New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1878-05-21
RELICS or WASHLNG roy.
A VALUABLE COLLECTION IN TIE POSSESSION or THE
LEWIS FAMILY OFFERED TO HE GOVERNMENT.
icy TELEGRAPH TO THE TBIBUSF.l

VALUABLE COLLECTION IN TIE POSSESSION or THE
LEWIS FAMILY OFFERED TO NE GOVERNMENT.
iBY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUSE.l
WASHINGTON Mas 2O.-Ihc House Committee on
Appropriations has under consideration the expe-
diency of purchasing a great number Of relics Of
General Washington which are now, and have been
ever since the death Of that eminent man in the pos
session of the Lewis family of Virginia. This family
is one of the oldest in the State, and It's members
are the immediate relatives Of General Washington
In common with nearly all tho prominent families
Of what is known as the Northern Neck OF Viz
ginia" where it resides, the Lewis family was
much reduced in wealth and prosperity by the de-
vastatens of the war and the abolition of slavery,
50 that the preservation of these relics in the fam
ily can no longer be the easy matter it once
The examination of these relics and the question
of their purchase have been ntrusted to the Com
missioner of Patents, and that gentleman made his
report on the 9th of May to the Secretary Of the In
terror In the recaptulation Of the relics the
following:
"Mrror" chairs, one on which the General sat few
One double brass candestck. by which the farewell
address written.
one neld-glass spy,glass used in the Revolution.
One ledger kept monthly by General Washington
Knives forks, one plated cak0-basket.
Portrait Of Washington.
The robe in when he was christened.
One bedstead presented 70 Mr.. Lawrence Washington
by hs friend Admiral Vernon. and by Lawrence left To
Several surveys made by the General himself.
One guitar, presented by General Washington to Miss
Miniature portraits Of the General and Mrs Washing
ton. on wood. painted by TrumbuLL
one shaving-R glass in frame, with drawer.
An engraving Of tue Countess OF Huntington, pre-
scented by her 10 General Washington
The Commissioner says that these articles have
been in the possession of the Lewis family since the
death of General Washington; that they are all in
an excellent state of preservation, and that there
can be no doubt whatever Of the genuineness Of
every article. The halflength portrait of General
Washington is of life size, clear and well preserved
1t is q matter of tradition that 1t was the
best likeness of the General ever painted OF more
interest even than that is the ledger which contains
the record of all of WaShngtOn's private business
transactions for more than twenty years. Most OF
tho record is in his own hand. Every item of
receipts and expenditures including even his losses
and gains at cards, is set down with the most
scIupulOus eXactncSs. The articles .0f house
hold use are in their original condition and
illustrate the style of living of the first President OF
the United States. The whole collection is far ST.
peror TO that in the possession of the Govern
ment. The total number OF articles is more than
ninety. Added to those in the possession of the
Government they would form the largest and best
collection of the relics of Washington that could
now be made.
The family is reluctant to part with these relics,
but is mpeed by the consideration that inevitably
in a few years, with the separation Of the family,
the articles will be scattered, and perhaps
great number in course of time lost or
destroyed. The family feels that every cltl-
Zen VIII be glad to have these relics made
public property and accessible 10 all. The sum-
suggested for them (Sl2000D the Commissioner says
does not appear to him to be excessive. In hJs
judgment the relics could be sold for that amount.
ana perhaps more to private persons. This state
ment and recommendation OF the Commissioner
OF Patents aided by the natural feelings of venera-
ton cherished by all Americans for the name and
services OF Washington, will probably lead Congress
10 make the necessary appropriation to put these
TO q foreign museum.