Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1874-05-25
A Historic CITY.

Some one has said, Williamsburg,
Virginia. is our only city that has
history" Whatever criticism may be
passed, it cannot be said to look plebe'
ian or commonplace. 1t is pleasant to
gaze up and down this mile long street
The old courthouse fronting one end,
the college Of William and Mary the
other. The white-faced clock on the
Episcopal church continues to tick as it
did one hundred and forty years ago,
and the edifce maintains precisely the
same appearance as when elongated in
1880. Sir Christopher Wren, of St.
Paul notoriety, seat over plans for it and
the college.
As Paris represents France, so did
Williamsburg Virginia while its capital.
The manners Of the court of ST. James
were initiated, and the church and Gem
etery were regarded as another st. Paul
and Westminster.
The college occupies three sides of a
quadrangle, with walls so massive as to
have resisted three successive fires. The
first was by accident, the second by
French troops (for which Louis XVI
made ample reparation) the last by the
United States troops in 1862. There are
now thirty-6ve students and four profes-
sors; but in walking up the college
yard, under the old marble statue Of
Lord Botetourt, one cannot fail to re-
member the great men who formerly
trod these paths, when the students num-
bered one hundred and fifty such names
as jefferson, Monroe and Randolph.
Among different names and initials is
clearly painted by his own hand, John
MARSHALL our attorney.general.
In 1919, twelve years after the James
town settlement, plans for a college
were formed on a site commanding de.
lightful view OF the singular windings Of
the James It.was at Dutch Gap, called
Henrico, after the son Of James |, who
died early. But the Indian massacre of
1922 almost destroyed the colony. 1t
was not until 1893 that charter was
granted by the King and Queen, with
lands and money, and one penny on
each pound of tobacco exported from
Virginia and Maryland. The presenta-
ton of the charter is curiously repre-
sented on the college seal, with prints of
William and Mary, and Commissary
Blair receiving il on his knees. He was
President of the college fifty years, and
is inferred there. The first object that
strikes the eye on entering the library is
his bland, dignifed face, with wig and
gown, in the midst of other interesting
portraits. Here is Sir Robert Boyle,
head of the Indian Institute, which he
endowed by will.
We notice that new interest is excl
ted to revive this venerable college; and
Mr.. Hoar, of Massachusetts, has lately
urged on Congress to sustain it as a ma.
tional institution.
Mrs. Curtis kitchen is quite a celeb
rity. 1t stands on what is called the
Six Chimney lot for her house had
six chimneys. Here Washington court.
ed and wed the charming widow, who
gave such coloring to his life. The lot,
with the kitchen, now belongs to the in
sane asylum here-an institution pecu-
liar in many appointments.
Though, for the last century, the pop
ulation Of Williamsburg has never varied
from about 400, it will ever be memora-
bic as the former capital Of Virginia,
and as serving for model for our own
national capital. Like this city, Wash
ingtons principal avenue is one mile
long, of the same width as this-ihe
White House facing enc end, the capitol
the other.