Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1895-10-15
Letter FROM Washington.


Mr.. Hdines;-I am sojonrning, at the pres
ent where never expected to be; where, il n
year ago any one should have intimated that
i would sleep in this mansion, cat within its
spacious apartments, look ont upon its lawns,
see in the distance tie magnificent capitol OF
our country, with III e Fplended library huild-
ing in its rear, be q guest at the late residence
OF one of the great men of the nation, who
has occupied q conspicuous place in his day,
in his eountry's annais-Governor, Legislator
aud Judge in his adopted State Ohio, United
States Senator Secretary of the Treasury,
Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the
United States Such an expressed idea
would have staggered me- and would have
thought the fellow beside himself But here
/ am at the home of the late Salmon p. Chase,
his bust and portrait looking down upon me,
once its occupant and owner aud now the
property of his daughter, Mrs Kate Chase
Sprague, who inherited the property from her
father, who died l think twenty years ago,
thereabouts. He purchased the property at
the beginning of The war, and being promi-
nent man in high position, he entertained
sum ptuously. and 70 his hospitable board
presidents aud their cabinets, Mcssrs, Lincoln
and Grant, with other high dignitaTies. have
ments, strobe these lawns, consulted about
and discussed great issues; etc.
1t is large brick building, three stories
high. with wing, the former wearing the
century. A long porch IL front, from which
through an opening by depression OF the land
You see the capitol and new library buildiug
unobstructed. The honse occupies high
mound, reached by electric cars from the
city.
There are SO acres of land belonging to the
place, which is very valuable because OF its
coutiguity to the city, being about 2N miles
from its center. A capacous lawn on either
side. with large nmbTagious trees, adds to its
attractiveness. There are % rooms in the
house, with high ceilings, a spacious hall,
furnaces below to heat and cook, stable of
large dimensions, and other appurtenances
that belong to the houses of the rich and great
of this world, and when on occasions of high
and revelry was at its height, the lawns lit mp,
the mansion blazing with brilliancy, music
rich and eutrancing filling the air, as to this
world splendid is poor word to describe the
same. Such is one phase of life, but, oh, how
the wbiriygig of time changes thingsl The
lord Of this once gay home has crumbled to
dust. The lady owner, his once beautiful daugh-
ter, whose marriage to the millionair Sprague,
then U. S. Senator, was celebrated with great
her hus band and pressed with debt, the re-
suit of high living and poor tinauceriug, an
exile from her patrinlony, it being In the hands
of the money lenders, who hold mortgage on
the property to the extent OF upwards of forty
dollars. What u confirmation of the
wise mans declaration as to earthly things,
g vanity, Of yanitles, all is vanity"
My friend and relative by marriage, Mr..
George OFT, is ut present the superintendent of
the place, hence my visit.
had a most enjoyable stay of week Mt
Warrenton with kindred and friends. ! hope
to be at home in a few days and occupy MY
room. at the Carter House, which is TO me the
dearest spot in this big world. Yours, &c.
Edgewood, Oct. 8, 'a5. : j. w. TONGUE.