The Home and Grave of Madison

The army correspondent of the Richmond Dispatch writes from Orange county, Va., as follows:

I have just paid a visit to Montpelier, the home and grave of Madison. It is one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. The dwelling is of large dimensions, but of such exquisite proportions, and in such a magnificent park of stately trees, that till one enters it he regards it as a modest cottage. Covered with cream colored stuccos and the porch embowered by running roses it presents a truly lovely picture. It has none of that mouldering air of age which are so pleasing and painful at Mount Vernon and Monticello. Such is the nature of the grounds that you do not see the mansion till you are upon it. Then, from the front a wide and glorious panorama bursts on the view. Woods, fruitful fields and the encircling Blue Ridge, combine to make a scene of exquisite beauty and grandeur. Within the dwelling nearly all is modern. The present proprietor is a Mr. Carson from Ireland who lately came here under a pass from old Abe, and now proclaims strict neutrality and claims the protection of the British flag.

The grave of the patriot sage is situated in the midst of a large field of luxuriant corn, is imperfectly shaded by five tall locusts, and is surrounded by a low brick wall, which also encloses several other tombs. The stone which covers Madison’s tomb is a simple granite shaft, bearing only the inscription: “Madison, Born March 17, 1751; Died June 28, 1836.” Immediately in the rear is a smaller shaft of white marble, containing these words: “In memory of Dolly Payne, wife of James Madison. Born May 26, 1768; Died July 8, 1839.” How little did the great statesman dream that in a quarter of a century after his death Northern and Southern armies would be confronting each other near his grave.

[Dolly Payne, the most accomplished lady of her day, was a native of Guilford county, N. C.] –Fay. Observer

[Transcribed by Sharon Strout]