Oldal 388 [388]
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, peren¬
nials, 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 Presi¬
dent 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]