Evening Republican, Volume 20, Number 132, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 2 June 1916 — G. WASHINGTON RELICS SHOWN [ARTICLE]

G. WASHINGTON RELICS SHOWN

COLLECTION OF MEMENTOEB OF FATHER OF COUNTRY HEART TOUCHING DISPLAY me VARIETY OF MATERIAL SHOWN Infant Robe Worn at Christening Vlca With Old Continental Uniform Washington, D. C—“ Among the many interesting objects pertaining to the history of this country, there is probably nothing which touches the hearts of true Americans more quickly than the reliefs and mementoes of “The Father of His Country," George Washington, many of which are displayed at the old building of the United States National Museum in Washington,” says a statement issued by the Smithsonian Institution. “This collection consists of a variety of material gathered from numerous sources. While composed largely of articles of domestic and artistic interest owned by Washington at Mt. Vernon, the collection also includes mementoes of his life in the field during the War of the Revolution, and a number of other miscellaneous relics of greater or less importance. “The most noteworthy objects are: Four pieces of plaster statuary, and a face mask; several portraits and engravings; many pieces of furniture, including Washington’s easy chair, tables, chairs, mirrors, bedstead and footstool; numerous candelabra, lamps and candlesticks; glass and chlnaware and table furnishings; as well as many personal relics. These latter perhaps represent more to the visitor, since they were the Individual property of this great statesman and warrior. “There are two interesting costumes worn by Washington; the first an infant’s robe of white brocade silk, lined with old rose China silk, used on the occasion of his christening, and the other a continental army uniform, worn when he resigned his commission as commander in chief of the continental army at Annapolis, Md., December 13, 1783. Representing as these costumes do, two such separated periods of the life, they tend to remind the observer of the great things which were accomplished by Washington between the times these diversified cos lumes were worn. Other articles of wearing apparel comprise a waistcoat and what were known as small clothes or knee breeches. “Three tents with poles, pegs and pouches, a mess chest, spyglass, field glass, portable writing case and shaving glass, make up the field equipment used by Washington in his campaign. Other relics, including an iron treasure chest and a zither and case, a music case of mahogany, a Chinese tea chest and a gold medal commemorating hia death besides a number of other "miscellaneous articles complete one of the most interesting collections of historical objects in this country. “Since many of the articles relate so pertinently to the home of Washington, a brief mention of its history Is here made. “Mount Vernon House, historically the most interesting of American mansions and closely associated with nearly all the objects hereto described, was erected in 1743 for Lawrence Washington, the half brother of George, and so named in honor of Admiral Edward Vernon, B. N., under whose command Lawrenee Washington had served during the British expedition against Cartagena in 1741. The property passed into the hands of

George after the death of Lawrence In 1752 and the house w»s later Improved and enlarged. “When Mrs. Washington died In 1802, Mount Vernon became In accordance with Washington’s will, the property of his nephew, Bushrod Washington who In turn bequeathed it to his nephew, John Augustine Washington, from whom It passed to a son of the same name, and in 1858 was purchased from him by the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association. "By an act of Congress, approved June 20, 1878, the Gevernment purchased a collection of Washington relics from G. W. Lewis and others, the heirs of Mrs. Lawrence Lewis, the adopted daughter of Washington, and the wife of his nephew, MaJ. Lawrence Lewis. After the death of Mrs. Washington, in 1802, these objects had passed into the hands i of Mrs. Lewis, and on her death in 1852, were received by her heirs, who held thorn until their purchase by the govern ment In 1878, when they were deposited in the United States Patent Office, where they remained until transferred to the United States Na tlonal Museum in 1883. “The objects purchased from th® Lewis heirs form the greater portion of the WAshlngtoniana in the museum, and are designated as belonging to the •Lewis collection.’ The sources of other Washington relics received by the museum at various times as loans qt gifts, are noted on the descriptive labels.*