Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1884-09-26
Things we Saw.
ust-f Notes OF . Trip from Sra TO Sea.
A DAY AT MOUNT VERNON.

DAY AT MOUNT VERNON.
As natural sequel TO q visit m ade
the national capital is a pilgrimage
TO Mount Vernon, the home of the
immortal soldier-statesman who gave
the impress of his exalted character
To the nation. The home and tomb
OF Washington are situated on the
right bank OF the Potomac river,
seventeen miles south of the capital.
They may he approached by land or
water. The road lies across the ia
nous Long Bridge, by way of the
interesting old city of Alexandria,
and the water route is traversed
daily by the steamer Corcoran, built
for the Ladies' Mount Vernon Asso.
citation OF the Union, from the deck
OF which fine views may be obtained
OF tho U. $. Arsenal, Alexandria and
Forts Foote and Washington. The
Arsenal was destroyed by the British
Ia 1914 1t was rebuilt and was for
some time under charge OF French
officer who came over with Lafay-
cite. In 1864, tweuty-one girls
were killed by an explosion of car
tridges and signal rockets in the
workshop. A handsome monument
In the Congressional Cemetery marks
their resting place. Another histor-
ical incident which gives interest to
the arsenal is that it was the place
Of execution Of the conspirators who
aided in the assassination OF Presi-
dent Lincoln. Alexandria was one
Of the oldest and most important
ports OF the colonies. Known first
- Hunting Greek Warehouse, and
afterwards NJ Delhaven, it was in
ITO incorporated as q town and
named Alexandria. George Wash
ington was . member OF the Board
Of Trustees. Here the great leader
had his chief social, religious and
Masonic relations, and here in his
will no cemented those ties by en-
dowiDg . free school for orphan
children. Christ Church, of which
no WAS . vestryman, still stands.
Fort Foote was constructed during
the civil war for the defense of
Alexandria, and was dismantled in
1878. The last landing we make
before reaching Vernon is Fort
Washington. once called Warbur-
ton. Il was built in 1900, and was
blown up by the American forces in
1914 when threatened by capture
from the British. Tho view of the
Capitol from Fort Washington is
sublime, distance seeming to add to
Ito gigantic proportions.
The river fronting the Washing
ton estate is about two miles wide,
and the verdant banks on either
side and broad expanse OF water,
present . scene Of surprising lowell
ness. As our steamer approached
tho landing, her starry flag was
flung to the breeze, q fitting cere.
mony observed whenever the hal
lowed precincts are entered, but the
tolling bell. another custom invar.
iably observed. is in poor taste and
utter discord with the feelings which
should animate the pilgrim to this
Mecca Of patriotic faith. 1t fills the
heart with sadness, when joy should
animate it's pulsations. 1t suggests
funsreal ideas, when the blessed
hope OF immortality has robbed
Death OF its sting, and Invested the
grave OF lis horrors. The great and
good man still lives" and bis pre-
cep,s are deeply craven on the
hearts Of fifty millions of people.
The approach to his tomb should be
with JOY that that he was the Provi-
dental instrument Of our deliver.
ancc from persecution and bondage,
and thankfulness that after fulfilling
his glorious mission he was allowed
to depart in peace,
/" Like one who wraps the drapery OF his
couch about HIM.
And Hes down TO pleasant dreams"
Ere we disembark, let us pause a
moment 10 review the history of the
home OF Washington connected with
iss present ownership. 1t once con.
s.ituted a princsIy domain of 5000
acres. In March, 1866. the Virginia
N -