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

Q leafy frame to the lovely picture, could be
seen the silvery expanse of the Potomac with
the Capitol in full relief, which, vet in its primi
tive simplicity, was a picturesque and interest
ing feature, even before il expanded its wide
wings of the present day. and the small semi
spherical dome gave place to the majestic
structure that now bears aloft the Goddess of
Liberty for all good patriots to reverentially
admire.
To the left, beyond the buildings and planta-
tons Of the Deaf and Dumb Institute. at the
foot Of Brentwood road, runs the track of the
B. and o. railroad disclosed by a long fume OF
steam announcing the approaching train, a
sight Of never-failing interest to Mr.. Gales as
he enjoyed on the portico his evening cigar.
SOME NOTABLE PAINTINGS
The hall became memorable as the scene Of
the family prayers, the Christmas games.
tableau1, private theatricals and wedding
festivities. On the walls hung many paintings
and portraits. Among the latter was one OF
Mr.. Gales father, holding in his hand a folded
copy of the National Intslligencer, which the
old gentleman, with just pride in his sons
Journalistic fame, insisted upon introducing
Into the picture. greatly to the disgust ION art
principles) of the artist. Mr.. King. He had his
revenge. however. by placing above the only
advertisement column visible the caption DRY
Goods" and thus it remains to this day. Here
also hung q curious, very old engraving of
the city of Rome, in size six feet long by forty
inches deep, done. as q Latin tablet announces.
under the auspices of '.Carlo III' of Spain ''in
1885," by one Giuseppe yasi," &c Every
palace. church, garden. mount and residence Is
numbered, and 1t was q morning pastime to
pick ont the name Of each from the key ap-
pended below.
Across the carriage way Immediately in front
Of the door of entrance stood. tall and erect,
splendid hickory tree, Familiarity called Gen
eral Jackson. King Of the grove, Its crown OF
summer green and autumn gold was seen from
sfar to o'ertop its comp anion oaks, and on the
lawn below strutted array of stately pea
cocks, in all the pride of trailing many eyed
plumage, rs they, Argus-ike. gave discordant
note Of every approaching footstep.
Adjacent to the lawn lay the extensive
garden, rich in varied bloom and redolent of
ward sunset the hooking bird sent the Wild
sweet notes of his mimic repertory. and later
on to the evening sky the whip-poor-will ut
tered his plaintive refrain
In this modest dwelling passed some of the
brightest years of lexington history. and here
freQuented all of the then most famous and
distinguished persouaCes, citizens, Presidents.
statesmen and notabilities of our own and for
eign nationalities. too numerous to mention In
this limited space BIZ name
NOTABLE VISITORS.
Here in the summer OF 1S47 or thereabouts
Sir James Bucknall EstcOurt of the United
States and British \. E. boundary commission.
having finished its official labOrs, passed with
his accomplished wife fortnight very dellght-
fully alike to hosts and guests, and during the
visit the curious coincidence was discovered that
Col Estcourt's brother was at that yery time the
rector Of the Episcopal Church at lexington IN
the old country. brisk and interesting cor
respondence followed between the old Ecklng-
ton and its American namesake, and on her re-
turn to England Mrs. Estcourt kindly sent TO
Mr.. Gales a vater-color sketch. painted by the
rector's daughter, of the old church where the
Gales ancestors lie buried, pretty sketch IN
ttseh and greatly priced for its associations.
Lieut.. Col. Estcourt became adjutant general
OF the British army during the war in the
Crtmea, where he died Of cholera.