Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1878-06-06

the question Of their purchase have
been Entrusted to the commissioner of
patents, and that gentleman made his
/ report on the 9th of May to the secre-
tary of the interior. In the recapitu-
iatlon OF the relics occur the following:
mirror chairs, one on which the
GeneraI SAT few minutes before his
death.
One double brass candlestick. by
which the farewell address was written
Silver candlesticks.
One tield-glass; spy-glass used in the
Revolution.
One ledger, kept monthly by Gen.
Washington.
Knives, forks, one plated cake-basket.
Portrait of Washington.
The robe in which he was christened.
Silver-plated lamps; thirty-six pieces
of chinaware.
One bedstead, presented to Mr.. Law
renee Washington by his friend Admiral
Vernon, and by Lawrence left to his
brother the General.
Several surveys made by the General
himself
One guitar, presented by Gen Wash
ington to Miss Nellie Gusts.
Miniature portraits of the General and
Mrs. Washington, or wood, painted bv
. Trumbull
One shaving-glass in frame, with
drawer
An engraving of the Countess of
Huntington, presented by her to Gen.
/ Washington
The commissioner says at 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 what
ever of the genuineness of every al ticle.
The half-length portrait of Gen Wash
ington is of life size, clear and we'll
preserved. 1t is a matter of tradition
that it is the best likeness Of the General
ever painted. OF more interest even
than that is the ledger. which contains
! the record of all of Washington's
private business transactions for more
than twenty years. Most of the record
is in his own hand. Every item Of re-
ceipts and expenditures including even
his losses and gains at cards, is set down
with the most scrupulouo eXactness.
The articles of household use are in
their original condition and illustrate
the style of living of the first President
of the United States. The whole col
lection is far superior to that now in
possession of the government. The
total number of articles is more than
ninety. Added to those in the posses
sion 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 impelled by the con-
sideration that inevitably in few years,
with the separation of the family. the
articles will be scattered, and perhaps a
great number in course of time lost or
destroyed. The family feels that every
citizen will be glad to have these relics
made public property and accessible to
all. The sum suggested for them ($12,-
/ OOO) the commissioner says does not
| appear to him to be excessive. In his
judgment, the relics could be sold for
that amount, and perhaps more, to
private people. This statement and
Recommendation of the commissioner
of patents, aided by the natural feelings
Of veneratiOn cherished by all Amer
leans for the name and services of
Washington, will probably lead con-
gress to make the necessary appropria-
ton to put these relics beyond the risk
of possible loss, or of transfer to a
fol eign museum.