Litchfield enquirer., 1849-06-14

ample of luxury and extravaganza. Poo Francis tremblingly obeyed, and the frs snad ot the season was removed untouch ed' to be speedily discussed by the gour
 mands of the servants hall.
 THE CHIEF COOK,
 This celebrated artiste, as he womb
 have been termed ir modern parlanco
 was named Hercules familiarly termed
 Uncle Harkless. Trained in the mvste ries of his art from early youth, and il the palmy days of Virginia, when hel thousand chimneys smoked to indicate the generous hospitality that reigned throughout the whole length and breadth of her wide domain. Uncle Harkles. was at the period of the first Presidency as highly accomplished proficient in the culinary art as could be found in the Uni ted States. He was dark brown man. little if any above the usual size, vet possessed of such great muscular pow CT as to enable him to be compared with his namesake of fabulous history.
 The chief cook glorifed in the cleanl- ness and nicety of his kitchen. Under his iron discipline wo to his underlings if speck or spot could be discovered on the tables or dressers, or if the utensils did not shine like polished silver. With the luckless wights who had offended in these particulars there was no arrest of iudg- ment, for judgment and execution went hand in hand.
 The steward and indeed the whole household, treated the chief cook with much respect, as we'll for his valuable services as for his general good charcter and pleasing manners.
 1t was while preparing the Thursday or Congress dinner that Uncle Harkless shone in all his splendor. During his iabors upon his banquet he required some half dozen aprons and napkins out of number. It was surprising the order and discipline that was observed in so bustling scene. His underlings flew in all directions to execute his orders, while he the great master spirit, seemed to possess the power of ubiquity, and to be every where at the same moment.
 When thesteward, in snow white apron. silk shorts and stockings, and hair in full 1 powder, placed the last dish on the table, the clock on the stroke of four, ceased the | labors of Hercules.
 While the masters of the repblic were engaged in discussing the savory viands of the Congress dinner, the chief Cook retired to make his toilet for an evening promenade. His perquisites from. the stops s!a Gf ,h ahfr freFrs6h, ne IavsIeu rne most hoin0ly ...'g- avails upon dress. In making his toilet his linen was of unex- ceptionable quality and whiteness, then black silk shorts, do. waiscoat, do. stock ings, shoes highly polished, with large buckles covering a considerable part of the foot, blue cloth coat with velvet col lar and bright metal buttons, long watch-chain dangling from his fod, a cooked hat, and gold headed cane com- pleted the grand costume of the celebra ted dandy (for thore were dandies in those days) of the Presidents kitchen.
 Thus arrayed the cook invariably pass ed out at the front door, the porter ma king a low bow, which was promptly re- turned. Joining his brother loungers of the pave, he proceeded up Market st. at tracing considerable attention, Market st. being, in the old times, the resort where fashionables "did most congregate." Ma ny were not little surprised at behold ing so extraordinary parsonage, while others who knew him would make for nal and respectful bow, that they might receive in return the salute of one of the most polished gentlemen and the veriest dandy of nearly sixty years ago.