The Piedmont Section 



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. The 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] 



