The Continental Monthly, Vol. 1, No. 1, January 1862: Devoted to Literature and National PolicyVarious
History
The Continental Monthly, Vol. 1, No. 1, January 1862: Devoted to Literature and National Policy
Various
Literature, Modern -- 19th century -- Periodicals; United States -- Politics and government -- 19th century -- Periodicals
Scattered about the graveyard are many monuments, attractive and
interesting from their artistic beauty alone. One of the most chaste and
elegant designs I have ever seen is the tomb erected by a gentleman of
Philadelphia, to the memory of his wife, son, and daughter, who perished
in the burning of the 'Henry Clay' on the Hudson River. It is in the
form of a casket, of white marble, beautifully carved and of graceful
form, elevated on a pedestal of polished stone, of a blueish tint. On
one end of the casket are inscribed the words
WIFE
DAUGHTER
SON
on the other end,
MOTHER
SISTER
BROTHER
while one side bears the appropriate text of Scripture:--
When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and
through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee;
and the other the comforting words:--
For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also
which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
Under a drooping cypress tree, half hidden amid its dark green foliage,
is a monument of white marble, in the form of a Greek cross, low but
massive, on which there is no epitaph or inscription whatever; but on
the little foot-stone beyond it are the simple words:--
GENEVIEVE.
Died 1851,
Aged 18.
Numerous 'broken rosebuds' mark the graves of children, and the device
is so often repeated as to become tiresome; but on one handsome monument
is carved a wreath of flowers, from which a rose has apparently dropped,
and fallen on the pedestal,--a beautiful illustration of the loss the
family circle had sustained in the death of her who rests below. Another
child-grave, the tombstone a small upright slab surmounted by a wreath
of flowers, bears the touching inscription:--
Our only Son,
JOHN AGUR E----.
Aged 2 years.
Many graves here, as elsewhere, are adorned with examples of 'graveyard
poetry;' but most of it is of that humble character which is illustrated
by the following:--
'Farewell, beloved wife: I must go
And leave you in this world of woe.
A few short years, then we shall meet
Together at our Saviour's feet.'
One more epitaph, before we leave this interesting and time-honored
place of graves. It is from a plain horizontal slab, not far from the
entrance; and is, to our thinking, one of the most beautiful and
touching monumental inscriptions ever penned.
SARAH B----,
Wife of the Rev. C---- K----.
A humble worshiper of Christ, she lived in love and died in faith.
Truthful woman, delightful companion, ardent friend, devoted wife,
self-sacrificing mother, we lay you gently here, our best beloved,
to gather strength and beauty for the coming of the Lord.
AMONG THE PINES.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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