry, Ma Berghmans, then Miss Mac
/ alastar,) an Mrs. Cults we're among the
first Vice iaeetats the others, having been
recently appointed Miss Cunningham had
supplied the npty chambers with enough
furniture TO a4cosnmodate the ladies, and each
soon had an apartment assigned to them to
Mrs. Brooks. Wsshington's own chamber ;
large aud airy, with windows commanding
fue views Of the Potomac and two dressing
rooms, each containing shelves. A large old
fashioned place, with ornamented iron
back, spoke OF wintry heat aud 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
bedstead, the posts almost touching the cell
ing, and two or three chairs. Madame Bergh.
mans and Mrs. Sweat had La Fayettes cham
Der, which has been recently handsomely
furnished in modern style by the V. r. oi
New Jersey, Mrs N. N. Halsted. All were
made perfectly comfortable, and all we're sat
isfied and soon after tea, the ladies sought
repose.
1t may be stated here though learned af.
terwards, that there are six chambers on the
second floor; and FIVE and large store closet
on the third; ample room for numerous guests
Now all the floors are secured, and spotlessly
white.
A glorious morning awakens the ladies t.
the consciousness that they are in the "hom'
of the Father Of his country" They assem-
Bile in the apartment that was his library
now used for dining room. One side Of !
is covered with book cases, once filed will
literary treasures, that have long since beel
scattered blue curtains, hung inside the glas
doors, cooceal the empty shelves. The other
three sides of the room are wainsco'ed to th'
top. Mrs. Walker, Of North Carolina, il
white, fair and lovely as lily has the foo
of the table. Miss Cunningham is an invalid
and unable to rise early; Miss McMakin
her private secretary, occupies her seat at tn
head. Mrs. Brooks, with her benevolen
smiles, and suavity of manner sits on tn
right Mrs Barry, (Illinois), tall and grace
ful, arrayei in becoming French morning
costume, is on the left and Mrs. Quits en-
Joys her agreeable conversation. The elegan
and sprightly Madame Berghmans is mex
Mrs. Brooks and Mrs. Farnsworth, whom al
esteem, her neighbor. Mrs. Sweat, wit
her sparkling eyes and active intelligence
sits on Mrs. Walkers right, and Mrs. Hud
son, yfeasina and pretty, on the left. A
lunch, Mrs. Mason Of Virginia, a dignifed
sensible lady Of the old school is added
their number The ladies, all in fine spirit'
agree to keep these seats during their sojour
/ here. The long table is covered with delica
cies broiled chickens, fresh eggs, butte
/ orea n, milk ard delicious strawberries, all tn
, produce Of Mt. Vernon; and sliced ham, he
biscuit, corn-cake, tea, coffee, &c. Sarah,
! nice colored woman, born on the place, an
0 her husband ore polite and active in their n
tendance; and their son, boy Of II, drive
Q away the flies with long peacock brusl
After this cheerful, social meal, some Of th
ladies walk about the grounds. In front {
o the ranson, which is long and rather 10
' building, the lawn is laid out in the form {
y the Washington coat Of arms; and is entir,
!. ly surrounded by drive-ways, which are
|, 6ne order beautiful trees border it, and al
!. scattered about, Among these is statel
o magnolia-grandihora, said to have been plan
ed by Washington; its polished dark gree
leaves glstening 10 the sun, and dotted hel
K and there with the large, fragrant, white but
o and blossoms. Standing at the front hal
q door, on the right are the flower garden al
q green house the flower beds Of the form
!. are bordered with box, as in the General
;. time one border Of beautiful white Fren'
lilies extends the length Of the garden. II
drive way that leads into the Alexandria roi
70 is also on the right All arrivals and depar
m urcs Of Washington's family, friends al
guests, were from this entrance. On ea'
side Of the mansion are two one and one-ha
S. story frame buildings. that have been new
lshingled and painted. The first house