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Another description, this one of Montperlier, the residence of President James Madison, and Madison's grave. It was written by William A. Smith, I/50th Va., to his fiancee, Ann Electa Utley, on 6 August 1863.

This is a beautiful Summer’s morning, every thing calm and serene, the air rendered clear by a heavy shower which fell last evening. I feel grateful that we have such a bright beautiful morning, ‘tis so much more pleasant to the soldier, than dull, cloudy, rainy weather. We are camped within three miles of Orange Court House, in sight of the residence of President Madison and on the farm once owned by that venerable Statesman. I visited his tomb last Sabbath eve [Saturday, 1 August]. A plain simple monument marks the spot, where the remains of this great man rest. The inscription consists of nothing more than his name and the date of his birth & death. Madison’s residence is quite a stately mansion, beautifully situated, a magnificent grove of Walnut Locust and Poplar shades the dwelling except in front where there is a beautiful lawn, nicely encircled with walks on either side.