USA > Washington DC > Washington DC > Historical sketches of the ten miles square forming the District of Columbia : with a picture of Washington, describing objects of general interest or curiosity at the metropolis of the Union. > Part 19
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Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39
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Mount Vernon.
his remains to the grave. The family vault in which the dust of the hero reposes, is at the dis- tance of perhaps thirty rods from the house im- imediately upon the bank of the river. A more romantic and picturesque site for a tomb can scarcely be imagined. Between it, and the Po- tomac, is a curtain of forest trees covering the steep declivity to the water's edge, breaking the glare of the prospect, and yet affording glimpses of the river, when the foliage is the thickest. The tomb is surrounded by several large native oaks, which are venerable by their years, and which annually strew the sepulchre with autumnal leaves, furnishing the most appropriate drapery for such a place, and giving a still deeper impres- sion to the memento mori. Interspersed among the oaks, and overhanging the tomb, is a copse of red cedar ; but whether native or transplanted, I could not ascertain. Its evergreon boughs pre- sent a fine contrast to the hoary and leafless branches of the oak ; and while the deciduous foliage of the latter indicates the decay of the body, the eternal verdure of the former furnishes a beautiful emblem of the immortal spirit. The sacred and symbolic cassia was familiar to Wash- ington, and perhaps led to the selection of a spot "yhere the evergreen flourished.'.
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Lafayette's Visit
During Lafayette's late tour in the U. States, he made a visit to Mount Vernon and the Tomb of Washington ; the relation is touching-
' After a voyage of two hours,' says Mr. Levasseur, " the guns of Fort Washington announced that we were approaching the last abode of the father of his country. At this solemn sig- Hal, to which the military band accompanying us responded by plaintive strains, we went on deck, and the venerable soil of Mount Vernon was before us; at this view on involuntary and spontaneous movement made us kneel. We landed in boats, and trod upon the ground so often worn by the feet of Wash- ington. A carriage received Gen. Lafayette, and the other visiters silently ascended the precipitous path which conducted to the solitary habitation of Mount Vernon. In re-entering beneath this hospitable roof, which had sheltered him when the reign of terror tore him violently from his country and fa- mily, George Lafayette felt his heart sink within him, at no more finding him whose paternal care had softened his misfor- tanes, whose example and wise couns I inspired his youthful mind with those generous sentiments which at present render him an example of good citizenship, a model to parents and husbands, the most devoted of sons, the most stable of friends. His father again sought with emotion for every thing which re- minded him of the companion of his glorious toils.
Three nephews of general Washington took Lafayette, his son, and myself, to conduct us to the tomb of their uncle; our numerous companions remained in the house; in a few minutes after. the cannon of the fort, thundering anew, announced that Lafayette rendered human . to the ashes woningen. Si- ple and modest as he was during life, the tomb of the citizen- hero is scarcely perceived amid the sombre es presses by which *: is surrounded: a vault slightly elevated and sodded over, a wooden door without inscriptions, some withered and some green garlands, indicate to the traveller who visits this spot, the place where rest in peace the puissant arms which broke the chains of his country. As we approached, the door was opened; Lafayette descended alone into the vault, and a few minutes after re-appeared, with his eyes overflowing with tears. He took his son and me by the hand, and led us into the tomb, where by a sign he indicated the coffin of his paternal friend, along side of which was that of his companion in life, united to him forever in the grave. We knelt reverentially near his coffin, which we respectfully saluted with our lips; rising, we threw ourselves into the arms of Lafayette, and mingled our war's with bis.
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To the Tomb of Washington.
In leaving the vault, we were met by the three nephews of' Washington: one of them, Mr. Custis, presented general La- fayette with a gold ring, containing some of the hair of the great man, and we returned to the house where our compan- ions awaited us. An hour was devoted to visiting the house andl grounds, which at present belong to a nephew of Wash- ington, who bears the same name, and is one of the judges of the supreme court of the United States. He has made no ai- teration in the property left him by his uncle, for whose me- mory he entertains the most profound and tender respect .- George Lafayette assured us that every thing in the house was as he saw it twenty-eight years ago. He found in the place where Washington himself had left it, the principal key of the bastile, which was sent him by Lafayette, at the time this mo- nument of despotism was destroyed. The note sent with the key is still carefully preserved.'
INSCRIPTION FOR WASHINGTON'S MONUMENT.
Here rest the relies of the noblest man That ever Freemen mourn'd, since Time began: Whose lofty virtues, in no age surpassed, Have bless'd our era, and shall bless the last. Great WASHINGTON! renown'd for toils severe, For matchless wisdom, and sublime career: Who rose, the polar star, to guide our lot, And set, unclouded, by a single spot. Wide as the genial Sun illumes the ball, His moral grandeur cheers and blesses all- And such true glory, wonderfully bright, Shines with the Instre of immortal light. Age after age-when, in oblivious dust, This marble now so proud to bear his bust, No more shall mark to Pilgrims, in our clime, Aught, but the ruins of unsparing Time, Here, equal laws, free empire shall maintain,
And WASHINGTON's immortal influence reign! J. B. C.
THE NATIONAL BURYING GROUND.
In this " City of Silence" are deposited the re- inains of such members of Congress, as die at the seat of Government. It is also the burial place of the citizens. About a mile south east of the Capitol, in a lonely, but interesting site.
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National Burial Ground.
sloping from the road towards the margin of the Eastern Branch, the cemetery is laid out. It is enclosed with a wall, and kept in good order.
The most attractive and conspicuous monu- ment is that in memory of the late George Clin- ton -- a pyramid of freestone stuccoed, about 12 feet high, reared on a broad base, and mounted on steps. One side presents a bold relief profile . likeness, cut in marble, surrounded with a civic wreath; and beneath the following appropriate inscription is cut :-
To the memory of George Clinton. He was born in the state of New York, on the 26th July, 1739, and died at the city of Washington on the 20th April, 1811, in the 75d year of his age. He was a soldier and statesman of the revolution; emi- nent in council, distinguished in war. He filled with unexam- pled usefulness, purity and ability, among many other high offices, those of Governor of his native state, and of Vice Pre- sident of the United States.
While he lived, his virtue, wisdom and valor, were the pride, the ornament, and security of his country; and when he died, he left an illustrious example of a well spent life, worthy of all imitation.
This monument is affectionately dedicated by his children.
A pyramid supporting a vase, points to where the ashes of E. GERRY, Vice President of the United States, are deposited, inscribed-
Elbridge Gerry, of Massachusetts, Vice President of the United States. Died suddenly, on his way to the Capitol, November 23, 1814; aged 70 :--
Thus fulfilling his own injunction-" It is the duty of every citizen, though he may have but one day to live, to devote that day to the service of his country."
In different ranges of freestone monuments, painted white, short, square and plain pillars, with a cove top, based on a pedestal, are found the following inscriptions-
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Maj. Gen. Uriah Tracy, of Litchfield, Con., a Senator of the United States; born at Norwich. Died in Washington, July 19th, 1807; aged 52.
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National Burial Ground.
Hon. Ezra Darby, born at Scotch Plains, N. Jersey, Mem- ber of Congress from that state. Died in Washington, Jan'y. 28, 1808; aged 39.
Hon. Francis Malbone, a Senator of the United States from the state of Rhode Island: died June 4th 1809, aged 50 years.
Hon. John Smilie, a Representative in Congress from the State of Pennsylvania. Died Dec. 30, 1812; aged 71. · Hon. Major Gen. Thomas Blount, a Representative from North Carolina. Died Feb. 7, 1812; aged 52.
Hon. John Dawson, a Representative from Virginia. Died March 31, 1812; aged 52.
Samuel Allyne Ous, Secretary of Senate. Died April 22, 1814; aged 75.
Hon. Elijah Brigham, a Representative from Massachusetts. Died July 22, 1816; aged 73.
Hon. Richard Stanford, a Representative from N. Carolina Died April 9, 1816; aged 48.
Hon. George Mumford, a Representative from N. Carolina. Died Dec. 31, 1818; aged about 45.
Hon. David Walker, a Representative from Kentucky .-- Died March 1, 1820; aged about 60.
Hon. Nathaniel Hazard, a Representative from R. Island .- Died Dec. 17, 1820; aged 47.
Hon. Jesse Slocumb, a Representative from N. Carolina .-- Died Dee. 20, 1820; aged 40.
Hon. James Burrill, Jr., a Senator from Rhode Island. - Died Dec. 26, 1820; aged 48 years, 9 months.
Hon. William Trimble, a Senator from Ohio. Died Dec. 13, 1821; aged 35.
Hon. William Pinkney, a Senator from Maryland. Died Feb. 25, 1822; aged 58.
Hon. William Lee Ball, a Representative from Virginia. - Died Feb. 29, 1821; aged 43.
Hon. John Gaillard, a Senator from South Carolina. Died Feb. 26, 1826; aged 60.
Hon. Christopher Rankin, a Representative from Mississippi Died March 14, 1826; aged 38.
[Three members of Congress were interred at Rock Creek Church Yard, before the National Burying ground was laid off. ]
Other miscellaneous public characters --
" Major General Jacob Brown," [no monument yet erec. ted] painted on a plain board.
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The Mausoleum-Asylum, &c.
Push-ma-ta-ha, a Choctaw Warrior. Died Dec. 24, 1824: aged 60. Among his last words were the following: " When I am gone, let the big guns be fired over me."
The Chevalier F. Greuhm, resident minister in the United States, from Prussia. Died Dec. 1, 1823; aged 53. Hugh George Campbell, of South Carolina, captain in the U. States Navy. Served twenty-two years as a commander. Died Nov. 11, 1820; aged about 62.
There are also several public officers interred here, who were residents of Washington; we therefore do not particularize them.
THE MAUSOLEUM.
This funeral monument was designed by the late George Hadfield, and is placed on an ele- vated site, the burial ground of the family of Da- vid Burnes, Esq. one of the original proprietors of the soil of this city. Its architectural appear- ance is imposing and impressive; the tomb is sur- rounded by twelve lofty columns, supporting the entablature and dome. It appears to be an ex- act copy of the beautiful Temple of Vesta, at Rome, its rich ornaments only excepted.
It was erected by Gen. John P. Van Ness. The remains of David Burnes's family, and the lamented daughter and only child of Gen. Van Ness, Mrs. Ann Elbertina Middleton, [who intermarried with J. Middleton, Esq. of S. C.] are deposited, within the sepulchre.
It forms a beautiful and stately ornament, and relieves the eye from the monotonous dullness that reigns on the naked commons towards the North,
Near the Mausoleum wall is the- ORPHAN ASYLUM.
This institution originated in October, 1815, under the auspices of a number of charitable and public spirited ladies of Washington. Mrs. Mad-
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Orphan Asylum.
ison was its first Directress; Mrs. Van Ness be- came her successor, and has ever since devoted her time and attention toit, with a zeal and a liberality honorable to herself and important to the society. Like all infant establishments of this kind, it had many difficulties to overcome. but, by the laudable and unwearied exertions of its managers and other patrons, and by the gene- rous donations of many citizens and strangers. whom its extensive benefits, proved and exhibit- ed in the protection, education, and reformation of the children of poverty and vice, and their qualification for useful and respectable stations in life-disposed thus to employ a portion of their means in the prevention and relief of human mis- cry, the establishment has been placed on a more respectable and permanent footing. A large and commodious building has been erected for it within the last year or two, on what is called the Mausoleum Square, in this city, fronting on II street North, between 9th and 10th streets West. The corner stone was laid by Mrs. Van Ness. in presence of a large assemblage of citizens. The Situation is pleasant. airy, and healthy, supplied with good water, and the house has an extensive lot of ground attached to it, and is enclosed with a good brick wall. So decided is the public opi- nion in favor of the past services of this institu- tion, and so strong the anticipation of the future. additionally guarantied by the character of its managers, that it was incorporated in May, 1828, by act of Congress, by the name and title of " The Washington City Orphan Asylum."
There is, in addition to the regular Orphan establishment, in the same buildings. a free dar ..
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312 Colonization, Nat. Institute, Grand Lodge.
school, numerously attended, all under the su- perintendance and direction of seventeen female Managers, selected from amongst the most respec- table ladies of the city, and of five Trustees. Upon the whole, the institution bids fair, if pro- perly sustained by the virtue and liberality of the community, still to encrease the scale and success of its invaluable exertions in the cause of benevo- lence and humanity.
AMERICAN COLONIZATION SOCIETY.
Instituted at Washington City, 1817. Its object is to colo- nize in Africa, or some other suitable place, with their own consent, the free people of color residing in the United States. In 1823 the number of the colonists was 140. It now exceeds 1500, and accessions are made annually. There are three or four colored preachers at the colony: all the children have ac- cess to the schools, and more than 100 have been sent in from the neighboring tribes. The colony has a regular govern- ment under the colonial agent, and adequate military force: agriculture and commerce are highly prosperous: the slave trade has been checked in the vicinity. More than 2,000 slaves are now offered to the society by their owners. The receipts of the society for 1828, $13,969 29; expenditures, $17,077 12. Free colored in U.S. 233,592; slaves 1,543,68S. Charles Carroll of Carrollton, President: R. Gurley, Sec'y. NATIONAL INSTITUTE.
A literary and scientific society, called the National Insti- tute, has existed in the City since 1816 or '17. At this time, [March 22,] we believe the election of officers for the present year has not taken place. The transactions of this society have not yet been given to the world in any uniform shape ; a few fugitive papers only having found their way to the public.
GRAND LODGE of the DISTRICT of COLUMBIA.
Officers .- J. N. Moulder, M. W.G.M.
J. B. Hammatt, R. W.D.G. M. P. Throop, R. W.G.J. W. W. Kerr, jr. R. W.G.S.
W. Hayman, R. W. G.T. W. Bussard, G. V. and L ..
Rev. Br Wallace, G. C.
1 .. Hurdle, G.S.D.
J. A. Kennedy, G.J.D. J. Elkins, G.M.
Wm. Martin, G.S.B.
L. F. Smith, G. P.
Wm. Lambert, Grand Sec'y.
T. Shield, G.S. aud T.
G. W. Haller, R. W.G.S. W.
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Public Press-Fire Companies.
THE PUBLIC PRESS, IN WASHINGTON.
There are three daily Newspapers, extensively read and circulated throughout the limits of the United States, and its territories. A number are also sent to London, Paris, and other places in Europe.
The National Intelligencer has been established about thirty years. Sam. H. Smith, esq., was the founder of this news- paper. Mr. Joseph Gales, junior, succeeded to the estab- Lishment about 1810. In the Fall of 1812, Mr. Seaton enter- ed the concern, and, under the firm of Gales & Seaton, it has been continued to this day. The average number of impres- sions struck of the paper is, probably, daily 1,200; and thrice a week, (each impression) 3,000.
The United States' Telegraph is a daily paper of very exten- sive circulation, and has become the official journal, since the commencement of President Jackson's administration. It is edited by General Doff Green. [It was, originally, from 1515 to 1826, the Washington Gazette, conducted by Mr. Jonathan Elliot. ] The number of copies struck is, daily, about 1,200; for thecountry, semi-weekly, &c. about 12,000 each week.
The National Journal is a daily paper, published by Mr. George Watterston, and edited by P'. R. Fendall, Esq .- was originally the Washington Republican, owned and con- ducted by Tho. L. MeKenney, Esq. in 1823-24-was purchas- ed by Mr. Force, in 1824, and continued by him to the pre- sent year, when he disposed of the establishment to the pre- sent proprietor. The number printed on the Journal is not as extensive as that on the Telegraph and Intelligencer; but it has a very respectable list of subscribers.
There are also three Weekly Papers, circulated extensively, within the City, and elsewhere.
DISTRICT FIRE COMPANIES.
In Washington, there are six, well appointed and efficient, viz: The Columbian, the Columbia, the Washington, the Franklin, the Phoenix, and the Anacostia.
In Georgetown there are two, viz: the Vigilant, the Eagle, and the Columbian.
In . Alexandria, five, vix: the Friendship, the Sun, the Re- lief, the Star, and the Hydraulian.
A number of other institutions of minor importance, con- ducted with great zeal and fidelity, are established at Washi- ington.
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Hotels-National -- Indian Queen.
NATIONAL, HOTEL, situated on Pennsylvania Avenue. -The public Hotel of Mr. Gadsby, exceeds any establish- ment of the kind in America, if not in dimensions, at least in convenience and airiness; and may be compared with any in the general arrangements and administration. The edifice fronts one hundred and ninety-eight feet on Sixth street, one hundred and ninety-five on C. street, one hundred and twenty mine on the great avenue, &e .- Under the same roof are & bank, a «tage office, a wine store, and a lottery office; in the parallelogram is comprised an open arra of one hundred and forty feet by eighty, with a perennial fountain of spring water and grass plats; and wide piazzas are attached, inside. · to the several stories, which afford room for exercise and pro- tect the chambers, at all seasons. There are two hundred and four apartments altogether; of which one hundred and seventy are commodious lodging rooms. The number of private par- lous is thirteen, with suitable chambers: all even sumptuously Furnished. Private parties are particularly well circumstanced, while those guests who eat at the main table, enjoy the bes; fare, and have access to a spacious general parlour, and a reading room provided, under good regulations, with the principal newspapers of the United States. The Hotel is situated about midway between the capitol and the public ofi- ces, in the centre of business, Mr. Gadsby, who superin- sends indefatigably and courteously, possesses ample experi- ence and peculiar skill in his profession. His spirit of enter- prize, liberal system, and moderate charges, and the various conveniences and attractions which are combined in his Hotel, from very strong elainis upon the patronage of travellers, and deserve to be widely made known through the press.
INDIAN QUEEN HOTEL .- This extensive establish- ment is owned by Jesse Brown, Esq. It fronts on the business part of Pennsylvania Avenue, upwards of 110 feet, with a large new building in the rear on C street. About 100 persons can be accommodated in a very superior and comfortable manner. There is als . a private door leading to private rooms for fa- milies. Mr. B. is very popular as a tavern keeper, and much esteemed by his fellow-citizens and neighbors. The patron- age he receives is liberal and lucrative.
The late addition to the Indian Qucen is worthy of par- ticular notice ; it consists of an edifice eighty-six feet long, thirty six feet wide, and, including the basement, four stories high, the room of which is divided into the following apart- ments : The basement has a large kitchen, wash-house, dairy,
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Hotels~ Indian Quecn-Mansion-City. $15
or spring-house, superintendent's department, two pantries, and stair-case. The kitchen, wash-house, and dairy, have each a fountain of the purest, water, supplied from a never- failing spring. The utensils of all these apartments are com- plete, with many ingenious arrangements to save labor.
The second story is principaliv appropriated to a dining hall-an apartment so essential to every well regulated hotel. This is the most commodious in the city, and perhaps not excelled by any in the United States. It is sixty-five feet long, thirty-six feet wide, and thirteen feet high, the ceiling being supported by five pillars, at equal distances, along the whole central line ; and is pleasantly lighted, and in the winter sca- son warmed by four monumental stoves. In all respects the furniture is well adapted to the apartment.
The third story is distributed into one parlour, and eleven chambers separated longitudinally by a passage the whole length ; the chambers being finished with fire-places for each. The fourth story is cecupred entirely by sleeping apartments, to the number of thirteen.
As an appurtenance to the Indian Queen, Mr. Brown has a garden, cultivated with so much judgment and industry, that he is not only able to supply his own table with the richest and freshest vegetables, but vends in the city market of his surplus enough to defray the expenses of that establishment.
MANSION HOTEL, kept by Frederick Barnard, front- ing 150 feet on Pennsylvania Avenue, and 175 feet on With street, situated in an elevated and pleasant part of the city. aud in the immediate neighborhood of the President's house and the Public ofices ; has four suits of apartments for the ar- comodation of families or separate mesures, distinct entirely from the public part of the house, and with separate entran- oes ; and contains over one hundred rooms : spacious and ve- ry superior stables attached to the establishment.
WILLIAMSON'S CITY HOTEL has been fitted up with entire new furniture, beds, &c. It is the nearest tavern to the executive offiecs, can accommodate 60 or 70 persons ; and for comfort, good attendance, and convenience, vies with any similar establishment in the Metropolis.
The charges of all these taverns are nearly the same-the price of board varying from seven to ten dollars per week, according to the additional convenience afforded.
Stages run daily, almost hourly, from Gadsby's, Brown's, and Bernard's, to Baltimore, from 5 to 2 in the afternoon; fare $2 50.
Hacks may be called, at any time, from the doors of the above taverns : for rates see page 501.
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316 Stages -- Steamboats-Price of Property.
To the South, by the Fredericksburg steam boat, daily at noon. To Norfolk, by steam boat every Wednesday at noon.
To Alexandria, twice or thrice every day by steam boat ånd stage.
To the west daily, every evening by the mail stage, reach- ing the river at Pittsburgh and Wheeling.
A stage with four horses, runs between Georgetown and the Capitol, making about four trips a day, from nine to six o'clock, able to accommodate 12 passengers, at the moderate rate of 123 cents for a part or the whole distance. Londoners call this description of conveyance, an Omnibus.
Letters are daily transmitted and received through the City Post Office, east, west, north and south. Two cents in ad- dition to the lawful postage is added by the city carrier.
Price of Property .-- Good farms, from two to five miles from Washington, may be fairly estimated at from 15 to 20 dollars per acre, with improvements. In Maryland, except that part of Prince George's called the Forest, (a peculiar soil adapted to the growth of high priced tobacco, ) forty or fifty dollars per acre is still considered a fair price. In Virginia, lands within the same distance may be bought for from $ to to 10 dollars per acre. The fair price of young negro men may be estimated at from 400 to 500, unless to foreigners, when they go higher, and young women 200 to 300.
Real estate varies in different parts of the City-Lots for instance, fronting on Pennsylvania Avenue, are worth from 50 to 150 cents per square foot-in other Avenues or Streets, from 6 to 50 cents .- A substantial three-story brick house, 25 feet front and 40 deep, may be erected, costing, from $3,500 to 5,000.
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Original Correspondence.
Original Correspondence of Gen. Washington, .. Thomas Jefferson, and the Commissioners, relative to the City.
We have selected the following letters from the , carly records of this metropolis; chiefly from the pen of its immortal founder, with a view to show the intense interest he took in the inci- pient steps that led to its successful establish- ment, sale of lots, plan and erection of the puly- lic buildings, &c. They may be also gratifying, in other points of view, as it is, for the first time, they appear in a public dress. The let- ters are placed chronologically-and comprise the only matters of general interest we could discover, after a careful perusal of a volumni- ous correspondence on miscellaneous subjects, from March 1791 to March 1797:
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