Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1882-12-19
MOUNT VERNON

Numberless strangers visiting the Capital
hio away to Mount Vernon each bright
morning. The Hartford Democrat tells that
the quaint old homestead of WASHINGTON
is never lovelier than at this season of the
year. 1t was in 1865 that Col. John Wash
ington saw that Mount Vernon would have
to go by the auctionccr's hammer if some
thing did not turn up. And here comes in
the romance of Mount Vernon. \ woman
who had been confirmed invalid since her
nineteenth year raised fund of 100000
and embodied plan that gave Mount Yer
non to the nation. This was Ammo Pamela
Cunningham of South Carolina. She was
an only and indulged daughter. In her
childhood she had visited Mount Vernon,
and when she resigned all of life except
that which could be enjoyed in sick room
in her early Womanhood, she took hold of
a project TO buy Mount Vernon, or rather
the project took hold of her. 1t is one of
the most singular instances of indomitable
energy and practical perseverance recorded.
This irail woman from her sick bed aroused
an enthusiasm, especially among the South
ern women, that resulted in Il spleu-
did success. She inspired Edward
Everett with her spirit, and his
lecture on Washington poured money into
the treasury. She interested Nine. LIE Vert
and Mrs. Cora NIowatt- Richie. and in 1860
it was accomplished the house. the tomb
OF Washington, and 200 acres of land be-
lonGcd to national association. The
Legislature Of Virginia granted 4 very
sensible charter to the association. The
capital stock was limited to $500,O0O. It
Was granted in nrrpcuity, and no DISPOSE
ton nt Tie properly could be made without
the consent Of the Legislature None of
the Washington family thereafter was to be
inferred at Mount Vernon, and the key of
the vault was thrown into the Potomac
river. Around the marble tombs of George
and Martha Washington is Il wooden floor.
ing when II stepped upon r,"rt> electric
alarm ut the house. Through the open iron
work one looks into the brick vault, where
there are only the two tombs Hats ofi''
Is the stringent rule at the grave; even the
most tlippant arc awed into something like
reverence. During some of the bloodiest
days Of the war Mount Vernon was treated
as neutral ground, and soldiers Of both
armies were seen lratcrnizns under the
trees that guard the tomb.
Frequent descriptions cannot destroy the
interest Of the house. Year by wear i'm
provemenls are made by the regents. As
far as practicable. every state has Il room,
ornamented with relies Of Revolutionary
times, arranged in the style that prevailed
ut Mount Vernon during the lifetime of
Gen. Washington. hanging in the entrance
hall Is the key Of the Baslilc. sent TO Wash
ington hy Lafayette; and over the door of
what Is called the state dining room is Wash
iu@ton': licld-glaSS. placed on its perch bv
the hand OF Washington himself, and never
since removed. The mantle and hearth in
the dining room are of marble. and extreme
ly curious. They were sent to Washington
from France. On the way the ship bearing
the gift was captured by pirates. When
they found that this marble was intended
Tor Washington they took an opportunity of
landing 1t on American shores. and it was
forwarded to MCunt Vernon. In the South
Carolina room hangs the portait of Anna
Pamela Cunningham. She has q refined
and thoughtful face, with deep, meaning
eyes The attic room which Mrs Washing
ton chose after Gen. Washington's death,
and III which she died, is in almost the iden-
teal condition in which she left it.
In a quaint little drawing room-Nellv
Chstis's drawing room--is the grand harpsi-
chord, rs large us a modern grand piano,
Washington gave heras a wedding Gift.
This wasthc grandniece ofAIrs. Washington,
not her daughter Nelly, who died unmar-
ricd at twenty-five. In the grounds stands
rose bush where, tradition relates, Nelly
Custis received her first offer. and walking
around this rose bush six times brings every
young lady who believes in the spell an
offer Of marriage within the year.
The place is managed upon the most
practical plan. The greenhouses are made
Il source Of revenue as well as the farm
Only one boat is allowed to land passengers
there, and the entrance fee of one dollar
foots up handsomely at the end of the year.
In the old fashioned kitchen very good
lunch may be obtained, served by colored
walters. A superintendent is employed,
who keeps the place in good order: and if
the General and Mrs. Martha could return
for an hour no doubt they would smil le APP
r,royip rly