Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-12-15

sarv supply of oxygen, and associated no doubt
with a general toxic infection from some Vlru-
lent micro-organiSm, most likely the sCrep-
tococcus Unless relief comes otherwise In such
a case, it is obvious that the patient, whether.
bled or not must Succumb from air starvation.
Washington then, you may be sure, was not
bled to death; rather, it may be said that he
choked to death, for death was due primarily
to Suffocation."
While on this subject it may be interesting
to note that Washington's remains. and those
as well of other members of his family, were
moved from the old tomb to the new one on
April 10, 1881, and that six years later the re-
mains of Washington and Mrs washington
were moved from the rear Of the new tomb TO
the sarcophagi at the front of the same, and
where they are now viewed by thousands am
nually.
years after washington's body had been re-
moved from the old vault to the new one. an
account was published to the effect that when
Washingtons coffin was opened, due to the
alcohol being low, a cheek bone or some other
portion of the face appeared as If decayed.
IN 1920, the Columbia Historical Society," de:
string to get at the facts of the controversy.
that had never been settled took up the matter
with the superintendent of Mount Vernon, Har.
riSon H Dodge, through DIR. William TindaH;
with the result of the following letter, which
would seem to show that there was at no time
any alcohol in Washington's coffin:
Mount Vernon, Virginia,
MAY g. 1920.
"Dr. William Tindall:
my dear Dr. Tindall-Possiby may be able
to throw a bit of light on the subject men,
toned in the communication bearing your post
script.
some years ago, remember, one Of the
Washington newspapers published an account
of what happened at Mount Vernon, in 1897.
when the remains of George Washington and
his wife were transferred from the inner vault
Of the tomb and placed within the marble
Sarcophagi which had been provided. and which
have ever since been in plain sight OF visitors
standing before the tomb entrance.
ION that occasion quite large party of SEN
atorS, members of Congress and others, came
to witness the transfer to the last resting plaza
among them was little boy name forgot
ten by mel whose father raised him On his
shoulder that he might see, ever the heads OF
the crowd in front, what there was Of the cere-
mony. The published account (after the child
had grown to old age and die - was, in effect.
that the lid of the leaden casket (the generaIs)
was opened for a few moments before being
placed in the Sarcophagus, and $50 1t appeared
to the child) Washingtons body was seen float
ing in alcohol and his cheek just touching the
glass
THAT was the impression made upon the
mind of the child (who was some distance back
from the scene of action, but it was evidently
retained throughout his life.
at cannot accept that published account as
correct, because of many traditions handed
down to me by descendants of other eJewit-
neSses. ~
1.-THE most reliable authority, I have had
many occasions to quote, was an old man (Wu-
liam Burgess q stone mason of Alexandria)
whom employed at Mount Vernon from 1885
until he died. 1893. ="
Burgess was an apprentice bricklayer and
helped building the new tomb and was present
when the remains of Gen. Washington and
others were moved (Apri 49, 1880 from the
old tomb to the new. Only few members
of the Washington family Were present then,
and this 18-year-old lad (BurgesS) was with
them when they determined to open the leAden
casket to assure themselves OF the identity OF
what 1t inclosed. They all expressed aStonisn~
ment when the face of, the general was. re-
vealed, to observe how little his facial express
sion Judging from poEtraitS). had changed IN
the thirty-odd years since, his death. But the
sealed leaden casket had been the reason OF
preservation Of form. .,.u
Burgess oft-repeated testimony was to tho
effect that after the face had been exposed for
q few moments there was an appreciate change
noticed by all; falling in of the features quick
ly occurred. If there had been alcohol used
this wouldn't have occurred. No alcohol vas
subsequently put in the casket. know!
You can rely upon Burgess account TO %
correct. II
yours,
HARRISON H DODGE, Supe."
MOT only was washington revered and loved
in his own country, but when news Of his
death reached Europe the mourning became