Historic Gardens of Virginia 



only bricks at intervals are left to tell their tale. But birds still 

 carol in the tall tree tops, and butterflies flit, and bees still buzz in 

 the sweet-scented clovers and honeysuckle ! 



The interest of the stranger is awakened and unsatisfied. He 

 inquires carefully and finds it was in the seclusion of that home with 

 the high brick wall — a shallow wire fence has now replaced the 

 wall — that Matthew Maury opened the eyes of the world of mari- 

 time science and took his first step on the rung of the ladder which 

 carried him up to the heights of honor and fame. 



It was here that he wrote that striking series of essays on 

 naval reform, published incognito in the Southern Literary Mes- 

 senger. It was also here that he made his Survey of Southern 

 Harbors. 



At the outbreak of hostilities in 1861, Lieutenant Maury was 

 one of the first to sacrifice his own interests and ambitions to further 

 the welfare of his own beloved State. He resigned his important 

 position at the Naval Observatory in Washington to accept the 

 position as chief of The River, Harbor and Coast Defences of 

 the South, with headquarters in Richmond. 



In April, 1861, he writes from Richmond to his affectionate 

 kinsman, John Minor, of Fredericksburg: "Dear John. Bless 

 your heart for offering us shelter in these times! . . . . " 



The substantial brick structure which housed his family during 

 the unhappy days of 186 1-2, and also himself, whenever circum- 

 stances in those uncertain times made it possible, stands today, in 

 all its well-preserved beauty and simplicity, on lower Main Street. 

 It Is now owned and occupied by Mrs. L. L. Coghill and family. 

 Its every feature — the style of its construction, its hand-carved 

 wood work, its interesting brass door locks and knobs — all are 

 silent and accurate witnesses of earlier days. 



An emerald lawn, which shows every evidence of loving care, 

 ornaments the north side of the handsome old house. From its 

 velvet surface a giant black walnut tree proudly spreads its protect- 

 ing branches. What repose there was for Maury in its dappled 



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