The Lamar register., 1897-11-20

one of the few colonial estates In vir-
giuia-one might almost say in this
country-still owned and occupied by
the original family.
Brandon House is almost hidden
from view by the trees and mass of
verdure which surround it. In the
rear Is grove OF oaks. covering many
acres. Entering the house one finds
oneself in large hail. crossed in the
middle by a stately arch. This hall
runs the entire length of the house and
opens on the right into a lofty draw
ing room and on the left into a dining
room. where old mahogany sideboards
are laden with silver two centuries old.
bearing the crests OF the Harrisons and
various families into which they have
intermarried Beyond these rooms on
either side are the long wings OF the
house. containing numerous bedrooms.
These rooms have in them old ''Tes-
ter bedsteads and quantities OF
fascinating spindle-legged furniture
that would raise antiquarian to
the seventh heaven OF delight
Upstairs. extending over greater
part OF the house. Is an immense apart
ment which was formerly used as
billiard room and was the favorite re-
sort Of the guests of the house. The
hospitality dispensed at Brandon was
proverbiaI Most OF the Presidents
from Washington to Lincoln were en-
tertained there and also many for
eIgners OF note. During his childhood
President William Henry Harrison
spent much time with his cousins at
Brandon. and always crossed the
river to spend his Saturdays and Sun
days there
The lower rooms in Brandon are
filled with relics Of the past. and in
the drawing room cabinets are treas
ured many articles Of rare interest
here my iady's fan. which she carried
when presented at court. or bit of
lace with a history. and there jew
eled shoe-buckle worn by some man
whose name is now familiar to every
school child.
The walls OF these rooms as well as
OF the hall are thlckly hung with
paintings. The collection OF por-
traits is famons, II contains maEnih-
cent paintings by Sir Godfrey Knel-
Ter. Sir Peter Lely. Sir Thomas Law
renee and other celebrated artists.
most of which were collected in Eng
land by William Byrd while serving
as colonial agent. The list Of portraits
Is a large one and includes the Duke
OF Agyle. the Earl OF orrery and Lord
Halifax. Sir Robert Walpole. Miss
Biount. celebrated by Pope; Lady Bet
ty CiaypoIe. Cromwell's daughter. clad
in satin ball gown. with n fair young
face quite unlike the grim countenance
of her father; Admiral Wager, OF the
English navy and many others
One which deserves especial men
tion Is splendid portrait by KneIler
OF Col. Daniel Parke. wearing a beau
tiful miniature. as though II were a
medal of honor. This Daniel Parke
was born In the colony. but went to
England and served in the English
army as aide to Marlborough. He
was selected to have the honor of car
rying the news OF the battle OF Blen-
helm to England. 1t was the custom in
those days to give the first messenger
OF victory a gratuity OF five hundred
guineas, but Col. Parke gallantly de-
cItned the reward and asked In prefer
ence for Queen Anne's picture. This,
set In diamonds. was given him and he
wears 1t in his portrait, proudly pin
ned ON the breast of his coat. The
gallant colonel was soon afterwards
made governor of the Leeward islands
and was killed there during an insur-
rection of the natives.
4,