Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1882-10-20
A Visit to the Tomb of WASHINGTON.

commander, after passing on our passage the
City of Alexandria, on the Virginia side of
the Potomac, and Fort Washington, on the
Maryland shore, in an hour we are landed
at Mount Vernon and taken in charge at
once and escorted by COL Hollingsworth,
who always accompanies visitors from
Washington on this trip, he having in charge
the grounds and all that pertains to the
last resting place Of this ''the Father of
his country" Perhaps no one could have
been selected who is better fitted in every
way to fill such position. Also going
with us from the landing, and leading the
way is guide, who points out as we move
along any objects of interest. The Tomb is
soon reached, and with uncovered heads we
reverently bow at the entrance, and here
we are told that Washington gave special
directions that his tomb should be construc-
ted of brick, and were it not for this provi-
sion in his will it would have been built of
material more enduring and presented
more imposing appearance. This IS not,
however, the original tomb, that is some lit
tie distance away, and is i'll view, but is in
sight of the present one. 4 double iron gate
protects and forhids an entrance. The Gus
ket that contains the ashes of Washinton is
enclosed in another and larger one of mar
BILE, as IS also that of Lady Washington
Both are alike only differing in appearance
by the inscriptions they bear, on one
simply the name Of "Georgc Washing
ton the other Martha Washington"
Their names arc III silt letters at the head
of the caskts, which face the entrance to
the tomb and are placed one OIL each side of
1t, leaving quite space between them,
ailording Il passage way from the entrance
TO an iron door in q direct line from it,
which conceals from view the remains of
other members Of the Washing. ION family.
This door has not been opened since it was
placed there and locked, and it is said that
the Key to it was thrown into the Potomac
so that it might never be opened to receive
any other remains Tombstones and monu-
ments are outside bearing the names of
those buried within. From the tomb we
move gradually ascending the hill or mount,
forit at quite heighth from the river where
the Mansion stands, fronting and over
looking it, and commanding very exten-
sive view Of the country around and up and
down the river, which lies about $50 feet
below. Reaching the summit, after taking
a hearty glance at the Mansion, which IS
a grand old country house not only in size
but in appearance, giving you an idea of
what is written, we hasten on, not willing
to tarry a moment in our anxiety
to catch ifnot more than Il glimpse at and
feast our eyes upon the inner home Of Wash
lngton, and look upon some of his household
gods, and we are at once convinced by
what we see around and about us that we
are surrounded by what once was, and went
to make up in all some of its appointments,
the home of highly cultured wealthy
country gentleman, and one to the "manor
born." Col. Holingsworth here gives cspc-
cial attention to visitors. going all over the
house with them, pointing out interesting
relics or features of the place, showing us
the banqucting hall, which was only used
on special or State occasions, the sitting
room where he sought the quiet Of his family,
the easy chair he was wont to sit in the
chamber where he breathed out his life, the
room where Lady Washingtonpassed away
The walls are adorned by many very large
and beautiful paintings, representing Wash
ingtOn in different scenes of his military
career, and also as he appeared in private
life. An harpsichord OF perhaps an 100
years old or more, is in one of the sitting
rooms, and is in good state Of preservation.
It's said to have been presented by Washing
ton by an adopted daughter as a wedding
present.
The buildings around and about the
grounds, and the garden and all we sec out
side are further evidences Of the home of a
cultured country gentleman.
The mansion itself is i'll appearance something
after the French style of architecture The main
building was built by Washington's half brother,
Lawrence Washington, at whose death General
Washington Scame into possession adding two
wings to it. making building quite large one.
The first story has very high ceilings the second
however, is quite low, and in the roof, which is at
an angle of fCrty-fvc degrees there are three
dormer windows furnishing light and air to what
may be called the third story. The wings have
two dormer windows in each roof, all of which are
covered with slate, although the roof of the house
itself is covered with shingles. The house is of
wood, painted white with stucco work giving it
the appearance of stone. From the register which
is supposed to contain the of all the visitors
and from inquiry, learn that it is probable that
on an average thousand persons week visit
here To this Mecca of America every lover of
. his country should direct his steps and bow with
head uncovered rcvercntly at this shrine.
After stay of about two hours and half we
are on board the steamer and off to Washington
reaching there at about three o'clock This
steamer was built expressly for this purpose to
ply between Washington and Alexandria and Mt
Vernon Capt Blake, its commander, is the right
man in the right place. more civil and attentive
captain to the wants and wishes of his passengers
I never met with and have Travelled very exten.
svely OH land and water.
There is postotlcc established here called
Mount Vernon on the Potomac Col. Hollings-
worth is the honored incumbent Of the Office at
salary Of twelve dollars year; its receipts are on
an average about eighteen dollars per annum He
gives the Government bond for 81, 900.
: There are about twenty persons at Mt. Vernon
. employed by the association which is called the
Ladies' Mount Vernon Association" Counting
: the children of employees they number about
twenty-five. Two hundred acres comprise the
' landed place purchased. Twelve years ago. whel
Col. Hollingsworth entered this service the asso
citation was in debt; to-day they out of debt
and have fund of more than S3O.0OO
DR.. George Latimer, of Washington, is the at
: tending physician and visits there always once
week and oftener if necessary. The cantain anG