Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1893-07-01

In 1856 the house was altered, the upper
story was raised and an attic added. the hall
and the back rooms on the ground floor wore
extended northward many feet. the back build
ing enlarged, a handsome stairway introduced,
and on the east q large wing was built con-
tanning one very large room and three smaller
communicating rooms. making, il repaired, .
suite Of eight rooms and hall, besides bath and
sleeping chamber.
The house so altered retained its prestige and
all persons o. note continued to find their way
thither and enjoy its hospitality.
TWO JULY SCENES.
On July 4, 1854, pretty scene took place in
the large hall. Mr.. Gales ever indulgent to
the young and ever ready to contribute to their
enjoyment, had for several years given on the
Fourth of July the free use Of the lexington
groves to the McKendree Sabbath school, and
on this occasion Nr. Hardness, its chief, came
ito MIR. and Mrs. Gales. on part of 'the OFF,
GERS, teachers and children" of said school, a
handsomely bound copy of the "Holy Bible"
London edition, 1883. as token of respect and
in gratitude for tine free use Of the beautiful
groves on many successive anniversaries Of
American independence"
On another July morning, 1860, there came
larger throng to that same ball, the representa-
tive mourners of every class Of rich and poor,
to pay their last tribute Of respect and affection
to their venerated friend, who was no more
The sun shone brightly on the green meadows
and home he had so loved aud made SO illus
trious: none that beheld can we'll forget that
voluntary crowd of thousands Of men and
women and children who lined the roads and
stood in solemn rank and silence as the funeral
train. over a mile long, wendell its way down
It'll street and through Pennsylvania avenue to
the Congressional cemetery, to lay to rest the
citys faithful friend and wise counsellor and
the ever ready benefactor of its poor. There,
above his grave, stands the beautiful shaft
erected to his memory by the members of the
press Of Boston, New York and Philadelphia.
THE TRAMP OF ARMED MEN.
No sooner had he passed away whose motto
was Union and liberty, now and forever, one
and inseparable.' than the long and threatened
alarum OF war was sounded, and the tents OF
Burnside's regiment arose amid the oaks and
pines of lexington hill, and through the grove
further on were seen the glittering bayonets OF
various Pennsylvania and other state regiments.
How little those soldiers Of day then knew what
a serious thing was war. When Burnsides
command set forth for Bull Run, his horses
neck WAS wreathed with flowers, and an Eek
ington gardenia was his boutonniere, and his
men in havelocks white and dazzling marched
away TO a mammoth picnic.
just here lexington had a visit from Abra-
ham Lincoln. accompanied by Mr.. Gales old
friend. Secretary Simon Cameron, bringing to
Mrs Gales heutenant's commission in the
regular army for young relative Of Mr.. GALES,
now a major of artillery. and in course Of con-
versation Mr.. Cameron mentioned the report Of
a battle at Bull Run. 1t proved too true. as
next morning in the heavy falling rain re-
turned sad and discounted, leader and men.
Soon followed in rapid succession other battles.
and the lexington meadows were covered with
hospital huts ami the mansion occupied by
wounded soldiers in charge of army surgeons
and their assistants, the medical CORPS Of
''Fiudlay Hospital"
Another interval and the aspect of lexington
has again changed. Concreted and well-lighted
streets conduct to petty cottages. Electric
cars whlzz through the clover and cornfields Of
yore, and the historic country seat of old has
given way to picturesque. orderly and pros
porous suburban town, thus fulfilling predic.
ton of Joseph Gales.
Recent additions have been made to the man.
sion, now converted into a summer hotel. and
much Of the old charm of the place has van
ished, but there is promise that it will continue
70 prosper in a manner worthy Of the beautiful
loved name of lexington.