The "Believing In Transmigration Of Souls" Story

Wheatland, the home of James Buchanan, taken from Buchanan Ave.

It was an ordinary day.  Stopped once again at Wheatland, home of James Buchanan who was the 15th President of the United States, to take a few photos.  It was a holiday and the grounds were deserted.  

This photo of the rear of the mansion shows the garden.

The reason for my visit today is to try and find the pond on the property that is fed by one of the freshwater springs on the property.  I have visited numerous times, but never realized there was a pond of any size on the property.  

I can just imagine the President of the
United States climbing out of his wagon,
using the carriage stone in the foreground
to step down, and wiping his boots on the
boot scraper next to the stairs, before he
enters the large front door of his mansion.

Since I knew what my  mission was, I noticed the pond immediately as soon as I turned into the main driveway to Wheatland.  Pulled to the side of the driveway and grabbed my camera.  Beautiful little pond that had a few pond lilies which were blooming.  Took a few photos and then discovered a small sign covered with shrubs that told the history of the spring and pond.  Seems that the pond, which is about 12 feet by 4 feet, at one time had a majestic willow tree next to shade it's visitors in the summer.  Buchanan would often take visitors to see his pond as well as visit it to relieve the stress and tension of the day.  It also seems that on the day of his death, he requested of his Dr. that a glass of water be brought to him from the spring. Later Dr. Foltz, the President's family doctor said that Buchanan said, "If there is any truth in the oriental teaching of the transmigration of souls, I want to return after my death and inhabit the body of a frog, and live in this beautiful spring." Well, I must admit I looked everywhere for a frog, but didn't see a single one.  Not sure what I would have done had I found one other than to have called, "Mr. President, is that you?"  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.

The steps which are off the driveway lead to the pond.

Pond flowers and koi fill the pond which is fed by a natural spring.