The Lancaster gazette. (Lancaster, Ohio) 1846-1852, 1849-05-11
WASHINGTON.
His Home and II ousehold.--Order, Metho
Economy, Punctuality.
FROM HECUsTIs REcoLLECTIoNs ANDPRI-
vATE MEMOIRS OF THE LIFE AND CHAR
AcrER OF WASHINGTON.

Wherever Washington established a
home-whether temporary or fixed, ,wheth-
er amid the log huts of Morristown or
the Valley Forge. the Presidential Man.
sion in New York or Philadelphia. or
his own beloved Mount Vernon--every
where order, method, punctuality, econo-
my. reigned. His household, whether
civil or military. was always upon llb-
eral scale, and was conducted with due
regard to economy and usefulness.
The Steward.-Francis. who kept the
tavern in New York where Washington
took leave ofhis officers in 1888, was the
first Steward to the President. Francis
was rare Whig in the Revolutionary
day, and attached no little Importance 10
his person and character from the circum-
stance of the memorable parting Of the
commander.in-c chief with his old and long
endeared companions in arms having
taken place at Francis's Tavern, in New
York. ..t.
The Steward was man of talent and
considerable taste in the line of his pro-
fession. but was at the same time ambi-
tious, fond of display, and regardless Of
expense. This produced continued diff
tculties between the President aud GER.
tainly one Of the most dovotedly attached
to him Of all his household
The expenses of the Presidential Man.
sion were settled weekly; and upon the
bills being presented. the President
would rate his Steward soundly upon his
expensiveness, saying that, while he
wished to live cenformably to his high
station, literally, nay handsomely, he alb
hored waste and extravagance, aud, in
sisted that his household should be con-
Quoted with due regard TO economy and
usefulness.
Francis would promise, amendment,
and the next week the same scene would
be re-enacted in all its parts,the Steward
retiring in tears, and exclaiming, well
he may discharge me; he may kill me; il
he will; but while he is President Of the
United States, and have the honor to
be his Steward, his establishment shall
be supplied with the very best things that
the whole country can afford"
The story ofthe fish, related in another
part of the work, happened during
Francis's stewardship. Washington was
remarkably fond offish. 1t was the habit
of New England ladies' frequently tc
prepare the Goldfish in very nice man
ner, and send il enveloped in cloths, SO
as to arrive quite warm orthe Presiden;''
Saturday dinner, he always eating cod6sl
on that day in compliment olhis New
England recolIections.
1t happened that single shal was
caught in the Del aware in February and
brought to the Philadelphia markets fo1
sale. Francis pounced upon it with the
speed of an osprey, regardless of price
but charmed that he had secured adeli
cacy that, above all others, he knew
! would be agreeable to the palate of hi
Chief.
When the fish was served, Washington
suspected departure from. his ORDER
touching the provision to be made TO
his table, and said to Francis who stood
at his post at the sideboard, "What fisl
is thisl" IA shad, very fine sshad.
was the reply;"I knewyour Excellenc.
was particularly fond Of this kind of fish
and was SO fortunate as to procure thi