National Republican., 1874-07-01
4 HAUNTED HOUSE.
THE MEADE MANSION. ON F STREET
SWEARING DICKS" PROFILE.

| THE MEADE MANSION, ON F STREET.
SWEARING DICKS" PROFILE.
A Washington correspondent Of the Cincin
natl Commercial, writing of the Meade house,
on F street, where the Howard court of in-
quiry was lately held, says: "This house was
occupied during the war by the Government,
who at the close of the trouble put it in thor
ough and complete repair, and it was offered
for rent at very moderate sum, but it had g
bad name-it was haunted, and strange stories
of queer sounds and curious sights were
whispered, first by the gaHliHS on the street,
and then people old enough to have had more
sense took up the wondrous tale until no one
even applied to 60 through it. After dusk the
negroes employed as servants In the neighbor-
hood, if sent on an errand, would go a square
out Of the way rather than see 'Massa Richard
peeking through de window, a-swarin' as only
TO- God, he could swarP
R"Nervous old ladies going out to tea-fghts
crossed over to the other side, and were fus-
tered until the house was passed. Months
and years went by, until one morning there
were painters and paperhangers, scrubbers and
whitewashers, all gathered on the terrace, and
we knew some one without fear had rented the
ghost house, and that somebody was the Gov
ernment. After it was all made as sweet and
fresh as soap and water, whitewash, paint and
new paper could make it, we went over one
bright, sunny evening in April to see the ghost
at the window The man placed In charge by
the Government received US with smiling
pOliteness and invited US into the parlor to see
the pane of glass on which the face had ap-
peared. We found grand old rooms, with lofty
ceilings and broad, open fre-plaees, while the
main hall was at least twelve feet wide. We
looked at the glass, and, as we remarked, saw
nothing; it was clear, and without speck or
flaw. Inviting US to follow him, he led the
way to the gardenS reaching the door, we
paused on its threshold to take in the scene
before US. .'-- -.
"Agenerous, spacious portico runs at the back
of the house, from which steps lead to the i'm
mense garden, where the rank, luxurious
growth of vines, roses and bushes, told Of long
years of neglect. Over all the shrubbery and
the trees around was that tender mist of green
which assures US of the foliage to come. Be-
fore us was the Potion ac, and on its tranquil
waters were at least twenty craft sailing by,
to their haven under the hill The canvas on
the Saiboats was all spread, and they drifted
by US, as we stood, so swiftly and noiselessly
that we felt truly that we were in the presence
of 'ghosts;' then there were large, helpless
vessels being towed along by fussy little tugs,
which in their noise and blowing reminded US
of many people in the world. OF in the dis
tauce. wrapped in q delicate haze of blue, were
the Virginia hills; way down we could just see
the spires and chimneys of Alexandria; while
to our right-here our guide, who had grown
weary Of our long stand, and whose patience
was doubtless worn threadbare by our moon
ing, asked If we wanted to see the ghost. We
spologized and trpped down the stairs and
stood under the window. Now find the
ghost he said. It required no great effort,
for on one pane and nearly covering it was
black spot which, as we looked, assumed
features until the face stood out like a sill
houette.
at was the three-quarter face Of a man in
the prime of life, with broad forehead, aquiline
nose and full flowing beard. At the sugges-
ton of Jones, (we'u call him Jones, though
his name is not Jones, but not knowing his
baptized name we feel obliged to christen him
Jones,) it was the profile of Captain Meade,
United States navy, generally known as Swear
ing Dick How strange murmured to my
companion, who was in an agony of tear lest,
You know, Catherine she said, turning TO
me, he might begin TO swear, and then should
de- stranger Oh, no. answered Jones, 1T
is only a flaw in the glass. Ladies who are
very imaginary come here with minds made up
to see 8 ghost, and so, you see, they see one,
and are satisfied. He is an unbelieEer; hears
queer rattling sounds at night, grOans and
moans echoing through the old halls, heavy
footballs going up and down the stairway, but
this unbehever explains them all. NothWith-
standing his assertion the house is still held in
the same cherished dread, and people are Just
as wary in passing it after nightEall."