Englishman, who occupied the mixed relation to Mr. Monroe of
steward, counsellor and friend. The house is built of brick
in a most substantial manner, and handsomely finished; it is,
perhaps, about 90 x 50 feet, three stories (including
basement), and has a wide portico, fronting south, with
massive Doric columns thirty feet high, and is surrounded by
a grove of magnificent oaks covering several acres. While the
location is not as commanding as many others in that section,
being in lower Loudoun where the rolling character of the
Piedmont region begins to lose itself in the flat lands of
tide water, the house in two directions commands an
attractive and somewhat extensive view, but on the other side
it is hemmed in by mountains, for the local names of which,
'Bull Run' and 'Nigger Mountain,' it is to be hoped the late
President is in no wise responsible.... The little stream
that washes the confines of the Oak Hill estate once bore the
Indian name Gohongarestaw (the River of Swans), and is now
called Goose Creek."
After the expiration of his second term as President Monroe made Oak
Hill his permanent home, though sometimes he was with his daughter,
Mrs. Gouverneur, in New York.
One who was a member of the household during a part of the six years
of the life in Virginia said that he "looked perhaps older than he
was, his face being strongly marked with the lines of anxiety and
care."
There were many guests at Oak Hill, among these being Madison and
Jefferson. Monroe, in turn, was frequently at Monticello and
Montpelier. His office as Regent of the University of Virginia also
brought him into frequent touch with his two predecessors in the
presidency, for they were fellow-members on the Board.
Whenever weather and guests permitted he was accustomed to ride about
the estate and through the countryside both morning and evening. One
day, when he was seventy-two, his horse fell on him, and his right
wrist was sprained so badly that for a time he could not write to his
friends, as he had delighted to do. Thus he was able to sympathize
with Madison when a letter came from Montpelier a few months later:
"In explanation of my microscopic writing, I must remark that
the older I grow the more my stiffening fingers make smaller
letters, as my feet take shorter steps, the progress in both
cases being, at the same time, more fatiguing as well as more
slow."
Monroe's last years of life were saddened by financial difficulties,
though even these brought gleams of joy, because of the fidelity of
his friends. Lafayette, who visited Oak Hill in 1825, wrote later to
his friend a most delicately worded offer of assistance, indicating
that he felt it was his right to offer this, since Monroe, when
minister to France, had exerted himself to bring about the release of
Lafayette, then a prisoner at Olmuetz, and had ministered to the wants
of Madame Lafayette.
A measure of relief came when Congress voted to repay, in part, the
extraordinary expense incurred by the statesman during his diplomatic
career, but not before he had advertised Oak Hill for sale and had
planned to go to New York to live near his daughter. The estate was
later withdrawn from the market, but the plan to go to New York was
carried out: he did not see how he could remain after the death of
Mrs. Monroe, which took place in 1830.
He did not stay long in New York. On July 4, 1831, he died.
Twenty-seven years later, on the one hundredth anniversary of his
birth, his body was taken to Richmond for burial. There, in his native
State, rest the remains of him of whom Thomas Jefferson said, "He is
a man whose soul might be turned inside out without discovering a
blemish to the world."
LXIX
RED HILL, CHARLOTTE COUNTY, VIRGINIA
WHERE PATRICK HENRY SPENT HIS LAST YEARS
Patrick Henry was only fifty-eight years old when he retired for rest
and the enjoyment of family life to his 2,920-acre estate, Red Hill,
in the Staunton Valley, thirty-eight miles southeast of Lynchburg.
Just before he made this move he wrote to his daughter Betsy, "I must
give out the law, and plague myself no more with business, sitting
down with what I have. For it will be sufficient employment to see
after my little flock."
He had served his country well for thirty years, as member of the
House of Burgesses, as Speaker of the first Continental Congress in
Philadelphia in 1774, in the Virginia Convention of 1775 where he made
his most famous speech, and as Governor of Virginia from 1776 to 1779
and again from 1784 to 1786. He had well earned the rest he hoped to
find. Washington asked him to become Secretary of State and, later,
Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. John Adams nominated him as
minister to France. But he resisted all these efforts to draw him from
his retirement.
The house at Red Hill was a simple story and a half structure, to
which the owner soon added a shed kitchen, solely because he "wished
to hear the patter of the rain on the roof." This original portion of
the house has been retained intact by later occupants, who have made
additions with rare appreciation of what is fitting. The central
portion was built by the son of the orator, John Henry. The box hedges
in which the sage of Red Hill took such delight have been retained and
extended.
George Morgan, in "The True Patrick Henry," says that this life in
retirement "might be designated as a patriarchal life, if it were not
for the fact that the cradle was still rocking at Red Hill." Henry's
letters were full of references to his children. Once he wrote to his
daughter Betsy, "I have the satisfaction to inform you that we are
well, except Johnny, Christian, and Patrick, and they are recovering
fast now." And again, "I have great cause of thankfulness for the
health I enjoy, and for that of your mamma and all the children.... We
have another son, named Winston."
William Wirt, in his "Life of Patrick Henry," written in 1817, said,
"His visitors have not infrequently caught him lying on the floor,
with a group of these little ones, climbing over him in every
direction, or dancing around him with obstreperous mirth to the tune
of his violin, while the only contest seemed to be who should make the
most noise."
That there were many visitors who had the opportunity to see such
contests as these is evident from a paragraph in "Homes of American
Statesmen":
"His home was usually filled with friends, its dependences
with their retinue and horses. But crowds, besides, came and
went; all were received with cordiality.... Those who lived
near always came to breakfast, when all were welcomed and
made full. The larder never seemed to get lean. Breakfast
over, creature comforts, such as might console the belated
for the loss, were promptly set forth on side-tables in the
wide entrance-hall.... Meanwhile, the master saw and welcomed
all with the kindliest attention, asked of their household,
listened to their affairs, gave them his view, contented all.
These audiences seldom ceased before noon, or the early
dinner. To this a remaining party of twenty or thirty often
sat down.... The dinner ended, he betook himself to his
studies until supper, after which he again gave himself up to
enjoyment."
Not only was he a total abstainer, but as he grew older he came to
detest the odor of tobacco; so there were certain refreshments that
were never offered to the guests at Red Hill.
During the closing years of his life he spent hours over the Bible.
Every morning he would take his seat in the dining-room, with the big
family Bible open before him. Once he said to a visitor, "This book is
worth all the books that ever were printed, and it has been my
misfortune that I never found time to read it with the proper
attention and feeling till lately. I trust in the mercy of heaven that
it is not too late."
To Betsy, a daughter by his first marriage, he wrote in 1796:
"Some good people think I am no Christian. This thought gives
me much more pain than the appellation of tory; because I
think religion of infinitely higher importance than politics,
and I find much cause to reproach myself that I have lived so
long and have given no decided and public proof of my being a
Christian. But, indeed, my dear child, there is a character
which I prize far above all this world has or can boast. And
amongst all the handsome things I hear said of you, what
gives me the greatest pleasure is, to be told of your piety
and steady virtue."
As, one by one, the older children grew up and went out from Red Hill
to homes of their own, they were urged to read the Bible. Dorothea was
the first to be married. Then came Martha Catherine, who, at
seventeen, fell in love with the hero who rescued her when she fell
from a boat into the water. Sarah married Robert, the brother of the
poet Thomas Campbell. It is said that at one time the poet was engaged
to come to Red Hill as tutor for the younger children of the family,
but was unable to keep his promise.
Because of the constant pleas that were made that he give up his quiet
life and reenter politics, Henry Clay wrote, in 1796:
"I shall never more appear in a public character, unless some
unlooked-for circumstance shall demand from me a transient
effort.... I see with concern our old Commander-in-chief most
abusively treated--nor are his long and great services
remembered, as any apology for his mistakes in an office to
which he was totally unaccustomed. If he, whose character as
our leader during the whole war was above all praise, is so
roughly treated in his old age, what may be expected by men
of the common standard of character?"
He kept his resolution. A few months after writing this message, when
notified that he had been elected Governor of Virginia, for a third
term, he wrote, "My declining years warn me of my inability."
But in January, 1799, came an appeal from Washington himself that he
would present himself as a candidate "if not for Congress, which you
may think would take you too long from home, as a candidate for
Representative in the General Assembly of the Commonwealth." The
reasons were given: "Your insight of character and influence in the
House of Representatives would be a bulwark against such dangerous
sentiments as are delivered there at present. It would be a rallying
point for the timid, and an attraction of the wavering. In a word, I
conceive it to be of immense importance at this crisis that you should
be there, and I would fain hope that all minor considerations will be
made to yield to the measure."
Though Henry knew that he had little strength left, he responded to
the appeal. On County Court day, the first Monday in March, he
presented himself before the people at Charlotte as a candidate for
Representative. How they flocked about him!
A Hampdon-Sidney student, Henry Miller, who heard him that day, said
afterward:
"He was very infirm, and seated in a chair conversing with
some friends who were pouring in from all the surrounding
country to hear him. At length he rose with difficulty, and
stood, somewhat bowed with age and weakness. His face was
almost colorless. His countenance was careworn, and when he
commenced his exordium, his voice was slightly cracked and
tremulous. But in a few minutes a wonderful transformation of
the whole man occurred, as he warmed with his theme. He stood
erect; his eyes beamed with a light that was almost
supernatural, his features glowed with the hues and fires of
youth; and his voice rang clear and melodious, with the
intonations of some great musical instrument whose notes
filled the area, and fell distinctly and delightfully upon
the ears of the most distant of the thousands gathered before
him."
Near the close of this effective address he said:
"You can never exchange the present government, but for a
monarchy. If the administration have done wrong, let us all
go wrong together, rather than split into factions, which
must destroy that union upon which our existence hangs. Let
us preserve our strength for the French, the English, the
German, or whoever else shall dare to invade our territory,
and not exhaust it in civil commotion and intestine wars."
After the conclusion of the oration, Henry went back to Red Hill, and
never left it again. In April he was triumphantly elected, but he was
unable to take his seat.
On June 6, 1799, he was near death. When the physician offered him a
vial of mercury, at the same time telling him that the remedy might
prolong his life a little while, or it might be fatal, he drew over
his eyes a silken cap which he usually wore, and, holding the vial in
his hands, made "a simple childlike prayer for his family, for his
country, and for his own soul. Afterwards in perfect calm he swallowed
the medicine."
His last word was to his physician, commending the Christian religion,
which was so real a benefit to a man about to die.
Patrick Henry and his wife lie side by side in the rear garden of Red
Hill. "His fame his best epitaph" is the simple inscription on the
stone above the patriot.
[Illustration: POHICK CHURCH, VIRGINIA
_Photo furnished by Aymar Embury, II_
See page 311]
LXX
POHICK CHURCH, TRURO PARISH, VIRGINIA
THE HOME CHURCH OF GEORGE WASHINGTON
Both Truro parish and George Washington were born in 1732, and
Washington's connection with Truro Church began in 1735, when his
father, Augustine Washington, became a vestryman, and it continued
throughout his life, though during his later years, when services were
seldom held there, he went to Christ Church at Alexandria.
When Washington was a boy he had to make a round trip of eighteen
miles, frequently over extremely rough roads, when he wished to attend
services. Yet he was a faithful attendant, at all seasons.
A number of the early rectors of Truro were welcome guests at Mt.
Vernon. One of these, Charles Green, was a physician as well as a
minister, as appears from the record that he was called to prescribe
for Washington in 1757, when the young campaigner was so seriously
ill, in consequence of hardships suffered on his western trip, that he
said he had "too much reason to apprehend an approaching decay."
Five years after this illness Washington was elected a member of the
vestry of the parish, and he was re-elected many times. His record for
attendance was unusual, in spite of his many outside engagements.
During the years from 1763 to 1774 thirty-one vestry meetings were
held. He was absent from eight of these, once on account of sickness,
twice because he was attending the House of Burgesses, and at least
three times because he was out of the county. For a few months, in
1765, he did not serve, because, on the division of Truro parish, Mt.
Vernon was thrown over the line into the new Fairfax parish. At once
the new parish made him a member of its vestry, but when, in response
to a petition which Washington helped to present, the House of
Burgesses changed the parish line so that Mt. Vernon was once more in
Truro parish, he resumed his service in the old church. There he
maintained his connection with an official body noted for the fact
that, at one time or another, it had eleven members in the House of
Burgesses, two members in His Majesty's Council for Virginia, as well
as the author of the Virginia Bill of Rights and the Constitution of
the State of Virginia, George Mason.
When it was decided that a new church building was needed, Washington
was instrumental in settling the inevitable discussion as to site that
followed. He made a map of the parish, showing where each communicant
lived, and recommended that the building be placed at the centre of
the parish, as shown by the map. His suggestion was adopted, and a
site two miles nearer Mt. Vernon was chosen.
For the new church Washington himself drew the plan. He was also
active in letting the plan and overseeing the building operation. At
an auction of pews, held in 1772, when the church was ready for use,
he bought Number 28, next the communion table, for L10, while he paid
L13 10s. for pew 30. Evidently he was thoughtful for the guests who
frequently rode with him to service, either in the coach, or in the
chaise that followed, or on horseback. When the Mt. Vernon contingent
came to church there was usually quite a procession.
Under date October 2, 1785, the diary of Washington tells of one of
these processions, as well as of an interesting event that followed:
"Went with Fanny Bassett, Burwell, Bassett, Doctr Stuart, G.
A. Washington, Mr. Shaw and Nellie Custis to Pohick Church to
hear a Mr. Thompson preach, who returned with me to
Dinner.... After we were in Bed (about Eleven o'clock in the
Evening) Mr Houdon, sent from Paris by Doctr Franklin and
Mr Jefferson to take my Bust, in behalf of the State of
Virginia ... arrived."
For many years Pohick Church was practically deserted, but there is
evidence that services were held here in 1802. Davies, an Englishman,
in his "Four Years in America," wrote:
"About four miles from Occoquon is Pohick. Thither I rode on
Sunday and joined the Congregation of Parson Weims, who was
cheerful in his mien that he might win me to religion. A
Virginia churchyard on Sunday is more like a race-course than
a cemetery; the women come in carriages and the men on horses
which they tie to the trees. The church bell was suspended
from a tree. I was confounded to hear 'steed threaten steed
with dreadful neigh,' nor was I less astounded at the
rattling of carriage-wheels, the cracking of whips, and the
vociferation of the gentlemen to the negroes who attended
them; but the discourse of Parson Weims calmed every
perturbation, for he preached the great doctrines of
Salvation as one who has experienced their power; about half
the congregation were negroes."
This Parson Weems was no other than the author of Weems' "Life of
Washington," a readable but inaccurate biography that had a great
vogue seventy-five years ago.
For many years Truro Church was desolate, and relic hunters made spoil
of the furnishings. But since 1876 it has been open for services once
more.
[Illustration: MOUNT AIRY, RICHMOND COUNTY, VA.
_Photo by H. P. Cook_
See page 314]
LXXI
MOUNT AIRY, RICHMOND COUNTY, VIRGINIA
THE PLANTATION HOME OF COLONEL JOHN TAYLOE
The purchase for L500 of three thousand acres of productive land in
Charles County, on the Potomac, gave a big boost to the fortunes of
the Tayloe family of Virginia. This shrewd purchase was made by
Colonel John Tayloe, the son of William Tayloe (or Taylor) who came
from England in the seventeenth century. William Tayloe was a member
of the House of Burgesses in 1710. His son John became a member of the
Colonial Council in 1732, while his son John, who was born in 1721,
also had the honor of serving in the Council under Lord Dunmore, as
well as in the first Republican Council, during the administration of
Patrick Henry. He married the sister of Governor George Plater of
Maryland. Of his eight daughters one married Richard Lightfoot Lee, a
Signer of the Declaration of Independence, while another married
Colonel William Augustine Washington, a nephew of George Washington,
by whom he was educated.
Colonel John Tayloe, the father of three daughters, was the builder
of Mount Airy, which was for many years the most superb mansion in
Virginia, and was so different from all other mansions that it
attracted many visitors, even in the days when transit was difficult.
Its twenty-five spacious rooms afforded generous accommodation for the
guests who were eager to accept the invitations of Colonel and Mrs.
Tayloe. Among the entertainments provided for these guests by the
thoughtful hosts were concerts by a band made up entirely of slaves
who had been instructed by their master. On occasion this band was
taken to the town house at Williamsburg, the capital of the State.
The letters of Washington show that the builder of Mount Airy was an
ardent patriot, and his friend and associate. These two men were joint
executors of the estate of one of the Lees. From his headquarters in
the Craigie House at Cambridge the General wrote to Mount Airy a
letter about the estate, asking Tayloe to become sole executor.
The varied interests of Colonel Tayloe were indicated by his
remarkable will, which asked, among other things, that one part of his
estate in Prince William County, Virginia, and Baltimore County,
Maryland, be kept intact and worked for the making of pig iron. Not
only did he own a number of other plantations, but he was a large
shipowner, and reaped unusual profits from trade.
Perhaps the best known owner of Mount Airy was John Tayloe, III, who
was born in 1771, and was the only son in a family of twelve. He was
educated at Eton and Cambridge, England. Before going abroad he had
learned patriotism from his father, and on his return he was ready to
administer his estate for the benefit of the country as well as his
own family. When his inheritance was turned over to him the income was
sixty thousand dollars. Within a few years he increased this to
seventy-five thousand dollars. His father's iron- and ship-building
interests were conserved and enlarged. His master ship-builder at
Occoquon was his slave Reuben.
During his residence at Mount Airy the splendor of the mansion was
increased. Among his guests were men who had stood shoulder to
shoulder with Washington during the Revolution, and those who later
became prominent as associates of Hamilton, Jay, Marshall, and
Pinckney. He married the daughter of Governor Ogle of Maryland, and
had fifteen children.
The memorial by one of his sons, Benjamin Ogle Tayloe, says that "his
manners were refined and elegant. He was distinguished for his nice
sense of honor, and a scrupulous regard to his word at all times. His
wife was esteemed for sincerity and kindness of heart, graceful and
dignified manners, and true and unaffected piety."
He took time for the services of his country. As Captain of Dragoons
he went to Western Pennsylvania, to help put down the whiskey
insurrection. When President Adams made him a Major of Dragoons,
General Washington wrote to him a warm letter of congratulation, but
Tayloe hesitated to accept the commission. He had just been elected as
a Federalist to the Virginia Senate, and he feared, as he wrote to
Washington, that if he resigned his seat the place would be filled by
an opponent of the administration. On February 12, 1799, Washington
replied that he was inclined to believe his civil service would be
more important than military service, but he asked that decision be
delayed until they could have a personal interview. Later, on the
breaking out of the War of 1812, he was made commander of the cavalry
of the District of Columbia, and saw active service.
Washington's friendship led him to make his winter home in the
District of Columbia. In 1801 he occupied the Octagon House, then the
finest private residence in the city. When the British burned the
White House he was at Mount Airy. At once he sent a mounted messenger
to President Madison, offering the use of the Octagon as the temporary
Executive Mansion.
His establishment at Mount Airy was maintained in remarkable splendor.
His household and equipages were the talk of the neighborhood. A lover
of fine horseflesh, he was the owner of some of the swiftest animals
of his day.
The eldest son, John Tayloe, inherited his father's ardor for public
service. He was engaged brilliantly in the battles of the
_Constitution_ with the _Guerriere_, and with the _Cyano_ and the
_Levant_. After the action his native State gave him a sword, and he
was promoted to a lieutenancy. Though he was captured by the British,
he lived to return to Mount Airy, where he died in 1824. His father
died four years later, while his mother lived until 1855.
Mount Airy has always been in the hands of a Tayloe. It is now in
possession of the family of the late Henry Tayloe.
LXXII
TWO OF VIRGINIA'S OLDEST CHURCH BUILDINGS
ST. LUKE'S, IN SMITHFIELD, AND ST. PETER'S, IN NEW KENT COUNTY
Captain Smith in 1607 wrote of his discovery of the Indian kingdom of
Warrosquoyacke. Soon settlers were attracted to its fertile lands.
Twenty-seven years later the more than five hundred residents were
organized into Isle of Wight County.
In 1632, the ancient brick church near Smithfield was built. The
tradition fixing this date was established in 1887, when the date 1632
was read in some bricks that fell from the walls.
The builder of the staunch church was Joseph Bridger, who was
Counsellor of State to Charles II. He is buried not far from the
church, and on his tomb is the inscription: "He dyed April 15 Anno
Domini 1688 Aged 58 years. Mournfully leaving his wife, three sons and
four daughters."
The oldest vestry book dates from 1727, for the first book was
destroyed at the time of General Arnold's expedition made to Isle of
Wight County, in the effort to capture General Parker, of the
Continental Army. Fortunately, however, a few other records were
saved. An entry in 1727 spoke of "The Old Brick Church"; evidently the
name St. Luke's was of later origin.
The architectural beauty of the old building is described in a
pleasing manner by Aymar Embury, II, the well-known New York
architect, in his "Early American Churches":