News and citizen. [volume] (Morrisville, Vt. ;) 1881-current, 1882-11-30
THE ROMANCE OF MOUNT VERNON
An Autumn Visit to the Home and Tomb ot
WashingtOn-NelIieC Custis's ROsebusb.

Never is the quaint and beautiful old
| homestead Mt. Vernon loveIier than in
the autumn
1t was in 1858 that Col. John Washing
ton saw that Mt Vernon would have to
go by the auctioneer's hammer if some
thing did not turn up. And here comes
IN the romance of Mt. Vernon. A woman
who had been confirmed invalid since
her nineteenth year, raised fund of
$500, 900, and embodied plan that gave
Mt. Vernon to the nation. This was
Anne Pamela Cunningham, of South Caro-
lima. She was an only and ndulged
daughter. In her childhood she had
visited Mt. Vernon, and when she had
resigned all of life except that which
could be enjoyed in a sick-room, in her
early womanhood, she took hold of pro-
ject to buy Mt. Vernon or, rather, the
project took hold of her. 1t is one of the
most singular instances of indomitable
energy and practical perseverance re-
corded. This frail woman, from her sick
bed, aroused an enthusiasm especially
among Southern women, that resulted in
a splendid 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 Mowatt Ritchie, and in
1860 it was accomplished; the house, the
tomb of Washington, and 200 acres of
land belonged to national association.
The capital stock was limited to $500, 900.
1t was granted in perpetuity, and no dis
position of the property could be made
without the consent of the Legislature.
None of the Washington family thereafter
was to be inferred at Mt Vernon, and
the key of the vault was thrown into the
Potomac River. Around the marble
tombs of George and Martha Washington
is wooden flooring which if stepped
upon starts an electric alarm at the house.
Through the open iron work one looks
into the brick vault, where there are only
the two tombs. ''Hats off is the strin-
gent rule at the grave; even the most
fippant are awed into something like
reverence. During some of the bloodiest
days of the war Mt Vernon was treated
as neutral ground, and soldiers of both
armies were seen fraternizing under the
trees that guard the tomb.
Frequent description cannot destroy
the interest of the house. YeaF>by year
Improvements are made by the regents.
AS far as practicable every State has
room, ornamented with relics of Revolu-
tionary times, arranged in the style that
prevailed at Mount Vernon during the
lifetime of Gen. Washington. Hanging
in the entrance hall is the key of the Bas-
tile, sent to Washington by Lafayette
and over the door of what is called the
state dining room is Washington's field
glass, placed on its perch by the hand of
Washington himself, and never since Ee-
moved.
The manteI and hearth in the dining
room are of marble, and extremely
curious. They were sent to Washington
from France. On the way the ship bear
ing the gift was captured by pirates.
When they found that this marble was
for Washington they took an
of landing it on American
shores, and it was forwarded to Mount
Vernon.
In the South Carolina room hangs the
portrait of Anne Pamela Cunningham.
She has a refined and thoughtful face,
with deep, meaning eyes.
The attic room which Mrs. Washing |
ton chose after Gen. Washington's death,
and in which she died, is in almost the |
Identical condition in which she left it.
In quaint little drawing room-Nelly
Custis's drawing room--is the grand |
harpsichord, as large as modern grand |
piano, which Washington gave her as a
gift. This was the grandniece
Of Mrs. Washington, not her daughter |
Nelly, who died unmarried at twenty
two.
In the grounds stands rose bush,
where, tradition relates, Nelly Custis re-
,eived her first offer, and walking around
his 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 source of revenue as well as the
arm. Only one boat is allowed to land
passengers there, and the entrance fee of
/ dollar foots up handsomely at the end
If the year. In the old-fashioned kitchen
/ very good lunch may be obtained,
erved by colored walters. A superin-
endent is employed, who keeps the place
n good order, and if the General and
lIrs. Martha could return for an hour no
loubt they would smile approvingly.