El Paso herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1901-1931, 1910-02-22

VIRGINIA. during the time of
W Washington was the most Eng
lish of any of the colonies and
upon this distinction she greatly prided
herself. She deviated least OF all from
the opinions and life of aristocratic
England. The governors Of Virginia
were of high ranks Of society and main
tanned q corresponding life in America
Many of the wealthy planters were re-
lated to the old familie- o. England and
the sons, especially the elder ones. were
sent to the mother country ror fin
ished education. thereby keeping up a
fresh Introduction of English customs.
tastes and style Of life. The Episcopal
church was predominant and each cOun-
ty was devided into parishes. and each
parish had its parochiaf church, its par
sonege and its glibe-just as in Eng
land.
The large Virginia estates were con-
Quoted as were the weather homes Of
England. and each one was a small en-
pire. The mansion house elegant. spa
cious and necessa rily conlmodious, TO en-
able their far famed hospitality, was the
seat Of government. the planter the en-
peror. The steward or overseer was the
executive officer of the estate There
were legions of negroes for domestics
and field service. as well as other out
door service, for the cultivation of to-
bacco, indian corn and other crops.
In the negroes quarters were gar
dens and poultry yards wei stocked
Among all of this might be seen playing
in the sunshine swarms of little negroes.
There were kitchens, work shops, sta
bles. well filled and regulated and ele-
giant plate equipa ges, imported from
England.
All trades were represented among
the slaves. so that everything of ordin-
airy use could be produced on the plan
tation. but all luxuries ana everything
Of fashion and elegance came from the
mother country. There were agents to
whom products were consigned and
through whom purchases were made, so
that ships constantly piled between
England and the Potomac, making much
intercourse and travel. The products
from each plantation bore the planters
brand
Washington AutOcrafs.
In this old aristocratic Virginia style
George and Martha Washington lived al
Mount Vernon. on the right bank of the
Potomac in Fairfax county. Is miles
below Washington. D. c. The original
name of this estate was Hunting Creek,
but after coming into the possession Of
Lawrence Washington, a brother of
George Washington. he changed the
name in honor of admira. Vernon of the
British navy.
The estate contained 5000 acres and
was inherited by George Washington in
1852, from his brother. Lawrence, who
erected the house in 1743
II Is a two story wooden structure,
96 feet long and 80 feet deep. beautifully
situated on a high bluff of 200 feet,
overlooking the Potomac. giving a mag
nfficent view of the river anc surround
ing country. The grouncs were laid out
in English taste. and the estate appor-
toned into separate farms. devoted TO
different kinds of culture. each having
its allotted la5orer. Much of it is COW
cred with forests, deep ravines and
streams, haunts for deer and hiding
places for foxes, making famous hunt
ing grounds.
Pleasant Location
His own description to a friend is:
mo estate in United America Is more
pleasantly situated. In a high and
healthy country; in a latitude between