The story is a bit more detailed than that. The care takers (The Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association) of Mt. Vernon had been there since before the war. They volunteered to stay on even after Union forces had cut them off from their families, some had family in the Confederate Army. It was these dedicated people, staying on at Mt. Vernon, who set the rules for the care of George Washington's home during the war. They appealed to both sides to respect this very sacred ground, even storming into Lincolns office to demand passes for supplies. It was declared neutral ground where both sides could visit and pay their respects. No arms or uniforms were allowed. But Confederate and Union soldiers were allowed to visit in safety and sometimes they met fraternally before the tomb of George Washington.

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David Upton