The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1876-06-10

when his desire, In reference to the re-
moval Of the family remains to the spot
designated by him previous to his death
and mentioned in his will, was ut length
complied with. The new tomb Of Wash
ington is spacious brick vault with an
arched roof Its iron doors open into
vestibule, in which, visible through the
pickoted iron gates or doors, stands two
marble sarcophagi containing the remains
of Washington and those of his WIFE,
The vestibule or nte-chamber is covered
with metallic roof, aud its walls, which
are built Of brick aud carried to the height
OF twelve feet are SO extended in the rear
as to surround the new vault on oil sides,
to which il forms the entrance, and which
is visible from the outer gateway. AS
one ascends the long, sloping hill from the
landing, he is suddenly brought into full
view of the hallowed spot where now re-
pose the ashes Of the ilustrious dead.
This sepulchre on the hillside is lovely
retreat, surrounded as it is by deep wooded
dell, where so many stately and venerable
oaks spread their green foliage over the
wild flowers and the dense shrubbery
which adorn the banks Of the classic Po.
tomac. This new tomb Of the Washing
tons is situated about one hundred yards
west of the old vault and about three hun
dred yards southwest Of the mansion. Its
front presents gateway with pointed
gothic arch, and q gate made of bars of
iron, through which are seen the sarco-
phagi in the ante-chambcr, and the front
of the vault, with its iron door, over which
is the following inscription 81 am the
resurrection and the life; he that believeth
in Me. though he were dead, yet shall he
live" The vault was built in 1881 and
the ante. chamber in 1887. The follow
ing is description Of General Washing
tons sarcophagus "The construction of
the sarcophagus is Of the modern form,
apd consists of an excavation from solid
block of marble eight feet in length and
three feet in height, resting on a plinth,
which projects four inches round the base
of the coffin. The lid or covering stone
is a ponderous block of Italian marble,
emblazoned with the arms and Insignia Of
the United States, beautifully sculptured
in the boldest relief. The design occupies
large portion Of tho central part of the
top surface or lid, and represents shield
divided into thirteen perpendicular stripes
which rests on the flag of our country,
and is attached by cords to spear, en-
bellished with tasscls, forming a back
ground to the shield by which it is sup
ported. The crest is an eagle with open
wings, perching upon the superior bar of
the shield, and in the act of clutching the
arrows and olive branch. Between these
armorial bearings and the foot of the coffin,
upon the plain field of the lid, is the bold
and deeply-sculptured name of Washing
ton."
The following words are inscribed at
the foot Of the coffin; "By the permission
of Laurence Lewis, the surviving executor
of George Washington, sarcophagus was
presented by John Struthers, of Philadel-
pha, marble mason, A. d. 1887" The
body of the illustrious patriot, raised by
six men, was carried and laid in the marble
coffin, and the ponderous cover being put
on and set in cement, it was sealed from
Sight on Saturday, the 7th day of Octo-
Der, 1887. George Washington was born
February %, 1882, and died December
IA, 1893, aged 81 years, 0 months, and
~ days. His beloved wife, Martha Dan
bridge Custus Washington, died May 81,
1901, aged II years." Her remains are
entombed in plain marble sarcophagus
by the side Of her illustrious husband.
The sarcophagus is seen on the left as one
looks through the picketed iron gate at the
tomb.
lp the pleasant shade in front Of the
tomb, and on the right side Of the walk
leading from the landing, stands a monu-
ment erected to the memory Of Judge
Bushrod Washington and his wife, Ann
Blackburn, bearing these words on its side
facing the tomb: "Within this vault lies
buried the mortal remains of Bushrod
Washington, an Associate Justice of the
Supreme Court Of the United States. He
died in Philadelphia, November 26, 1929,
aged 6S years. By his side is inferred
his devoted wife, Ann Blackburn, who
survived her husband but two days, aged
60. "The heart was broken and aches no
more" "They were lovely and pleasant
in their lives, and in death they were not
divided,
On the left side of the walk leading
from the landing stands monument
erected to the memory of John A. WASH
ington, the second, with these words on
its side facing the tomb: Sacred to the
memory of John A. Washington, son of
Corbin and Hannah Washington, and
nephew of Judge Bushrod Washington,
who appointed him one of his executors,
and bequeathed him Mount Vernon, where
he died June 9, 1882, aged 49," On the
side facing the monument of Bushrod and
Anna Blackburn Washington are the
following words: "His mortal remains
are inferred within the vault, and this
humble monument to his worth, bis purity,
and unostentatious excellence in all the
ralat,ona of lifa ;o araofad h,, he xr,1n,,, -