Litchfield enquirer. [volume] (Litchfield, Conn.) 1829-current, 1830-02-04
From SINNERS american Turf Register.

Sk22nerS AHnSTICuU
THE RICHMOND 'BARBAcUE Oh QUOT CLUB
During recent visit to Richmond in
Virginia, was invited to a Barbecue
Club held under the shade of some fine
oaks, near Buchanan's Spring, about mile
distant from the town. there met with
about thirty of the respectable inhabitants
of Richmond, with few guests. The day
was fine one, and the free and social in
tercourse of the members rendered it pc
culiarly 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.
rginated in a 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 ofthat town.
They agreed each to take out some cold
meats for their repast, and to provide a
due quantity of drinkables, and hoy re-
taxation in that way after the labors of the
week. They occasionally invited some
others of the inhabitants, who finding the
time passed pleasantly, proposed, in the
year 1888, to form regular club, consist
lug of thirty members, under written
constitution limiting their expenses each
day by sort of sumptuary law which pro-
hibted the use of wine and porter.
The Virginians, you know, have always
been great HmitGriGnS as to constitutional
matters. Whenever member died or re-
signed, (but there have been very few
resignations) his place was filled by ballot
ing for new one, who could not be elected
without the concurrence Of two-thrds of
the club. 1t is said that for many years
no vacancy occurred, and sort of super
sttious sentiment was prevalent that to be-
come member of the club was to insure
longevity. The Arch Destroyer, howev-
err, at length appeared ia all his strength,
and made such havoc, that only one of the
original members (the venerable Chief
Justice Of the United States is now survi-
wing.
The club consists of judges, lawyers,
doctors and merchants, and the Governor
of the Commonwealth has general invi-
tation when he enters into Office. What
gave additional interest to this body, some
years ago, was constant attendance las
honorary members) of two venerable cler-
gymen-one Of the Episcopal and the 9TH
or of the Presbyterian Church--who join
ed in the innocent pastime of the day.
They were pious and exemplary men, who
discerned no sin in harmless gaiety. QuoiIs
and backgammon are the only games in
dulged in, and one of the clergymen was
for many years "cpck Of the walk" in
throwing the discus. They are gone TO
their account, and have left chasm that
has not been filled.
Some years ago, an amendment was
made TO the constitution, which admits the
use Of porter. Great opposition was made
TO this innovation aud The destruction Of
the club was predicted as the consequence.
The oppOsitionists, however, soon became
as great consumers of malt and hops as
their associates, and now they even con-
sent to the introduce ion of wine AZ the last
meeting of every year, prov .drd there be a
shot in the locker Vhc members each
advance ten dollars 30 'hc treasurer a. the
beginning Of the seas n, aId every mem
Der il entitled to invI,r Any sr1
guests, on paying into the gepc'a. .ulf sa.
dollar for each while the ca1es' '. ..t
day consisting Of two members ia ro." ~.
preside, have the privilege Of bringing
each guest (either citizens or non resi-
dent) at free cost. One day was present,
dinner was ready at half past three o'clock,