Stranica 388 [388]
OCR
a EE TR RE TE CY Dare (Pre paeo sb RÉ TO NI re — = — — = == — ee long terrace running north and south for perhaps two hundred feet and gradually dwindling away into the natural slope at the south end. ‘This natural slope gives the appearance of a sunken garden. [he east and west terraces are divided into beds and borders by grass walks and are planted with shrubs, roses, perennials, and many varieties of the best flowers for cutting. At one time the rest of the garden was given over to small fruits, grapes and vegetables.” Monroe retired from the Presidency in 1825, and the remaining years of his life were divided between Oak Hill and the residence of his daughter, Mrs. Gouverneur, of New York. After his strenuous life as an officer in the Revolutionary Army, member of Congress, member of United States Senate, twice President of the United States, and three times ambassador to foreign courts, one loves to think of Monroe’s Joy in his home, surrounded by friends and loved ones. Among the latter was the Marquis de LaFayette, who came to this country as his guest, and with whom the closest bonds of friendship existed. They had shared the dangers and privations of the Revolutionary Army. It is said that Monroe, while Minister to France, effected the release of Madame de LaFayette, when the latter was confined in the prison of LaForce, hourly expecting to be executed. In the house are exquisite marble mantels, presented by LaFayette, and many pieces of handsome furniture. The beloved wife of James Monroe died at Oak Hill in 1830 and was buried on the lawn, under the majestic oaks, as was also his daughter, Mrs. Gouverneur. After his death, the bodies of the wife and daughter were removed to Richmond, Virginia, by the Legislature, and rest in Hollywood Cemetery on each side of the illustrious husband and father. Samuel L. Gouverneur, Jr., grandson of the latter, was greatly distressed when Oak Hill was about to pass from his family in 1852. He had spent many happy hours there and a few days before the place was sold wrote a Farewell to the place. [243]
