Virginia advocate. [volume] (Charlottesville, Va.) 1827-1860, 1829-09-11
FFtom skinner 4 iosli1sns Turf Register and.
Sporting Magazine.l
TIE Observation-Disclosures (or Quoit)


During recent visit to Richmond, in
Virginia, | was invited to "Barbacue
Club" held under the shade of some fine
oaks, near " Buchanan's Spring" about
! q mile distant from the town. l there
met with about thirty of the respectable
| inhabitants of Richmond, with few
guests. The day was fine one, and the
free and social intercourse of the men,
bers, rendered itpeculiariy pleasant.
This Club is probably the most ancient
one of the sort in the United States, hav-
ing existed upwards of forty years. 1t o.
riginated in meeting every other Satur-
day, from the first of May until the month
Of October, of some Of the Scotch mer-
chants who were early settlers in that
town. They agreed each to take out
some cold meats for their repast, and to
provide due quantity of drinkables, and
ENJOY relaxation i'll that way after the la
bors of the week. They occasionally i'll
vited some others OF the inhabitants, who
finding the time passed pleasantly, pro-
posed in the year i7SS to form a regular
club, consisting of thirty members, under
a written constitution limiting their ex-
penses each day by sort of sumptuary
law which prohibited the use of wine aud
porter
The Virginians, you know, have always
been great HmitaridnS as to constitutions
| al Whenever a member died or
resigned (bmt there have been very few
resignations,) his place was filed by bal
loting for new one, who could not be e.
lected without the concurrence of two
thirds ofthe club. 1t is said, that for ma
ny years no vacancy occurred, and sort
of superstitiOus sentiment was prevalent,
that to become member of the club, was
to insure longevity. The Arch Destroy
er, however, at length appeared in all his
strength, and made such havoc, that only
one Of the original members (the venera.
bic Chief Justice Of the United States,
is now surviving
The club consists of Judges, lawyers,
doctors. and merchants, and the Govern
or of the Commonwealth has general in
vitatioD when he enters into office. What
gave additional inter est to this body, some
years ago, was the constant attendance
las honorary members,) of two venerable
clergymen-one Of the Episcopal and the
other of the Presbyterian church, who
Joined in the innocent pastime Of the day.
They were pious and exemplary men, who
discerned no sin in harmless gaiety.
Ouoits and backgammon are the oaly
game INDUCED in, and one of the clergy
men was for many years "cock of the
walk" in throwing the discus. They are
gone to their account, and have left
chasm that has not been filed
Some years ago, an amendment was
made to the constitution, which admits
the use of porter Great opposition was
made to this innovation; and the destruc-
ton of the club was predicted as the con-
sequence. The oppositionists, however,
soon became as great consumers of malt
ana hops as their associates, and now
they even consent to the introduction of
wine at the last meeting Of every year,
provided there be "shot in the locker"
The members each advance ten dollars TO
the treasurer at the beginning Of the sea-
son, and every member is entitled to in.
vite any strangers as guests, on paying
into the general fund one dollar for each
while the caterers of the day, consisting
of two members in rotation, preside, and
have the privilege Of bringing each
guest (either citizen or NONRESIDENT at
fee cost. On the day Twas present, din
ner was ready at half past three o'clock,
and consisted of excellent meats and fish,
well prepared and well served, with the
vegetables Of the season. Your vertable
gourmand, never fails TO regale himself on
his favorite bdrbaCue-which is fine fat
pig, called "shoat" cooked on the Goals.
and highly seasoned with cayenne-a de-
sert of melons aud fruits follows. and
punch, porter and 'toddy are the table IL
Guors; but with the fruits comes on the
favorite beverage of the Virginians, mint
julep i'll place Divine never witnessed
more iestivity and good humor than pre-
walls at this club. BY the constitution,
the subject of politics is forbidden, and
each man strives to make the time pleas
ant to his companions. The members
think'they can offer no higher compliment
to distinguished stranger than to intro
duce him to the club, and all feel it du-
ty to contributeto his entertainment. 1t
was refreshing to see such a'man as Chief
Justice Marshall, laying aside the reserve
Of his digDified station, and contending
with the young men at game of quots,
with all the emulation Of youth.
Many anecdotes are told of occurren.
ces at these meetings. Such is the par
TALLY for the Chief Justice, that it is said
the greatest anxiety is felt for his success
in the game by the by-standers; and on
one occasion, an old Scotch gentleman
was called OH to decide between his QUOT
and that of another member, who after
seemingly careful measurement, announ-
ced, "Mister Marshall has it leattle."
when it was visible to all that the contra
ry was the fact. A French gentleman,