Rebellion Record: a Diary of American Events: Poetry and Incidents., Volume 1.
Frank Moore, Ed.

In order to determine the truth or falsity of the rumor of the removal of the remains of Washington from the tomb at Mount Vernon, General Sickles despatched three messengers thither on Saturday morning. They left on horseback at 9 o'clock A. M., and crossed the Long Bridge into Virginia. One quarter of a mile beyond [128] the bridge they met the first picket guard. They were mounted and armed with breech-loading carbines, sabres, and revolvers. The picket did not molest the party, as they stated they were simple travellers. Every two miles they met mounted scouts, similarly armed to the picket guard. At Alexandria they saw about six hundred troops. They were all well armed and equipped, and seemed to drill well.

The party registered their names at the Mansion House, and ordered dinner to be ready at 5 P. M. On their return they informed the landlord they were going to Mount Vernon, and that one of the party would leave for Europe on the following Wednesday, and was desirous of denying the infamous rumor of the removal of Washington's remains. On their departure they were questioned, and had their attention quietly attracted to the fact that one of the party was riding on a United States Government saddle. They pushed on, however, and were allowed to pass the scouts without being detained or suspected, until within about four miles of Mount Vernon.

Here they were overtaken by scouts, and ordered to halt. The scouts then informed them they would accompany them, which they did In conversation, one of them stated there were seven thousand cavalry in Virginia. At 1 P. M. they arrived at Mount Vernon, went to the house, and then proceeded to examine the tomb. They found it had never been molested; cobwebs were on the bars of the gate, weeds had grown up from the ground in the interior of the vault, and the party received from Mr. Williamson, who was one of the scouts, and a member of the Loudon Cavalry, a certificate that they had visited the tomb, and telling pickets to pass them, as they were from the South, and were going to Washington to contradict the infamous libel on the State of Virginia

They also visited the grounds. They met a carpenter who was engaged in repairing the house, and he stated that there had been no soldiers there. The party then left, and took the outskirts of Alexandria on their way home. They were at last met by the picket near the Long Bridge, and showed the scout's pass, after being ten hours and a half in the saddle, and having ridden over forty-six miles. What will the Virginians think, when they learn that Mr. Frost, a member of the Sixth Company New York Seventh Regiment, Captain Van Nest, New York Seventy-first Regiment, and Dr. A. Rawlings, of Sickles's Brigade, were the party?