For the pleasure of visitors from the outside world, the present mistress keeps open house throughout the year, and hundreds of interested persons from every part of the United States pass through the portals of this home—the shrine of Jefferson Davis and Varina Howell. _The Burn_ Another old home that was once situated in the center of vast acreage is “The Burn”. Streets have been cut through, lots sold and residences erected until today this quaint old home, originally the residence of John P. Walworth of Ohio, is in the very heart of the residence district of Natchez. While the “old Walworth home”, as it was so long known, was built about 1834, its most interesting history is concerned with the war of 1861-65. The Burn is a homey-looking house of the story-and-a-half cottage type with spacious halls and nineteen rooms in the main building. High ceilings, mahogany woodwork, and wide, hand-rubbed board floors are indicative of its early period. By reason of its spacious and numerous rooms, and its accessibility to the river front and the Battery, “The Burn” was made headquarters for the Federal Artillery in the War Between the States. With only 24 hours’ notice the family left their comfortable home to be occupied by the enemy. Major Coleman and his soldiers took possession of The Burn, and today on a window pane in the house can be seen the Major’s full name as cut there by a diamond more than seventy-five years ago. Within the last few years The Burn has been purchased by S. B. Laub, who is a direct descendant of the Beekman family. Mr. and Mrs. Laub have reclaimed and rebuilt every part of the old house with strict observance of the original architecture. [Illustration: An Interesting Treatment Of Transom And Side Lights] [Illustration: The Burn] A letter from the granddaughter of the original owner of The Burn written to its present owners and published in the _Natchez Democrat_ tells the complete story: “The Burn property when purchased by John P. Walworth in 1834 extended from Union street to Clifton Heights. The home was erected the same year, and got its name from the Scotch, meaning ‘The Brook’, which ran through the property where Pearl street now is. “Architects and builders were brought from the East, the finest that could be found. It took more than a year to build, and has been compared to the Temple, for scarcely the sound of hammer was heard in its erection. The grand old home has stood fire, storm, and war. “When Grant’s army took possession of the town, The Burn became army headquarters, and was later turned into a hospital for Union soldiers. The wonderful old trees, the lawn and gardens fell before the axe and sword.