to inclose the burial vault built in
1831, it contributed an appropriate architectural character to the tomb
lot. The Gothic arch of the completed entrance was in sympathy with a
funereal scene enhanced by willowlike foliage observable in certain
views of the period.

Alterations were made in 1837 which created a vestibule between the
vault and the outer wall and gateway constructed by William Yeaton. It
is not known whether Yeaton again participated in the construction. It
was in 1837 that the bodies of General and Mrs. Washington were removed
from this closed vault behind and permanently entombed in marble
sarcophagi, which the visitor views today in the outer chamber at Mount
Vernon.

[Illustration: William Yeaton, builder and "undertaker" (architect) of
Alexandria. By Saint Memin. (_Courtesy Corcoran Gallery of Art_)]

[Illustration]

Chapter 25

The La Fayette-Lawrason-Cazenove House

[301 South St. Asaph Street. Owners: Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Wallack.]

The presence of La Fayette was nothing new to Alexandria, yet his
official visit in 1824, as the nation's guest, created a turmoil in the
town. As soon as the news was received of his arrival in New York (it
took two days to reach Alexandria) Captain A. William's company of
artillery arose before dawn to fire a national salute at sunrise, and at
noon the same company fired seventy-six rounds. During the day the
harbor presented the spectacle of all ships displaying their flags at
masthead. When the Marquis reached Baltimore, on October 8,
representatives from the Alexandria city council were on hand to extend
an invitation (in the form of an address) to visit the town, which the
distinguished visitor was pleased to accept.

He was met on the south side of the Potomac River on the 16th by that
same Captain Williams and his company, firing a salvo in salute, and was
addressed in a "neat and handsome" manner by General Jones and suite.
He "then entered a splendid barouche, drawn by four fine grays, with
postilions dressed in white with blue sashes," and thus was escorted by
a company of cavalry under the command of Captain Andrews and a civilian
escort led by Captain James Carson, dressed in blue "with sashes of the
same color." To this splendor add marines, fire companies, the
Alexandria Battalion (1,500 men) all saluting, firing salvos, presenting
arms--two bands playing, reception committees, constant alighting from
and entering the barouche, and yo