National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1874-07-15
THE OLDEN TIME.
SOME "REMINISCENCES OF WASHING
TON.

SOME "REMINISCENCES OF WASHING.
TON.
Of the old landmarks swept away by the ex,
tension of the Capitol grounds, one, the original
edifce Of the First Presbyterian church, has
been alluded to by the Washington papers. In
that venerable sanctuary large and fashion
able congregation worshipped for many years,
under the pastoral care Of the late Rev. DR..
Reuben Post.
At that period Capitol Hill We'd successfully
with the West End as the locality of aristocracy
and fashion; high officials in Congress, judges,
foreign ambassadors and much of the elite citi-
zen society occupying its stately mansions of
elegance and comfort. On any fine Sabbath
morning these several classes were fully repre-
scented In Dr. Posts congregation. About the
year 1923 the late Rev. DR.. Tustin, celebrated
for his pulpit eloquence, was licensed and
preached his first sermon in that church. After
the removal of DR.. Post's congregation to the
present edifce Oh Four-and-s-half street, the
old building was occupied by an African Meth
odist congregation, until, in the progress of the
leyeling improvements in Washington, the site
of the old white church al the foot Of the hill
is well nigh obliterated.
Another landmark not noticed in the papers,
was house originally situated at the north
east corner of A and North Capitol streets, and
at the capture of the city by the British occu-
pied BY the Hon. Albert -Gallatin, but at this
time occupied by the proprietor, Mr.. Robert
Sewall.
After the defeat of our inefficient and badly
managed forces at Bladensburg, General Ross
advanced on the city; and leaving the main
body of his troops q short distance without,
marched with about 900 men down A street,
and halted Immediately north Of the Capitol.
As the General sat on his magnificent horse,
patriot, named Dixon, having gone to the
second story front window Of Mr.. SewaIs
house, fred at the British commander. A mere
accident saved the life of the brave, but incau-
tious invader. The noble horse, restiyely
paving the earth and tossing his head received
the ball in the uostril, which, passing into the
brain, caused almost instant death. 1mme-
diately platoon of the British soldiers rushed
into the house, killed several persons, and then
burned the house to the ground.
In the meantime, Dixon, having escaped at
the rear of the house, fed for good life away
north Of the commons, until at the distance of
several miles he fell exhausted to the earth
On arising he found himself paralyZed in both
his feet, so that ever after he went shutting
along, never able to walk. General Ross
horse was buried at q spot some distance east
of the Capitol, and marked with stone, which
for long time enabled the boy patriots Of the
DAY 10 recognize Lne grave Vi the DrlL'sn WAT
horse. The site of the burned house, from
which the daring shot was fred, remained for
many years unoccupied, retaining long time
marks Of the conhagration.
Dixon Of course became lion, being recog-
niZed for the remainder of life in his deserved
character of hero. He received pension, cul-
tivated market garden, and on market days
was toasted and treated by many q compatriot,
who, without his nerve in facing the enemy,
had probably retired in better order. J. P. C.